The blossoms are out around Le Quesnoy. Spring has finally arrived. Birdsong and the humming of bees mingles with the buzz within Te Arawhata.
The New Zealand Liberation Museum is an active participant in the community: a place of cultural exchange, dialogue and learning. We love hearing the stories shared with us from near and far, both from wartime and of the enduring friendship between our two countries. I was delighted that earlier this month the Museum could partner with the Le Quesnoy Town Hall and the local Historical Circle to shed light on the roles of women during the First World War.
It was a real pleasure to have Madelyne Rémy, a Masters student and guide at the Carrière Wellington Tunnels in Arras, join us as a speaker – I was so impressed by her passion for her research into the roles of New Zealand women during wartime.
The team at Te Arawhata has been busy through March preparing for the year’s biggest event – Anzac Day. We have already received many reservations for what promises to be a wonderful weekend of remembrance and connection between Kiwis and Quercitans (locals of Le Quesnoy). I am also thrilled to announce the presence of Ngāti Rānana, the London Māori Club, whose performance at the Anzac Dinner is sure to be one of the highlights of the busy weekend. Tickets are selling fast so sign up soon to avoid missing out!
On a personal note, March was special for my family as we celebrated my son’s third birthday, his first in Le Quesnoy. Hearing him start to pick up a little French makes me proud to live in this beautiful town, so typically northern French yet also uniquely Kiwi.
I hope to see you at Anzac Day!
