Latest news with #Gerald
Otago Daily Times
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- Otago Daily Times
'Life's work': Museum on show for 30 years
When Gerald and Jason Rhodes bought 16 acres of land beside the Wānaka Airport 32 years ago, they had a vision much more imaginative than what could be seen of the barren block. While the father and son had large imaginations, they could not foresee the hangar full of aircraft, the cases full of Barbie dolls, the classic car collection of over 600, and a train set that could rival Sir Rod Stewart's. "Everything evolves and it starts somewhere but nothing ever stays still. Our idea was that it had to be able to evolve. We had an assortment of trucks, cars, aircraft and the toys grew very rapidly on the side," Jason Rhodes said. Jason Rhodes and his father Gerald began the large project in 1995. PHOTO: OLIVIA CALDWELL The National Transport and Toy Museum turns over the amount of customers in a few days what it did in a year when it first began. Mr Rhodes said they averaged about 45,000 people through their doors a year, but this needed to keep growing to cover costs. Gerald died over a decade ago, and Jason and daughter, Debbie Rhodes, continue the legacy and what has become the southern hemisphere's largest private collection open to the public. The museum started with 100 vehicles sourced from auctions, flea markets and private collections. They now have over 600. Add in a Chatham Islands plane, cars used on movies sets such as The World's Fastest Indian, bulldozers, and car brands dating back through the years. Gerald started his career with International Harvester and then went on to establish a car and truck wrecking business in Christchurch, meaning he was always in the right place to pick up new items for his collection. Wānaka was chosen as the home for the collection for the dry climate, which helps preserve the machinery. "He always wanted to do something and was involved in the airshow in the very first stages so he supplied a lot of the ground support and that sort of thing, so we based a section down here," Jason said. The museum has had its challenges; the global financial crisis and Covid-19 both sent it into dormant periods. The Wānaka Airport, owned by the Queenstown Lakes District Council, had not made the friendliest of neighbours at times, at least the bureaucratic strand of it, he said. "They have tried their hardest to move us on. We have become big enough and ugly enough that we are in the too hard basket nowadays. Moving a place like this, the building is the easy part, then you've got the objects. "The aircraft are large and machinery can be over 100 tonne a piece and then there are the hundreds and thousands of small pieces, that you have to package up, and rehouse - that wouldn't be a fun exercise." The museum opened to the public on December 26, 1995, and will officially turn 30 at the end of the year, although it has been under way for 32 years if you include preparing it for public. At that time, it was just the main building and Hangar 1, which was built to look like the aviation hangars used in the 1940s with authentic doors from Christchurch Airport. In April 2004, the Fire Station was added, followed in December 2005 by Hangar 2, to house military collectables, planes and motorbikes. Jason said the cabinetry and displays were often more expensive than the objects themselves, but you could not put a price on fun. "We have tried to source something for everyone, no matter where you come from, from what world and what age, genders. There is generally something that you will latch on to." He believed his father would be proud of the place it had become today, and the feedback it got. "His passion was enjoying seeing people enjoy things. "Talking to the people as they go out, a lot of people aren't sure what they are in for, but it is on the way out you get those conversations and that's the best part." Sister Debbie said her brother had inherited some of their father's tendencies. "He's got a love of hoarding; he's got dad's bug." Jason said he did not believe museums were a dying breed as the proof was the amount of money local and central government were willing to put into them. "It doesn't matter where you go around the world, museums are part of society, they show us where we are going and where we have come from." "It is my life's work. There is not a hell of a lot out there that would be this old in Wānaka."
Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘Why did HR withdraw my job offer after 'indicating' I got the job?' — Jobseeker asks after being put through 5 months of job interview process
SINGAPORE: After enduring five grueling months of a job interview process, document submissions, and hopeful anticipation, a job seeker thought he had finally reached the career finish line. The HR department even dangled an indicative job offer in front of him. But all of a sudden, they decided to pull the rug out from under him — the offer was suddenly withdrawn. Gary, the job seeker still reeling from this twist of fate, wrote back after his previous dilemma about 'Why did HR ghost me after my job interview?' to CNA's Work It podcast for answers. This time, his question had a darker twist: 'Why did HR withdraw my job offer after 'indicating' I got the job?' From green light to red alert Tiffany, the podcast host, explained Gary's situation: 'He got past the interview, submitted documents for background screening, and then he was given an indicative job offer. Senior management approval was sought, and then… suddenly, the indicative offer was withdrawn.' Five months of effort — poof! All gone in the blink of an eye… So understandably, Gary was crushed and wanted to know what went wrong. Gerald, the career coach, always the voice of career wisdom, acknowledged Gary's frustration: 'Going through five months almost at the finish line but not getting it, it really doesn't feel good,' he said. 'Gary, if you're listening, I hope you didn't quit your job.' Possible reasons HR pulled the offer Gerald laid out several plausible (and painfully common) scenarios: Reference check failure: 'Maybe the reference check didn't work in his favour, and then they decided not to proceed.' Budget cuts: 'Maybe the company might have felt that they don't need this person.' Hiring freeze or restructuring: Internal shifts could cause sudden U-turns in hiring plans. Tiffany also added that, 'Many things could have changed within the five months.' Gerald agreed: 'There could be a hiring freeze, and so all of these would affect the indicative offer being taken away.' What even is an 'indicative job offer' anyway? Tiffany posed the burning question: 'Why would companies give an indicative job offer without actually being sure in the first place?' Gerald's answer: 'They want to give you the indicative offer so that you're kind of prepared, primed to accept it later on. So you start to think about your plans—how to exit from your current role.' Basically, an indicative offer is the corporate version of 'We're pretty sure we want to date you… unless something better comes up or our parents say no.' Could Gary have done anything differently? Sadly, Gerald says the answer is not really. Indicative offers are usually verbal and rarely put in writing. However, he offered one practical tip for all job seekers: 'If the reference check was the issue… prepare your referees. Contact them and tell them someone's going to be calling. [Tell them] 'Maybe you could say something for me'.' See also 4 in 10 young women do not foresee themselves getting married Otherwise, as Tiffany hinted, 'they [referees] score [their] own goal for you.' Key takeaway: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst Gary's situation is, in Gerald's words, 'very unfortunate' — but not entirely uncommon. And while there's no foolproof way to protect yourself from these scenarios, being proactive, especially when it comes to reference checks, can help smooth the path. Tiffany also offered Gary (and every jobseeker out there) a hopeful send-off: 'We hope that things will look up for you. And we hope that in the future, companies don't do that to you.' Read related: 'Why did HR ghost me after my job interview?' — Jobseeker asks and gets advice from career coach, who also advises HR to stop ghosting interviewees
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Otago Daily Times
‘It is my life's work': National Transport and Toy Museum on show for 30 years
When Gerald and Jason Rhodes bought 16 acres of land beside the Wānaka Airport 32 years ago, they had a vision much more imaginative than what could be seen of the barren block. While the father and son had large imaginations, they could not foresee the hangar full of aircraft, the cases full of Barbie dolls, the classic car collection of over 600, and a train set that could rival Sir Rod Stewart's. "Everything evolves and it starts somewhere but nothing ever stays still. Our idea was that it had to be able to evolve. We had an assortment of trucks, cars, aircraft and the toys grew very rapidly on the side," Jason Rhodes said. The National Transport and Toy Museum turns over the amount of customers in a few days what it did in a year when it first began. Mr Rhodes said they averaged about 45,000 people through their doors a year, but this needed to keep growing to cover costs. Gerald died over a decade ago, and Jason and daughter, Debbie Rhodes, continue the legacy and what has become the southern hemisphere's largest private collection open to the public. The museum started with 100 vehicles sourced from auctions, flea markets and private collections. They now