Nic Philip has passed his NCEA
Jason Wong has his first real job
Liz is back doing kendo (albeit lightly for now) after her foot operation

March 2005

Anita and Scott's Wedding!

On a lovely and sunny Cantabrian spring day, Anita and Scott tied the knot.

Members of the club who were able to get to Christchurch (we had trouble with the fog and Sue and Liz had to 'hitchhike' down) were Dan, Marty and Fiona, Liz and Sue and honorary member Ross (Scott's dad). We had the most fabulous time. The wedding vows were touching (Sue did not cry!) and when they finished their vows they were greeted by a 'Shinai of honour' to walk under (see pics).

The friends and family of both Anita and Scott were great and quite interested in this strange martial art that their Scott practiced. The wine was delicious (too delicious for Sue of course who slept through the speeches and then woke with a second wind) and the food fab. Liz made a speech recognising the special importance Scott and Anita had to our club, and a lovely wooden dolphin figurine was given to the couple by the club.

Much dancing was had late into the evening, Sue tried to practice Judo with Anita's father and Dan, well Dan, we know about Dan. Marty and Fi were in good order and looking very dapper. It was great to see that Scott's 'extended Kendo family' were there to share this fabulous day.

So now we must change our records to show that Club assist secretary is Anita Duncan.

See more photos in our gallery

News and Demonstrations this year

It has as usual, been a busy time for HKC. Sue was voted in as President of the Japan Society of Wellington so she now has many commitments to this organisation. The Japan Society fosters friendships and understanding between Japan and New Zealand and her first meeting as the President was coincidentally in the Minoh Friendship House in the Hutt. Our club (Nic Philip, Dan Tate and Joshua Wilkinson with Liz) gave a great demonstration and were very humbled to see the Japanese Ambassador Mr Saito in the audience. Brian Cross spoke about the Aichi Expo and his experiences there and Sue also found time to make green tea and provide sweets to the 50 visitors. There was much discussion afterwards with a NZ and Japanese bonsai master meeting for the first time. The bonsai master also happened to be Mr Sugimoto (6th dan at Kendo) who is from Toyota, Aichi. He was visiting with his wife and a NZ relation.

Dan Tate

Sadly has left to live in Palmerston North. He hopes to find some Kendo action there so if you are a kendoka from PN reading this please email us and we will get you in touch with Dan. Dan will keep training with us when he can though as he and Nic this year have their sights on trying for their shodan.

April 2005

Liz & son Ross have been in NZ 5 years!

AGM

Our Annual General Meeting and 4th birthday is on May 4th (May the fourth be with you – get it?). Please make yourselves available for this meeting. It coincides with Wednesday night training and we will be having a meeting and dinner at the Parrot and Jigger from 6pm so please registered members, you are all welcome.

Invercargill trip

Liz and Sue have been invited to visit Invercargill for the second time and they are really delighted to be spending time with the worlds southernmost Kendo club. They will have the seminar over the Anzac weekend and hold a grading as well. More on this trip later.