Cromwell in the Sunshine

A few things to organise from afar with the house then lunch with Lionel, and coffee with the fabulous Lynne Wilson, artist and gardener extraordinaire. I take Lionel to a family favourite, Nicolls' cafe and garden centre. Tasty food there and lots of activity: Mums having a break but with kids, grandparents and whānau, business people having busy conversations, holiday makers, covens of older women chatting, and groups of gossipy younger girls.There's a cacophony of cutlery and small children wailing Lionel enjoys observing the hustle bustle from a table safely out of the way, but when the chips and tea arrive its eyes down and looking.
We drive to the heritage precinct, relocated buildings from the commercial hub of Cromwell's main street before it disappeared under the waters of Lake Dunstan in 1990. The buildings date back to the 1860's and have been lovingly restored. The story goes that Cromwell was named after Oliver Cromwell by English surveyors to spite local Irish miners. But the miners were not to be silenced and the streets have Irish names: Antrim Street, Boyne Place, Derry Street, Mayo Place, Inniscort Street.
Lynne has brought her dog, Rosy, a rescue pet, well catered for and protective. Over the years I have bought several pieces of Lynne's raku-fired pottery. She loves iron work and has taken inspiration from local cemeteries. She is also a writer and the conversation finishes  with blogs. Records of present time connecting us through story.

Cromwell's defining feature