The stories we bring to light represent important markers of what it is to be a human being living at a particular time and place.

Recording and penning Margaret’s story was an exercise in mapping gems of provincial New Zealand history as it unfurled in the 1930s. It was the golden age of marbles and cure-all poultices and zips were the latest fashion fastening. "The only boy who had a zip in his jersey was given a marble by schoolmates for the novelty of pulling it up and down," recalled Margaret.

At the height of the Napier earthquake the four year old struggled to get up on to her uncle’s shoulders to get further away from the terrifying tremors. "We came outside and the roads were opening up and all the water mains were bursting. After the earthquake Dad would put one leg in the bath, wash all down that side of his upper body and leg, then do the same on the other side so he was ready to run if another earthquake struck."

Recommendation

"Your sensitive and thorough research in honor of our beautiful and inspirational mother has put in context the many wonderful stories Mum has told us over the years. It has also uncovered significant family history we would never otherwise have known - history that has enlightened and excited us as a family.

"Margaret’s Memoir sits on our coffee table in its place of honour. My siblings and extended family are heartened by the realization that Mum's story has been told and will never be forgotten."
– Stephanie Thessman, Dubai

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