Held at the National Service Club Hastings, on Sunday, March 9th.
After a generous and scrumptious meal served to 51 members, Faye Sherriff, welcomed everyone and thanked the amazing catering team.
Pam Slay asked for anyone who lost relatives on the emigrant ship Cospatrick, which burned and sank in 1874 with the loss of 433 emigrants, to contact her for a research project. This was New Zealand’s little-known but worst maritime disaster.
Erica Tenquist, a recipient of the NZ Founders Research Award, gave an inspiring and amusing introduction to her upcoming book, Legless with Cuthbert. It tells the story of her life as an amputee, which she hopes will inspire others facing similar challenges. She has not let her disability stand in the way of leading a positive, fulfilling life.
She spoke about the difficulties she has faced but focused more on her achievements with her prosthetic leg, which include flying, skiing, and playing table tennis. The book promises to be an inspiring read, especially for other amputees.
Christine King then introduced the keynote speaker, Hugh McBain, who spoke about his book, The Plough, The Chalice and the Sword - the story of the Williams family’s 200 years in New Zealand.
Hugh began his research during COVID and found that the pandemic made it easier to locate and interview the people he needed, as travel restrictions meant they were more readily available.
It was fascinating to learn how the Williams family evolved from Mary and William, who arrived in New Zealand in 1823, and how 800 descendants of the original couple walked across the bridge at Waitangi to celebrate the bicentennial.
The book is divided into three sections: Agriculture, the Anglican Church, and Active Service. The family's contributions to active service include 150 members who have served. Hugh also spoke about the family's involvement with the Treaty of Waitangi and James Williams’ contributions to the Hawke’s Bay region.
He shared several intriguing stories he uncovered during his research—some of which, for various reasons, could not be published.
During the Q&A session, there were discussions about the Williams family’s connections to Frimley and Te Aute. Ian Gordon then made a presentation to Hugh, thanking him for his informative talk.
The book may be purchased directly from Hugh for $95.00.
Bank account details: 02 0776 0038217 01.
The event concluded with a brief history of the National Service Club venue site, including the interesting fact that the Funeral Directors’ business next door was once a private maternity hospital.
In the lovely, comfortable dining room, Faye wrapped up the enjoyable afternoon by thanking everyone.
Pam Slay
