His-Story The Red Poppy Project
This year has been an amazing year! ❤ and I am sending this out in the hopes of a little (operative word!) help... I have been up to some writing and research and I got my first book completed and published earlier this year. Since then (as a result of mum wanting to follow her fathers footsteps) I have undertaqken a pilgrimage that has led to my current project - I have come to the final stages in the reseach I am doing on my grandfather's WW2 Battle of Crete and POW journey - it is a monumental task and although the work rises up before me - it is a task I am enjoying!
However to complete these final stages I need to return to Crete and Crowthorne ... I am hoping I can do this in the summer school holiday period so it will not interfere with paid work which is something I must return to ...
I am writing a book transcribed from my grandfather's diary that starts at the point he left Kalamata in a row boat heading for Crete with only planks as oars...his words are complimented by my own that have been written on the same date 75 years later in the place he was ... to wrap all this up I have researched the historical facts given on this time and place to give a greater perspective on the situation. Finally the two (old) men (and their families) we met that were pivotal to all this are sharing what they know - since they never knew we existed prior to arriving in their neck of the woods - their stories and contributions are still in the pipeline.
However one of these men is very ill and due to his illness (terminal cancer) he has invited me to return to the UK to complete the final research he has undetaken on my project with him. While a return to the UK was in my plans the date was a way off as I need to return to paid work to save the money for this.
His request however has changed this and as the book I am writing is ultimately a gift to NZ history and will be given along with the original diary to Te Papa or to the NZ Military museum or the Dunedin Library I am calling for a little finacial assistance from everyone and anyone to make this journey possible.
If you think you could spare even the minimum Give-A-Little pledge and want to donate this to my work which involves this trip to the UK - I (and this man, especially) would be very grateful.
I understand if you can not or do not want to whatever the reasons.
I am rather - though - hoping you might just be able to Give-A-Little and be part of this very special journey I am tasked with. Thanks for reading - please share if you know others who might be interested.
The Give-A-Little page is here: givealittle.co.nz...
Thank you .....
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.2% Yes
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13.5% No
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
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.
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
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