NZ Society - 2005 Events


	Previous Events - 2005



Waitangi Day Church Service This year the Church Service moved to the evening and prompted one of the highest attendances in some years. The Reverend Burgess conducted the service. The Girdlers Association provided an after-service reception. We are grateful for the continued support of the Girdlers Association	March Taiaha Viewing A small group made their way to the British Museum Storehouse near Old Street to view 7 restored taiahas. The restoration was made possible by donations from the New Zealand society	April Wine Tasting with Margaret Harvey. A sell-out event. Tutored wine tasting with Margaret Harvey and wonderful food provided by Mark Thompson. Margaret, New Zealand's only woman Master of wine delivered insight and anecdote on a wide variety of wines. For more information on the wines tasted, check out Margaret's website Fine Wines of New Zealand www.fwnz.co.uk email info@fwnz.co.uk Mark Thompson's food was substantial and superb although sometimes tricky to match with the wines in the tasting. Mark caters for small or large events and is contactable on 0793 134 5692 or email mj.thompson@blueyonder.co.uk	May Spring Drinks put everybody in the mood for summer socialising. We had fantastic support from sponsors Toast Festival, Roses Only and Bullet-Espresso who made sure that we had great raffle prizes - proceeds to HELM (see Havengore Boat Event). Toi Toi jewellery and milliner Amanda Ferrari were also present with a stall with some unique pieces at great prices for members.

JUNE Natural History Museum New Zealand Society members were invited to attend a cheque presentation by the Society to the Natural History Museum to be used in the preservation of works by the Reverend Laishley (see book with pencil drawing right) Chris Mills of the Natural History Museum proved to be a convivial host, welcoming guests to a pre-viewing drink in the Museum library and then on to the rare books room (sans drinks!) where he explained what work was required and allowed members to view the work. President Annette then presented the cheque and extracted a promise we would be invited back to view the completed project some time in the future. We'll keep you informed on the project's progress	JUNE Havengore Boat Members were privileged to enjoy a rare visit to the Havengore Boat which served as Churchill's funeral barge. New Zealander Owen Marshall has restored the barge which now serves as the base for HELM youth education programme. As well as enjoying the historical significance of the vessel, members were entertained by Owen's tale of how the boat came to be restored which included haggling with Ted Heath over its mooring spot and negotiating with the holders of Churchill's papers copyright (Facsimiles of Churchill's papers are made available to HELM)	July Marlborough House: In a unique opportunity open to Member's Only we were invited to tour Marlborough House the home of the Commonwealth offices in London. Former New Zealander of the Year Don McKinnon extended the invitation and he spoke to the small group who attended about his role as Commonwealth Secretary General. For more information on Marlborough House and the Commonwealth follow the link. Kew Gardens: Our annual guided walk at Kew grows in popularity each year. We also enjoyed the colourful glass sculptures by Chihuly amongst the New Zealand vegetation during our fourth annual visit to Kew Gardens. After a tour of ferns to flaxes and New Zealand native woods and paintings we dried off from an unexpected rain shower over lunch. Due to the popularity of this tour we are keen to recruit two volunteer guides to share their knowledge of New Zealand plants. Email usif this sounds like you!	October Wine Tasting Committee member Margaret Walter came up with the suggestion of using 30/50 for our next wine tasting and the result was a fast paced, fun and informative evening. Chris from 30/50 took us through our paces and there was some "friendly" rivalry as teams competed in quick fire questions on the wines tasted. Although it would not be everyone's natural reaction to try to hold their nose then gargle New Zealand wine, Chris did a great job of convincing us to try it! By the end of the night we all knew a little more about New Zealand wine (although it was anyone's guess who won the quiz!)