Author: telboy2

We are back at home after attending the Dawn service in the city. A significant turn out as before, both from Wellington and the Quirke household.
The crowds were quiet, the marching bands good, and the bagpipes beautiful to listen to.
Plenty of Australians present also. John Key was on duty laying a wreath and part of the march by.

The country is a little different today, with the shops closed until 1pm-which unlike Easter, is respected. I think it would a publicly unacceptable step for businesses to open.

I have just returned from a week at Mount Maunganui, with Melissa and her family. I had an amazing time, 2 seconds from the beach, and all day on it. I got to see the circus, see the sights and spend time with one of my best friends(;
Thanks mum and dad for letting me go, it was truly amazing(;
By the way, the photo is Melissa’s snoop dog face. “Drop it like its hot” turned out to be our theme song of the trip!

Found these clips as Joe has been U tubing

One is from the set piece action at the train station, and the other from the sports ground.

Hello to all and greetings for the most important date in the Christian calendar.
Even NZ recognises something about this time of year. The big shops are closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, though of course there are some who flout the law, with minimal fines as a result.
Interestingly, there are no adverts on TV for the two big days-quite amazing when considering the relative lack of religious here.

Anyway today we were out at Otaki Forks It is a venue we have been meaning to get to for 5 years-persist and you will succeed. The sun was out, and the “cup of tea” coast lived up to its climactic reputation.

I know that I said the seasons have changed, but Cricket NZ were not listening for sound financial reasons: the Indians wanted the extra game and the tv money sang. The crowds turned up on the first 3 days as well.
We were there on Sunday, Joe and Sara and MG. Look at the photos to see the clothing required for the day, when daylight saving had ended.
The cricket was a bit on and off-good for the first session, but then the activity slowed right down-India did not need to try too hard, slowed down, and the bowlers lacked penetration.

The fans enjoyed themselves. As ever, the “away” fans (being all locals I am sure-very diverse country this one) showed the Kiwis how to support a team.
As things stand, the Black Caps will lose tomorrow, day 5.
Ollie will be pleased.

Not goes the climatic ones, as autumn shows itself, but the sporting ones.

The NRL is gracing our weekends on the tv, and so we are are again connected to the Sky sports channel. The super14 looks as dull as ever, and the cricket season is over for Joe and Isaac.
Joe played at the weekend, but did not bowl as his team made quick work of the oppo-all out for 58. Joe was promoted to number 4-and put on a Boycottesque performance before running himself out with one run needed to win.
Isaac apparently played well for the second week on the trot, with a sizzling 14, a catch and solid bowling performance. He did not recieve player of the day-never has. Rumours are he has atagonised the coach somewhere along the way. That I can easily believe. We went along to the club prizegiving on Monday to seal the end of the season. He enjoyed his pizza, as obviously there was nothing else coming his way.
Joe has his first game of rugby on Saturday! No rest for the wicked.

both of us in our uniforms. Two weeks ago I finally was invested as a leader along with 2 other dads. We have been running things for the last year nearly but the official checks and processes obviously take time. Anyway, with official status comes the uniform. I always liked green, my colour.

I feel as if I am in the same club as Pied Piper Kiernan of Herefordshire. I dream of reaching his heights!

While Anthony and Linda were here, we went to the athletics competition between St.Pats, Joe’s new college, St.Pats, Silverstream, Rongotai College, and Wellington College.
The McEvedy Shield has a long history, and was originally donated by the interesting man. He was a doctor,from Wellington,trained at Guy’s Hospital, played rugby for England it is reported, though I have only found reference to him playing for an Anglo-Welsh team against Australia and New Zealand. A precursor of the Lions.
Anyway, the shield is contested annually. and Wellington College generally win, no surprise as they are twice the size of St. Pats, who are bigger than Silverstream and same size as Rongotai.
This year St Pats were the holders.
It is a big day out and the whole school attends. The noise and songs and chants from the stands were great. They had been practicing during school time. The whole atmosphere was great.
Prior to the meeting I had to drop Joe and some mates at the train station to watch the haka competition between the schools!
We went to watch for a while and of course Anthony loved it-so much so he has his stop-watch working for the 400m, 800m and 1500m races, and passing judgement on the running styles of the competitors.
The whole thing took you back to your own school days-though better I think. Joe seemed to love the day and was a great way for the new boys to feel associated with their new school.

Anyway, Wellington College won, 184-176 against St. Pats, with the other 2 way behind.
Looking forward to next year already!