The other life as an ambo

A beautiful day and a beautiful villa and surrounding gardens greeted the Ō ruru Garden Club members who gathered at Lou Broadhead’s home just south of Mangonui for their June meeting, but numbers were down a little.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery were sent to Norma Midgely, who had had a fall and was not well, while Pat Lendich, who had resigned at the previous meeting, and Margaret Foster, who has moved to Tauranga, were also missed.

Despite the weather of late and lack of bits in the garden that were suitable for competition, a good collection was presented for judging. The decorative competition, which attracted several interesting entries, required designs featuring red, white and blue, plus a little black, for the Queen and the late Prince Philip.

Roll call was a collection for the local food bank, which was to be dropped off later, while the auctioneer did her usual great job of persuading most members to part with some cash. Everyone then retreated to the dining room to enjoy the usual great spread in the sunshine. Lynn Hill had made some very tasty raspberry marshmallow and banana and maple syrup muffins, Rosalie Hills produced another of her legendary sponges, the collection also including citrus slice, brownies, mushroom vol au vents and more.

The lucky cup was won by May Cross who received a pink cineraria, while Lynne McDonald received a magenta one for the lucky mug.

Yvonne Anderson won the raffle, a purple pixie lavender.

Lou Broadhead, the only birthday girl, received some handy food covers and tea towels.

The July meeting will be hosted by Yvonne Anderson at her home in Coopers Beach, decorative competition anything with artificial flowers, roll call something for the SCPA.

Anyone who may be interested in joining the Ō ruru Garden Club will always be most welcome. Phone Lynne on (09) 408-7837.

Tania Conlon is well known in Doubtless Bay as a hairdresser, but she also “moonlights” as a St John ambulance volunteer. And recently she received her 10-year medal in recognition of a decade’s service.

Her parents, Ivan and Katrina, were delighted to be there to see their daughter honoured.

“She is a hard worker,” Mrs Conlon said.

“We are both very proud of her achievements.”

Northland St John manager Leigh Knightbridge, who presented the medal, spoke of Tania’s reliability, dedication and high level of competence, and thanked her for making herself available on “many, many” Saturday nights for callouts.

Tania was also presented with the NZ ambulance practice (level 5) diploma.