Visit to Whakatane

Recently Whakatane was named the best city in New Zealand. Why had this town beaten every other in the country? Prior to an annual reunion nearby, we decided to spend a few days in Whakatane. I certainly wanted to find out what was on offer. This area is suffering more than many. The lack of international tourists has adverse effects on many industries and towns in New Zealand. But I believe Whakatane’s suffering is more poignant. A huge portion of … Continue reading

Finding Photos of Women In the RNZN

Finding Photos of Women in the RNZN Finishing the text portion of this book of memories made me feel like I had achieved a real pinnacle. Finally we – the RNZN Women’s Association – could feel we had a little of our history recorded. Enhancing the record by finding photos of women in the RNZN was the last step before publication. But this proved much more difficult than I anticipated. I had a small variety of images which I thought … Continue reading

Women’s Service From WRNZNS To RNZN

Women’s Service WRNZNS To RNZN 1942-2017 There is a wealth of history to be recorded of women’s service in the New Zealand navy. I have neglected my romance writing to enable us to capture some of that history in a book of memories. From July 1942 until today in 2017 thousands of woman have taken the pledge to serve King (Queen) and country. With contributions from some of these women, the Royal New Zealand Naval Women’s Association is publishing a … Continue reading

Collating Women’s Memories From Service In RNZN

Venturing Into Non-Fiction With Women’s Memories My comfort zone has been sorely tested over the last few months as I ventured into the field of non-fiction writing. I’ve prepared a book on women’s memories from their service time in the Royal New Zealand Navy. Romance writing and everything connected to it has been neglected. This website, my blog, my social media outlets, they all took a back seat. The project took more time and energy than I expected. Some years … Continue reading

Settled At Colac Bay

Settled At Colac Bay We soon settled at Colac Bay and became a part of the small community. Those early years seemed idyllic, I never understood how much Mum must have worried about us all, and how we would survive financially. But in her stoic way, she never showed any sign of concern. Not that as a child I could appreciate, anyway. “We joined in everything at Colac as everyone else did and used to have great Christmas parties for … Continue reading

New Beginning At Colac Bay

Our New Beginning At Colac Bay Obviously our lives changed at the end of 1955. I was 2 years old, Kevin 7 and Janet had just turned 9. Mum had three little kids, and a bunch of sheep and hens to deal with. Thankfully she had an enormous support network of Dad’s family rallying around her. “I continued to look after the sheep but found I needed a lot of help from the neighbours. When someone asked me if I’d … Continue reading

Life In The Forties

Life In The Forties Life in the forties in New Zealand was still governed by ration books and shortages in many areas even after the war ended.  The fifth series of ration books was issued 15th October 1945, just two weeks before my parents married. This exert is from an article entitled “Growing up in NZ” (http://www.nzine.co.nz/features/guinz25-50_part15.html) and fitted so well with some comments my mother had written. Each person was allowed 26 coupons for clothing every six months, with … Continue reading

First Visit To Colac Bay

My First Visit To Colac Bay I was almost six when we shifted from Mataura to Colac Bay. It will always be “home”. I loved growing up in such a quiet, picturesque area. I explored and experienced a carefree childhood. I don’t remember visits to Colac Bay until our new house was being built during the summer of 1959/60. But Mum’s journal suggests we made numerous visits. “When Anne was ten months old I decided I would like a holiday … Continue reading

Merville’s Life

Further Musings Of Merville’s Life It’s going to feel strange copying Mum’s writing now that she has left us, but I undertook to share her words way back when I asked her to write them. My intention was always to write a book about her. Whether I ever succeed in doing that or not, I feel I am honouring Merville’s life now by continuing her story here at least until the end of her musings. I’m hoping with the help … Continue reading

Farewell Merville

Farewell Merville, until we meet again. I’ve been avoiding my blog for some weeks now. Not a very sensible thing to do while I continue to gather readers of contemporary clean romance to my side. But I knew my next post would have to acknowledge the death of my wonderful mother, and I’m still not sure how I’m going to manage this in a way that would be of interest to anyone but those who knew her. To any new … Continue reading