Exciting learning opportunities, open to everyone

#2507  The pain in Spain - New Zealand volunteers in the Spanish Civil War

Speaker: Mark Derby
Date: Saturday 23rd August 10am - 1pm
Venue: Waikanae Presbyterian Church Hall, 43 Ngaio Road, Waikanae

Mark Derby is a freelance historian and writer and he has worked for the Waitangi Tribunal and Te Ara, the online encyclopedia of NZ. He has published books on NZ social history, most recently ‘Frontline Surgeon – NZ medical pioneer Douglas Jolly’. He has an ongoing interest in NZ’s response to the Spanish Civil War. Several doctors and nurses from NZ served with Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War. One of these, the brilliant and pioneering Cromwell-born surgeon Douglas Jolly, has been described as “the most valuable volunteer to come from the British Commonwealth.”

Mark’s talk will discuss the contribution of these medical volunteers, exploring their motivations for travelling to Spain, the impact of their work there, and the after-effects both within this country and internationally. In the present era of global conflicts, it is timely to recall the actions and motives of these courageous and dedicated men and women and consider how their contributions may be relevant to our international obligations today.

Pick n Mix - Historic Thorndon & Lunchtime Concert

The next Pick ‘N Mix trip will be on Wednesday 30 July. The programme is a guided walk around historic Thorndon (90 minutes)  followed by a Lunchtime Concert at St Andrews on the Terrace.

Bruce Taylor, a former history teacher, will guide a walk around the fascinating streets of inner-city Thorndon to look at the houses and public buildings which reflect so well the city’s history and heritage.

The concert at 12.15pm to 1.00pm will be by The Family Lockdown Quartet (Rupa, Lucy, Gemma and Donald) who will present an exciting programme of pop and rock favourites from the golden era of the late twentieth century.

Depart on 9.05 am train ex Waikanae and 9.11am ex Paraparaumu (sit in back carriage) to Wellington. Lunch at a city café of your choice.

You must be able to walk for 90 minutes at a moderate pace.

Please register by Sunday 27 July by ringing 027 715 3677 or email kapitiwea@gmail.com

Bruce Taylor (leader) 027 221 4874