Travel

Driven to consider the past, Otago Daily Times, 6 April 2015

Forever England, Travel Thru History, December 2014

An island of rough chivalry, The New Zealand Herald, 8 September 2014

Unlocking a beautiful secret: Lord Howe Island, Otago Daily Times, 5 August 2014

Discovering Samoa, Travel Thru History, April 2014

The daily grind: Mt Kau Kau, Wellington, Walking New Zealand, April 2014

Island chivalry shines, Otago Daily Times, 11 March 2014

Imprisoned on Norfolk Island, Travel Thru History, January 2014

Winner of the Go Walkabout travel writing competition 2014.  Read my story here.

 

History

“Meet me at Begg’s is a big enjoyable read”.  Manawatu Herald

Meet me at Begg’s is a history of one of the most successful businesses founded during New Zealand’s time as a British colony.  Established in 1861 by Scottish settlers to Dunedin, ‘Begg’s’ expanded its original Otago base until it was operating branches throughout the country.   For over 100 years Begg’s dominated the retail music business in New Zealand and was well-known throughout the country and overseas.

Published by Ngaio Press, Wellington, this in-depth history examines the rise and fall of a fascinating business and its impact on the social history of New Zealand.  From piano manufacturing, music publishing, concert promotion and musical retailing through to gramophones and radios, Begg’s meant music to many generations of New Zealanders.

Hardback, full colour and with over 350 illustrations Meet me at Begg’s is not only an important addition to the story of music in New Zealand but a sumptuous record of one of the most enduring businesses in New Zealand’s history.

Available from all good booksellers at NZ$49.95 or from the author clarethewanderinghistorian@gmail.com.

Begg;s: the Musical and Electrical Centre,  Audioculture website, NZ On Air, January 2016

Begg’s War , Crescendo , Bulletin of the International Association of Music Libraries (NZ), No 95, August/September 2014

Strike up the Band – Begg’s Musical Army, New Zealand Memories, October/November 2014

Begg’s and Music Education in New Zealand, Ritmico, Institute of NZ Registered Music Teachers’ Journal, April 2014

Selling and Making Music at Begg’s, Otago Settlers’ Association News, March 2013

Writing the history of Charles Begg & Co , The New Zealand Genealogist, November/December 2009