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576 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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More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Connect For Women

Kayleen from Orewa

🌟 Join Us in 2025! 🌟

Next year we will continue meeting three times per month, giving you plenty of opportunities to connect with other women and fit Connect For Women into your schedule! 🗓️💬

We hope you’ll intentionally carve out some time just for you - to relax, socially network, and be inspired in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning, we’d love to see you! 💖
Make 2025 the year you invest in you.

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🎁 Share the Joy This Christmas! 🎁

This festive season, let's make it special for children in our community. If you'd like to donate a new gift for a child, we would be honored to pick it up and deliver it to the Hibiscus Coast Salvation Army. 🎄✨

They’ll be supporting 80 local families in need this Christmas, and your thoughtful contribution could brighten a child’s holiday with joy and hope. 💝

Thank you for spreading the spirit of giving—together, we can make a difference. 💚

#TimeForYou #WomenSupportingWomen #CommunityAndConnection

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2 hours ago

Seniors Day Out - SDO

Kayleen from Orewa

🌟 Exciting Travel Days Ahead in 2025! 🌟

We have an amazing lineup of travel plans for next year, and we don’t want you to miss out! From fun new destinations to opportunities to connect with fellow seniors, our travel days are packed with adventure, laughter, and great company.

Register with us now - member is free! Stay updated and be the first to know about all our upcoming trips.

Let’s make 2025 a year to remember! 🚐🌸

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🎁 Share the Joy This Christmas! 🎁

This festive season, let's make it special for children in our community. If you'd like to donate a new gift for a child, we would be honored to pick it up and deliver it to the Hibiscus Coast Salvation Army. 🎄✨

They’ll be supporting 80 local families in need this Christmas, and your thoughtful contribution could brighten a child’s holiday with joy and hope. 💝

Thank you for spreading the spirit of giving—together, we can make a difference. 💚

#TravelTogether #ExcitingAdventures #StayConnected

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4 days 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? 🎄
  • 5% Second half of November
    5% Complete
  • 44.6% 1st December
    44.6% Complete
  • 16.7% A week before Christmas
    16.7% Complete
  • 32.5% Whenever you wish
    32.5% Complete
  • 1.3% Other - I'll share below
    1.3% Complete
1817 votes