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Repair Guy Graeme PearcE
A regular fixture at 100% Brown’s since 1965
In 1965, bicycles were still an important part of the Brown’s appliance
business. Stan Brown hired Graeme Pearce as general repair man,
for both appliances and bikes. Memorable from those early years
was working on the massive and heavy Bendix Gyromatic washing
machines. They were the “bee’s knees” he says, “state of the art!”
Graeme was adept at pulling any device apart and getting things
working again. Bike assembly – with parts imported from England –
was a big part of his workload, components and spokes assembled
out in the back shop and suspended from hooks in the rafters.
Even long after official retirement age, Graeme has stayed involved –
coming into the Thames store every Tuesday. New owner Mark Milmine
is delighted to say that Graeme will continue to help out part-time.
Graeme made news recently by winning an award for his civic work:
fifteen years keeping Thames’ three historic cemeteries – Tararu,
Shortland and the Urupa at Parawai – cleared of weeds.
Read article and view video interview with him by Teresa Ramsey,
“Not a Weed in Sight at old Thames Cemeteries” from 22 August, 2016
here:
SUPPLIERS
to the
GOLD FIELDS
then and now
308 Pollen St.
Thames
Telephone
07 868 6608
Pupils of the Thames School of Mines at a gold mining shaftPhoto: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19011212-9-3
GOLD PANS
SHOVELS
PICKS
Activities: Pool Tables, Bowling & More!
A unique and welcoming lifestyle
vlllage. Our beautiful gardens in a
picturesque location provides a
natural relaxed lifestyle.
Adjacent to cafes, shops, amenities
and healthcare facilities – we focus
on active residents having fun.
Wednesdays
OPEN DAY!
Come experience
the difference!
One and two bedroom
apartments
commencing soon
Phone: 0800 868 5484
82 Richmond St, Thames
L iving the lifestyle,
loving the choice...
BIKE RESTORATIONS FROM THE BROWN’ BACK GARAGE
The wooden one at top is an 1868 Bone crusher. The two
below it are both Hauraki’s, one under restoration, and the
other in its original state, both from around 1918.