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Otago Daily Times
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Author to hold reunion of fellow poets
Local author Jan Hill is searching for poets who contributed to Tom Pepper's Dog and other poems: A Geraldine Anthology which was published 16 years ago. PHOTO: SUPPLIED A local author is hoping a fundraising event will also act as reunion of sorts. Jan Hill is organising "Poets and Pots of Tea", an afternoon of music and performance at St Mary's Church in Geraldine next month. Mrs Hill said the event would be a fundraiser for the Geraldine Academy of Performance and Arts which was seeking to buy the historic Sunday School hall. She was co-hosting with poets featured in her second Geraldine poetry anthology Counting the Beats. However, she was searching for — and contacting — poets from the first collection, Tom Pepper's Dog and other poems: A Geraldine Anthology. It was a collection of poetry — published in 2009 — from poets around the area which she collected and edited. Sixteen years after the book was first released, she hoped there were enough poets around to celebrate. Mrs Hill said the anthology grew out of the monthly "Poets and Pints" sessions which they had held at the Easy Way Cafe. She said of the 37 poets, nine had since died and some had moved away. "But there are enough of us left to celebrate 16 years later, and bring you our poems once more, both old and new." The event would be held August 3, 2pm-4pm, with entry by donation. For further information, email janhazelhill@ She said $5 from each copy of Counting the Beats sold would go to the Geraldine Academy of Performing Arts appeal.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
PICTURES: Picnic in the park hailed huge success for Port Glasgow New Parish Church
HUNDREDS of people of all ages from a Port Glasgow Church had fun in the sun at their annual park picnic last weekend. On Saturday, July 12 up to 100 people gathered at Coronation Park to enjoy a day in the sun at the Port Glasgow New Parish Church picnic in the park – on one of the warmest days Scotland has had this year. Not only did families enjoy lunch under the sun, but also badminton, crafts, parachute games and even some line dancing. (Image: alex craig) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) (Image: alex craig) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) The picnic has been running for four years having started after the Covid pandemic when church members where reminiscing on Sunday school trips down the coast and wanted to host day's out for the whole church community. Reverend William Boyle says the day is always a huge success with both young and old, and that last weekend the warm temperatures and bule skies made the day even more special. He said: 'We have such great assets on our doorstep so why not make the most of the beautiful outdoor area we have in Inverclyde. (Image: ALEX CRAIG) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) (Image: ALEX CRAIG)'We are very much a community church, and we are always finding ways to connect with the Port Glasgow community. 'For us it is about finding things for families to take part in that doesn't cost a lot of money and the picnic in the park is a perfect event which is fun for everyone but also completely free." (Image: alex craig) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) (Image: alex craig) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) The church is open to the area seven days a week and Rev William says that running events like the picnic and the fun day held at the start of the month are all part of keeping up community spirit. He added: 'We have a brilliant church family of a variety of ages, from babies up to members who are 100 years old. 'It is wonderful to be a part of such a welcoming community of people. 'It was great to see families of all ages from within the church and the wider Port Glasgow community come together.' (Image: ALEX CRAIG) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) (Image: alex craig) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) Rev William thanked everyone who helped make picnic in the park possible and says it will 'most definitely' be returning for its fifth year in a row next summer.
