cottage

Our newest writer-in-residence, Franco-Turkish novelist, actor and playwright Sedef Ecer, is now installed at Randell Cottage after a warm welcome by representatives of the French Embassy and the Randell Cottage Writers Trust.

Newsletter from the Friends

Posted on February 2, 2023December 1, 2024 by Jane

Read the Christmas newsletter from the Friends of Randell Cottage.

New French Ambassador and Trust Patron

Posted on October 6, 2022December 1, 2024 by Jane

HE Laurence Beau. Photo courtesy ambafrance.org

We welcome Her Excellency Mme Laurence Beau, the new French Ambassador, as Patron of the Randell Cottage Writers Trust, alongside NZ Patron and renowned writer, Sir Vincent O’Sullivan.

Mme Beau presented her credentials to the Governor-General at a ceremony at Government House in Wellington on 4 October. She is accompanied on her posting to New Zealand by her husband, M. Gilles Beau.

HE Mrs Laurence Beau inspecting the Guard of Honour. Photo courtesy of the Governor-General

A conversation with Randell descendants

Posted on May 1, 2021December 1, 2024 by Jane

In the last week of April 2021, we celebrated the launch of Saving Randell Cottage. A short film talking with descendants of William and Sarah Randell about how the historic Randell Cottage saved from demolition, restored and donated to become a residence for New Zealand and French writers.

Listen to Beverley Randell Price and her daughter Susan Price as they share memories of the rescue and renovation of their ancestors’ colonial home (6:37 minutes).

Video credits:

Director: Jeremy Macey
Cinematographer: Valeriya Golovina
Second camera: Jess Soderberg
Sound: Brynn Olsson
Editor: Shane Loader

Produced by Godwit Films and funded by Creative New Zealand.