Tuesday, October 09, 2007
It gives me pleasure to be launching the memoirs of a remarkable person and an inspiration to us all, Frankie Wood.
On publishing her memoirs, I’m told that Frankie was fearful but excited about the prospect. That’s because while Frankie has always enjoyed writing, it would be her first book.
At the young age of 87, I’m pleased she has. “Frankie: The Life & Entertainment Passion of One Woman” is a fascinating read, full of interesting stories.
Among other things, Frankie writes about growing up in Hawke’s Bay, surviving the 1931 Napier earthquake, enduring the depression years, the threat of Japanese invasion during World War II, narrowly avoiding being a victim of the Tangiwai railway disaster, and her brave battle with Cancer.
There are many light-hearted moments in the book. One of my favourites is the time a charlatan visited the farm claiming to be a “water diviner”, capable of finding hidden springs. The conversation went like this:
“If you find hidden springs, how much will it cost, asked Frankie’s father, Mathew. “I charge 30 shillings a day,” he replied. “How long have you been in this game,” was Mathew’s next question. “Oh it must be all of 30 years, ever since I was a boy,” was the glib answer. “Thirty years”, Mathew ruminated, “How strange. Eight years ago you were a grocer’s assistant in Napier. You were one of my customers and you still owe me for the B.S.A bike you’re riding”. The man gulped and laid his half drained cup on the table, grabbed his hat and backed to the door muttering “I can see you are not interested,” and swiftly mounted his unpaid bike and peddled off.
As I say, the book is full of such moments, but I’ll let readers discover the rest for themselves.
Of course, the book talks of Frankie’s love for performance and music. Throughout the years, she has entertained and brought joy to many people. In 1998 the Hutt City Council recognised Frankie’s lifelong contribution to the community by bestowing upon her the city’s highest honour, the Civic Honours Award. The regard in which Frankie is held is reflected in the record 33 organisations that supported her nomination for the award.
I said at the beginning of my speech that Frankie is an inspiration, and she is. Her catchphrase is ’use it or lose it’. It’s what Frankie lives by. She teaches us that you’re never too old to experience or try new things. I understand Frankie started playing bowls at 83 and fits that in between her entertaining and other hobbies.
As a resident of the Hutt Valley for over 60 years, we are proud of Frankie and her achievements. Her latest, this book, is a wonderful read which I have no hesitation in recommending. I’m hoping, Frankie, that later you will do me the honour of signing my copy.
On that note, may I congratulate you on the launch of the book - the first of many, I hope.