What was the best birthday present you ever received, and why?
For my 50th, my wife bought me a flight in a World War 2 Mustang fighter aircraft. I am a''lifer'' old aeroplane enthusiast, so this was a stunning experience; particularly low passes down Lake Hayes.
The safety briefing is worthy of note. The pilot told me that if the enginefailed he would stay with the plane but I was to bail out. He explained the procedure was tostand on the seat with my parachute on and dive out, aiming at the right-hand wing-tip. I asked what I did then. His response: ''I don't know, I've never done it, but you'll figure it out!”
What is your message?
Can I give you two?
1. Never give up. Perseverance will get you there eventually.
2. Tell the truth, then you don't need to remember what you said.
If you were going to an island and could take only three things, what would they be and why?
My wife (to continue to give me good advice), a copy of New Zealand Shipwrecks by C. Ingram(literally thousands of fascinating stories), and a case of good single malt scotch (for consumption on the beach while watching the sun go down).
What's something only your family knows about you?
My children's nickname for me is “Mrs Doubtfire”. I'm a compulsive tidy freak.
What smell do you find irresistible?
Freshly baked, hot bread on a Sunday morning from the Arrowtown Bakery.
