Thursday, January 26
A century-plus of garden experience
Manaia's David and Michael Self have about 110 years of gardening experience between them – and no desire to head inside just yet.
David Self, Michael's father, started gardening in England in 1938, before he had even started school.
When his parents died it became a way for him and his siblings to survive.
"After my parents died, wherever we went my brother and I had a garden," he says. "When I was 14 I was allowed three-quarters of an acre of land (300 sqm) to keep bantams."
He also bred mice and small game for sale as well as growing and selling produce.
After emigrating to New Zealand he studied at Lincoln University before farming until he could raise enough money for a piece of dirt to call his own.
"I earned enough money to buy this five acres (2ha) and moved here in 1959," he says.
His three children all learnt to garden alongside him, helping to grow and sell plants on a regular basis.
Michael took to it like a duck to water.
"He started out in the garden as soon as he could move," David Self says.
"He would fill little pots for me and later on he always helped as the other two [children] did."
It's been a special saviour for David Self, even as his years of hard selling may have come to an end.
A health scare in England last year while visiting family spurred him to get back into the garden after a time of less activity.
"I sat down one day and ordered some seeds and it's been my saviour."
He stills sells at the Hawera Town Square markets on a Saturday and this year, Michael frequently joins him.
"I've been in and out of the nursery over the years but this year I decided to get back into it,"the younger Mr Self says.
Michael is the feature of several Lotto advertisements – notably one featuring him as tramp who is given a winning Lotto ticket by a grateful dog – and hosts a gardening show on Sky TV.
They recently celebrated their 110th combined year in gardening.
- © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 10:39 26/01/2012
PETRA FINER
Self-starters: David and Michael Self still love gardening.
South Taranaki Star
David Self, Michael's father, started gardening in England in 1938, before he had even started school.
When his parents died it became a way for him and his siblings to survive.
"After my parents died, wherever we went my brother and I had a garden," he says. "When I was 14 I was allowed three-quarters of an acre of land (300 sqm) to keep bantams."
He also bred mice and small game for sale as well as growing and selling produce.
After emigrating to New Zealand he studied at Lincoln University before farming until he could raise enough money for a piece of dirt to call his own.
"I earned enough money to buy this five acres (2ha) and moved here in 1959," he says.
His three children all learnt to garden alongside him, helping to grow and sell plants on a regular basis.
Michael took to it like a duck to water.
"He started out in the garden as soon as he could move," David Self says.
"He would fill little pots for me and later on he always helped as the other two [children] did."
It's been a special saviour for David Self, even as his years of hard selling may have come to an end.
A health scare in England last year while visiting family spurred him to get back into the garden after a time of less activity.
"I sat down one day and ordered some seeds and it's been my saviour."
He stills sells at the Hawera Town Square markets on a Saturday and this year, Michael frequently joins him.
"I've been in and out of the nursery over the years but this year I decided to get back into it,"the younger Mr Self says.
Michael is the feature of several Lotto advertisements – notably one featuring him as tramp who is given a winning Lotto ticket by a grateful dog – and hosts a gardening show on Sky TV.
They recently celebrated their 110th combined year in gardening.
- © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 10:39 26/01/2012
PETRA FINER
Self-starters: David and Michael Self still love gardening.
South Taranaki Star
Wednesday, January 25
Variety show comeback for theatre
The raising of an old tradition will see the Hawera Memorial Theatre receive a much-needed facelift.
Variety Shows are something that were once a regular in the theatre but haven't been held in at least a decade, says theatre manager Russ Standing but he is hoping to get them going again to raise funds for a theatre redecoration project.
"Every cent raised will go towards the refurbishment of the theatre," he says.
"We are hoping to get everybody involved."
Mr Standing says he hopes to see schools and community groups putting acts together for upcoming auditions.
"I don't know what's going to show up at the auditions."
There is no need to book a time to audition, Mr Standing says groups or individuals should just turn up when they are ready to audition.
He would like this to be the first of many annual variety shows the theatre will host going into the future.
