Timaru

27 Mar

Up early again to drive to Timaru and MS South Canterbury for tea with Fiona at 1130

Mount Cook still in Cloud but more urgent to get to a piano as I’m getting concerned that I have a mountain of Russian Notes to climb. The brief stop in Timaru is interesting as the MS Society there occupy a building bequeathed to them some years ago by Nancy Budd an MS sufferer.

Finally reached Dunedin and the Allen Court Motel just a few minutes from the University. Beautiful spotless 2 room suite with spa bath.

South Canterbury

26 Mar

Leave to drive to Dunedin via Mt Cook –

Met with Canterbury MS and Parkinson Association fantastic model for MS support – as all neurologicals share one building and therapy facilities. With the umberlla of NZ Neurological Foundation and local person Cecily

Another mini disaster left my Beneton furry jacket in the Motel and were are off to the cold Mountains.

Long drive desolate country and big disappointment Mt Cook is in cloud – but we drive along the NZ “Belamor Canal” a gigantic engineering feat.

Finally arrive a Makenzie Units Hotel in Twizel hoping for better weather in the morning. Nice room very average food.

Train To Greymouth

25 Mar Sunday

What an anti climax – yes the trip is spectacular in places - the access to the viewing platform is difficult and nearly all the views are blighted or obstructed by cables or safety guards. Food on the train is not up to normal NZ standard.

The diesels are also filthy to the point of being a health hazard – really not worth the trip – far better to drive it.

Don’t bank on getting any movie from the train.

Wellington Picton Ferry

23 Mar

Up early and sad to leave this beautiful place for a four hour drive to Wellington to hand in the hire car, meet the National MS office crew and collect my Rachmaninoff Scores which I left in Auckland. Stayed at the 747 Motel - OK

24 Mar

Another Early start at 8am for Wellington Picton Ferry but surprise, another Russian Taxi driver.

Its blowing a hooley outside the harbour but big plus, the bags are checked through to Christchurch.

Paul films the Marlborough sound and the Senic Train Journey.

Pleasant surprise the bags are there – and a quick shuttle to the Riccerton Village Motel in preparation for the day return trip to Greymouth and the Trans Alpine rail journey tomorrow.

Hastings Concert

22 Mar Napier Hastings Recital

Once again, it was not a big audience, but a very musical and friendly one.

At the interval Paul says that the Priest, who gave use of the Church to the MS Society, was simply shining after the C major Prelude Tocatta and Largo which I imagine as creation.

I think he enjoyed the images. At the end of the concert, my last MS event, another standing ovation.

Hawkes Bay

19 Mar
Cancelled trip to Mt Egmont, Lake Taupo and Gisbourne.

Management decision is to go straight to Hawkes Bay and take R and R for 3 days to swim in the Pacific.

We drove direct to Napier and find the concert is in Hastings – Im glad as I was not inspired by the Art Deco façade of Napier – the sea looks inviting.



20 Mar
We found a Motel close to the venue and settled in for a few days relaxation to discover that this part of Hawkes Bay is one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand.

We swim at Ocean Beach sight see and shop – all very theraputic !

21 Mar We drive up Te Mata peak and swim on Waimarama Beach – surrounded by lifestyle !! The latest real estate fad in NZ.

I have a little rehearsal – the piano is small but OK for the lovely new church which is arranged in the round. The programme will be more Bach – the setting is quietly inspiring.

Palmerston North

17 Mar We settle in and relax – having lunch with Gay and the team, Noel, Helen, Martin amazing the ageless tireless Ethel –


The performance is to be a joint one with Amy Hunt a local singer and some of her friends. We met any for a drink to arrange the programme and decide to do two joint numbers. Unchained Melody and Titanic

18 Mar Sunday
Palmerston North Concert - The theatre is amazing – a 1930 Regent Theatre restored a few years ago to it full glory. A modern stage and two Steinways.

Danny is an MS patient who sings.

Amy is a teacher of performing arts and her friends include.

She has a big voice and great stage presence – it fun working with her.

We run through at 1 pm and return for the performance at 4 pm.

It goes very well – I really enjoy the mixed genre and the energy the other performers bring now no back pains

I'm really enjoying things but I am tired.