Deco Debriefing...

Well, it was a great weekend. Well organised and well attended - as you can see, heaps (well over half of the people there) were in 1930-40s attire. Two Cruise ships had come in that day, bringing with them over 4000 tourists as well. Here is a pictorial synopsis of the weekend...

The day kick started at noon with the annual parade of vintage cars...

The motors provided a stunning backdrop for fashionable flappers and the dashingly dapper alike...

There were some traditional takes on Deco fashions...

and some not so traditional ones...

During the festivities, the armed forces put on several displays and performed ceremonial duties...

and military outfits were de rigeur for some...

Then the Red Checkers put on an amazing display of Aerobatics during their airshow...

They were flying mainly over the bay, I guess for safety.

The beach itself was lovely, with a clean blue sea and a display of yet more vintage automobiles...

And the amateur photographers were out in force (myself included)...

There was a swing band, called Brett's New Internationals. They were really good. Unfortunately they don't have an albumn out, but I really think they should...

During the day I became fascinated with the vintage hood ornaments / car mascots..

I can remember seeing Lalique car mascots years ago on the BBC Antiques road show and being wowed at the time. So in the afternoon I decided to make a study of some of the 200 bonnets on show. Here is a selection of my efforts...

There were also quite a few vitage motorcycles on display...

and even some traction engines...

We stayed with friends who offer boutique accomodation on the bluff hill overlooking Napier. They also run a great wine tour company called Vines and Views. Definitely the friendliest and best value tour of the Hawkes Bay Viticulture tours, run by Ross, who has worked in the viticulture industry for years.

Art Deco Weekend, Napier 2012....

Peter and I are travelling down to Napier for the Annual Art Deco Weekend to relax and unwind after the exam. We are also going down to collect some more pedigree Dorset Horn Ewes to cross over our current Ram (yes, thing are really taking off on the Rare Breeds Farm).

Napier is known as the Art Deco capital of New Zealand.

The 1931 Napier earthquake (10:47 AM on Tuesday 3 February) killed 256 people and devastated the Hawke's Bay region. It is still NZs deadliest natural disaster. It was 7.8 on the Richter scale and lasted for 2.5 minutes. There were then some 525 after shocks over the subsequent fortnight.

When the rubble was cleared, many of the Buildings were redesigned in the voguish art deco style, and some Spanish mission style. Thus, Napier remains the Art Deco Capital of NZ to this day...

Above and Below: The iconic National Tobacco Company building

Above and Below: The Daily Telegraph Building

Above and Below: Views down Marine Parade

Above and Below: It's just not deco without those glamourous deco ladies...

People usually go all out with their dress and there is usually a vintage car parade. And being the Hawke's Bay there is good weather, plenty of fresh produce and wine in abundance.

Fiat mihi secundum voluntas tua...

Well, yesterday was a gruelling day. The exam was pretty tough and I really have no idea how I performed (the Adrenaline seems to have blanked out my memory, pretty much as it did on the day - or maybe it's just post traumatic stress disorder!). Anyway, the papers are now winging their way across the Tasman. Let's hope the Fates are kind.

The NZ vs Australia Polo Match 2012...

After a hard week of study, I took yesterday off and we went with friends to the Australia vs New Zealand Polo Match. Just like the Previous International, it was a great day out. Beautiful weather, lots of good food and wine, and fantastic company. Here are some pics of the day...

Above: Peter with Chris and Robyn, and our host, Beth.

Below: One of the players took a tumble during the Colts curtain raiser match.

Above: For a while there was someone out in his microlyte, making the most of the glorious weather.

Below: One of the up and comers on his little pony for the children's chukka.

The New Zealand Team comprised of

JP Clarkson (No 3 Jersey)...

Sam Hopkinson (No 2 Jersey)

Jimmy Wood (No 1 Jersey)

and Tom Hunt (No 4 Jersey).

It was a very evenly played match, close until the end...

Below: Ball in mid air behind pony's back right leg about to be hit

NZ scored the winning goal within a minute of the last Chukka (sorry Millie, and no Nacho either)

There was of course the traditional stomping of the divots...

With many dressed up for the occasion...

At the end of the game both sides were knackered...

Above: The Aussies, Below: The Kiwis

I bought a great pair of white polo jeans there too, although they won't stay white for long...

I'm looking forward to starting my Polo lessons after my exams are out of the way (Peter bought me some coaching sessions for my Birthday)

I wonder if we will ever end up seeing an Elephant Polo game...