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THOSE WERE THE DAYS
When I was just a little boy
We didn’t have a lot
My parents kept the lights on
With some silver in the slot
… View moreTHOSE WERE THE DAYS
When I was just a little boy
We didn’t have a lot
My parents kept the lights on
With some silver in the slot
The tv was a rental one
That too was on a meter
But when I cast my mind back
Life back then, seemed so much sweeter
The larder wasn’t always full
Of tasty things to eat
But we didn’t notice hunger
As we played outside in the street
Our clothes weren’t always bought from new
Quite often worn before
But we didn’t follow fashion
Never thought to ask for more
My parent’s purses were empty
Except of course for dreams
But they always found some pennies
To buy us all Ice Creams
Our shoes were always measured
Our hair was always neat
I remember they insisted
You must take care of your feet!
School uniforms were granted
If needed given by the state
We looked as smart as anyone
When we walked through that school gate
In summer we picked berries
From the hedgerows in the field
Our fingers stained with purple
We delighted in our yield
No games consoles to keep us quiet
Our joy was climbing trees
Making dens in bales of straw
With grass stains on our knees
We didn’t know the world beyond
The place we use to play
We didn’t have a single care
As night just followed day
The girls would make their perfume
Boys got petals from the flowers
Often getting in hot water
Cos the blooms were never ours
We’d nick the fairy liquid tub
To have a water fight
And on the baking concrete
Our names we’d always write
We shared bikes and we shared footballs
Used our sweaters as the goal
And when the bitter winter came
We’d fill buckets up with coal
Every single chimney
Cast a plume into the sky
As we huddled by the fire
With a meat and tatty pie
Bath night was always Sunday
And the tub we had to share
A frozen dash from the bathroom
With Vosene suds in your hair
Scratch your name on the frosty pane
Before the curtains shut
Tucked under a heap of blankets
No choice but to stay put
We never took a holiday
Certainly not abroad
A day out to sunny Brighton
Was all we could afford
We’d paddle in the English Channel
And sit down in the foam
Ride a donkey up the beach
And wish we could take it home
Our kitchen was always full of steam
From the endless pans of spuds
And we volunteered for washing up
To play games with the suds
We made toast on the open fire
I can taste it to this day
Dripping in salted butter
It seems half a world away
Every Christmas there were presents
Underneath our tinseled tree
And always we were overjoyed
Whatever they may be
Never really knowing
They had cost our parents dear
And they wouldn’t clear the catalogue
Until Christmas came next year
In and out of houses
Up and down the street
Borrowing cups of sugar
We helped each other make ends meet
The house phone had restrictions
So we couldn't run the bill
And we only tasted Lucozade
If we were gravely ill
The doctor saw you on your sofa
With his stethoscope and bag
A week off school was endless
If you managed with the blag
John craven brought you newsround
Quite against your will
You rarely paid attention
You were waiting for Grange Hill
Vinyl records in the sideboard
And a smoked glass record player
You listened to pop music favorites
And you hated Leo Sayer
And when you went to bed at night
That then was parents’ time
You’d hear them downstairs singing
To Johnny Cash or Patsy Cline
Life back then was infinite
You never could grow old
There was nothing to be frightened of
With your parent’s hand to hold
Death was never mentioned
Too young to understand
It’s seems that life would just work out
The way you had it planned
But the years passed in minutes
There was no time to spare
Overnight it seems..... the silver threads
Adorned your parent’s hair
Your endless days were over
As time raced away at pace
And the happy days of innocence
Disappeared ... without trace
Don’t waste a single minute
Of this life with which you’re blessed
Things change in just a heartbeat
The ride can come to rest
Good times become just memories
Faces fade and smiles are lost
Don’t wish away a second
Hang on... at any cost
When I was just a little boy
We didn’t have a lot
But one day... all of that nothing
Will be the greatest gift I’ve got .
Stewart Harvey, Principal Trustee at Public Trust Waikato, says "seizing the moment" is essential so things aren't left to chance - and it's easier than you think. Stewart had a chat with Stuff.co.nz recently, check out the article in the link below.
Let the Royal New Zealand Ballet transport you to a fantastical world of dazzling dance, music and enchantment. Choreographed by the late Liam Scarlett at the beginning of his short but blazingly bright international career, A Midsummer Night’s Dream was an overnight sensation at its premiere and… View moreLet the Royal New Zealand Ballet transport you to a fantastical world of dazzling dance, music and enchantment. Choreographed by the late Liam Scarlett at the beginning of his short but blazingly bright international career, A Midsummer Night’s Dream was an overnight sensation at its premiere and is now available to watch online, for a limited time only.
This specially shot online performance will bring this enchanting ballet from theatre to your screens, with live stage footage enhanced by close-ups so you can experience the emotion and dance first-hand. This is ballet like you’ve never seen it before, a full cinematic experience.
Watch online from 3 Dec – 12 Dec 2021. Rnzb.org.nz/msndonline
EVES auctions are all about less stress…more success. We ensure buyers are armed with all the information they need to bid confidently and successfully. We keep the communication and enthusiasm going, keeping buyers encouraged and sellers informed.
Our 50 years of experience makes every … View moreEVES auctions are all about less stress…more success. We ensure buyers are armed with all the information they need to bid confidently and successfully. We keep the communication and enthusiasm going, keeping buyers encouraged and sellers informed.
Our 50 years of experience makes every auction day exceptional.
When you choose a Ryman village, you’re free to do more of the things you love. Free to live life your way, secure in the knowledge that help’s here if you need it.
