Purple poppy day today
Story by Graham McBride:
As well as the traditional commemorative red poppy, the National Army Museum remembers and honours our war animals each year on the 24 February with Purple Poppy Day. The purple poppy symbolises all animals who have died during conflict. It is estimated that more than 8 million animals sacrificed their lives in World War I alone.
Strictly in the Te Kowhai context, I once obtained this photo from Andrea (Limmer) Whittle, whose grandfather Bill Limmer (b.1895, d, 1981) is named on the Te Kowhai War Memorial Roll of Honour. Initially, in WWI, Bill undertook Compulsory Military Training, where he served locally in the 4th Waikato Mounted Rifles, then enlisted in the War in early 1918. He fought in Egypt for 1 year and 245 days, with the N.Z. Mounted Rifle Brigade, NZ Expeditionary Forces.
These (mostly) local farm ‘boys’ grew up with a very close affinity with horses – for work, travel and leisure. The bonds between soldier and ‘fighting’ horse during WWI must have been very personal, but when Bill and his fellow horsemen were about to embark for New Zealand at the end of the War, our government made the servicemen shoot their horses to avoid the cost of repatriating them.
This is Bill’s evocative image of the fate of his trusty mount! Maybe we also need some Purple Poppies on the wall at the Memorial Hall?
Story by Graham McBride
The tiger who came to tea
Trays are such a useful item to have in the home – they are obviously great for serving food and drinks, particularly breakfast in bed! Find out how to create your own with Resene wallpaper and Resene Colorwood wood stain with these easy step by step instructions.
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
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What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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