"We want to make a difference and encourage the whole community to be involved in the performing arts in some way," he says.
"We are hoping to do this every year, it will help us to put the theatre on the map."
A lot of changes are coming for the memorial theatre and it's more than just a lick of paint.
Now guarded by the Hawera Memorial Theatre Friends Trust, Mr Standing says they intend to champion excellence in the performing arts, provide facilities that are second to none and ensure that South Taranaki's theatrical talent and audiences are not disadvantaged or diminished by relative isolation.
To do this, they have ramped up the amount of lighting in the theatre and will be updating the decor to include huge portraits of performers that have graced it's stage such as Dame Malvina Major, Eddie Low and the cast of performances such as Les Miserables.
There will be a new stage lighting facility, the grand curtain – currently the theatre's original from opening around 50 years ago – will be replaced as well as the stage blacks and smother cloth. A new PA sound system is on the cards as is sponsored community use of the theatre.Auditions take place this Sunday, December 4, from 2pm to 8pm at the Memorial Theatre, Albion Street, Hawera. The variety show will run from April 14 to 21 next year.
- © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER-SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 10:44 01/12/2011
Russ
Kelly Loney
Hawera Memorial Theatre manager Russ Standing.
Variety Shows are something that were once a regular in the theatre but haven't been held in at least a decade, says theatre manager Russ Standing but he is hoping to get them going again to raise funds for a theatre redecoration project.
"Every cent raised will go towards the refurbishment of the theatre," he says.
"We are hoping to get everybody involved."
Mr Standing says he hopes to see schools and community groups putting acts together for upcoming auditions.
"I don't know what's going to show up at the auditions."
There is no need to book a time to audition, Mr Standing says groups or individuals should just turn up when they are ready to audition.
He would like this to be the first of many annual variety shows the theatre will host going into the future.
"We want to make a difference and encourage the whole community to be involved in the performing arts in some way," he says.
"We are hoping to do this every year, it will help us to put the theatre on the map."
A lot of changes are coming for the memorial theatre and it's more than just a lick of paint.
Now guarded by the Hawera Memorial Theatre Friends Trust, Mr Standing says they intend to champion excellence in the performing arts, provide facilities that are second to none and ensure that South Taranaki's theatrical talent and audiences are not disadvantaged or diminished by relative isolation.
To do this, they have ramped up the amount of lighting in the theatre and will be updating the decor to include huge portraits of performers that have graced it's stage such as Dame Malvina Major, Eddie Low and the cast of performances such as Les Miserables.
There will be a new stage lighting facility, the grand curtain – currently the theatre's original from opening around 50 years ago – will be replaced as well as the stage blacks and smother cloth. A new PA sound system is on the cards as is sponsored community use of the theatre.Auditions take place this Sunday, December 4, from 2pm to 8pm at the Memorial Theatre, Albion Street, Hawera. The variety show will run from April 14 to 21 next year.
- © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER-SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 10:44 01/12/2011
Russ
Kelly Loney
Hawera Memorial Theatre manager Russ Standing.
Pastor floored by theatre history
A few years back Pastor Mark Trewavas, of the Hawera Assembly of God Church, mentioned to me that they were going to re-carpet their church, formerly the Regent Theatre.
"Why not cut up the old carpet and sell it off in carpet squares," I suggested. "This would give the locals a bit of memorabilia and be a good fundraising venture for the church to help fund the new carpet."
It was an idea Pastor Mark went for.
The carpet, a thick pile Axminster bearing the New Zealand fernleaf pattern, was laid 56 years ago when the Regent Theatre was first opened on Friday, April 22, 1955 by the mayor of Hawera, Mr FW Finer.
The first movie shown on the giant screen, which measured 37 feet by 20 feet and could show films in either cinemascope or vistavision, was White Christmas starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen.
During the next few weeks movie goers watched Bob Hope in Casanova's Big Night; Paul Douglas in The Maggie; Humphrey Bogart, William Holden and Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina; Marlon Brando in On The Waterfront; Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings in Dial M For Murder.
