Key Takeaways
- A ceramic "friendship plate" has traveled 20,000km to seal a 45-year friendship between two women in Dunedin.
- The plate was sent by a Facebook group called The Stay Inn, which was formed during the Covid-19 lockdowns to connect people and provide support.
- The group has 17,000 members and was founded by Stephen "Chalky" Whyte, who launched the friendship plate initiative to spread kindness and connection.
- The plate was passed from England to Australia before reaching its final destination in Dunedin, where it was received by Jenny Dobson and then passed on to her friend Rosemary Brook.
Introduction to the Friendship Plate
The story of the friendship plate is a heartwarming one, highlighting the power of connection and community in bringing people together. The plate, which has traveled over 20,000km, has sealed a 45-year friendship between two women in Dunedin, Jenny Dobson and Rosemary Brook. The plate was sent by a Facebook group called The Stay Inn, which was formed during the Covid-19 lockdowns to connect people and provide support. The group has 17,000 members and was founded by Stephen "Chalky" Whyte, who wanted to bring people together during a time of isolation and uncertainty.
The Stay Inn Facebook Group
The Stay Inn Facebook group was founded by Stephen "Chalky" Whyte, who wanted to create a community where people could connect and support each other during the pandemic. The group quickly grew to 17,000 members, who used the platform to share jokes, offer support, and provide camaraderie. The group was not just about support, but also about having fun and enjoying each other’s company. As Jenny Dobson, one of the top contributors to the group, said, "It’s a lot of fun. There’s a lot of joking. There’s a lot of banter." The group provided a much-needed sense of connection and community during a time when people were feeling isolated and alone.
The Friendship Between Jenny and Rosemary
The friendship between Jenny Dobson and Rosemary Brook is a testament to the power of connection and community. The two women met 45 years ago when Rosemary was Jenny’s nurse while she was giving birth to her son. They quickly discovered that they were navigating new motherhood together, and their friendship was born. Over the years, they have been there for each other, supporting each other through thick and thin. When Rosemary’s husband Neville collapsed on a golf course, requiring two major operations, Jenny was a big support. And when Jenny’s husband Les died, Rosemary was there to offer comfort and support. Their friendship is a beautiful example of the kind of connection and community that The Stay Inn Facebook group aims to foster.
The Journey of the Friendship Plate
The friendship plate has traveled a long way to reach its final destination in Dunedin. It was launched by Stephen "Chalky" Whyte, who founded The Stay Inn Facebook group. The plate was posted to Dunedin from England, where it had been passed from member to member. It then traveled to Australia, where it was passed on to Jenny Dobson. Jenny had the plate for about a month before passing it on to her friend Rosemary Brook. The plate’s journey is a symbol of the connection and community that The Stay Inn Facebook group represents. It shows how a small gesture of kindness can travel a long way and bring people together.
The Significance of the Friendship Plate
The friendship plate is more than just a symbol of connection and community. It represents the power of kindness and generosity to bring people together. The plate’s journey shows how a small gesture can travel a long way and have a profound impact on people’s lives. The plate has sealed a 45-year friendship between Jenny and Rosemary, and it will continue to travel, spreading kindness and connection to others. As Stephen "Chalky" Whyte said, "I thought if people can’t go to the pub we will bring the pub to them." The friendship plate is a testament to the power of community and connection to bring people together, even in times of isolation and uncertainty.
Conclusion
The story of the friendship plate is a heartwarming one, highlighting the power of connection and community to bring people together. The plate’s journey shows how a small gesture of kindness can travel a long way and have a profound impact on people’s lives. The friendship between Jenny and Rosemary is a beautiful example of the kind of connection and community that The Stay Inn Facebook group aims to foster. The plate will continue to travel, spreading kindness and connection to others, and its significance will be remembered for years to come.