Otago Daily Times
17-07-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Historic building given new life
A small wooden church built in 1870 with hopes of serving a booming port town has found new life in the 21st century thanks to the dedicated efforts of two passionate owners. The former Kakanui Presbyterian church, a modest Carpenter Gothic building designed by renowned Scottish-born Dunedin architect Robert Arthur Lawson, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Once the spiritual heart of Kakanui, the timber church had weathered decades of change before its final service in November 2019. Designed to seat 100 worshippers, the church was constructed in just three months during a period of ambitious development. Hopes were high that the newly built port would turn the coastal settlement into a major export hub. While those dreams faded, the church remained a part of the community's life for nearly 150 years. When Michael Simpson and Anna Miles first saw the church listed for sale, it was the building's historical and architectural significance that drew them in. "We like that it's Robert Lawson's smallest, most modest surviving building," Mr Simpson said. Mr Simpson, a carpenter with heritage expertise, and Ms Miles, equally hands-on, saw the church as more than just a building. "We never had a particular plan except to restore it. There was no timeframe, no budget — and that's why it's been such a pleasure," Mr Simpson said. Since buying the property in 2019, the couple have steadily restored the structure, replacing sub-floor bearing joists, corner studs and weatherboards, improving drainage, restoring windows and repainting the interior. Their restoration has extended to the church's outbuildings — including the bible class hall added in 1933, two small buildings acquired in 1955 for the growing Sunday School and even a Brownies den. Ms Miles said the emotional connections uncovered during the restoration had made the project even more meaningful. "The more we've got to know the building, the more we've realised it's a special space that means a lot to a lot of other people. "We see ourselves as stewards of the building." Keeping the church's doors open has become part of the couple's philosophy. Visitors frequently drop in to share stories and memories or simply admire the restored space. Since 2019, the church has hosted weddings, musical performances, art exhibitions and carol services. Mr Simpson said it did not need to be a commercial space. "But we've realised it should have a life of its own and a reason to exist. We get quite emotional seeing all the life in the building." Now a listed category 1 historic place with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, the church has received official recognition of its architectural and social significance. — APL
Otago Daily Times
17-07-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Historic building given new life Historic building given new life
A small wooden church built in 1870 with hopes of serving a booming port town has found new life in the 21st century thanks to the dedicated efforts of two passionate owners. The former Kakanui Presbyterian church, a modest Carpenter Gothic building designed by renowned Scottish-born Dunedin architect Robert Arthur Lawson, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Once the spiritual heart of Kakanui, the timber church had weathered decades of change before its final service in November 2019. Designed to seat 100 worshippers, the church was constructed in just three months during a period of ambitious development. Hopes were high that the newly built port would turn the coastal settlement into a major export hub. While those dreams faded, the church remained a part of the community's life for nearly 150 years. When Michael Simpson and Anna Miles first saw the church listed for sale, it was the building's historical and architectural significance that drew them in. "We like that it's Robert Lawson's smallest, most modest surviving building," Mr Simpson said. Mr Simpson, a carpenter with heritage expertise, and Ms Miles, equally hands-on, saw the church as more than just a building. "We never had a particular plan except to restore it. There was no timeframe, no budget — and that's why it's been such a pleasure," Mr Simpson said. Since buying the property in 2019, the couple have steadily restored the structure, replacing sub-floor bearing joists, corner studs and weatherboards, improving drainage, restoring windows and repainting the interior. Their restoration has extended to the church's outbuildings — including the bible class hall added in 1933, two small buildings acquired in 1955 for the growing Sunday School and even a Brownies den. Ms Miles said the emotional connections uncovered during the restoration had made the project even more meaningful. "The more we've got to know the building, the more we've realised it's a special space that means a lot to a lot of other people. "We see ourselves as stewards of the building." Keeping the church's doors open has become part of the couple's philosophy. Visitors frequently drop in to share stories and memories or simply admire the restored space. Since 2019, the church has hosted weddings, musical performances, art exhibitions and carol services. Mr Simpson said it did not need to be a commercial space. "But we've realised it should have a life of its own and a reason to exist. We get quite emotional seeing all the life in the building." Now a listed category 1 historic place with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, the church has received official recognition of its architectural and social significance. — APL
