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Long-time Hibiscus Coast resident Des Adams has turned a lifetime of memories into an unusual fundraiser for Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club.
Adams recently launched his book, The Life and Adventures of Des Adams – Stories That I Shouldn’t Tell But Will, at the club in front of more than 100 guests.
Local MP Mark Mitchell opened the event, with speakers including former Rodney mayor John Law, Eddie Grooten of Dad’s Pies, Hibiscus Medical Centre Dr Barry ter Haar, Catchphrase Productions’ Bill Honeybone and Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club representative Andrea May.
Rather than selling the book in the usual way, Adams is giving copies to family, friends and acquaintances and inviting recipients to make a donation to the surf club’s building fund.
The club has raised about $6 million and needs a further $1 million.
Adams and his wife, Jan, have been involved in a range of community organisations since moving to Ōrewa in 1972 to manage Ōrewa Pharmacy for Peter Rigg.
He began writing the book three years ago, initially intending it as a record for his four grandchildren, now aged 16 to 22.
His aim was to show them what everyday life was like two generations ago, when telephones were fixed to the wall, long-distance calls were expensive, letters were the main form of communication and overseas travel was uncommon, he says.
What began as family history gradually developed into stories from his childhood and later life.
Encouragement from Catchphrase Productions’ Bill Honeybone helped shape the project. Honeybone suggested Adams begin with one of the most traumatic experiences of his life, which helped bring other memories back.
Writing the book proved cathartic, Adams says, and he hopes it may encourage other older people to record their stories for future generations.
With both Des and Jan closely involved in the community, they decided the book could also support a cause important to them.
One recipient has already donated $500, and Adams hopes more donations will follow. He also hopes copies may become available through Paper Plus Ōrewa, with part of the sale price going to the club.
WIN this book
Hibiscus Matters has two copies of The Life and Adventures of Des Adams – Stories That I Shouldn’t Tell But Will,to give away. To go in the draw email ‘The Life and Adventures of Des Adams – Stories That I Shouldn’t Tell But Will,’ to hibiscusnews@localmatters.co.nz or alternatively, write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and post or drop into His Story, Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Ave, Ōrewa. Entries close 5pm, Thursday October 1.
