Branch President Paddy Bayley warmly welcomed the 81 people attending the August lunch meeting at the Napier RSA. Paddy said it was heartbreaking to hear that some members were still experiencing a difficult time 6 months on from the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle in February. She assured them that they were constantly in our thoughts and prayers. Four new members received their Registration Certificates. Following lunch two guest speakers were welcomed.
The first speaker was 11 year old Dean Winlove, the winner of the Essay Competition our branch held in conjunction with Hereworth School earlier this year. Dean read his very interesting Essay titled “My Family – A New Life in New Zealand”. His 4 times great Grandfather, John Winlove was a furniture maker in England. Their family made miniature furniture to go inside the world famous Queen Mary’s doll house His son George (Dean’s 3 times great grandfather), worked at Sandringham Castle as a carriage boy. Obviously he was a “bit of a naughty lad”, got into lots of trouble, so was told to leave town. He emigrated to Auckland New Zealand from England in 1858 on the “Kingston”. In 1861 feeling bored and wanting an adventure George decided to move to Waipukurau in Hawke’s Bay to work for Mr Henry Russell who was building the new town. George’s first child Babe, was the first European girl to be born in Waipukurau. His son John was the very first mayor of Waipukurau. John had two sons George and Harry. Harry, who was also mayor of Waipukurau for three terms, started a retail shop. Dean’s grandfather George Junior took over the shop called 100% Winloves. In 2015 the Winlove’s had been in business in Waipukurau for 150years. Dean explained that there are only 19 living male Winlove’s in the world, 3 males living in England and 16 males in New Zealand. His comment “we are like an endangered species” was met with laughter from his audience.
Our second speaker was local Historian Michael Fowler. His topic was “Rush Munro” New Zealand's oldest ice cream manufacturer. Frederick Charles Rush-Munro was born in 1883 as Frederick Charles Rush, but his father died when he was 6 years old in 1889 in London. When his mother Winifred re-married Frederick Martin Titford Munro in 1893 she adapted and adopted the surname to Rush-Munro in respect of her new husband and the step-father of her existing children. Locals were sure they knew that this story would begin in 1926, when our English born founder, Frederick Charles Rush Munro arrived in Hastings. It was common local knowledge that, having learnt the confectionery trade from his Father in England and armed with just 10 pounds in his pocket, he set up shop with his wife Catherine, on 26th May in central Hastings. But no!! Everyone attending were very surprised to hear Michael announce that, on arrival in New Zealand the confectionery business was first set up in Karangahape Road. During their time in Auckland they moved to various places along that road.. Advertising first as "Rush Munro's Soda Fountain", then "Rush Munro", complete with cafeteria ("help yourself style" service), light lunches, soda fountain and ice cream. Rush-Munro's Cabaret ("Auckland's first Cabaret") operated in conjunction with the cafeteria, upstairs.1924 Rush Munro was advertising lemon ice cream sold at a second shop at 281 Ponsonby Road. There may have been another outlet at Otahuhu. In December 1925, Rush Munro announced the opening of a new confectionery shop in Queen St, to coincide with the completion of the Majestic Theatre. However on 16 January 1926, the "Strollers" Jazz Club announced that "absolutely the last dance to be held at Rush Munro Cabaret" would take place that night, and on 26th and 28th January, Rush Munro's ice cream plant, soda fountain and "whole stock" was put up to auction at 181 Karangahape Rd. Another "Gigantic Auction Sale" held later that year referred to "Rush Munro in liquidation". Frederick who had re-married in 1922, then moved to Hawke's Bay with his new wife Catherine. This is when the history of Rush Munro began in Hawke’s Bay. In November 2022 after operating for 96 years in Hastings, Rush Munro moved from its site in Heretaunga Street Westinto two purpose-built, 6m-long containers at Albert Square, Hastings. Members were enthralled with the new information Michael unearthed in his research.
The reciting of our NZ Founders Pledge concluded a very enjoyable and informative meeting.
Photos:
1 New members with President Paddy Bayley: L to r: Paddy Bayley, Ruth Vincent, Alasdair Shaw, Jill Biddles & Anne Webb
2 Hereworth Essay Competition winner Dean Winlove
3 Rush Munro – Power Point
4 Rush Munro’s at Heretaunga Street, Hastings (by Courtesy Rush Munro’s History)