John Somervell of Tūrangi in Old Truck, a 1921 Model 10 Republic. Photo / Supplied
John Somervell of Tūrangi in Old Truck, a 1921 Model 10 Republic. Photo / Supplied
Residents of Te Herekiekie St, Tūrangi, will be treated on Saturday, March 13 to a double celebration — the launch of a children's picture book set in the 2004 Tongariro River flood, and the 100th birthday of the truck featured in the story.
Old Truck and the Flood istold from the viewpoint of 'Old Truck', a 1921 Model 10 Republic, trapped by the floodwaters in a garage on Te Herekiekie St.
The flood in February 2004 caused the Tongariro River to burst its banks at Te Herekiekie St, Tūrangi, with residents evacuated and an estimated 30 homes in the street inundated by floodwaters. Stopbanks were later constructed between the street end and the river.
Old Truck's owner John Somervell and his wife Fran were away at the time. On their return, they were overwhelmed by the magnitude of the damage to their home. Their energy went on repairing the house and the truck was left to further deteriorate. It is only when John's brother-in-law, Nico Jongeneel, came alongside John that he found the strength to face the huge restoration job.
Described as "a beautifully written tale of natural disaster, perseverance, clean up, rebuild and a fish-farting old truck", the book includes information and photos of the real flood, a glossary of truck terms and tips on preparing for natural disasters.
The Somervell siblings on the deck of Old Truck. From left: Inez Somervell, Catherine Sandbrook, Jennifer Somervell, Jane Wyllie, Margery Fern, Peter Somervell, John Somervell. Photo / Supplied
Old Truck and the Flood was created by John's sisters: writer Jennifer Somervell and illustrator Margery Fern, through the Covid lockdowns of 2020, and with the assistance of Creative NZ.
It is the sixth title in the award-winning Tales From The Farm picture book series, and a sequel to their popular first book, simply titled Old Truck. That book told the original story of John's labours of love restoring Old Truck and the revised version of the book, The New Old Truck, won two firsts and a second place at the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards in the United States.
The real Old Truck still lives with John in Tūrangi and is 100 years old this year. The incredibly rare vehicle - John has not been able to find another restored 1921 Model 10 Republic anywhere in the world - has been restored three times since his grandfather, Hawke's Bay farmer Gordon Somervell bought it second hand from the Hastings District Council in 1938 for the sum of 25 pounds.
The cover of Old Truck and the Flood. Image / Supplied
Jennifer says Old Truck and the Flood "takes readers on an emotional journey from fear and abandonment, through to the joy of recovery and restoration".
She and Margery believe the book will help children negotiate difficulties in their own lives. It touches on themes of perseverance, of the power of friendship and helping one another, and of moving through tragedies to eventually become stronger.
Creating the book was a family affair with Jennifer's husband Ken Fletcher doing the research and the book design by Margery's daughter Ezra André.
From left: Old Truck and the Flood writer Jennifer Somervell, designer Ezra André and illustrator Margery Fern. Photo / Supplied
The book launch has resonated with the local community, with all the residents of Te Herekiekie St invited. Over 100 people are expected. John and Nico have had Old Truck going and hope to be able to give rides on it to children at the launch.
Margery says there will be a bagpiper, music, an introduction to Old Truck by John and then she and Jennifer will read the story on a big screen.
"We thought we would tell the whole story because this is the Tūrangi community's story as well as Old Truck's and then we're going to interview a few people that were there [during the flood] and cut a truck cake.
"It's a beautiful story and one of the biggest things for me is that it honours John who has put endless amounts of work and money into Old Truck."
Jennifer says when she and Margery began the book last year they didn't initially realise that Covid-19 complications meant it would be released on Old Truck's 100th anniversary, but to be able to celebrate both at the same time was wonderful.
"John had always wanted to have the launch at his place anyway and it was such a great opportunity and so special to him and so it's a double celebration."
Copies of the books are available at Naylors Bookshop in Tūrangi; Collaboration in Taupō; and online at talesfromthefarmpublications.com. The recommended retail price is $21.99.