These were the days before television and the number one entertainment was going to the pictures, and I bet everyone who has gone to the Regent can tell a story, most of which are unprintable. The most common tale was the rolling of Jaffas down the sloped wooden floor under the seats.
In those good old days you had to stand for the national anthem before the movies started and the strict ushers used to shine their torches in your face for putting your feet up or talking.
Remember Mrs Goodey, who used to look after the kiosk in the 60s and 70s? She could roll a hollow ice-cream that was as hard as ice and stuck to your tongue. But she would always say "thank you" in her sharp voice as she took your pennies.
And then there were the boys who brought around the ice cream trays at half time. I was always in the cheap seats downstairs and by the time the boys had done upstairs there were never any left.
Getting a ticket in the 697-seat theatre was also a mission, especially if it was a Clint Eastwood cowboy movie, with people lined up to Union St corner. Reserved seats for the big blockbusters were a must.
It was also a place for the first date: a night at the pictures and a rum-and-coke at the Bamboo or a cup of tea at Victoria Cafe.
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The Royal Hotel was just one door down from the theatre so film-goers could pop in to the Royal for a quick 7oz beer at half-time. The Royal was later pulled down to make way for the TSB Bank.
Then there was the night that Paul McCann, who had been collecting moths for a least a week, let them go. The moths flew towards the light, causing an uproar and putting the theatre staff in a panic.
And a word of warning: don't fall asleep in the theatre or your mates will leave you there. That's what happened to Wayne Collins in the early 70s, but luckily for Wayne the projectionist was working late and let him out.
There was one big bloke, who used to go on a regular basis, who was so big that they had to take out a seat partition to get him seated. It was his special seat that no one dared to take.
They were strict on age classifications. I remember getting my older sister Margaret to buy my ticket to Birdman of Alcatraz, starring Burt Lancaster (R13), only to be thrown-out part-way through for being underage. No refund in those days.
The original doors, which were armour-plated glass with the name Regent Theatre sandblasted on, now have a new home, hanging on Councillor Mike Powell's bunker in his back garden. It would be a handy place to be if World War III broke out.
The theatre finally closed on February 31, 1987.
To have a piece of the 1950s, call in to the church office, the old Regent Theatre, and choose a carpet square, any shape or size, with the starting price of $30.
- © Fairfax NZ News BY CLIFF HUNT- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 10:54 08/12/2011
CLIFF HUNT
Mark Trewavas, of the Hawera Aseembly of God, with a part of the torn-up carpet.
"Why not cut up the old carpet and sell it off in carpet squares," I suggested. "This would give the locals a bit of memorabilia and be a good fundraising venture for the church to help fund the new carpet."
It was an idea Pastor Mark went for.
The carpet, a thick pile Axminster bearing the New Zealand fernleaf pattern, was laid 56 years ago when the Regent Theatre was first opened on Friday, April 22, 1955 by the mayor of Hawera, Mr FW Finer.
The first movie shown on the giant screen, which measured 37 feet by 20 feet and could show films in either cinemascope or vistavision, was White Christmas starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen.
During the next few weeks movie goers watched Bob Hope in Casanova's Big Night; Paul Douglas in The Maggie; Humphrey Bogart, William Holden and Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina; Marlon Brando in On The Waterfront; Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings in Dial M For Murder.
These were the days before television and the number one entertainment was going to the pictures, and I bet everyone who has gone to the Regent can tell a story, most of which are unprintable. The most common tale was the rolling of Jaffas down the sloped wooden floor under the seats.
In those good old days you had to stand for the national anthem before the movies started and the strict ushers used to shine their torches in your face for putting your feet up or talking.
Remember Mrs Goodey, who used to look after the kiosk in the 60s and 70s? She could roll a hollow ice-cream that was as hard as ice and stuck to your tongue. But she would always say "thank you" in her sharp voice as she took your pennies.
