And then it was off to our local Carew School where the fear of bullrush at lunchtime was a daily anxiety-inducing occurrence. My boys couldn’t believe that the school was still there, as obviously, I am ancient. Then we drove past the church and there in front of us was the Carew Hall.
We’re lucky in Hawke’s Bay to have so many small halls dotted around as I have such fond memories of our hall.
My grandfather helped fundraise and build it, and every single community event was held there. I trod the boards there as part of the drama club, I learned badminton and indoor bowls and every family that ever left the district had their leaving afternoon tea there where they were presented with a cuckoo clock.
This was great fun for us as you could be guaranteed Mrs Henderson would make her Carew famous cinnamon oysters! An absolute treat let me tell you.
In fact, the cinnamon oysters were so good I have considered asking work if I could move back to the South Island and do my daily show from the hall.
Then I remembered while there might be cinnamon oysters aplenty, there were no meatballs or wineries in close proximity to the Rangitata River, so I think I’ll stick with the Tutaekuri!
