THE MARTINBOROUGH COMMUNITY CENTRE Project Update Starting a moo-vement

A new initiative by a committee of local women who have banded together to raise funds for the new centre is well on the way to success. The group is planning a Community Cattle Drive which organiser Ju Allen says is a great way in which local farmers can play a significant role in supporting the Martinborough Community Centre project.

Mrs Allen says the groups have an ambitious target. “We are aiming to team up with 200 donor farmers and those that we have approached so far have been fantastically supportive. We’re proud and delighted by the generous way farming families are getting behind this.”

“We’ve organised our drive so the paperwork is really simple when cows go to the works, says committee member Felicity Warren.”This is a great way for farmers to make a contribution for a great initiative – easier than straight cash and very effective in generating solid results.”

The committee is in the process of contacting farmers in the area. We’d love to hear from farmers who would like to contribute. Contact: Ju Allen (06 3069 339).

The Martinborough Community Centre Communications Team.

Supporter Profiles: Robin Lockie and Helen & John Meehan

Robin Lockie and her late husband Ian enjoy a special place in modern Martinborough history.  In 1991 at their property Olivo, on the Hinakura Road, they planted the first olive trees in the district – 812 of them.  The grove’s present owners, Helen and John Meehan, are equally passionate about olives and produce an award winning, internationally sold range of oils.  Helen now also makes beautiful handmade olive oil based soap.

Helen Meehan
John and I are great supporters of developing the town hall as a showpiece for Martinborough. We feel this is a town with a lot of flair and we need our community centre to reflect this and draw people into the town. It’s a pleasure for us to live here because we believe Martinborough is a caring and unique community full of interesting people. Of course it is going to be a challenge to raise all the funds we want but, as I’ve learned, there’s always a way around a problem.
One thing that people don’t know about me? Most people don’t know that I trained as a librarian – comes in useful when you are researching new products!

Robin Lockie
I think our town hall, though not beautiful, is a great asset and I strongly support the move to make it a building that can be used by many local organisations and events, a focal point for the town, a place for events outside of our own, and an attraction for visitors. It is important that the new centre cater for many different groups, keep its fine acoustics, look attractive and be accessible to all ages.
The best advice I have ever been given? Have a good sense of humour and plenty of common sense.
One thing people don’t know about me? I am basically shy. I just know how to put on a good face.

Thank you to our generous supporters

Ata Rangi, David and Winifred Bull, Tom and Di Bunny, Jim Clark and Michael Honey, Paul and Rosie Collins, Cotter and Stevens Ltd, Wyatt & Danny Creech, John and Trish Donald, Draper Land Co Ltd, Roger Gaskill and Julie-Claire Baxter, Peter and Ruth Graham, Catherine and Marco de Groot, Ro and Lyle Griffiths, Gerald Hensley, Michael Lamont and Bev O’Keefe, Robin Lockie, Tim and Leslie Lusk, John and Di Martin, Tim Martin and Victoria Read, The Martinborough Star, Martinborough Community Board, Andy and Bridget Mathewson, MTH Centenary Ball Committee, Helen and John Meehan, Murdoch James, Pain Estate, Pain and Kershaw Ltd, Palliser Estate, Patuna Farm, Pirinoa Station, Poppies Martinborough, Pukeatua Station, Pure Martinborough, Richard Riddiford, Hamish & Sue Sims, Mary Smith and Family, Max and Liz Stevens Family, Graeme Thompson and Chris Cassels, Thunderpants Ltd, The Tora Coastal Walk, Gary Wall, Felicity and Arthur Warren, Weatherstone Family Rotopai Farms, Pam and Garry Wells, Wood Family Paharakeke

If you would like to join our supporters and make a pledge to the Martinborough Community Centre Fund please contact Max Stevens – 3069095 or Victoria Read – 3068570.