Kevin Clark, architect and professional musician
This week’s speaker was Kevin Clark, architect and professional musician, who described his hair-raising trip from London to Baghdad in 1964.
Kevin and his wife Barbara, who came along as a guest of the club, are long-time and popular residents of Plimmerton.
Kevin and his late friend Jurgen Erni finished their architecture studies in South Africa and made their way to London, where they invested in a 1958, 500cc, Matchless motor cycle and a box sidecar.
They planned an overland trip to Baghdad, intending to take in as much classic architecture as possible. The route was long and occasionally perilous, covering 19 countries and 31,500km in all. They reached Baghdad via the Balkans and Turkey, then returned to London via Israel, Greece, and Italy.
They slept rough, had tussles with border guards in various countries, and headed for the architectural gems along the way. Although this was the main purpose of the trip, inevitably there were stories to tell about interactions with the locals, and the radically different cultures they encountered.
Eventually, they arrived back in London four months later with the motorbike on its last legs.
Kevin’s talk was illustrated with photographs of high quality and Kevin’s own cartoon drawings. These, and many others, appear in Kevin’s account of the trip (“Baghdad or Bust”) which is written in diary form and which he has published. This is a lavishly produced book and I thoroughly recommend it.
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Poll: How are you feeling about the role of AI in business and everyday life? 🤖💻
The Post reports that nearly two-thirds of business leaders are feeling optimistic about 2026 ... with much of that confidence driven by the rollout of AI.
We want to know: How are you feeling about the growing role of AI in business and everyday life?
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6.7% Excited
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71.3% Cautious
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22% Somewhere in between
The latest product recalls
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food and household item recalls:
⚠️Cereulide toxin risk in Nestlé brand Alfamino Infant Formula (0-12 months) recalled due to the possible presence of the toxin cereulide
Pretty as a Bow Glass Mugs 2 Pack by dusk
Pretty as a Bow Tea Pot 500ml by dusk
Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Children’s poncho towel with ties - Sold at H&M
Product Recalls: Toys
⚠️Asbestos risk in Glow Sand Art
Bath Unicorn Toy Set - sold at 5MAX
Product Recalls: Cosmetics
Naked Sunday Collagen Glow Priming Lotion - Sold at Mecca Beauty and Naked Sunday online
Product Recalls: Electronics
Labka hot glue gun TY-G1001A 20w - Sold at PD Mart (Panda Mart)
Labka hot glue gun TY-G4001A 40w - Sold at PD Mart (Panda Mart)
Product Recalls: Other
Anko Small Gel Pak and Anko Large Gel Pak - Sold at Kmart
Giant Animator and Liv Adore Bicycles
Various Seatbelt extenders / extension straps sold via Kogan (by seller 'A.L.E. Trading')
Various Seatbelt adjusters / Seatbelt extenders sold via Kogan (by seller 'Sensual Sale')
Check the New Zealand Transport Agency's handy vehicle recall list here.
See past months' recalls. Stay safe, neighbours!
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