1980 days ago

Historical Tour & Tea! The secret wedding of Violet Kerr Taylor at St Andrew's Epsom.

Rendell McIntosh from Alberton

'She said she was going out shopping and simply went off and got married'! In 1894 Violet Kerr Taylor of Alberton defied her mother Sophia's wishes to secretly wed her beau - Edward Gilmour - at St Andrew's church in Epsom. Elder brother Vincent gave her away and sisters Winifred and Mildred were possibly present.

Or at least, this the story we have been telling at Alberton for many years, backed up by recollections from descendants ....

A new document discovered for the upcoming historical Tour & Tea as part of the Auckland Heritage Festival 2020, has thrown the elopement and relationship between Violet and her mother into question and there are now several possibilities for what might have happened. Family mythologies are captivating tales that run deep!

Join us at St Andrew's Epsom as we trace back this story and revise the possible scenarios. Along with snippets on late 19th Century NZ weddings and Victorian attitudes towards elopement & marriage, the tour will also take in the sights of this charming Category 1, Gothic Revival church and includes a meander through the graveyard.

Followed by tea & scones served from the vintage china back at Alberton! With plenty of time to explore the house and garden.

Tour & Tea. Violet Kerr Taylor's Wedding at St Andrew's Epsom. Saturday 26 September 10am & 1:30pm. $25 includes tour, tea & scones and Alberton admission. Bookings essential. Email alberton@heritage.org.nz or call 846 7367

Please note this event will still proceed even under level 2 restrictions. Numbers will be reduced, more of the tour will be seated and contact tracing, hygiene and food service protocol will be in place.

More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.3% Complete
  • 26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
    26.2% Complete
  • 14.5% ... It is complicated
    14.5% Complete
1102 votes
1 day ago

Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟

While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.

We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?

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Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
  • 80.4% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
    80.4% Complete
  • 19.6% No. This would be impossible in practice.
    19.6% Complete
51 votes
5 hours ago

2 x Cooks (Indian Cuisine – Tandoor Cook & Curry Cook)

Kiran Reddy from Mount Eden

Location: Milford, Auckland, New Zealand
Employment Type: Permanent, full-time
Hours: Minimum 30 hours per week per position, rostered shifts including evenings, weekends and public holidays
Pay Rate: $25 per hour

We are seeking 2 experienced Cooks specialised in Indian cuisine to join our commercial kitchen. Each position is full-time and permanent.

Position 1: Tandoor Cook

Key Duties

• Operate and manage the tandoor oven during preparation and service
• Prepare naan, roti, paratha and other Indian breads
• Prepare and cook tandoori meats, seafood and vegetarian items
• Prepare marinades, spice blends and yoghurt-based mixtures
• Monitor cooking temperatures and timing to ensure quality and food safety compliance
• Maintain consistency in taste, texture and presentation
• Clean and maintain tandoor equipment and work area
• Assist with stock control and ordering of meat and dry goods
• Follow Food Control Plan and Health & Safety procedures (Refresher training will be provided)

Position 2: Curry Cook

Key Duties

• Prepare, season and cook a range of Indian curries, gravies and rice dishes
• Prepare sauces, spice pastes and base gravies from raw ingredients
• Portion and cook meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian dishes
• Carry out daily mise en place and production for service
• Monitor portion control and maintain consistency of flavour and presentation
• Ensure proper storage, stock rotation (FIFO) and minimisation of waste
• Maintain cleanliness and food safety compliance in work area
• Support overall kitchen operations during service

General Requirements for Both Positions

• Minimum 4 years’ recent and relevant experience cooking Indian cuisine in a commercial kitchen (experience must align with the specific role applied for), OR
• NZQF Level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in Cookery or Commercial Cookery with substantial Indian cuisine experience
• Strong knowledge of traditional Indian spices and cooking techniques
• Ability to work independently and manage a section during busy service
• Good understanding of food safety and hygiene standards
• Reliable and able to work rostered shifts

How to Apply

Please send your CV and specify which position you are applying for to: anokha140@yahoo.com
Applications close: 6th March 2026

Applicants must be New Zealand citizens/residents or eligible to apply for a work visa.