Plenty to feed the soul

FLYING: Tom Sykes checks the stock in the Flying Monkey Pre-Loved Book Emporium. PICTURE / PAUL BROOKS

Mike: In our early years in the city, we often enjoyed a meal with friends at the Hong Kong restaurant on Ridgway St. Times have changed, as has the building, its purpose no longer to satisfy the appetites of the body, but rather those of the mind. Opened towards the end of last year, Flying Monkey is a bookshop run by two ex-Britain residents, Tom, from The Wirral, Cheshire, and Sian, from South Wales. Their young son is a toddler imbued with an inquisitive nature, which, along with his perpetual motion, keeps the young couple on their toes.
Entry to the shop is via a front desk area, containing a few books, and leading on to a much larger room in the rear, the walls lined with volumes of many different categories. En route down the corridor is a small room dedicated to crime fiction. A flight of stairs leads up to the fiction section. Both there and downstairs are couches, encouraging visitors to sit and browse. Prices, though above garage sale rates, are reasonable, despite quality, rather than quantity, being Tom's aim. In addition, cards are on sale, prints of works by Tom's father, who paints scenes of Whanganui buildings on his visits. Let's hope the young couple succeed in their venture.
Joan: Ernest Shufflebotham - now there is a name to think about! Ernest was an English potter trained by New Zealander Keith Murray and brought out to this country by Crown Lynn Pottery. His work up to his retirement in 1957 was simple but elegant. Our renowned local glass artist, David Murray (related?) bought three of his pots from Trade Me and has created a set of glass pots shaped like his. Both the original pieces and David's works are on view at the i-Site, together with the work of other "Archivists". This exhibition is extended to the Sarjeant on the Quay. Both sections form an excellent exhibition - thank you, Greg Donson. I encourage you to go along and visit these works.
As part of the exciting Opera School weeks here in the city, costumes from the New Zealand Opera company are also on display at the gallery, all designed by Trelise Cooper. On my "bucket list" is the longing to own a garment designed by her and one of these exquisite gowns would do nicely! The colours, detail and design of these dresses, plus the stunning male outfits, have huge presence. They are regal, imposing, gorgeous. Any singer fine enough to sing the roles they were created for would stand in the wings full of certainty about their character and ready to give of their best. Wow!
Mike: As part of Opera Week, Tuesday night featured three dinner venues with entertainment by the students. We were part of a group at the Grand Hotel where we enjoyed both the meal and the young singers.
For me, a bonus was being introduced to two relatives of a friend, visiting our city for the first time from the north of England. One of them, Liz, informed me that she lived in Durham, where I spent my four university years, and that she worked at one of the colleges, St Chad's, as the organiser of conferences, hiring out the facilities during student vacations. Even more interesting, however, was the fact that one of the members of Chad's Senior Common Room is Gillian Weir, Whanganui's world famous organist. According to Liz, Gillian has now retired from public performances, but agreed, last September, to play in Hexham Abbey, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their organ. The reason she gave was that it was her favourite organ in the world, due partly to the fact that it had been built by her husband. The concert, said Liz, was quite wonderful, the artist receiving a huge ovation from her audience. Joan and I were in Hexham last August, missing that special occasion by a mere two weeks.
Joan: Taupo Quay looked pretty good as we walked between the two galleries there. Not only are the beautiful trees saved but they are safely accommodated and recognised as part of a new, elegant whole. The area is very satisfying and most welcoming to tourists.
Joan: I enjoyed my six years as part of the RSA Golden Girls, which, this year, celebrates 21 years of laughter and entertainment. This fun-loving group of mature women has entertained at clubs, special celebrations and rest homes from Taumarunui to Otaki. This week we had a reunion of those of us who have moved on from the group. It was so good to spend time together. Mentioning this gives me the opportunity to recognise the total commitment of Jose Ravenwood who has given hours of her time, energy and skill to keeping "the show on the road". She is another special person in our community and I salute her.
Joan: I am sure that I am not the only one of the many clients of Wicksteed House Medical Centre to be asking when on earth our lovely receptionists there, Sue and Maureen, are returning from what seem to be very long summer holidays? They are two very special women whose expertise and knowledge of patients is outshone only by their warm, humorous personalities. I have spoken of them before and just have to say they have made my visits to the doctor something to look forward to.
¦Suggestions and comments to mjstreet@xtra.co.nz