The Star: November 15, 2018

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30 Thursday November 15 2018 Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi SiloStay Those who like to go against the grain will love staying in a silo that’s been innovatively repurposed with designer touches and enviro-friendly features at every turn. Offering award-winning style and pampering right in bustling Little River. silostay.kiwi.nz The Little Bistro This is Akaroa’s award-winning exceptional spot for foodies. A must try for cosy, intimate dining and for those who love skilfully crafted and presented dishes. The menu showcases locally grown produce and wines sourced totally from Canterbury vineyards. thelittlebistro.co.nz Tresori Motor Lodge With its great location and contemporary French architecture, Tresori Motor Lodge makes for a memorable Akaroa experience. Located just 50 metres from the main wharf, waterfront shops and restaurants, it offers luxury accommodation for couples or families. All units and apartments have kitchenettes, most have spa baths and the fully self-contained luxury apartments boast harbour views. tresori.co.nz Glowing Sky The Star This family owned manufacturer of fine merino clothing brings its stylish and easy-care range for men, women and children to a new retail store in Akaroa this November. Made locally from wool grown in the Southern Alps, Glowing Sky garments are sold exclusively through its own stores and website. glowingsky.co.nz Mt Vernon Lodge Amazing views and great facilities make Mt Vernon Lodge the optimal choice for your stay in Akaroa. Ideal for a romantic or family getaway, the range of accommodation caters especially well for weddings and conferences. mtvernon.co.nz The Wharf, Akaroa Fresh from a refurb, the Wharf relaunched at the end of September as a premium seafood restaurant, bar and boutique luxury hotel. Serving a fun vibe with a side of stunning harbour views, it seats 80 indoors and 65 on the terrace. thewharfakaroa.co.nz Little River Gallery Step inside and behold an amazing range of unique, quality 100% New Zealand mementos, giftware and jewellery. Delve further for original fine artwork, oil on canvas, bronze and prints from some of New Zealand’s preeminent artists. littlerivergallery.com Akaroa Criterion Motel When you next want to enjoy an Akaroa sojourn, make sure to consider the superb hospitality and expansive views the Criterion Motel offers. Contemporary, super king studio apartments, all with balconies. Ring direct for the best deal. holidayakaroa.com DESTINATION BANKS PENINSULA Cantabrians are so fortunate to have this multi-faceted gem on our doorstep. Southern Bays Motorcycle Tour Explore the stunning vistas of the wild and remote Southern Bays on an adventure motorcycle with a local guide. Learn about the geology, history and current use of the Peninsula. Learner motorcycle licence needed. Bikes and all gear supplied. Visit the Banks Peninsula Experience website, check out the Trip Advisor reviews and you’ll soon be booking your ride. bpexperience.co.nz The Point Holmes Bay Escape to paradise at The Point, an off-the-grid clifftop retreat in Pigeon Bay. Sea views, spacious comfortable design, open fires indoors and out, and a private swimming cove make this a truly unique stay. bachcare.co.nz/property/4839 The Giant’s House Eccentric, zany, colourful, magical – this is a Garden of National Significance that will make the whole family smile. Dubbed the Happiest Garden on Earth, delight in incredible mosaic gardens, sculptures and a splendid contemporary art gallery. thegiantshouse.co.nz
The Star 31 Local News News Now Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi Thursday November 15 2018 Mel’s still making music at 99 Fire rages, homes at risk The 50s Up Brass Band will celebrate its 25th anniversary this month. Sophie Cornish sat down with its oldest member, Mel Smith, to hear about his love of music and his tips for keeping young •The 50s Up Brass Band’s 25 th Anniversary Christmas Concert will be on November 28, 11am-noon, at the Woolston Club. Entry is $5 or a gold coin donation MEL SMITH is 99, lives alone and still drives regularly. And four days a week, he plays in a brass band and an orchestra. “Getting up early is the key,” said Mr Smith. “I get up at 6am most days and get ready for the day. It takes me a few hours,” he said. “I think that is one thing that has contributed to my health, I’d probably be lying in to all sorts of hours. But if you have something to do, you don’t really have that choice,” he said. Mr Smith’s passion for music began when he joined the Woolston Brass Band in 1936. He joined because his brother did and “there wasn’t much else to do,” he said. Following this, music became a huge part of his life. He was a member of the Savage Club Orchestra and now plays in the Risingholme Orchestra. He also ran the Meltones dance band. A small advertisement in a newspaper in 1993 caught Mr Smith’s eye, inviting “bandspeople” to attend a meeting for a seniors’ band. “I attended the gathering, took one look and concluded that it probably wouldn’t last. I was proved very wrong in my thinking,” he said. In spite of his reservations, the 50s Up Brass Band grew quickly. “As the years passed by, I could see others lives in my age group closing in through the lack of social opportunities,” he said. “I also believed that lusty blowing was a positive way of maintaining good health.” Mr Smith believes the band created an “obligation to get out of bed on a cold winter Wednesday morning to attend practice.” Now the band will celebrate its 25th anniversary on November 28. It plays brass classics and Christmas songs at the Woolston Club and various retirement homes. Mr Smith is the oldest member. He plays the cornet, flugelhorn, recorder and trumpet and prefers to listen to mostly classical music and some jazz. “I don’t like that pop stuff. I’d have to say my favourite person is Maurice Andre, he’s the world’s best trumpet player,” he said. Band secretary Noeleen Penter said Mr Smith was a “quiet man who kept up well with the music BRASS: The 50s Up Brass Band will celebrate its 25th year with a concert later this month. VETERAN: At 99, Mel Smith is the oldest member of the 50s Up Brass Band. and band.” “He’s very active for his age and really enjoys playing music,” she said. Mr Smith attributes his old age to luck and a strong immune system. His childhood, which he described as “tough”, was spent in the small West Coast town Granity. “In those days hygiene was very poor. The toilet was in the flax bushes, there was no water running or electricity. So we got everything that was going – mumps and measles and all that.” Mr Smith was one of 10 children in his family. The Great Depression brought Mr Smith to Christchurch in search of work when he was 15-years-old. He only had a primary school education, as he believed he would follow in the footsteps of his coalmining father. Eventually, Mr Smith got work as a carpenter, joiner and a joiner-machinist. His lack of education and an issue with his ear meant he was exempt from military service. For the last 13 years of his working life before he retired, Mr Smith worked for CTV as a set-maker. In his early 20s, he and his wife Mai built their family home in Beckenham. Mr Smith still lives in the same home today, about 75 years later. They had three children together, Leonard, Martin and Christine. Mrs Smith and Christine have since passed away due to illness. Mr Smith will celebrate his 100th birthday in June.
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The Star: November 15, 2018

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