have over 600. Add in a Chatham Islands plane, cars used on movies sets such as The World's Fastest Indian, bulldozers, and car brands dating back through the years. Gerald started his career with International Harvester and then went on to establish a car and truck wrecking business in Christchurch, meaning he was always in the right place to pick up new items for his collection. Wānaka was chosen as the home for the collection for the dry climate, which helps preserve the machinery. "He always wanted to do something and was involved in the airshow in the very first stages so he supplied a lot of the ground support and that sort of thing, so we based a section down here," Jason said. The museum has had its challenges; the global financial crisis and Covid-19 both sent it into dormant periods. The Wānaka Airport, owned by the Queenstown Lakes District Council, had not made the friendliest of neighbours at times, at least the bureaucratic strand of it, he said. "They have tried their hardest to move us on. We have become big enough and ugly enough that we are in the too hard basket nowadays. Moving a place like this, the building is the easy part, then you've got the objects. "The aircraft are large and machinery can be over 100 tonne a piece and then there are the hundreds and thousands of small pieces, that you have to package up, and rehouse — that wouldn't be a fun exercise." The museum opened to the public on December 26, 1995, and will officially turn 30 at the end of the year, although it has been under way for 32 years if you include preparing it for public. At that time, it was just the main building and Hangar 1, which was built to look like the aviation hangars used in the 1940s with authentic doors from Christchurch Airport. In April 2004, the Fire Station was added, followed in December 2005 by Hangar 2, to house military collectables, planes and motorbikes. Jason said the cabinetry and displays were often more expensive than the objects themselves, but you could not put a price on fun. "We have tried to source something for everyone, no matter where you come from, from what world and what age, genders. There is generally something that you will latch on to." He believed his father would be proud of the place it had become today, and the feedback it got. "His passion was enjoying seeing people enjoy things. "Talking to the people as they go out, a lot of people aren't sure what they are in for, but it is on the way out you get those conversations and that's the best part." Sister Debbie said her brother had inherited some of their father's tendencies. "He's got a love of hoarding; he's got dad's bug." Jason said he did not believe museums were a dying breed as the proof was the amount of money local and central government were willing to put into them. "It doesn't matter where you go around the world, museums are part of society, they show us where we are going and where we have come from." "It is my life's work. There is not a hell of a lot out there that would be this old in Wānaka."
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
SELC 2025: Empowering educators, youths to meet Sarawak's 2030 vision
Gerald (third left) in a group photo after a meeting on SELC 2025 with (from left) LEDC chairman and conference convenor Paul Langgang; Place Borneo director and principal consultant, Gracie Geikie; Sarawak Education Department representative Eileen Guan; conference committee member, Mike Cannon; and Dr. Steve Ancheh, LEDC project coordinator. KUCHING (July 16): Language and literacy are crucial building blocks in ensuring Sarawak's readiness for the future as the state strides confidently towards a high-income economy by 2030. In an exclusive interview, Sarawak English Literacy Conference (SELC) 2025 advisor, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, highlighted the pivotal role of English literacy in strengthening Sarawak's human capital development and preparing the younger generation for the demands of an increasingly globalised and technology-driven world. 'English is not just a language; it is a tool for access,' said Rentap, who is Sarawak's Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development. 'When we look at our Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), and the direction and directives from our Premier, it is clear that economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusivity will require a highly skilled workforce, especially in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 'But this cannot exist in isolation. STEM must be accompanied by strong English literacy, beginning from early childhood.' Scheduled to take place from Sept 17 to 19, 2025, at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here, SELC 2025 is designed as a strategic platform to support the Sarawak Government's ongoing efforts to elevate English language proficiency across all levels of education, from early childhood to the tertiary level. Rentap emphasised the significance of introducing synthetic phonics at an early age, noting its proven effectiveness in building strong language foundations that can later support science and technological learning. 