Putting life in a straight line is a strange idea, as I think
life is patterned more like a spiral. Nevertheless, here’s
a list of life events with occasional embellishment.
1954
Mt.
Taranaki.
Photo courtesy of and
copyrighted by
Virtually
New Zealand
|
Helen is born in New Plymouth,
New Zealand, in the shadow of Mt Taranaki where her father
Bill Blackman manages the town gas works and plays the
piano while her mother, Noeline, enjoys classical singing
and writes arts columns for the local newspaper |
1971
After attending New Plymouth Girls’ High School, she attends
Wellington Polytechnic School of Journalism.
1972
Works as a cadet reporter on
The Dominion, Wellington, before flying to the UK where
she marries her ship’s radio officer boyfriend Stephen
Brown. Writes features and theatre criticisms for the
Woking Review magazine group.
1973
 |
Returns to New Zealand where baby Sam is born in Wellington.
Attempting to overcome post natal depression, writes for
local newspaper the Karori News
Sam, born 16th December 1973 |
1976
 |
Son Robin born on Wellington’s
snowiest day |
1978
Begins weekly column for The Dominion
1981
“Don’t Let Me Put You Off” is published by Whitcoulls
January 21 1983
 |
Sam, aged nine, is run over
and killed while carrying a pigeon to the vet’s surgery.
This is a particularly poignant image as it's one of
the last ever taken of Sam (in red tee shirt) at our
Wellington home in 1983. Looks like younger brother Rob
has just been to scouts and Rata our golden retriever
is hanging out for snacks as usual. |
September 1983
“Confessions of a Bride Doll” published by Reed and read on
national radio
1984
Bill Blackman dies in Wellington’s new Michael Fowler Centre,
having just heard his favourite Bruch violin concerto. His
last words to Helen and Noeline are “God the acoustics in
here are great.”
Writes for television soap opera “Close to Home” and current
affairs for radio’s Broadcasts to Schools”
1985
Appears as regular panelist on TVNZ’s Beauty and the Beast”
 |
Lydia, born 11th May 1985 |
1986
Separates from Stephen
1987
“Tomorrow When It’s Summer” is published by Penguin, tops
the best seller list and is reprinted in Australia and in
Braille.
Guest presenter on television’s media commentary programme
“Fourth Estate”
1988
Moves to Auckland to work for the Auckland Star and the Sunday
Star as an editorial writer, feature writer and columnist.
“Clouds of Happiness” published by Angus and Roberston, Australia
1990
“Fresh Starts and Finishing Lines” published by Penguin
1991
“A Guide to Modern Manners” released by Penguin
Awarded a Nuffield Press Fellowship to Cambridge University,
UK, where she studies environmental issues from a spiritual
perspective.
 |
Moves to Switzerland where she marries New Zealander
Philip Gentry |
1992
 |
Returns to New Zealand where she meets
and interviews the Dali Lama |
 |
Katharine is born 14th August 1992, at
home |
1996
“In Deep” published by Eclipse and read on national radio
1997
The family moves to Melbourne, Australia, where Philip pursues
his banking career. Helen travels Australia writing travel
pieces as well as regular columns
1999
 |
Noeline Blackman dies of cancer
in New Plymouth |
2000
Son Rob undergoes major surgery in Melbourne after four years
suffering ulcerative colitis
2002
Writes and performs “Words and Music” with jazz singer Malcolm
McNeill to sell out audiences at Christchurch’s Court Theatre
2003
“Florascope” released by Bateman
Travels to Tokyo, London, France and Italy
 |
“Life’s a Banana Cake” performed with Malcolm
McNeill and Mo winner Jo Chindamo at Chapel Off Chapel,
Melbourne |
2004
“A Slice of Banana Cake” raises $10,000 for New Plymouth Girls’
High School
2005
“Florascope” published by Warwick for North America
Awarded Columnist of the Year by the Magazine Publishers’
Association
“A Slice of Banana Cake” raises more than $10,000 for Wanganui
Hospice and tours successfully to New Plymouth and Hamilton.
Travels to New York, London and Mumbai
Wins NZMPA Columnist of the Year
2006
“A Slice of Banana Cake” tours to 8 New Zealand centres
raising funds for hospices in each town
Radio New Zealand recorded the show for broadcast on national
radio at a later date.
For an interview with Helen on her hometown museum’s website:
www.pukeariki.com (arts section)
2007
Wins NZMPA Columnist of the Year
2008
Wins MPA Columnist of the Year 2008
2009
Wins Qantas Columnist of the Year 2009
“Cleo” becomes international best seller
More importantly, a happy family celebration at Rob and Chantelle’s wedding. |