You can embrace today. Without worrying about the lawns, or the rates. It’s another example of how we’re pioneering … View moreWhen you choose a Ryman village, you’re free to do more of the things you love. Free to live life your way, secure in the knowledge that help’s here if you need it.
You can embrace today. Without worrying about the lawns, or the rates. It’s another example of how we’re pioneering retirement living.
Retirement is a chapter in life filled with possibility, and at a Ryman village we want to make that chapter the best it can be. That’s why we offer living options to suit everyone, it’s why our terms come with certainty, it’s why we continually innovate, and it’s why we offer care on site … View moreRetirement is a chapter in life filled with possibility, and at a Ryman village we want to make that chapter the best it can be. That’s why we offer living options to suit everyone, it’s why our terms come with certainty, it’s why we continually innovate, and it’s why we offer care on site so you can plan for the future.
The Ryman Guide will help you choose the lifestyle you want to live at a Ryman village, so you can embrace every opportunity.
It’s been a hard year and we know for many the pinch is on this holiday season!
www.FreeVoucherCodes.co.nz has been launched to help Kiwi shoppers save money on a huge range of different products and services. Whether you need a meal kit comparison or discount vouchers for all your fave … View moreIt’s been a hard year and we know for many the pinch is on this holiday season!
www.FreeVoucherCodes.co.nz has been launched to help Kiwi shoppers save money on a huge range of different products and services. Whether you need a meal kit comparison or discount vouchers for all your fave shopping spots – we’ve got it.
Check out Free Voucher Codes from NZ Compare for all the best coupons, promo codes and deals for your online Christmas shopping today!
NZ Compare is more than just power, broadband and money comparison. We’re helping Kiwis compare what’s out there!
Go into the draw to win one of three $300 hampers from your favourite local business.
To automatically enter, all you need to do is log in, and watch Google My Business to learn about how easy it is to be found online.
The competition ends on the 12th of December 2021. The winners will be … View moreGo into the draw to win one of three $300 hampers from your favourite local business.
To automatically enter, all you need to do is log in, and watch Google My Business to learn about how easy it is to be found online.
The competition ends on the 12th of December 2021. The winners will be notified on Monday the 13th of December 2021.
Has the pandemic made you shop more locally? Do you feel like you can rely on your community?
Let us know in our State of the Neighbourhood survey and you could win 1 of 10 $100 Prezzy cards.
Heathcotes’ Jingle Deals mailer is out now! Shop gift ideas for him, her, sports lovers, coffee lovers, audiophiles and plenty of ideas for the kids! Plus, every $100 spent will give you one entry into the draw to win a Volkswagen Tiguan Sport Edition!*
Come and see us in store or shop online … View moreHeathcotes’ Jingle Deals mailer is out now! Shop gift ideas for him, her, sports lovers, coffee lovers, audiophiles and plenty of ideas for the kids! Plus, every $100 spent will give you one entry into the draw to win a Volkswagen Tiguan Sport Edition!*
Come and see us in store or shop online at www.heathcotes.co.nz!
The Heathcotes team
*Terms & Conditions apply. View full promotion terms & conditions here.
When it comes to choosing an executor for your will, it's vital that you choose someone who will protect your legacy. A person you trust to fulfil your final wishes set out in your will. Scott Errington, Principal Trustee at our Timaru Customer Centre had a chat with stuff.co.nz recently on … View moreWhen it comes to choosing an executor for your will, it's vital that you choose someone who will protect your legacy. A person you trust to fulfil your final wishes set out in your will. Scott Errington, Principal Trustee at our Timaru Customer Centre had a chat with stuff.co.nz recently on the importance of an executor for your will.
Check out the article in the link below.
Calling all avid photographers! Our annual Summer Snap competition has kicked off.
We’ve teamed up with Canon for another year to give away six EOS Canon cameras, valued up to $2,699, to the most deserving amateur photographers.
Snap your summer between now and 31 January, choose one of … View moreCalling all avid photographers! Our annual Summer Snap competition has kicked off.
We’ve teamed up with Canon for another year to give away six EOS Canon cameras, valued up to $2,699, to the most deserving amateur photographers.
Snap your summer between now and 31 January, choose one of our six categories and head online to stuff.co.nz/summersnap to enter!
Our categories are:
- Great Outdoors
- People and Communities
- Kiwi Summer
- Thrill and Adventure
- Urban Life
- Bach and Backyard
Show us what your neighbourhood (and beyond) has to offer and and you could be taking your next photos with your very own Canon EOS.
Kia ora neighbours,
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a $37 million recovery fund for Auckland businesses this morning, which will include 100,000 free vouchers to visit Auckland Council facilities, attractions, and venues.
The goal is to encourage Aucklanders to "rediscover … View moreKia ora neighbours,
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a $37 million recovery fund for Auckland businesses this morning, which will include 100,000 free vouchers to visit Auckland Council facilities, attractions, and venues.
The goal is to encourage Aucklanders to "rediscover the best of local businesses and visitor attractions" by visiting places like the zoo and museums, or attend summer events organised by community and cultural groups.
What business or attraction would you spend your voucher on this summer? Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comment featured in the conversations section of the Franklin County News.
Since its inception in 1912, and with the support of our Charities team TG Macarthy Trust continues to help New Zealand communities by awarding grants to not-for-profit organisations. Read about what the trust is getting up to, almost 120 years after it was established.
Dear neighbours,
If you've ever struggled with this question, houseplant collector Moira West (400 indoor plants and growing!) has the answers.
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