And then there were the boys who brought around the ice cream trays at half time. I was always in the cheap seats downstairs and by the time the boys had done upstairs there were never any left.
Getting a ticket in the 697-seat theatre was also a mission, especially if it was a Clint Eastwood cowboy movie, with people lined up to Union St corner. Reserved seats for the big blockbusters were a must.
It was also a place for the first date: a night at the pictures and a rum-and-coke at the Bamboo or a cup of tea at Victoria Cafe.
Ad Feedback
The Royal Hotel was just one door down from the theatre so film-goers could pop in to the Royal for a quick 7oz beer at half-time. The Royal was later pulled down to make way for the TSB Bank.
Then there was the night that Paul McCann, who had been collecting moths for a least a week, let them go. The moths flew towards the light, causing an uproar and putting the theatre staff in a panic.
And a word of warning: don't fall asleep in the theatre or your mates will leave you there. That's what happened to Wayne Collins in the early 70s, but luckily for Wayne the projectionist was working late and let him out.
There was one big bloke, who used to go on a regular basis, who was so big that they had to take out a seat partition to get him seated. It was his special seat that no one dared to take.
They were strict on age classifications. I remember getting my older sister Margaret to buy my ticket to Birdman of Alcatraz, starring Burt Lancaster (R13), only to be thrown-out part-way through for being underage. No refund in those days.
The original doors, which were armour-plated glass with the name Regent Theatre sandblasted on, now have a new home, hanging on Councillor Mike Powell's bunker in his back garden. It would be a handy place to be if World War III broke out.
The theatre finally closed on February 31, 1987.
To have a piece of the 1950s, call in to the church office, the old Regent Theatre, and choose a carpet square, any shape or size, with the starting price of $30.
- © Fairfax NZ News BY CLIFF HUNT- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 10:54 08/12/2011
CLIFF HUNT
Mark Trewavas, of the Hawera Aseembly of God, with a part of the torn-up carpet.
Mailbox gets civic treatment
One of Hawera's longest serving residents has had a facelift after retiring.
The 112-year-old Penfold hexagonal letterbox located on the corners of High and Victoria streets was decommissioned on June 30 this year and ownership passed to the South Taranaki District Council.
Its long-awaited repaint pleases local historian Arthur Fryer who has always had an interest in the postbox.
`That's an object close to my heart," he says.
Mr Fryer says he realised more than a year ago that it was in deep need of a paint job in appropriate colours. While he knew its time as an in-service mailbox was limited, he didn't want to see it moved and replaced with something of less character.
"My worry was the postbox would be taken away and replaced by a wooden one that doesn't have any character.
"I believe it gives character to High Street. It's an object that's worth preserving."
South Taranaki District Council property and facilities manager John Sargeant says the council was happy to take over responsibility for the Penfold and will be putting up a plaque noting its history early next year.
"We have got to work out some wording and then we will have a plaque to recognise the history and tell people that it's actually not working anymore."
He says it's been special for the council to see the postbox painted and taken care of.
"It's huge. What council stands for is the community," he says.
"That letterbox has seen the community grow for well over 100 years.
"It's seen Taranaki grow from a small pioneering few scattered villages, to what it is now and it's never been changed."
He says as a stamp collector he knows some stamps from the early 1900s are valuable, which is partly why the iconic letterbox needed to be revamped in a respectful manner.
"It symbolises New Zealand growing up."
- © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 14:42 21/12/2011
PETRA FINER
Hawera's 112-year-old Penfold letterbox has had an upgrade after being de-commissioned earlier this year.
The 112-year-old Penfold hexagonal letterbox located on the corners of High and Victoria streets was decommissioned on June 30 this year and ownership passed to the South Taranaki District Council.
Its long-awaited repaint pleases local historian Arthur Fryer who has always had an interest in the postbox.
`That's an object close to my heart," he says.
Mr Fryer says he realised more than a year ago that it was in deep need of a paint job in appropriate colours. While he knew its time as an in-service mailbox was limited, he didn't want to see it moved and replaced with something of less character.
