576 days ago

'The Stevie Wonder of Silverdale': Retired piano teacher plays for commuters

Melanie Earley Reporter from Rodney Times

Kia ora neighbours, every Thursday Lorraine Sampson makes the 40-minute bus trip from Silverdale to Auckland’s Britomart Station to play the piano for commuters.

The 75-year-old, who is legally blind in one eye and has cataracts in the other, can no longer read music due to her poor vision, so she plays all her music by ear.

There was a time Sampson, a retired teacher, believed she would have to give up playing music altogether due to her eyesight, but she said she found her fingers remembered songs she thought she’d forgotten.

When Sampson discovered there was a free piano for the public to play at Britomart Station she began making weekly trips there to play and raise funds for St John in Silverdale, where she lives.

Read the full story at the link below.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
31 minutes ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

Image
Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
  • 0% Other - I'll share below
    0% Complete
0 votes
4 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

Image
When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 5% Second half of November
    5% Complete
  • 44.8% 1st December
    44.8% Complete
  • 16.7% A week before Christmas
    16.7% Complete
  • 32.3% Whenever you wish
    32.3% Complete
  • 1.2% Other - I'll share below
    1.2% Complete
1843 votes
2 days ago

Connect For Women

Kayleen from Orewa

🌟 Join Us in 2025! 🌟

Next year we will continue meeting three times per month, giving you plenty of opportunities to connect with other women and fit Connect For Women into your schedule! 🗓️💬

We hope you’ll intentionally carve out some time just for you - to relax, socially network, and be inspired in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning, we’d love to see you! 💖
Make 2025 the year you invest in you.

**************************************

🎁 Share the Joy This Christmas! 🎁

This festive season, let's make it special for children in our community. If you'd like to donate a new gift for a child, we would be honored to pick it up and deliver it to the Hibiscus Coast Salvation Army. 🎄✨

They’ll be supporting 80 local families in need this Christmas, and your thoughtful contribution could brighten a child’s holiday with joy and hope. 💝

Thank you for spreading the spirit of giving—together, we can make a difference. 💚

#TimeForYou #WomenSupportingWomen #CommunityAndConnection

Image