Otago Skinks

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to be at the release back into the wild of 12 Otago Skinks.
The Central Otago Ecological Trust has built a predator proof fence around a large outcrop of schist rock south of where I live, named the Mokomoko Dryland Sanctuary. Though it is not a big area, it is ideal for a population of this large colourful lizard.
There were speeches, a bit of a background on the Trust, and a bit of history of the skink, large numbers of which used to populate this land. Cats, rats and other nasties have meant that there has not been one found in the wild here since the mid 1970's. A shame really, as they are a very good animal for photographs, if you are quick enough. Anyway, the event was organised by very enthusiastic Landcare scientist Grant Norbury, and there were many other experts there as well. The skinks were named by the children from the Alexandra Primary School, and the one in the photo is 'Stumpy', though I could not see why he deserved such a name.
The hands in the photo belong to Steph Hicks, who has been working with lizards for some time, and school children Hannah Dudfield and Tess Diver. While it would have been nice if Stumpy had stopped for a few seconds after being released so we could get photos, he thought the shady bit just in front of him looked like the place to be and he took off. I hope he and his mates enjoy their new home.

12 years

Last weekend the local branch of the Air Training Corps celebrated 25 years in existence. Started by RSA stalwart Bill McDougal and WW2 Hurricane pilot Howard Hinton, this erstwhile organisation has provided opportunities for young people to get out and about, and get experience of Airforce life.
However, the organisation would be nothing without motivated people to run it. During the celebrations, a presentation was made to Squadron Leader Jill Checketts, for 12 years of leading this group. Described by senior members as 'a brilliant Squadron Leader' she was honoured by the organisation, her family, the Airforce, and the local community. All well deserved.
In the above photo, Warrant Officer "Buzz" Harvey pins the long service badge on the lapel of Jill Checketts.

Well done.....

Well done Teresa.
Brother B. J. Lauren Cup for Christian Leadership.
Trophy for Most Consistent Netballer, 1st Seven.
Meritorious Award for Contribution to the College Community.
And several other things. It was all going too fast for me.
Just imagine what else you could get next year.

Free Lunch

Last week, Chef was invited to be a judge at our local school. The 'Great School Bakeoff' was taking place, and it being lunch time I thought I would tag along to see what was on offer. The class was divided into teams of 4, and they had to source the food, make a menu, cook the meal, set the table, and set an extra place for the judges. I do not know who did the dishes. I must say that the range of food on offer was considerable, and I did not wish to be a judge at all.
During all this, the Member of Parliament for Dunedin North, Pete Hodgson, turned up. I think he was on his way to somewhere else, and just called in. His presence did not worry the children who at that stage were tucking in.
The table the judges chose to win was not the table pictured above. This table's menu was all caught by the boys at the table, and consisted of wild pork sausages, smoked trout, cold roast rabbit slices and potato chips, and some sort of home made bread. All washed down with ginger beer. Desert was chocolate ice cream with lashings of chocolate sauce. The smoked trout was one of the best I have tasted. I could not get an answer when I asked where he had caught it, but the boy assured me he had done everything himself, and smoked it with a light coating of brown sugar. Chef told me later the only reason this table did not win was because they had no vegetables. "But they were all boys!" I protested.
In the above photo, Hon. Pete Hodgson admires the handy work of the 'Kiwi' Table team. I don't think he got anything to eat.

Malcolm and Yvette 2

I have been so busy over the last few weeks that posting on this blog has become a bit behind.
I thought I would revisit Malcolm and Yvette's wedding, just so I can mention the Chef. She made the cake for this wedding and it was something a bit different. I may have seen something like this before, but do not remember it. Anyway, 100 cup cakes of three different flavours made an impressive sight. In the above photo I have just the top of it, so you can see the detail.