Olivio-nor wins Bookabach award

By Sheryl Anton

Olivio-nor was awarded the Bookabach 2022 Silver award. Simone Scoppa, social head of public relations from Bookabach engaged in the finalists awards and from my chat to Simone it was the small little details that Olivio~nor went over and beyond to make guests feel at home. Whether it was a birthday celebration wedding anniversary or just a group of girls or couples wanting to get away from their busy lives. 

A bottle local Wairarapa wine and nibbles on arrival with a personal note all the extra products that occupied the bathrooms like Aesop products, robes, slippers, chocolate on each pillow. A large entertainment kitchen, an open lounge fire to toast marshmellows if they wanted to stay in. All those little details make guests feel like they don’t want to leave and they don’t. Also the award was categorised by the guest reviews on the bookabach site of Olivio~nor was also a factor.

Olivio-nor villa is set in amongst 10 acres of quiet rural land with 180 olive trees and the back drop of the Tararuas with the evening sunset hovering over the formal but relaxed alfresco dining and patio. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, luxury living.  

We came here from Eastbourne and set about planting and landscaping as the property was purely bare land around the villa. We changed the colour from terracotta to a washed look for the italian feel.  My husband Vern worked on the film sets and took 18 months off to refurbish a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom to a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom to maximise my vision of accommodation and weddings as I am an interior stylist etc. Vern could see the potential so we went to work and within 3 years of hard work we opened up a wedding and accommodation venue.

NZ House & Garden item on Olivio-nor www.olivionor.co.nz

NEWS FROM FIRST CHURCH

By Pam Colenso

May these be the gifts your Christmas brings –

Peace, Gladness, Good Health and Love

This last year has been memorable in many ways, we still had and have the lasting impacts of Covid-19 and the effects this has had on us, and the community, these have been long and varied.  

We at First Church have been able to hold several events over the last year, these have included the Autumn Mini Market, Mini Book Fair, Preloved High Fashion and High Tea evening and the Annual Kirk Fair.  All the funds raised from these events have gone to the work of the church.  It is fantastic to see the whole church family and friends working together to enable these to happen. Thanks to all who donated goods, and to the customers so necessary to the successful result.

We are already in the planning stages for next year and ask if you are having your annual decluttering or downsizing over the holiday period, and have items you no longer use, then we would love to have these for our fairs next year. Please contact Ronnie on 06 3069277 to arrange for collection.

First Church is holding a Community Christmas Day Lunch from 12 – 2pm in our church hall.

• Do not be on your own – if you are an individual, or a couple, come and join us for lunch, great food, and joyful company.
• All faith traditions are encouraged and welcome
• Fabulous food – 3 course meal, plus tea and coffee.

Only a certain number can fit into our hall, so phone Carol 0210712049 or Shari 0276364579 if you would like to come along, love to see you there. … Continue Reading

MASTERTON CONCERT A FITTING ROYAL CELEBRATION

By Barbara Hyde

Masterton’s beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park will be party-central for town folk and visitors during the first weekend of December.

With the return of the popular Summer Hummer concert, community-owned Trust House Limited is also throwing a party to celebrate 75-years, and everyone is invited. The festivities will include free rides on the famous miniature train, paddle boats and entry to the public swimming pools over the Saturday and Sunday of 3-4 December.

Tagged in travel publications as the “Jewel in the Crown”, Queen Elizabeth Park takes its name from the late Queen Elizabeth II who visited in 1954. Fitting then that the headline act for the showpiece Saturday Summer Hummer is hip-hop artist Kings.

The Auckland-based entertainer is joined by Wellington act Tin Palace and Wairarapa bands – Deluxe Edition, Sinner Man Saint, Captivated and Dragonfly and local beat boxer, Maceo Field. 

Destination Wairarapa General Manager Anna Nielson says the double header celebrations will make for a bumper weekend in Masterton. “With all its many attractions and activities Queen Elizabeth Park is a popular destination for locals and visiting families,” Anna Nielson says. “We’re anticipating plenty of visitors and of course a lot of excitement from locals. The weekend will I think showcase Masterton and Queen Elizabeth Park.” … Continue Reading

MARTINBOROUGH WINE AND FOOD SOCIETY NOVEMBER MEETING

By  Sue Delamare

At our last wine and food evening we were privileged to have Marion Deimling of Schubert Wines walk us through their current range of wines. The wines were accompanied by delicious platters prepared by Penny Rae.

Kai Schubert and Marion Deimling, both Geisenheim University of Viticulture and Oenology graduates established Schubert wines in 1998.

They had set of around the world in search for the ideal place to plant and produce their true passion Pinot Noir. Having travelled extensively through regions like Oregon, California, Australia and Europe, they found what they were looking for in the Wairarapa. In spring 1998 they acquired the old Bob Petelin cottage in Cambridge Road and 40 hectares of bare land in East Taratahi. Schubert Wines obtained full organic certification in 2013.

We had the pleasure of tasting the wines in Gabriel Glasses designed by Swiss wine writer Rene` Gabriel as the ultimate multi-purpose wine glass. The slightly conical glass amplifies the wine bouquet while the glass itself is fine and light and wafer thin and a delight to use.

First wine up was the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, this wine has an expressive bouquet of citrus with tropical fruit flavours. A vibrant wine with well-balanced acidity. … Continue Reading