On another adventure

the event of invasion.

As war finished she met returned soldier Leonard George Earnshaw. They married at St. John’s Cathedral on April 14, 1947, and a move to O¯ tane followed. Len set up Earnshaw’s Honey. Sons Geoffrey and Rodney were born in Waipawa, before a move back to Napier where Len took up a teaching role at Clive School. Daughter Rae was born in Napier and a short time later the family moved into a new house in Te Awa Avenue. Neil arrived to complete the family. Rene has 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

In 1963 Len took up a role as principal at Tareha School and Rene was again immersed in a small rural community which she holds links to this day through life membership of the Kaiwaka Red Cross. In 1968 Rene returned to employment in administration roles, including at Napier Girls High School. Rene was an active member of the PTA and remains a life member of the Old Girls Association. In 1974 Rene moved to work as the office administrator at the Loyal Napier Lodge office, retiring in 1992. r

Rene was a loyal supporter of her husband Len when he was Grand Master of the NZ Manchester Unity. She and Len visited lodges extensively throughout New Zealand. In 2007 Rene and Len quietly recognised their 60 years of marriage before Len passed away a few months later. Rene has travelled to the UK and Europe on six occasions, has been to Canada, USA and a number of Asian countries. She has been to Crete four times to support husband Len and to take part in commemorations, the last 2016. She has regularly visited extended family and friends in Australia. Her driver licence was reluctantly handed in at 96 although she maintains she could drive safely to this day.

Rene’s secret to long life is keeping good health, an active mind and having things to look forward to. With a little help she lives in her own house and manages her own affairs. She received a card from the Queen on her birthday and celebrated with family and friends before flying to Sydney for a visit.