Richard Till - a culinary trip down memory lane

Cook, restauranteur and television personality Richard Till was a popular performer during the 150th events programme of August 2009.

There was nothing more fitting for a wet and dreary Sunday afternoon in August than an hour listening to the culinary tales of our very own Richard Till in a warm and cosy corner of the Central Library.

Arriving with a box of his most beloved Kiwi cook books and tea towels, the relaxed and seasoned performer chatted with library staff as customers took their seats. A large party of mature female fans nabbed the front row and others made themselves comfortable on the green couches and chairs in the Ngā Pounamu Māori Centre.

Smiling and nodding in recognition, the audience were clearly in the palm of his hand as he reminisced about his - and New Zealand's - culinary journey of the last 40 to 50 years. At times it was enough to simply remind us about those cherished meals; Sunday roasts, cheese souffles, gooseberry pudding and the exciting appearance of exotic new foods like… broccoli and vacuum packed sausages! The clear influence of his parents was woven throughout as Richard recalled going on tour with father, Maurice - the renowned pianist - and helping his mother prepare meals to entertain the music fraternity in their home.

Then it was time for show and tell with his mini museum of cook books. Again, there were sighs of recognition as each one, representing a new era was showcased. This continued with a smattering of his Kiwiana tea towels promoting everything from Sunny Timaru to sausages and an LSD inspired Oamaru.

Finally it was time to finish - though you felt both Richard and his audience could have happily continued for another few hours. Annette Williams, Team Leader, Aoteoroa New Zealand Centre presented Richard with his own, specially commissioned 150th Anniversary tea towel featuring a swatch of the Sanderson print from our treasured library smocks. Afterwards several devotees hung around to offer personal thanks - possibly hoping the afternoon's entertainment had not come to an end - and then it was time for him go - taking his treasure box with him.