Moving Day

The day has finally arrived when everything gets wrapped and packed then into the 20ft container for its sea voyage to NZ. It will take around 10 weeks during which time we'll be living out of a few suitcases and some borrowed items. I guess this is where everything takes on a very different meaning. No longer is the idea of NZ a theory or vague plan, but now it has become a very real experience. Thanks to everyone who has helped us on our way, especially those (you know who you are) who helped to entertain our excitable duo, Yasmin & Theo. We'll post again soon, perhaps during our two night stop over in Singapore.



Chaos reigns as everything is wrapped and packed.



Our world in boxes.



Theo's excitement is overwhelming as our 20ft container lorry arrives.



Jimmy (or was it Joey) from Liverpool worked hard to for two days to ensure our goods were loaded safely.



The container looks rather battered. Let's hope it's seaworthy and can make the voyage to Auckland without sinking.

Neighbours, everybody needs good...

Our immediate neighbours have been everything you would want from friends. They have been supportive, generous and above all excellent company. They have watched over the children like their own and given us many happy memories to take with us. Finding neighbours as good as these will be an impossible task and they've made leaving very difficult. They will be missed by us all!



George and Gerry raise an excellent glass of red to celebrate our fabulous meal and excellent evening together.



George, Yasmin and Gerry.



Theo enjoying an affectionate cuddle with Gerry.



Laura and Alex looking very happy together. Check out Alex's blog on myspace at www.myspace.com/deadmanjunglistalliance where you can hear some of his explosive tunes. Keep an ear open for his set on BBC 6Music around the 10/11 September.



Alan and Ro still making a difference and changing the world after nearly 25 years of marriage.



A rare photo of the elusive Robert who is about to embark on his degree course in Leeds. We understand his room in Sheffield is available for rent if anybody is interested.

Baby, you can drive my Car...

Keely very kindly agreed to take Yasmin and Theo with their friend Henry to see Cars at the cinema to stop the children getting in the way of packing everything for NZ. The kids were almost wrapped and packed by removal men Joey and Jimmy from John Mason International Removals. Thanks Keely for giving us the space to get things done. In return, our door is open for you to visit NZ when you finish your degree.



Keely looking pretty calm after taking the children to the cinema.



Keely, Yasmin and Henry in the garden.

The Flying Visit

Dean and Paula have spent most of the past ten years living and working in Africa, first in Tanzania, then Zimbabwe before settling in South Africa. They have been figures of pure inspiration. In fact, it's their example of bravery/madness that has led us to uproot with the aim of taking on fresh challenges on foreign soil. Earlier this summer Dean and Paula with their two children Joel and Eli were in the UK to see family, friends, work a bit (and watch the odd World Cup match) and we were fortunate to steal 22 hours of their time as they made their way across the country.

It was as if no time had past since our last get together around two years ago. Thanks to their blog we been able to follow their progress that meant we could look forward instead of just catching up. So, Getting the Shakes will help bridge the gap with those we leave behind so that when we do return for a visit everyone will already know what we've been up to.

Roger shows Dean his boxing skills. As you can see, Dean is hardly impressed.



Handsome Dean with his cheeky grin which he has passed on to Joel.



Paula looking fabulous.



Baby Eli getting into the swing of things.



Joel tries to work our the clues to the riddles in the Botanical Gardens.



Dad Dean continues the tradition of the bedtime reading ritual. The Gruffalo is still a favourite with the kids.

What a lovely model.

Our lovely neighbour Richard works away but he returned to Sheffield so we had the chance to catch up briefly and say our final goodbyes, even though we had already said farewell, it's always good to see him again. Maybe next time it will be in New Zealand.



Richard and Verity a great vintage model. Verity's handbrake works very well, unlike newer cars which have a mind of their own on stormy nights in Sheffield.



Richard's sharp wit keeps George laughing, we'll really miss those fabulous one liners.

A box of tricks

It's lovely to see how well children play together, especially when they use their imagination. Within a few minutes of Louie's arrival, Yasmin and Theo took him under their wings. They pushed him around pretending the plastic box on wheels was a car. As you can see, Louie loved it.



Theo, Yasmin and Louie.



George with Louie earlier in the summer during a picnic at Jacques and Fran's house.



'Bye bye!' Fran and Louie wave farewell.

Grandad's visit to Sheffield

You have to be impressed with Grandad Tom making his way by train from Barnard Castle to Sheffield and having to stand most of the way despite being in his 96th year. How can anyone refuse to give up their seat? Nevertheless, it was a welcome visit, the final one before we depart for Auckland. Although emotional, it was a good chance to spend some time together in a way we won't be able to do once we're on the other side of the world. We're still working on persuading him to visit NZ.



George and Tom enjoy the late summer sunshine in the Botanical gardens.



Tom showing off his flowing locks to Roger, who prefers to have none.

