Day at daffodil farm rekindles childhood memories

Alice Story, an Elske Centre client, with some of the daffodils at Taniwha Daffodils.

For those attending Dannevirke's Elske Centre, planning a picnic outing includes plenty of chatter recalling past memories of excursions as children, complete with vivid memories of the food.

Kay McLennan, the manager at Elske, an over-60s day centre, organised an outing to Central Hawke's Bay and Taniwha Daffodils at Takapau as a fun trip down memory lane for the centre's clients.

"Sand sandwiches are always worth a mention, although there was no threat of such sandwiches on this occasion," she said.

"It was all aboard for the Taniwha daffodil farm, then on to Waipawa for a picnic lunch, where we found the most beautiful blossom trees.

"Our picnic included all the old favourites, chicken nibbles and bacon and egg pie, and at one client's request, yo-yos to enjoy with our cuppa. These were all thanks to Elske's resident cook Sharlene Barnett. Our day finished with a spot of shopping in Waipukurau."

McLennan said the daffodil farm was an absolute delight, with everyone leaving with a bunch of daffodils and extras for friends who couldn't make the day.

"With little children running and giggling, while their mothers tried in vain to snap that perfect picture, our Elske family was enthralled by all the shenanigans of the little ones frolicking like lambs," she said.

"It never ceases to amaze me when listening to the conversations which follow outings such as this, how many fond memories are ignited by such a trip."

Every month Elske plan at least one outing and the next trip is to a mosaic studio.

"We can then come back and have a go at our own mosaics," McLennan said.

"But no trip can ever take place without the kind and willing support of our volunteer crew. Volunteers are the glue that hold our centre together and allow for a more varied weekly experience for our Elske family."