"My worry was the postbox would be taken away and replaced by a wooden one that doesn't have any character.
"I believe it gives character to High Street. It's an object that's worth preserving."
South Taranaki District Council property and facilities manager John Sargeant says the council was happy to take over responsibility for the Penfold and will be putting up a plaque noting its history early next year.
"We have got to work out some wording and then we will have a plaque to recognise the history and tell people that it's actually not working anymore."
He says it's been special for the council to see the postbox painted and taken care of.
"It's huge. What council stands for is the community," he says.
"That letterbox has seen the community grow for well over 100 years.
"It's seen Taranaki grow from a small pioneering few scattered villages, to what it is now and it's never been changed."
He says as a stamp collector he knows some stamps from the early 1900s are valuable, which is partly why the iconic letterbox needed to be revamped in a respectful manner.
"It symbolises New Zealand growing up."
- © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 14:42 21/12/2011
PETRA FINER
Hawera's 112-year-old Penfold letterbox has had an upgrade after being de-commissioned earlier this year.
Foodbank
The spirit of giving is alive and well in South Taranaki.
Hawera Foodbank was in dire straits before its recent annual food drive, even having to split boxes of Weetbix to make them last for the many families in need.
Now Foodbank chairwoman Hazel Robinson says she can't believe her eyes, the outpouring of generosity from Hawera residents to feed those in need brings her to tears.
More than 100 banana boxes are stacked in the store room, filled with enough cereal, canned food, toilet paper and supplies to last the next six months.
While having enough food to meet the demands on Foodbank is a continuing issue and more donations are gratefully accepted, Mrs Robinson says this will relieve a bit of the pressure during the coming months.
"There were total strangers, newcomers to the district, and even a doctor came in and gave us $100," she says.
Cars have pulled up outside and unloaded bootloads of food, there have even been chocolates and treats which Mrs Robinson says will go a long way towards a little bit more special Christmas for those in need.
Loose change, mostly 10 or 20 cent pieces, fished out of pockets and dropped into a collection bucket totalled $193.70.
She says it will be just a little bit easier to buy the sausages, meat and items that are hard to donate to Foodbank, not quite so many grants will have to be sought.
It's not just food – soap, clothes powder and nappies have been donated. Even a Christmas tree.
"I just can't believe that people are so generous and have so much thought for others who are less fortunate," Mrs Robinson says. "We forever write for grants to make ends meet but, praise God, it's all coming together."
It's a personal battle for her, she can remember when her husband, Bill, was laid off, age 57, and there was money going out but no money coming in.
"Being without, it's like emptying a tank, you see the water going out and it doesn't come in.
"We need people to realise the door is always open. We can't knock on everyone's door. It was the most horrible feeling I've ever had but we got over it."
Her thanks to the community that has supported Hawera Foodbank are personal as well.
"I want it to come from my heart, it's totally overwhelming. The cupboard that once was bare is now well and truly stocked up again with a great variety of food items to help many who otherwise would have gone hungry this Christmas.
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"To Tevai Barr who organised our collection, the Scouts of South Taranaki, the drivers who provided vehicles and all those volunteers who helped in so many ways, may I, on behalf of the Hawera Foodbank extend our sincere thanks," Mrs Robinson says.
- © Fairfax NZ News Love pours in at bank
PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 15:13 21/12/2011
PETRA FINER
Hawera Foodbank chairwoman Hazel Robinson is delighted that the recent food drive was so successful. She can now give out boxes of Weetbix to hungry families instead of having to ration them.
Hawera Foodbank was in dire straits before its recent annual food drive, even having to split boxes of Weetbix to make them last for the many families in need.
Now Foodbank chairwoman Hazel Robinson says she can't believe her eyes, the outpouring of generosity from Hawera residents to feed those in need brings her to tears.
More than 100 banana boxes are stacked in the store room, filled with enough cereal, canned food, toilet paper and supplies to last the next six months.
