Mahurangimatters 2 February 2011 | 43 51
localentertainment
Couldrey House conjures some summer magic sounds
The gardens of the historic Couldrey House, at Wenderholm, will provide the backdrop for a summer picnic concert on Sunday, February 20. Music will be provided by professional country estate at Wenderholm, but singers from Opera Factory, whose died before his resort plans came to programme will include favourite fruition. Since the late 1880s, further items from light opera, operetta, families have enlarged the house and Gilbert and Sullivan and the Musical made their country home in what is now Auckland’s oldest regional park. Theatre. Couldrey House Charitable Trust Auckland Regional Council finally management committee chair Carolyn acquired land in the 1960s and the Reid says the concert promises to be house in the 1970s. another evening of ‘summer magic’ in The last family to live at Wenderholm a unique historic garden setting, where were the Couldreys. Thanks to patrons can relax with friends, wine the foresight of Tim Couldrey, the house is now open to the public and a picnic. Couldrey House started life as a and administered by the trust. The modest bach in 1857, built by early house has recently been re-painted entrepreneur Robert Graham, who had in heritage colours and undergone acquired the hot springs that bubbled significant renovation. The grounds of Couldrey House, at Wenderholm, will host a picnic concert later out of the beach at nearby Waiwera. The concert starts at 6.30pm, with this month. He had great plans for a tourist gates opening at 5pm, when ticket resort incorporating a bathhouse holders can enjoy a look round the Ticket giveaway where visitors from Auckland could house, prior to the concert. Tickets Mahurangi Matters has two double passes to giveaway. Just write your be brought by steamship to ‘take the cost $30. For more information, see name and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post to: ad this page. waters’. Mahurangi Matters, PO Box 701 Warkworth. Entries must be received by Graham later wanted to create a Info: www.historiccouldreyhouse.co.nz Monday, February 14.
Mansion House hosts annual picnic day Friends of Mansion House and the Department of Conservation are inviting the public to come to Kawau Island to enjoy a picnic and day of summer fun and exploration on February 26. The two organisations spend hours at Kawau Island keeping up with the maintenance of the historical Mansion House and its surrounding land, which was once owned by Sir George Grey. Grey purchased Kawau Island in 1862 paying £3700 (approximately $7000), and set about creating the estate of his dreams. He planted hundreds of different plant species and introducing many exotic and native animals including wallabies, kookaburras, weka, peacocks, zebras and monkeys. In 1888 Sir George Grey sold the island and Mansion House had a succession of owners, most of whom opened the house for guest accommodation. In 1967 it was sold to the government, becoming part of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park.
Considerable changes were made to the house and surrounds over the years to reflect the different ideas of its many owners. The task of restoring Mansion House to its original state was made possible by surviving letters and diaries of the time, old photographs and information revealed by the house itself. Entry to Mansion House on the day will be free, along with guided tours of the house, garden and its historic reserve. Children will have plenty to see and do including games, treasure hunt and sausage sizzle. A special visit by the William C Daldy tugboat will be made in conjunction with the day. Reuben’s Cruises are offering discounted fares on their ferry, which holds about 120 people. There will be two morning sailings and bookings are essential. Info: Phone 09 422 8882.
The friends of Couldrey House Charitable Trust invite you to
‘Su mmer Magic’ Music in the Garden With singers from Opera Factory, Favourites from Opera, G & S and Musical Theatre.
Sunday February 20, 2011, 6. 30pm
In the garden of Couldrey House, Wenderholm Regional Park Tickets $30pp (sorry no EFTPOS), Bring friends, picnic, wine and rugs. Gates open 5pm
www.historiccouldreyhouse.co.nz • Ph 09 528 3713 or 09 478 7922