Valentine Venimore is a semi retired teacher of Art and Music, now living in Huntly.
He and his wife, Shelley live on Great South Rd, overlooking the Waikato river. Shelley enjoys creating a garden while Val appreciates the views from his music and art studio.
They have four sons and a daughter, and five grand-daughters and one grandson. The family are spread from Sweden, to Japan, Auckland, New Plymouth, and Wellington.
Completing his teacher training at Ardmore, and a Diploma in Visual Arts from Canberra while working in Australia as a musician, (guitar and vocals).
He has taught Art at Fraser High School, Hamilton, Padua (A.C.T. Australia), St Peter's Cambridge, and in several other education institutions from primary to tertiary, in both Australia and New Zealand, where at various times has headed departments in Art, Music and Computer Studies.
Presently Valentine is teaching Music and Art on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Friday mornings at Huntly Primary School, (Where he is known as "Matua Val" or "Koro V".
He also teaches evening community groups in art, and music in Huntly and Ngaruawahia.
On the second Tuesday of each month, he entertains as a singer-guitarist for the residents of Huntly's Kimihia retirement home.
In an interesting and varied career, Valentine has also been a successful exhibiting artist, restaurant operator, newspaper columnist, software developer, and even raced classic cars.