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The Plaza Theatre, Putaruru was alive to the world jazz sound of mundi recently. We were treated to that most special of musical expressions - live jazz. But the freshness with mundi is the expansive tone colour their choice and variety of instruments brings. [table id=16 /] We were pleased to have the group use our Hometel accommodation while they were here in Putaruru. Check out the mundi website at: http://mundi.co.nz/

This aspect of @JUNCTION is attracting a lot of interest. The rules of website design have changed markedly over the last couple of years. Clients now want the ability to be able to make changes when they want them - anywhere, anytime. That's where we come in with our knowledge of the new web rules! [table id=1 /]

Putaruru was so fortunate to be able to host Wayne Mason and the Fallen Angels for a refreshing mid-May evening of pure musical entertainment. The Plaza Theatre audience were treated to crisp, clear and warming treatments from the New Zealand musical treasures box, as well as current compositions by Wayne. Wayne, Clinton Brown on bass, Ross Burge on drums (and special guest Wayne's brother Paul from Putaruru) have links to vintage groups such as  The Fourmyula, the Mutton Birds, Rockinghorse and The Warratahs. From their concert, here is the classic Nature, which Wayne wrote when he was 19. It was named the top New Zealand song of the last 75 years at the Silver Scroll Awards in 2001. Special thanks for allowing us to film at your Putaruru concert. [table id=2 /] Ask to listen to Nature when you stay with us at @JUNCTION and also check out his CD Between Frames. There is also another connection between Wayne and @JUNCTION. Between Frames was recorded in Taranaki at the studio of artists Roger Morris and Marianne Muggeridge. We have several of Rogers works on display here and we're only too pleased to share these with you.

  At Christmas, Raewyn and my family updated my 1o year old cell phone to an iPhone. From time to time there will be some iPhone on the spot clips posted, and for starters - the First Dance from a recent wedding. [table id=4 /]

We've been busy during the summer fine tuning our gardens. Prospective Brides, (and Grooms) can choose from a number of ceremony settings to be found @JUNCTION. There are a number of ways a bride can make here important entry, depending on the garden area selected for the ceremony. [table id=3 /] A not so obvious task we have carried out during summer has been the sorting of our garaging area under the house... we actually can access a number of our 'previous life' possessions!

Another of our interests is the researching, planning and creation of selected educational resources. Digital Reading is one such resource, but instead of writing about it, take the overview we created in this short video. [table id=5 /]

Raewyn and Mike wish you all a happy and exciting New Year... One aspect of our @JUNCTION accommodation accommodationputaruru.com is the recently introduced ARTIST OF THE MONTH page. This describes a DVD, CD, book or painting that we are featuring for that month, for guests to enjoy. Please take a look.

Christmas greetings from @JUNCTION to all our visitors, customers and friends. To celebrate the season here are a few images from our garden accompanied by "King Jesus Hath A Garden..." [table id=6 /] The 2010 Christmas Parade in Putaruru featured many fine floats. [table id=7 /] As well as guests using @ JUNCTION we have some of our own family with us, Nardia and Callum from Wellington, and Michelle, Dylan and Iris from Brisbane.

Christmas is fast approaching. If you have family coming and your inn is full, please contact us about our accommodation options. http://accommodationputaruru.com/ With the lights now on, take time to enjoy Putaruru by night. [table id=8 /]

@ JUNCTION was pleased to undertake a free filming of  the Putaruru Theatre Players and Pride in Putaruru's outstanding production of The Greatest Show on Earth - a Christmas Nativity, based in a Big Top Carnival. Each of the three performances was enthusiastically received. This extract shows the conclusion of the show. [table id=9 /]

Being part of so many weddings is such a priviledge and we can honestly say they are all so different. Yesterday's wedding was a pleasant blend of cultures and the wonderful Samoan singing is always a treat. The weather could hardly have been kinder and the natural looking pool that was the centre piece was very tempting, especially to a little guy who made a real effort to grab one of the floating flowers and was eventually successful without falling in. Then off to Vilagrads,  such an amazing reception venue and a great time was had by all. [table id=10 /]

We have enjoyed a feast of music recently - the St Mary's Catholic School production of Peter Pan, a lively presentation of Motown classics for the Putaruru High School, (right opposite to us at @JUNCTION, and an evening with Leonard Cohen live at the Vector Arena in Auckland. In later posts we'll be talking about our @ JUNCTION artist of the month feature, and the first of these will link back to Cohen. In the meantime enjoy this extract from Peter Pan. [table id=11 /]

Our rowing guests arrived in Putaruru on Monday morning after an early flight from Brisbane, but it wasn't long before they were enthusiastically heading off to the rowing. Great to hear such positive comments about the venue and we are loving the Sky TV coverage at night. So proud of the New Zealanders and I can't wait for the finals. [table id=12 /] Mentioned our jigsaw lino a week or two ago and someone asked for a picture. Its amazing and with the orange door attracts lots of attention in the upstairs toilet.

It's your special day - plan it your way. [table id=13/]

What a Labour weekend, truly a weekend of labour.  We have had some great families staying over the last week. Four older siblings came for their first trip away together for many years. They were followed by a lovely family visiting for a local wedding then a Mum and her young girls who were visiting friends and were amazed at the hidden secret that is Te Waihou. The weather was hot but they assured me the water was chilly. I so enjoy seeing our Hometel being enjoyed by families and they always comment on the lino upstairs. We had other visitors, Mike was busy dubbing videos and designing graphs and the BIG labour news was the arrival of a new grand-daughter, born a little early in Ireland and her first picture is now my screen saver. [table id=14/]

This was a popular day for weddings and already people are discussing getting married on 11-11-2011. The weather was awesome, the @Junction gardens looked lovely and a happy group gathered to share in a special occasion as Raewyn led the couple through their ceremony. Everything went to plan and after group and family photos the newly married couple wandered through many of the garden spots for photos, included some sheltered by our spectacular redwoods... right here in Putaruru. [table id=15/]

We had a great night celebrating Putaruru businesses. Congratulations to all winners and we also recognise those who keep doing their best. Good news for us; we WON the HOSPITALITY award,  so surprised but know that we have worked hard to establish such quality accommodation. Mike McRoberts was a great speaker, food was divine, real good company and Pride in Putaruru - well done again. Mike McRoberts talked about his reporting and experiences in the world's warzone hotspots. He totally held the audience attention and we appreciated his genuine caring approach. Great balance of information, humility and humour.