MAKING MUSIC AT TAMPALI

We probably don't do it enough, but here on Norfolk Island, we still have opportunities for some lovely get-togethers, with home-made entertainments.

Last Saturday was such an occasion, when Don invited everyone to come and enjoy a pot luck supper at his "shed", with some musical entertainment aferwards.

Now Don's shed is no ordinary backyard tool shed. It is at the bottom of his yard, but it used to be an Aluminium Joinery. Over the years Don and Maree have absolutely transformed it, and now it is a large hall, with a big stage, a kitchen, a lounge area, and a number of smaller rooms. They call it "Tampali Kalcha Side" (Tampali Cultural Centre). That sounds a bit grand in English, but Don and Maree have always been extremely generous in making the place available for workshops in the arts, especially in the areas of music and Polynesian dancing.

 About thirty of us gathered that night, and we couldn't believe where all the food came from.

 Don and Maree's daughter Michaela demonstrated some of her Tahitian dancing skills to us. Michaela is learning from the Tahitians themselves, and is doing something which helps her to link back to her Tahitian foremothers - and with great skill.

 The Ukelele players are always great fun, and obviously enjoy performing together.

 Then Don and Tony went to the stage. Now Tony has been coming over to Norfolk Isand annually from Sydney for about 25 years (?) to tune our pianos. Each time he brings his piano accordion and is able to entertain wherever he is asked. This year, by special request, and with the assistance of some of his grown up family who accompanied him, Tony brought his super-duper "squeezebox", with all these electronic back-ups. What a magnificent instrument, like a mini-orchestra or band, and Tony brought out the very best in it!

One of our school teachers, also named Don, entertained us beautifully on what he calls his "whistle" - I suppose it is a kind of flute -it is not a very big instrument, but it has a wonderful range and tone, and Don plays it with great skill!!

 Then Ben, another of our teachers, took Don Reynold's place on the stage to accompany Tony.

 Of course, Vonnie was there with her spoons, enjoying life to the full.

 And Clare and Cynthia were busy adding to the rhythm with their clappers.

 The evening was not complete without a session from Ken on the piano. Ken comes from a very musical family of boys, but they have barely a note of written music between them!!

What a memorable and heartwarming evening it was. If you live on Norfolk Island, make sure you come to the next one!

GRANDDAUGHTERS' VISIT

We so much look forward to this time of year, because our New Zealand granddaughters, Sarah and Emily, always come to visit for about three weeks. Now it is always a time for cousins, because they have cousins on both sides of the family right here on Norfoolk Island - some little ones, and some their own age. As an added bonus, one of the Sydney cousins Nic(13) was here with his Mum Jenni (my niece) and they had a great reunion after getting together here last Christmas!
I was going to go through my photos to show you, but I discovered that the girls had uploaded their own pictures of the holidays onto my computer, so I decided to show things from their point of view!!!

Anna and Sarah learn about some of Norfolk Island's history at Queen Victoria Gardens.

A day at Crystal Pool

Nic and Sarah

A picnic at Anson Bay

The kids had the energy to go right down to the beach and explore!

 The Lemonade Stall happened within an hour of their arrival!

William really enjoyed having his older cousins to entertain him.

And the girls enjoyed getting to know their newest cousin Nate.

There were"sleepovers" (more like "wakeovers") with scary movies, and chocolate.

They managed to pin down the elusive "Uncle Ed."

 These kids always make their own fun!

A visit to Gracie's, to see their spring lambs.

Kim and Charles put on a party and a sleepover for Emily's 14th birthday.

 More fun and games at Anson Bay.

 They all wrote their names large in the sand.

There was always time for horses, and both girls eventually had a ride in the Show, even though they had not planned to.

 At the Mini-Golf Shop.

Blogger is playing up today and will not let me load any more pictures. But I am sure you will agree that the cousins have a ball on Norfolk Island. Sarah is desparate for her Mum to come back and live, because, as she says, "Norfolk Island is so much fun!'

And she is right

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAEVE

It was about 18 months ago that Bernie had his 80th, and Maeve was there to help him celebrate.

Last Friday night, believe it or not, it was Maeve's turn, and lots of us turned up at the RSL to give her a surprise party!!

Edie had made a special corsage for a special lady.

During the evening, they showed loads of great family photos up on a screen. I have discovered that if you turn off your flash, you can take great copies on your own camera. This one is of Maeve and first husband Karl. Maeve was a beautiful woman in her young days ....and still is!! It is hard to believe she has reached 80!

All her life, Maeve has expressed her Bounty Polynesian background and heritage through Tahitian dancing. This performance was some years ago, but I can tell you that Maeve is still incredibly supple and graceful right to this day!

Here is Maeve with older son Kim, who, along with Trent and Shane, provided the entertainment for the evening.

Maeve's mother Hagar was also a beautiful lady, with a strong spirit.

This entertainment was somewhat unexpected. How many 80 year olds get a striptease act for their birthday?

Everyone had a great time, including our granddaughters Emily and Sarah. It was certainly not a sedate party just for oldies. And Maeve showed up many of the younger folk on the dance floor.

Meanwhile, just to show you that there are many other Norfolkers who still believe in "Life- Be in it" after 80. here is Beryl (82) enjoying her weekly bout of Table Tennis. Beryl was once New Zealand's champion player - some decades ago -and while she may not move as fast nowadays, and is hampered by chronic arthritis, she has lost none of her skill and accuracy, and is still a formidable opponent to many younger folk.

People like Maeve and Beryl, who remain involved in the community and remain passionate about what they believe is important,  ensure that Norfolk Island remains a strong, healthy and productive community.