While having enough food to meet the demands on Foodbank is a continuing issue and more donations are gratefully accepted, Mrs Robinson says this will relieve a bit of the pressure during the coming months.
"There were total strangers, newcomers to the district, and even a doctor came in and gave us $100," she says.
Cars have pulled up outside and unloaded bootloads of food, there have even been chocolates and treats which Mrs Robinson says will go a long way towards a little bit more special Christmas for those in need.
Loose change, mostly 10 or 20 cent pieces, fished out of pockets and dropped into a collection bucket totalled $193.70.
She says it will be just a little bit easier to buy the sausages, meat and items that are hard to donate to Foodbank, not quite so many grants will have to be sought.
It's not just food – soap, clothes powder and nappies have been donated. Even a Christmas tree.
"I just can't believe that people are so generous and have so much thought for others who are less fortunate," Mrs Robinson says. "We forever write for grants to make ends meet but, praise God, it's all coming together."
It's a personal battle for her, she can remember when her husband, Bill, was laid off, age 57, and there was money going out but no money coming in.
"Being without, it's like emptying a tank, you see the water going out and it doesn't come in.
"We need people to realise the door is always open. We can't knock on everyone's door. It was the most horrible feeling I've ever had but we got over it."
Her thanks to the community that has supported Hawera Foodbank are personal as well.
"I want it to come from my heart, it's totally overwhelming. The cupboard that once was bare is now well and truly stocked up again with a great variety of food items to help many who otherwise would have gone hungry this Christmas.
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"To Tevai Barr who organised our collection, the Scouts of South Taranaki, the drivers who provided vehicles and all those volunteers who helped in so many ways, may I, on behalf of the Hawera Foodbank extend our sincere thanks," Mrs Robinson says.
- © Fairfax NZ News Love pours in at bank
PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 15:13 21/12/2011
PETRA FINER
Hawera Foodbank chairwoman Hazel Robinson is delighted that the recent food drive was so successful. She can now give out boxes of Weetbix to hungry families instead of having to ration them.
Tribute to mountain man
Taranaki's mountaineering community gathered with family and friends to mourn the loss of Walter Fowlie this week.
Mr Fowlie, farmer, climber, amateur photographer, father, husband and Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, died in Hawera on January 4, aged 86.
In a fitting tribute to their mate, the Mt Egmont Alpine Club, as well as other clubs, raised their pickaxes in a guard of honour as he was carried away.
More than 450 people attended and there was standing room only for many at the TSB Hub during the emotional service.
Obituaries were read by long-time farming friend Opunake's Ron Brewer, fellow hunter, amateur photographer, and long-time friend Neville Wallace, of Hawera, and old climbing mates Ross Beech, of Blenheim, and Paul O'Dowd, of New Plymouth.
Mr Fowlie, who influenced many Taranaki youngsters to take up mountaineering in the 1970s, became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2001 New Year's Honours for his services to mountaineering.
A keen hunter as a young man, he joined Hawera's Mt Egmont Alpine Club in 1962.
The first 10,000ft (3000 metres) peak he climbed was Mt Haidinger in the Southern Alps in 1967, and he went on to climb 13 of New Zealand's 18 mountains above that height.
In 1968, he joined the New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC), chaired its Taranaki section for nine years, was national president from 1995 to 1997, and received life membership when he retired.
In 1973, Mr Fowlie was a member of the NZAC expedition to the Peruvian Andes.
He introduced many young members of the Mt Egmont Alpine Club to the Southern Alps, leading club trips to the Dart, Rees and Wilkin valleys and the Nelson Lakes and Mt Cook National Parks.
He climbed Mt Cook five times and in 1976 led a club climb that put a record 13 people together on the summit.
Two years later, he led the Mt Egmont Alpine Club's successful 50th jubilee expedition to Peru.
Mr Fowlie was a field leader on the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme in Antarctica three times between 1977 and 1986 and also climbed and trekked in Nepal and Kashmir.
He was involved in search and rescue on Mt Taranaki for a number of years.
