The house was finished, the retaining walls completed, and with Henry's expert guidance the garden slowly came to life. Having worked for many years as a gardener on a large English estate, Henry always seemed able to work little miracles in the soil.

I still smile when I remember the day he arrived home carrying what looked like nothing more than a bundle of dead sticks.

"They're azaleas," he assured me.

I wasn't convinced. Yet within a short time those lifeless twigs had transformed into a magnificent flowering hedge that became one of the features of our garden.

Magner Knitwear

Although I was working part-time as a waiter in an upscale restaurant, where about six flight attendants also worked during their off days, I wanted to create something more. Sheila began experimenting on her Passap 12 knitting machine, a very basic model capable of only a limited number of stitches. Despite its limitations, she produced remarkable work. 

Through a local newspaper ad for knitters, she began receiving small orders for baby knitwear — booties, mittens, and bonnets. One pivotal day, after finishing a small order, I took her to meet her agent.

One day, after completing another small order, I drove Sheila to meet her agent.

Instead of handing over another bundle of knitting, he placed a single garment on the table.

"Do you think you could make one of these?"

It was what they called a crawler a knitted one-piece garment for babies.

 After careful study and many attempts, we finally produced a version that matched the original. 

This marked the true beginning of Magner Knitwear. 

Sourcing yarn in New Zealand was tricky, as most raw materials were imported and required a license. 

The agent, however, offered to supply the yarn and set a price, allowing us to move forward. 

To improve production efficiency, we upgraded to a Passap Duomatic, a more advanced machine with a motor and various accessories. Learning to use it became a shared project. 

Over time, we acquired the latest tools, and the finished garments — now all-in-one pieces with shaped toes and heels — could be completed in minutes rather than hours. Our small business gradually grew. 

Carolyn became our very first model.

And as orders increased, we purchased another machine. We expanded our range to include pram sets, little coats, bootees, mittens, bonnets, and matinee jackets.

 Buying a shelf company, Mickycliff Pty Ltd, allowed us to sell directly to retailers. 

We learned the process of indenting — traveling to companies to secure future orders — and applied for our import license for yarn. 

The first indented orders were overwhelming, forcing a decision: either scale back or invest in more machines, hire outworkers, and train staff. 

At this time, I maintained my job at Air New Zealand to provide the financial stability we needed. Life at home evolved alongside the business. Henry proposed to Francis, and their wedding was a joyful occasion. Their move to a unit opened the way for us to relocate as well. 

We sold our house on Gordon Ave and found a larger home at 274 Beach Rd, Cambells Bay, with five bedrooms, an English-style garden, and a spacious deck perfect for outdoor dining. 

The children thrived, with the beach just across the road, their laughter filling the house and spreading to Sheila, making her content. 

My work at Air New Zealand progressed as well. Promoted to Senior Steward, I oversaw the economy cabin on the DC-8 and the Lockheed Electra, managing both passengers and crew. 

Meanwhile, the house on Beach Rd became the backdrop for treasured family memories. 

We purchased our first caravan and explored the North Island’s rivers, forests, and mountains. Long weekends and holidays became adventures that strengthened our family bonds. 

Even the kitchen became a hub of creativity. With ample space, I upgraded appliances inspired by my trips to the USA. 

Sunday afternoons often found family and friends gathered around our dining table.

Henry and Francis would come over, the children filled the house with laughter, and before long the table was covered with freshly made sandwiches, sponge cakes, cream cakes, and endless pots of tea.

Without really thinking about it, I realised I had come full circle.

The lessons Mum and Dad had taught me at Claire House about hospitality, generosity, and making people feel welcome had never really left me.

Now they had become part of our own family life.

Magner Knitwear was growing.

My career with Air New Zealand was flourishing.

Our children were happy.

And our home was always full.

Looking back, those years at Beach Road were among the happiest of our lives.