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573 days ago

'The Stevie Wonder of Silverdale': Retired piano teacher plays for commuters

Melanie Earley Reporter from Rodney Times

Kia ora neighbours, every Thursday Lorraine Sampson makes the 40-minute bus trip from Silverdale to Auckland’s Britomart Station to play the piano for commuters.

The 75-year-old, who is legally blind in one eye and has cataracts in the other, can no longer read music due to her poor vision, so she plays all her music by ear.

There was a time Sampson, a retired teacher, believed she would have to give up playing music altogether due to her eyesight, but she said she found her fingers remembered songs she thought she’d forgotten.

When Sampson discovered there was a free piano for the public to play at Britomart Station she began making weekly trips there to play and raise funds for St John in Silverdale, where she lives.

Read the full story at the link below.

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1 day ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
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2 hours ago

Coasties Quiz Night

Alan from Red Beach

Coasties Quiz Night
Thursday 21 November 5.30pm-7.00pm
Hibiscus Coast RSA

Everyone Welcome and Everyone Free
A great collection of quiz questions with a wide range of topics set to challenge you and your friends.
Dinner for 2 and bar vouchers up for grabs!
When you arrive register your team’s name with the organiser.
Teams consist of 2 to 6 members.
The restaurant is open from 5pm with delicious meals and snacks that will not break the bank!
Also, the good news is the happy hour runs from 5pm until 6.30pm which means drinks are at half price!
Please note if you are flying solo, no problem. We will make up a team for you!
PS you do not need to be a member of the club to attend.
Alan Reeves
027 244 8714

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2 hours ago

Going Bananas Request Night

Alan from Red Beach

Going Bananas Request Night
Wednesday 20 November 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Hibiscus Coast Community RSA

Everyone welcome and everyone free
Here we go! Something a bit different
Yes, you will control the playlist.
When you arrive just fill out the request log with your favourite song and in no time it will be played so you can hit the dancefloor.
Yes the kitchen will be open for Chef Ronnie to do his magic!
Please note you do not need to be a member to attend
Hope this sounds like a fun night out!
Alan Reeves
027 2448714

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