Time for a small and shameless spot of self-promotion I think. In my capacity as insane over-compensating mother-of-three I get into a bit of fundraising every now and then. My latest, greatest effort is rather grandly entitled a ‘Book and Wine Event’.

This entails the following: The Mayor of Waitakere City, Bob Harvey, together with his photographer Antoine Gasperini, will be talking about his latest book, Westies. This will be quite a double act I imagine. Alessandra Zecchini, author of Italian dessert cookbook Sweet As will be talking about puds in Italy and will also have a mouthwatering selection of treats to try. And Kelly Ana Morey, author of Bloom and Grace is Gone will be chatting with… me! Aarrgghh! Not only but also – we have a bargain book table, nibbles and wine (first glass completely and utterly FREE).

All this for the ridiculously paltry sum of $15. All proceeds to our beleaguered country school, Laingholm Primary for their new school-and-community hall. Where? Lopdell House Gallery, Titirangi, West Auckland. When? Friday 1 July, 7.30pm. Tickets? You can email me and I'll hold 'em for you, or if you're a westie, pick them up from Titirangi Pharmacy. Be there or be sad and bitter.