FROM THE EDITOR

Over 50 local eateries and bars vie for your foodie heart with their standout dish or drink – with fixed price menus, which won’t break the bank. A big thank you to Viv at the Ponsonby Business Association who has done an incredible job pulling all this together. Are you ready to eat the street?

Last month the Grey Lynn Returned Services Club hosted the annual ANZAC Day service. There were some inspiring speeches and prayers from Rev Mua Strickson-Pua along with Mayor Phil Goff. On that day I remembered Cyril Bradbury, (25/255 RFM) my wonderful Grandad who lost a lung during WW1, after being gassed while fighting in Egypt. Cyril served one year and 332 days overseas and returned to NZ on RMS Tainui in 1918.

My father, George Leach was a Londoner - during WW2, he wanted to do his duty so he lied about his age so he could join the Royal British Navy. He was returning from the US to the UK when a torpedo hit his ship and my dad was blown off the deck into the freezing Atlantic. I will always remember both my dad and my grandad with huge love and always thank them for their service.

This year, on Mother’s Day treat Mum to the Cav’s special two-course set menu and a glass of bubbles on arrival for just $32.95. There’s also FREE ice cream and a toppings station provided for your little ones while you dine! All Mother’s Day bookings also enter Mum in for a chance to win a Cordis hotel Chuan Spa voucher valued up to $100! For more info, and to reserve your table, visit the Cav’s website or call them on 09 376 4230.

In the letter’s page this month Linda Hill tells us what action she took to stop the destruction at Western Springs Forest. This elderly grandmother was so upset that she climbed onto a digger to show her disgust and was joined by Sarah Trotman, who was subsequently arrested.

On a lighter note and far from the New York subways where she started sharing her music Mireya Ramos and her musicians wowed the audience in the intimate atmosphere of Frieda Margolis in West Lynn last month. Lockdown happened just after her arrival here last year; she stayed, and that has been our good fortune.

Last month workmen in Western Park were seen removing lights along the paths through the middle of the park. Rest assured, the council tell us the lighting is being upgraded in order to make the area safer. The design has been completed and physical works contract awarded for the renewal and upgrade of the amenity lighting within the park. These upgrades align with the August 2015 development plan recommendations. For further information please contact the Waitemata Local Board. (MARTIN LEACH)  PN

Both immigrates from the UK, my dad, George (the Salty Sea Dog) pictured with shipmate Jock

Get THE team

MATT & RYAN

N 1 IN GREY LYNN *

“Whilst Matt and Ryan focused their energy and attention on attracting as many potential buyers as possible, Sarah and Ben looked after every need of us as vendors. We couldn’t recommend them highly enough”

Marc & Amy

Matt O’Rourke 021 375 909

m.orourke@barfoot.co.nz Ryan Harding 021 621 580

r.harding@barfoot.co.nz

IT’S A TEAM EFFORT... WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS

CONNOR CRAWFORD

I am a working artist and photographer with a colourful and rhythmic perspective. I enjoy shooting the front covers of Ponsonby News. KEN RING

My yearly NZ Weather Almanacs began in 1999. During the tragic 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, my work created international interest. I currently live in Ponsonby.

DAVID HARTNELL - MNZM

For the last 53 years I’ve been a freelance entertainment journalist and author. I’ve lived in the Grey Lynn area for nearly three decades; I have met and interviewed some amazing people. KERRY LEE

I’ve been a freelance writer for a year now, and what I love most are the wonderful people I’ve meet along the way. #best job.

FINN MCLENNAN-ELLIOTT

I work as a booker, promoter and festival programmer. Active in all areas of the music community; folk music is my specialty. LUCY KENNEDY

I am a young local writer who loves to read! Each month you will find my reviews of new books for people who love to read as much as I do.

HONOUR MITCHELL

I have lived in the Ponsonby area all of my life. I write the column ‘Teen Picks’ which explores everything on offer in the greater Ponsonby area. PHIL PARKER

Journalist and published author, I have had a career involving both wine writing and hosting boutique wine tours in the Auckland region.

HELENE RAVLICH

A freelance writer and copywriter for almost 20 years, I have written for publications all over the world and couldn’t imagine myself in any other job. PIPPA COOM

I am Councillor for Waitemata and Gulf Ward on Auckland Council. Formerly, Chair Waitemata Local Board.

JOHN APPLETON

I have a keen interest in nutritional medicine and how it may be used to support people with chronic illnesses. ROSS THORBY

I have had a wanderlust for travel ever since I was old enough to own a passport. Since I discovered cruising, I have become unstoppable.

JOHN ELLIOTT

I am the founder of Ponsonby News and write for the magazine. My career has included politics, education and publishing. My interests include the environment, the economy and social justice. SOFIA ROGER WILLIAMS

A vegan for over a year and vegetarian for over seven years with a passion for writing. I am a local student reviewing some of Ponsonby’s best vegan eats.

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