Excitement builds as bridge project nears completion

Work on a new 150m long suspension bridge spanning the Tauherenikau River is progressing well, with bridge builders Abseil Access expected to finish the build shortly. Work on the trails and signage on either side of the river is underway, including boardwalks, picnic area and trails from carparks. When finished, it will be one of the longest walk and cycle suspension bridges in the country.

The Tauherenikau Bridge will connect Featherston and Greytown, and is the first milestone in the Five Towns Trail Network Project.

South Wairarapa District Council chief executive Harry Wilson said the bridge, when opened, would be an enormous asset to the district.  “It’ll pave the way for a wonderful recreational trail and judging by the success of trails elsewhere, it will have long-term economic benefits for our region. 

“Cyclists and walkers will be able to travel between Featherston and Greytown in a direct and scenic way while avoiding the state highway. We are thankful to government stimulus funding for enabling the project to progress so fast.”

The bridge is part of an ambitious plan for approximately 200km of off-road recreational trails throughout Wairarapa.  Signature trails will connect the five Wairarapa towns, with a series of loops and experience trails and local trails for communities and visitors to enjoy. In its entirety, the Five Towns Trail Network is expected to cost over $30 million, including the infrastructure to cross multiple rivers. … Continue Reading

Did you know

JAZZ IN MARTINBOROUGH returns after covid’s forced last year cancellation. JaM will be on ‘Retro pack plays’ on  Friday 2^nd September and ‘ Cool Jazz/West Coast on Saturday 3^rd September . See details in this Star issue.

ALSO RETURNING  is Toast Martinborough which will be held on Sunday Nov 20^th. Early Bird tickets are on sale via iTICKET. Once Early Bird allocation has sold out, General Admission will go on sale immediately and stay on sale until sell out.

SEVENS RUGBY began more than a century ago when some Scottish small village rugby clubs were having difficulty making up teams of 15. Ned Haig an innovative Melrose butcher suggested that their village host a rugby tournament made up of smaller teams. A number was decided on and the rules modified to suit the new format. The first games were held on 28th April 1883

THE RESULTS of the Australian five yearly census have been released. There are now 25,500,000 people living in Australia, half of who have a parent born overseas. People with Indian ancestors have overtaken China and New Zealand to become the third largest place of birth, behind Australia and English born.  

‘IT HAS BEEN my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues’ Abraham Lincoln  … Continue Reading

Cryptic crossword

Local crossword producer Andrew Horwood has offered to provide the Star with a cryptic crossword for each issue. We are happy to produce this and would like to have some feedback to gauge the enthusiasm for crosswords both standard and cryptic. (I am useless at crosswords myself and so in no position to judge).

For your entertainment , or perplexation, here is  crossword no 1. 

Cooking corner – Creamy tuna mornay

Ingredients

• 60g butter
• 1 onion diced
• 1 carrot diced
• 2 celery sticks diced
• 1 red capsicum diced
• 1/3 cup plain flour
• 440g canned corn drained
• 425g canned tuna in springwater
• 375ml can evaporated milk
• 1 cup tasty cheese grated
• 2 tbs fresh curly parsley chopped
• 1 tbs wholegrain mustard* to taste
• 1 pinch salt and pepper *to taste
• Method
• Melt butter in large saucepan, add onion, carrot, celery and capsicum and cook gently until softened.Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and gradually stir in evaporated milk.
• Return to heat and stir until thickened. Add tuna and springwater, corn, cheese, parsley and mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
• Cook until heated through and cheese has melted.