'This conference brings in internationally renowned speakers in phonics, education, and STEM — all of whom will share valuable methodologies and global best practices. 'With support from international experts from Jolly Learning and STEM Learning UK, we want our educators, not just in Sarawak but from across Malaysia and beyond, to benefit from this knowledge-sharing opportunity,' he said. He also touched on the strategic importance of investing in educators themselves, asserting that a strong education system depends not only on the curriculum but also on the capacity and commitment of its teachers. 'If we are to prepare our youth for tomorrow's challenges, from hydrogen energy to aerospace, from carbon management to artificial intelligence, then our teachers must be equipped with the tools and vision to guide them.' Describing SELC 2025 as a 'homegrown conference with international ambition', Rentap remarked that the initiative aligns strongly with Sarawak's broader aspirations. 'This is not just an event, it is part of a long-term vision. We are grateful to the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development and the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, as well as the Sarawak State Education Department and Business Events Sarawak, for their support in making this a reality.' And with the introduction of free tertiary education in Sarawak from next year, the emphasis on literacy and technical knowledge is more crucial than ever. 'We want our youth to have every opportunity to succeed, not only here in Sarawak but on the global stage. If they are equipped with strong English skills and a foundation in science and technology, they can go anywhere,' Rentap said. SELC 2025 aspires to influence future educational policies and strategies, helping to position Sarawak as a knowledge-forward and future-ready state by 2030. The conference is jointly organised by Place Borneo and Layar Education Development Committee in collaboration with Jolly Learning and STEM Learning UK. For more information and registration details, visit or contact Emierson at +6082 555 189 or [email protected]. English Gerald Rentap Jabu SELC 2025
Scottish Sun
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC star who rose to fame in 60s & dated Coupling's Sarah Alexander dies aged 96 as tributes pour in
STAR GONE BBC star who rose to fame in 60s & dated Coupling's Sarah Alexander dies aged 96 as tributes pour in Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BBC star who rose to fame in the 60s and dated Sarah Alexander has died aged 96. Gerald Harper, who made his name on British TV, sadly passed away on Wednesday, his agent confirmed. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Gerald Harper as Stephen Ashley in 'Crown Court' in 1979 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 Gerald Harper in the 'Murder by Misadventure' Play performed in the Vaudeville Theatre in 1991 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 Harper in the 2000s Credit: Shutterstock Editorial CDM Talent Agency posted on social media: "It is with great sadness that Gerald Harper has recently passed away - he was a valued client before he went to Spain to enjoy his retirement." It is unclear where the actor died or his cause of death. Gerald is best known for starring as the lead role in the adventure drama Adam Adamant Lives! and then as the main character in Hadleigh. Following his TV career, he returned to his main passion in theatre. His classical work includes playing on Broadway with the Old Vic company, playing Iago at the Bristol Old Vic and Benedick at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Gerald forged an illustrious career on the stage, featuring in various West End shows, including Crucifer of Blood and A Personal Affair at the Haymarket Theatre. The charismatic performer presented The Sunday Affair for Capital Radio in the 1970s. Gerald also hosted a series of Saturday afternoon shows for BBC Radio 2 in the early 1990s, in which he played classic songs from the past and gave away bottles of champagne and chocolates. The star will also be well remembered for his relationship with Coupling and Green Wing star Sarah Alexander. Sarah, 54, was only 25 when she was first spotted dating Gerald Harper, then 68, in 1996. Gerald was in his early 70s when Sarah, then aged around 30, became lovers. Sarah was at the height of her own fame at the time, as she was a regular in sitcom Coupling. A passer-by told the Sunday People of Gerald and Sarah at the time: "They were super-glued together! They were all over each other and didn't care who saw them. "Funnily enough, the young lady was making a lot of the running and kept grabbing him to French kiss him – it was quite a display." Friends said Harper was "absolutely bereft" when Sarah left him for Amandaland star Peter Serafinowicz in 2002. Before his relationship with Sarah, Gerald was married to Carla Rabaiotti, a former Pan American air stewardess. The pair, who later divorced in 1983, share a son. Harper was previously married to actress Jane Downs from 1957 until they divorced in 1975. They share a daughter. At the height of his fame Harper was TV's most eligible bachelor in ITV's Hadleigh, which ran from 1969 to 1976.
