A communist in the family: searching for Rewi Alley
Elspeth Sandys talks about her recent book in which she tells the story of her “Uncle Rewi” Alley’s life and work in the context of his time. This is a multi-layered narrative that is part biography, part travel journal, and part literary commentary.
Date: Wednesday 8 July 2020
Time: 5:30pm
Cost: No charge. Koha from non-members appreciated
Venue: Taiwhanga Kahau — Auditorium (lower ground floor), Corner Molesworth and Aitken Streets. Entrance on Aitken Street.
A Communist in the Family: Searching for Rewi Alley is a beautifully written multi-layered narrative, part-biography, part-travel journal, part-literary commentary. Sandys travelled to China with other family members to mark the ninetieth anniversary of Rewi's arrival in Shanghai in 1927. One strand of the book follows this journey and she tells the story of her “Uncle Rewi’s” early life in an insightful meditation on the complex and always elusive relationship between memory and writing. By placing the man, Rewi Alley, and his work in the context of his time and place, Elspeth is able to illuminate the life of this extraordinary New Zealander in a way that is both historically vivid and relevant to the world of today. The Alexander Turnbull Library holds extensive collections of material relating to Rewi Alley from his archives and from those of biographers, friends and colleagues.
Speaker biography: Wellington novelist Elspeth Sandys has published nine novels, two collections of short stories and two memoirs. She has written extensively for the BBC and for RNZ as well as for TV and film. A Communist in the Family: Searching for Rewi Alley was published by Otago University Press in 2019
Image: Rewi Alley with his Chinese family. Alley, Rewi, 1897-1987 :Photographs. Ref: PA1-q-655-07-1. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23185435
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
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The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
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Steady As You Go Falls Prevention Class for Seniors
We are taking calls of interest for our popular city venue SAYGO class on Thursday at 10am.
Call Ann on 04 499 6646 for more information.