Author Talk: Tom Rowling - Rolling Seas to Rowling Heights

Rolling Seas to Rowling Heights tells the tale of young Tom Rowling’s first six years at sea, 1959–65 and is written to share experiences of a bygone age.

Tom joined the Westhaven Shipping Company in March 1959 as a sixteen-year-old deck boy on a scow, a small wooden ship that traded around the coast of New Zealand. He progressed through the industry to second mate then he came ashore in December 1965 to start a water taxi business, ferrying holidaymakers from Kaiteriteri into Abel Tasman National Park.

The book is a fascinating account of how a naïve young dreamer from a sheltered rural background copes with the hardships of life at sea. However, a fast learner, Tom finds he loves his chosen profession.

The book covers the many ships in which he sailed and his adventures in bars and brothels around the world.

After Tom’s session, you are invited to join the Richmond Writing Group for an optional hour of discussion and fun writing exercises from 2.00pm-3.00pm.

Free. All welcome. Bookings not required.

Cash book sales available.