Waihinga Centre Great Treasure Trail

And the winner was…George Broome, in 28 minutes on his speedy scooter. His prize, a junior golf driver, was one of the many great items donated by local sponsors. Organisers Lyle and Ro Griffiths noted that it was thanks to these donors, the volunteer helpers, and the families of Martinborough who took part, that the Treasure Trail was such a great success. George is in the (almost) centre of the montage.
For more information on the project see the Waihinga Centre page in this paper

Regional Council notes

It’s hard to believe that another year has passed by and we are once again close to celebrating Christmas. You could say that he last twelve months have been a mixed bag for Wairarapa with a share of both highs and lows.

Overall we are we are flourishing with economic growth outstripping other parts of the region and property values increasing sharply. Development is buoyant and councils are issuing a record number of consents. For many this a godsend but the flip side is considerable pressure on the rental market and a shortage of affordable homes for those less well off.

In stark contrast some community organisations have struggled to find funding and our region had more than its share of suicides. Actually, even one suicide is one too many and we must look hard at ourselves to see what we can do better to prevent such a sad loss of life and support the families who are left to pick up the pieces. … Continue Reading

Know your town

Higginson’s Store circa 1971

In the early 1970s Martinborough had three grocery shops plus Pain and Kershaw’s and WFCA Dept stores – which sold everything. There was a baker’s shop and dairy in each of the two main streets, one dairy sold Tip Top ice cream the other Frosty Jack – threepence a cone, plus one had a Juke Box at a shilling a time.

Jellicoe Street was a busy retail hub with Terry Boyd’s menswear, and Olive Madsen’s Ladies wear. Moore’s sports goods, an Electrical shop and a Shoe repairs which later became a tea and coffee shop run by Noelene Thomas between 1965 and 1971.
Plus the Star restaurant where the menu was either steak, eggs and chips of Fish eggs and chips ( served by a gentleman dressed in a bush shirt saddle tweed trousers and boots)

Meanwhile Kitchener Street had Lake’s Bookshop, Edward’s tea rooms, Cotter and Steven’s electrical shop, Hardie’s jewellers and fancy goods, and even a car sales yard. … Continue Reading

Did you know

CHRISTMAS parade and Carols in the Square on Saturday 16th from 5 pm.

The SWIMMING baths are now open – and this season there is no entry charge – that’s right, FREE, so come and enjoy a swim.

THERE ARE over two million Apps in the Apple Store. January 1st was the store’s busiest ever day when people downloaded US$ 240,000,000 worth of Apps.

POCKIE MACHINES removed $845 million from gamers last year , with this figure on track to be surpassed this year.

‘FEW THINGS are harder to put up with than a good example’- Mark Twain

BETWEEN the ages of fifty and seventy five the death rate of men is 30% higher than women. And yet the Health Research Council only spend six cents in every dollar on research men’s health research. – Prof. David Baxter Otago University Centre for Men’s Health.

… Continue Reading