News from First Church

Come in, come in New Year, your promise calls us here
To stride with hopeful step once more through January’s open door.
For all the world, for young and old
We pray a year of peace unfold

It has taken the month of January to begin to get into the swing again, after the busyness of Christmas, and everybody’s coming and going over the holidays
Our little country church is being well used for weddings and we enjoy being the setting for each family’s happy day. The Church family and friends celebrated with a lunch before Christmas, and a garden BBQ in the country in January. … Continue Reading

$10, 000 Raised by Martinborough Concert for Kaikoura

The community of Martinborough came together to support the community of Kaikoura at a fundraising concert at The Village Café on 13 January 2017 and helped to raise $10,000.
“Martinborough certainly came to the party as far a supporting this event is concerned,” says Jazz in Martinborough’s Lee Quayle. “We managed to put together a superb event, with fine food, fantastic music and fabulous Martinborough wines; but only because of the outstanding generosity of the people of Martinborough.” … Continue Reading

A special tree

A plaque has been unveiled to record the history of a large oak tree in the Kahutara school grounds. The tree has grown from an acorn planted by two pupils in 1938. The boys Cliff Lea and —– Hood stared at the school in 1932 and had been close friends, a friendship which lasted all of their lives.

The plaque unveiling was attended by —- son Mervyn and daughter Irma and Cliff’s daughter Juliette. Current pupils Luke Donald and Charlie Bargh assisted Mervyn with the unveiling.

Mervyn described how the original school stood in a paddock without any shade as provided by the trees which are a now a feature of the grounds.

The impressive totara by the entrance gate also has an interesting history. It was planted by Claude Carter who was the owner driver of the school bus which brought the pupils to school in the 1930s.

Photo caption: Luke and Charlie assist Mervyn to unveil the plaque.

Athletic Club

The 2016/17 season is well underway with club nights resuming at 6pm from Monday 30th January at Card Reserve in Featherston. Numbers are strong with 100 children registered from schools across South Wairarapa. In December we had a very successful duathlon to mark the end of the season.

In 2017 we are pleased to be initiating a great community event 10am Sunday 26th February in memory of Featherston stalwart Ron Hughes who gave over 45 years support to athletics and also contributed to rugby and other community initiatives. … Continue Reading