Old Friends

Jane and Nav took time out on Charlie's first birthday to make us laugh and cry during an evening where we looked back at life over the past few years and forward to life in NZ. As always, their company was enriching and full of love. It's as if we're all cut from the same cloth. It may be a few years before we get the chance to see them down under, but they will never be far from our thoughts.



Roger, George, Jane and Nav (back)
Theo, Yasmin, Meena, baby Charlie and Joe (front)

Over the Moon

Still enjoying the honeymoon period after their marriage, Joy and Bryan are begining to get to grips with life in their home together. It's a period of change for all them including Isla whom, you'll never believe it, will be taking Yasmin's place in school!



Roger, George, Bryan and Joy (back)
Theo, Yasmin and Isla (front)



Yasmin and Isla have know each other since birth and will always be special friends.

Nearly there...

Now, some of you may not know that our departure is just around the corner. The house is as good as sold, we move out at the end of August and a few days later we fly to Singapore for a couple of nights before continuing on our journey to Auckland. On arrival we will meet George's sister Hanafiah and the rest of the family, who have been stars in helping us emigrate. She has found us a fabulous beachfront apartment to rent for the first month - so keep an eye out for the photos in future installments.



How can we look so relaxed? Maybe it has something to do with the great company we're keeping.

No easy way to say farewell

Saying farewell is probably the most difficult aspect of making the move to New Zealand. Over the past weeks we have been able to truly understand the depth of love and affection from our friends and in some cases it has been quite overwhelming. There are no words that can convey the sadness we've felt parting with our friends and we're sure this will be the biggest hurdle when it comes to making the adjustment to moving and living in Auckland. We will take the memories with us and work hard to keep contact frequent and fresh. Who knows, perhaps one day we can pursuade a few of them to make the move and join us down under.



Theo, Gabriela, Ruben, Cristian, Menai and Yasmin tuck in to a light lunch during a farewell weekend which included some of our oldest and trusted friends. All the children have know each other since birth, so although they may not understand the impact of our pending departure, they do realise things are not likely to be the same again.



It was strange to be eating such an ordinary meal when everything surrounding our time together was tainted with a mixture of excitement and sadness. We were able to share our thoughts and speak our mind which is probably a reflection of the openess we have in our enduring friendships.



'Three wise monkeys' - Carolien, George and Alex



And here they look like sisters, which I guess the are.



Yasmin gives Menai a final farewell hug.



Carolien about to set off for the journey home, but it wasn't too long before we were back on the phone. I guess some conversations are never finished.

Top of the Class

Dave, Mandy and their four girls arrived back from France looking relaxed and content after their well earned break. To see them looking so radiant was great. We were able to catch up on all their news and learn about their achievements at school; their adventures in France and the speed of Nadine's development. Yasmin and Theo adore Nadine and the rest of their cousins and will miss them loads. Roger and Dave have grown up together like brothers and both families will have a huge gap in their lives.



Sian was acting like a baby so Theo suggested she should wear a nappy. Sian, surprisingly was happy to oblige. In fact, she seemed to enjoy the experience a bit too much. Next she'll be sucking her thumb!



Theo and Yasmin attempt to stop Nadine from eating tiny pebbles - or are they trying to feed them to her?



Dave about to share some wisdom which is his natural gift.



Rebecca gets a lovely cuddle from George.



Yasmin the photojournalist took these leaving pictures, starting with Mandy & Dave.



Rebecca and Sian bid us a final farewell.



Nadine and Abbie get ready for the journey home.

Leaving Work - Roger

During my time at Soundhouse Media I made a great many friends who remain really special. I have missed the routine of travelling to the office and getting down to the various film, audio and PR projects on our books. I never had the chance to say goodbye and farewell to many of our clients who also became good friends over the years. So, a huge thank you to all of them for making my time at SHM one of the best working experiences of my life.

Sorry if I didn't get your picture, you'll just have to visit NZ to get an entry!



Karen, Roger, Rosie and Sarah. Rosie is Sheffield's finest Jazz artist, with a voice to die for. Check out her site on www.rosiebrown.co.uk



Dave, Mark, Roger and Chris.



Karen and George.



Roger and Wendy went to university together. Roger plans to take Wendy sailing one day, but that's probably after they complete that feature film they've been talking about making.



Chris and Mark compete for the title of Thumb War Champion. We couldn't decide who won. The next time they're out climbing, strength and endurance on the rock face will probably determine who is really the strongest.

Father and Son

The roadshow continued with an overnight trip to Luton to see Grandad Johnny. We had the chance to catch up on all the family gossip and then phone Canada to talk to Roger's ninty year old grandma who had been shelling peas in the garden. Soon it will be four generations spread over three continents. Long may the diaspora continue.



Yasmin and Theo with their very proud grandad.



Roger side by side with his Dad.