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The Family Wedding
After a mammoth journey South, we arrived at Pukeora Estate, an hour away from Napier.My cousin and his, now ,wife Kate bought this estate seven years ago and have worked non stop since, to realise their dream.It comprises an old huge hospital,some cottages and some land.On the land they have planted a vineyard which is now producing wine.Having sampled copious amounts of all the varieties,we can say safely that we like their wine a lot!The old hospital is let out for functions,backpackers and conferences.It is enormous and a mind boggling project to be taking on.They have already done wonders with it,but it is a long term venture.The organisation, to accommodate over a hundred of us for up to six days was superb.We each had our allotted hospital room, complete with hospital bed!We just had to take care that we were not wheeled away for an op. during the night!All socialising and food took place in the cafe,where everyone volunteered to take their turn to cook or wash-up.This was a great way to get accquanted with the many people to meet.It was very different to normal weddings, where,you only have a few hours to meet each other.We were all living together and we had such fun with a fantastic bunch of people.Strange as it seems,(being so far from home)it was great to catch up with all the U.K. family that were over for the wedding.One of Sandy's abiding memories is of her Aunts and Uncles,( of more advancing ages,) trotting off to their "dorm" to bed, or off to the cafe to pitch in and help.We can only hope that we too, will still have that sense of adventure and stamina at their age!
The wedding ceremony was held on a bank in front of the vineyard complete with jazz band playing on the trailer of a lorry!At the last moment the sun decided to make an appearance, completing a perfect scene.The ceremony was simple and deeply personal,-lump in the throat time!After canapes on the grass and all slightly tipsy we went in to their huge fuction hall,beautifully decorated, then ate a sumpious meal.We partied long in to night with music provided by the jazz band,no longer on a trailer, but now conventionally on a stage!Brian continued to dazzle everyone with his dancing!!
The following evening was New Year's Eve and another good evening was had by all.It was a wonderful stay and we felt so lucky that it coincided with our travels.
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