History of Robert Orr House
Last meeting we had a fantastic presentation from Claire Rumble and Jude Dods about the historic Robert Orr House in Kings Crescent, Lower Hutt. Jude is the grand-daughter of the original owner, Robert Orr, and is the current co-owner of the house with her brother. Claire is Jude’s cousin, and delivered the presentation, entitled “History of Robert Orr House”, with Jude adding detail, and answering questions from members.
It's not often you get to introduce your own nephew as guest speaker for rotary who has led such an interesting and varied life totally committed to the safety and welfare of our nation.
Kurt began his presentation by explaining how he was introduced to the military. Growing up in small town Levin surrounded by his mates and a love of cars. School wasn’t really his thing and he began to ‘drift’. At the time it didn’t feel like a big deal. Little did he know that the choices he made then were going to give him the direction he needed in life.
When you think of iconic New Zealand appliance brands, “Pallo” might not immediately spring to mind today - but for households between the 1920s and early 1960s, it was a trusted and familiar name. From sturdy green-and-yellow washing machines to reliable cake mixers, Pallo Engineering Limited played a quiet yet important role in everyday domestic life. And, as members discovered at Monday evening’s meeting, its story is as remarkable as the products it produced.
Our guest speaker this week was Craig Bain, renowned videographer and photographer. His opening words were that he was a “Jack of all trades and master of one”. Although training as a tailor, Craig always had an interest in photography and in 1980 bought a photography business. In 1984 he sold the business and got a job at TVNZ’s Avalon Studios. Craig’s role involved working with film companies all over the world, including Peter Jackson’s.
What a great speaker we had last week. Apart from being a long time friend – Craig Bain is your typical ‘good bloke’. It was interesting for me to find out the many aspects of photography etc, Craig has been involved in throughout his career. Sometimes you think you know all there is to know about a person, only to find out it can be quite miniscule in reality. I know he really enjoyed his time with us, plus being able to renew acquaintances with others he has touched base with over the years.
It was a real pleasure to host RYLA student Cailey Coles and her mother, Claudia de Jagar at our last Rotary meeting.
Cailey was brought up in Masterton, attended Tararua College and is now in the 3rd Year of an Interior Architecture degree at Victoria University.