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
'It all started with the recorder'
Chad Hendricks, resident conductor of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and Charl van der Merwe, principal bassoonist and conductor of the Durban City Orchestra whip out their batons as they nurture Durban's many talented musicians. Two conductors, two Durban orchestras, and both coming out of the same Cape Town church recorder group. For both their first recording was in the church choir singing Christmas carols. The city is blessed to have the talents of Chad Hendricks, resident conductor of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and Charl van der Merwe, principal bassoonist in the KZNPO and leader of the Durban City Orchestra. The Independent on Saturday caught up with the two friends ahead of the start of the orchestra's new season next week. And yes, despite them leading different orchestras, there's no animosity. When I suggest it's a battle of the batons, they both laugh and then shake their head. It was actually Hendricks who persuaded van der Merwe to make the move to Durban when the principal bassoon seat was on offer, a move he has never regretted. And vice versa last year when Lyk Temming retired as the resident conductor. Hendricks, who studied trumpet, relished the move to Durban last November. 'It's a great change of pace and the city has a different feel. It suits my style. It also has great potential and so many untapped projects. I feel I can contribute and make an impact.' For both their love of music started at Cape Town's New Apostolic Church on the Cape Flats. For Hendricks it was a case of being blessed with opportunities. 'It all started as kids in the mass recorder programme. There were many congregations that were part of the church, but each had its own choir and orchestra. From recorder you would progress to other instruments, then you could try out for the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. It was only in high school I was comfortable with the idea of music as a career and went to UCT,' he says Van der Merwe remembers singing in Sunday School 'with our red hats like little Christmas elves'. The Sunday School produced an album, Christmas in Cape Town, which went on to be a community hit. He sang in the first album, Hendricks, some six years younger, in the second. 'Our choirs are the best,' Van der Merwe said. 'But it all started in church learning the recorder. If it wasn't for that I wouldn't be here today.' He learnt to play piano and then the flute. 'My brother was given a flute, but you know the flute is sometimes thought of as a little fem, and he was the butchest boy in the class. So I tried it, and it's similar to the recorder, and easy to play. Then another friend introduced me to the bassoon, and I was hooked on that sound.' But he couldn't afford the instrument. 'I borrowed one from the Beau Solail Music centre until my dad could buy me one,' He says. He still has it, using it for teaching at the Durban Music School. Hendricks likens being part of an orchestra to being part of a family. But having played in professional orchestras around the country, leading one is different. 'It's not just about maintaining musical standards, but you need to be open to musicians' lives. You also need to make the audience feel welcome and engaged. ' 'We've enjoyed working with him,' van der Merwe says. 'He's a new person with a vibrant energy and a fresh look at things. I hope he stays,' he jokes. Hendricks also wants to engage with new audiences. 'We have a lot of beautiful grey-haired people who love and understand the music. But we need to pass that understanding on to younger audiences, get it across to the new generation. There's a lot of potential in that with popular and accessible stuff. Van der Merwe points to the Star Wars Imperial March that young musicians are going to play with professionals on Father's Day tomorrow at the Let's Band Together Concert at Durban Girls College. (See Page 4). Van der Merwe is thinking along similar lines with his Durban City Orchestra, which is funded by the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra. 'There's a lot of opportunity to spread music making." Which quickly leads to their playlists, which Hendricks says would surprise readers. 'It's anything from Mozart to Tupac,' he laughs. He also enjoys the KZNPO's schools outreach programme. 'The amount of talent, the innate rhythm, innate musicality in those kids is amazing,' he says. 'And music really is a great tool. It teaches discipline, teaches team work, and teaches creativity. You don't have to be a professional musician to benefit from those guiding principles in life.' Hendricks is also impressed with the potential and musical tradition in and around Durban. The KZNPO is looking to put on small Sinfonia concerts at venues around the province. 'They give a more intimate experience, and orchestra musicians can be soloists in smaller works. It's part of taking music to the people.' Initiatives like the Park and Ride buses are bringing people to the main symphony season from Umhlanga, the Berea and the Highway area. (Tickets from Quicket). The KZNPO starts its two-concert Winter Season this week with concerts at the Playhouse on Thursday June 19 and 26, both starting at 7pm. (Tickets from Quicket) See Page 4.
