Tuesday 8 May:
Guest speaker: Gwen Kerr.

Gwen, a well known local "food ambassador" shared her life's journey with the "Ladies at Lunch" group.

Gwen related that her interest in food began as a young child working alongside her mother on an isolated farm in Southland. Groceries were purchased every 6 months when Gwen and her moth travelled by train to Invercargill. All other food was provided by the farm.

Gwen trained as a home economics teacher in Dunedin before shifting to Christchurch. Her first position was at Van Ach College for the deaf. She created innovative learning programs with her challenging pupils. Many of her programs are still in use today.

Marriage and children saw Gwen leave the formal class room setting. As soon as her family commitments allowed she became an adviser to appliance manufactures and helped develop the first fan oven and the first microwaves. Gwen has been a food demonstrator, a food judge, a food critic with regular articles and a food tutor at CIPT. In her "retirement" years she is still involved in community initiatives.

Thank you Gwen!

June 19th 2007

Olive Oil, Cheese and Wine Tasting

Our most recent Ladies at Lunch was a gastronomic delight even before the delicious lunch was served!

Sue and Yvette hosted an informal wine discussion and tasting, where the ladies sampled our Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer.

Two tables were set up with oils and cheeses. The ladies compared a standard olive oil with a Gold Medal Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and then an Avocado Oil.

At the cheese table we tried a Mini Brie, a Bohemian Blue, Gruyere and a waxed Vintage Cheddar.

Back to the table for a sample of Pinot Noir, then an indulgent lunch of tender Canterbury lamb and a dessert of chocolate brownie and dark cherry ice cream that was enjoyed by all!

July 17th 2007

Tuesday 17th July - Fashion Show by "Smith & Boston" & Katrina Burgess hats

Still in its winter coat, Lansdowne hosted the 3rd Ladies@Lunch event.

Around 40 ladies braved the freezing cold weather and were greeted by the roaring fire at Lansdowne with a glass of our very drinkable "Cottersbrook Chardonnay".

The girls from "Smith & Boston" once again kept the ladies entertained with a showing of their latest creations, enhanced by some very creative hats by milliner Katrina Burgess. One very lucky guest went home with a beautiful pashmina compliments of Smith & Boston and another will enjoy a personally designed hat from Katrina.

Lansdowne Chef, Leslie, delighted the crowd with an exquisite menu featuring our fillet of beef, and a hot winter crumble.

All in all another fabulous Ladies@Lunch.

August 21st 2007

Police District Commander - Sandra Manderson

Ladies at Lunch were all thrilled to meet retiring Canterbury Police District Commander Sandra Manderson at Rossendale Winery.

Sandra gave an interesting talk about her life experiences on her journey to becoming one of New Zealand's top police officers, and the changes in policing over the 28 years that she has been in the force. Her humorous delivery was very well received by a fully attended ladies lunch.

Sandra sressed the needs to have goals in ones life and to be unashamed at achieving success. After her presentation Sandra answered questions and mingled with the guests, before settling down to the delicious lunch that was then served.

Sandra takes up a post in Washington DC in October. Rossendale staff and guests all wish her will on her next life adventure and are waiting for her return to adress the Rossendale lunching ladies in 2 years time.

September 18th 2007
Robyn Cliffe Couturiere - Bridal and Cup Day Fashion

Ladies at Lunch were all delighted to be entertained by Robyn Cliffe Couturiere at our Bridal and Cup Day Fashion show.

Robyn gave us a lively account of her trip to Europe, where she had recently attended the launch of the European 2008 Pronovias Bridal collection. Ladies at lunch were treated to a preview of some of the gowns she choose from the 480 wedding dresses modeled at the launch.

The stunning hats modelled by the girls were all made by Liz Ende. Christine from Acropolis Wedding Hire provided the finer details of decoration to set the lunch off - stylish wedding flowers, glittering vases with floating candles, and - of course - Red Carpet to enhance the bridal walk.

The models - Sandy, Brigid, Lizzie, Penny and Debbie were magnificant as they swirled and modeled, smiling and enjoying themselves, as the ladies appreciated and applauded them.

Lunch was served with flair - Hor D'hoeuvres, Baked Salmon with fresh vegetable Vol-a-vents, topped off by a light desert of apple sorbet served in brandy baskets, accompanied by a coffee flavoured panacotta.

October 16th 2007
Jo Giles - Surprise Guest

A delicious lunch of Honey Stung Chicken Salad followed by Mango Brulee was enjoyed by the ladies at our final "Ladies at Lunch" event for 200.

Local CTV presenter and personality, Jo Giles, entertained us while the ladies enjoyed a complimentary taste of Vicarage Lane Sauvignon Blanc - a new additon to the Rossendale Restaurant Wine list.