A skilled amateur photographer, he was much sought after as a guest speaker to present slide shows of his adventures, and was renowned for the unique dashes of humour he added to his presentations. He was an associate of the Photographic Society of New Zealand.
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He was the patron and a life member of the Taranaki branch of the Deerstalkers' Association and was foundation leader of the Taranaki Alpine Cliff Rescue Team in 1980.
Mr Fowlie owned a dairy farm at Alton in South Taranaki and was a director of the Alton Co-op Dairy Company when it merged with Kiwi Dairies in the 1980s.
He celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary last June with wife Norma.
He is survived by his wife, Norma, daughter Heather Nelley, two sons, Graeme and Neil, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
- © Fairfax NZ News SUE O'DOWD AND LAIRD HARPER SUE.ODOWD@DAILYNEWS.CO.NZ
Last updated 11:06 12/01/2012
e
Walter Fowlie
SUE O'DOWD
For their mate: A guard of honour at Walter Fowlie's funeral at the TSB Hub in Hawera this week. It was the first funeral held at the Hub.
Mr Fowlie, farmer, climber, amateur photographer, father, husband and Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, died in Hawera on January 4, aged 86.
In a fitting tribute to their mate, the Mt Egmont Alpine Club, as well as other clubs, raised their pickaxes in a guard of honour as he was carried away.
More than 450 people attended and there was standing room only for many at the TSB Hub during the emotional service.
Obituaries were read by long-time farming friend Opunake's Ron Brewer, fellow hunter, amateur photographer, and long-time friend Neville Wallace, of Hawera, and old climbing mates Ross Beech, of Blenheim, and Paul O'Dowd, of New Plymouth.
Mr Fowlie, who influenced many Taranaki youngsters to take up mountaineering in the 1970s, became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2001 New Year's Honours for his services to mountaineering.
A keen hunter as a young man, he joined Hawera's Mt Egmont Alpine Club in 1962.
The first 10,000ft (3000 metres) peak he climbed was Mt Haidinger in the Southern Alps in 1967, and he went on to climb 13 of New Zealand's 18 mountains above that height.
In 1968, he joined the New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC), chaired its Taranaki section for nine years, was national president from 1995 to 1997, and received life membership when he retired.
In 1973, Mr Fowlie was a member of the NZAC expedition to the Peruvian Andes.
He introduced many young members of the Mt Egmont Alpine Club to the Southern Alps, leading club trips to the Dart, Rees and Wilkin valleys and the Nelson Lakes and Mt Cook National Parks.
He climbed Mt Cook five times and in 1976 led a club climb that put a record 13 people together on the summit.
Two years later, he led the Mt Egmont Alpine Club's successful 50th jubilee expedition to Peru.
Mr Fowlie was a field leader on the New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme in Antarctica three times between 1977 and 1986 and also climbed and trekked in Nepal and Kashmir.
He was involved in search and rescue on Mt Taranaki for a number of years.
A skilled amateur photographer, he was much sought after as a guest speaker to present slide shows of his adventures, and was renowned for the unique dashes of humour he added to his presentations. He was an associate of the Photographic Society of New Zealand.
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He was the patron and a life member of the Taranaki branch of the Deerstalkers' Association and was foundation leader of the Taranaki Alpine Cliff Rescue Team in 1980.
Mr Fowlie owned a dairy farm at Alton in South Taranaki and was a director of the Alton Co-op Dairy Company when it merged with Kiwi Dairies in the 1980s.
He celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary last June with wife Norma.
He is survived by his wife, Norma, daughter Heather Nelley, two sons, Graeme and Neil, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
- © Fairfax NZ News SUE O'DOWD AND LAIRD HARPER SUE.ODOWD@DAILYNEWS.CO.NZ
Last updated 11:06 12/01/2012
e
Walter Fowlie
SUE O'DOWD
For their mate: A guard of honour at Walter Fowlie's funeral at the TSB Hub in Hawera this week. It was the first funeral held at the Hub.
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