Summer Fruits

We went buying fresh summer fruits again, rasberries, blackcurrants, strawberries. Because of adverse weather conditions, the strawberries had been imported from the North Island. It's been a cold summer (just my luck), but actually I haven't really noticed because I'm new to this climate anyway. The farms were very much busier than last time with people doing last minute Christmas shopping.
Dad's health is continuing to improve each day and the colour is returning to his complexion at last. He's even talking of his next choir practice at the beginning of February. There's been a steady improvement over the last weeks. Visits from colleagues and friends always seems to cheer him up. We played a little more flute and harpsichord, I'm now looking forward to the prospect of playing with Helen too, what a first! Dad has arranged for the loan of a 'cello and I bought some strings yesterday as one was missing. I put the D string on yesterday, doesn't seem too bad an instrument, but the strings are quite close to the fingerboard, it seems to have been neglected for some time.

Clean

Generally, one is impressed with how clean and tidy Nelson is. However, I have found blemishes. This photo shows a trundler, i.e. shopping trolley, found in the river. In the UK this is a VERY common sight, not so here. Made me feel like I was at home. Hardly anyone smokes here, very little litter or chewing gum splats. Really - pleasant.

Nelson City Council - HOMEPAGE

Transposition

It's a trick of how my mind works. I think associatively and look for positive and upbeat aspects to things. The association between considering moving here and having to transpose on my flute has helped me focus a little on the issues.

Today Papa and I played again, this time Bach flute sonatas, the C major then the e minor. Because his harpsichord is tuned to a lower pitch then I had to transpose them into so B flat and d minor. I know these works pretty well now and there was a moment when I allowed myself to not read the part but rather play by ear (detest that term by the way, how else is one supposed to play?) and accomplished a much better performance.

It's the feeling that is confirmed time and time again, that to allow the mind to over process mostly impedes function. I'd like to progress through life this way as in music.

My point is - I don't feel I really want to uproot and come here just yet, although physically it's a nice place.
More likely see this academic year out in the UK first. There... it's decided.

Open Arms

Having just had a meeting at Nelson School Of Music I now have a lot to think about. I've heard what I wanted to hear, for example;

"we'd welcome you with open arms"

"there is a real need for woodwind teaching here, it's quite weak at the moment"

"don't think you'd have a problem finding work here"

"you're probably in a strong position to get residency here, however there is a lot of bureacracy here"

"Nelson is quite a small conservative place"

I'm yet to find out what level of pay there is here, but privately it's $40 per hour, some are charging as high as $60 ($2.70=1 UK pound). Itinerant teachers are salaried for 52 weeks of the year, holiday pay at last. So I'll think about it and do more research into moving and working here.

I visited Mr Music, Neville, who was friendly, encouraging and upbeat about the music scene in Nelson and environs. I initially went there to buy a second-hand treble recorder if he had one, but alas no. Interesting shop with numerous new and second-hand instruments including pianos. Rather fancied the Eavestaff Mini Royal.

Itinerant Music Teacher

Whereas in the UK we call ourselves Peripatetic Instrumental Teachers, here in New Zealand they are know as Itinerant Music Teachers.

This afternoon I rode into town and got soaked, a strong shower, so I nipped into a cycle shop and bought a waterproof.
My missions for today included finding out about and making arrangements to get me and my bike over to Paton's Rock in Golden Bay for the 29th December until I leave to return to the UK on the 15th January.

I visited courier offices and remover companies and while cycling I came upon the offices for School Support, plucked up the courage and knocked on the door to enquire about possible work in schools here. They directed me to the Department Of Education Advisory Service offices. Tomorrow I have an appointment at Nelson School Of Music. Perhaps I will know more after that meeting. I haven't seen much of my family in my life and I am thinking of coming here more permanently if I can find suitable work, I have loads of experience and skills to offer, see my CV.

I then booked my bus tickets through to Takaka for me and my bike, but I will most likely ask to be put off at the top of Takaka Hill and glide to Paton's Rock, yes, I bottled out of doing the climb on the bike.

Dad seems better today and we played Handel Flute Sonatas at A=415! I had to transpose down a tone with the headjoint pulled out, didn't do too badly. The first time we have played together in over 32 years and that ole magic is still there.

Wakefield

This morning I went to pick up my flute from Dave who lives over the valley here and has repadded it for $40, thanks Dave. So this evening I practiced scales and sonorité for 2 hours in the kitchen.

This afternoon we went for a drive via Stoke and Hope to Wakefield, a town south of Nelson which is 'historic', originally settled by missionaries, which explains the presence of so many churches in such a small place. For worshipers of the 'Minor' too, wish I'd got a photo of the car lot that sold Morris Minors, there were about 50 in the yard. This photo is of a General Store, we drove up to the church but did not venture in. It's the oldest in the South Island. Angela and I wandered down the street and back again to the '4 Square' shop where we bought Ice Creams (Dad's shout). We then drove to a local parkland and ate the Magnums, mine was Mango in blazing sunshine. On the way we had been to Dan's farm to buy tomatoes and potatoes, then to Heatherbells who sold fruit, we bought apricots.

Back in Nelson I tried to find a music shop with a treble recorder so that I can play Handel Sonatas with Dad on his Zimmerman kit harpsichord (see photo), Helen is trying to borrow a cello for when she comes up. Would be great if we could play together, a real first for the Barker trio. I'll record it on my Mini Disc.

NZ's First Railway

NEW ZEALAND'S FIRST RAILWAY THE PORT NELSON-DUN MOUNTAIN HORSE DRAWN RAILWAY WAS OPENED HERE ON 3 FEBRUARY 1862

This was the start of my short ride uphill today. Round Sugar Loaf following the river then branching uphill on a track which was sometimes the course of the railway, no tracks left now though.

Tried to record Tuis but every time I stopped and found a place to put the mic out of the wind and have a co-operative Tui, flies would descend on me and the mic. So got some great fly recordings. Nevermind, I had a good ride, up and down hill and avoided being chased by a bull. Was a lovely sunny day, back by 5pm to go to the cathedral with Angela, who was reading a Lesson in the Nine Lessons & Carols Service at 6pm. Many of the congregation asked about Dad, who is Music Director. Angela introduced me to a number of people including the Bishop. Really quite a lovely service. My first time inside the cathedral. Was rather mesmerised by the purple light caused by sunlight streaming through a stained glass window directly on to the large wooden crucifix above the alter. It moved through the course of the service. I prayed for Dad... of course.