The normally-tranquil Garston Cemetery was a-buzz early in November.
Residents past and present were gathering along with SDC mayor Gary Tong and councillors John Douglas and Rob Scott, for the opening of the cemetery memorial board and shelter.
The ceremony marked the end of two years planning, fundraising and organising for the Garston Cemetery Trust. Designed by Gordan McMillan and built by Aaron Abernethy and Jordan MacGregor, this lovely little building is one-of-a-kind.
Back in August, the Mossburn Volunteer Fire Brigade hosted their first-ever Otago-Southland Road Crash Rescue Competition. It was an action-packed day for the five crews taking part. And it turned out to be riveting for the many spectators who lined the pits.
I had no idea what I was in for when I drove to Mossburn’s old Silver Fern Farms site early on Saturday morning. But I left in awe of the skills, and dedication of all the fire-fighting teams. You couldn’t help being filled with respect for the organisational skills of the Mossburn Fire Brigade.
Last year Jane Sutherland wowed us in Athol with a fashion show at the Hide. It had everything you’d expect: sleek hair, sexy make-up. Lights, music, models — go-getting locals rocked the gorgeous clothes on stage. What a night!
Jane’s known for her signature style. That’s top-quality fabric and timeless design married with hand-made metal jewellery. More than anything I craved the white coat. Wish I didn’t spend half my life hunched over a laptop and the other half with kids or on the farm.
I know zilch about fashion. So my questions tumbled out when I met Jane at her Kingston studio. After 20+ years in the fashion biz, there was a lot to talk about.
Continue reading “Jane Sutherland: Fabulous Fashion In Kingston”
Kelly and Steve Taylor are the duo behind ROAR Coffee Roasters and Temple Tattoo. They’re committed Southlanders now, but how on earth did a couple from Matakana find their “forever home” in Lumsden?
Imagine the conversation:
“Happy 30th birthday, darling. I’ve got such a surprise for you.”
Such a surprise! What possibilities spring to mind?
Holiday in Hawaii? A Spa retreat? Sparkling diamonds? Or maybe a cosy meal in your favourite restaurant.
Steve Taylor’s idea of a birthday surprise turned out to be a huge empty Masonic Lodge building in the small, Northern Southland town of Lumsden.
Kelly’s reaction?
“Oh, God!”
At that point, she never dreamed that one day she would actually end up living in that big old beautiful building and loving every moment of life in Lumsden.
Continue reading “Temple Tattoo and ROAR Coffee: Lodging In Lumsden”
The south has long been home to a vibrant café culture. But it wasn’t until Kelly Taylor opened ROAR Coffee Roasters that we finally had our own Southland brew.
Today, cafés up and down the province can serve the freshest-possible delicious coffee. And it’s all thanks to ROAR’S unique blend of beans and service.
I caught up with Kelly and Steve to discover more about Lumsden’s latest local brand.
Continue reading “ROAR: Coffee Roasters in Southland”
I have to confess I’m not a fan of pickled onions, but I do love a good sauce and Robbies has “sauces to die for.”
I first met Josie and Gus Robinson of ‘Robbies Pickles and Preserves’ at last summer’s Athol Valley Market.
“It tastes just like Nana used to make” is praise they hear time and again, and with good reason.
Robbies pickles and sauces ARE just like Nana made. In fact, many of them are made from the very same recipes and home-grown ingredients that Josie’s own Nana created in her kitchen so long ago.
