Nov 1: Make a batch of scones

Issue 198

Mar - Apr 2026

Black-Backed Gulls
Meth & HIV in Fiji
Dung beetles
Centro
Rogaining

Subscribe

Talking points

Gull spotting

• Editorial

For shame

• In the field

When black-backs attack

• In the field

Two years on Mana Island

• Geo News

Before the flood

• Geo News

A delicious crayfish circle of life

Below are some talking points and activities to pass the time, all relating to today’s story.

Talking points

Discuss the ideas presented in the story with your family—at home or over video conferencing. Find ways to involve as many people as possible, especially those who you know are isolated by the lock-down.

• Have you ever seen anyone chop wood? What looks tricky or challenging about it?
• In the first couple of photos we see poplar logs being loaded onto a trailer. What’s a poplar tree? Once you know what they are, do you remember seeing these planted on farms? What do you notice about these blocks and the way they have been prepared for the competition?
• What would you be most excited about – the chopping, the Big Dig, the bouncy castle, hotdogs or the hobby horse race?
• Why might you have to point your feet on the angle you want the axe to go?
• The story of Eddie Fawcett reveals how many aspects there are to successful chopping. Fawcett began by fixing people’s axes and eventually began creating his own top of the line range when unimpressed with what he saw. What are some of the manufacturing features that make the Fawcett family’s Tuatahi racer axes so good?

Activity: Make a batch of scones

A cherished tradition among choppers at the Taihape and District A & P Show is the spread – urns of tea and coffee, scones, sandwiches and sausage rolls. Celebrate this great Kiwi tradition with a batch of scones! This recipe is based on “Best Ever Scones” from www.edmondscooking.co.nz

You will need:

• 3 cups flour
• 6tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 – ½ cups milk
• 75g butter

Step One: Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Grease or flour a baking tray. Sift flour, baking powder and salt and rub in the butter with your fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Step Two: Add the milk and mix to a soft dough. Turn the dough onto the baking tray and flour the top. Cut it into 12 pieces and separate them so they have room to grow.

Step Three: Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cut them in half, butter them and enjoy!

Send us a picture of your scones!