Know your town

‘What’s the weather like’

A Martinborough promotional brochure from 1960 -61 indulged in a little embellishment of the facts (and lack of punctuation) as it read: ‘Martinborough enjoys sunshine like Nelson, which makes for comfortable living. The town is 52 miles, only an 1 ½ hour drive, from Wellington. If you are looking for a place to live that’s going to make for happier, healthier, relaxed living well Martinborough could be the place. Are you looking for an attractive , well designed town where people are friendly and a relaxed atmosphere, Martinborough is the place to be. Going to live there, here are some questions to ask. What businesses, work opportunities, sports, School, medical or spare time activities.’

Facts outlined in the brochure included that the town’s population was 1,550. The previous census had shown it to be only 1,192 however the 1961 census showed that it had risen to 1,422 so it was not too much of an exaggeration. Interestingly the 2013 census showed a population of 1,470 – a net gain of only 48 in 52 years.
Residential sections cost between one hundred and fifty and four hundred and fifty pounds ( 2015 = $6,410 – $19,228). It informed that plentiful local raw material kept building costs down. Plus the soil was rich loam and there was an excellent water supply, so good for home gardeners. … Continue Reading

Library News

Summer has been fabulous – especially for the children.  Pool, beach, sun and especially the Summer Reading Programme (sponsored by the Eastern  & Central Community Trust).  Janet logged in over 86 children at least 4 times each.  My maths is quite appalling as you all know but even I can figure out that is quite a lot. 

Janet did spend quite a lot of time in her very small tent and may not be able to stand straight again but the children loved it.  We had some fantastic entertainers also, a very realistic and slightly naughty pirate (Festus McBoyle) and Tanya Batt the “Pacific Princess and storystitcher”.  Of course the programme would not be complete without Zappo who entertained the children twice, once in the Village Café garden and as the crowning glory of the Finale party in Greytown on the 27th January. … Continue Reading

MARTINBOROUGH CHRISTMAS PARADE

Well what a truly wonderful parade. Thank you to everyone who entered a float and got into the spirit of Christmas. Children all lined the Square watching the floats and waiting for Father Christmas to make his appearance. A big thank you to Kay Mills for organising the parade and to all our wonderful local businesses for their continued support, without all of you the parade wouldn’t happen.

The inaugural Business Christmas Carol singing competition was won by Martinborough Bar and Grill although they faced some stiff competition from other local businesses so we look forward to another exciting challenge later in the year!
The Christmas Carols were organised by Steve Lewis and compared by Jacky Nathu. Thank you to all the musicians, Martinborough Choir and The Madcaps crew who all participated so that the evening ran smoothly and was lots of fun. It was great watching all the small children sing and dance … future Madcaps participants???…
Thanks to Tegan King for supplying the photo.

Hi from Martinborough Plunket

It’s been a fantastic summer so far hasn’t it?!

I can’t believe the school holidays are over already, we’ve had a great break over the holidays. What’s on the agenda locally?   For starters, the second Martinborough Fair is coming up in March if you didn’t see our rest room in the Town Hall for parents needing a place to go change babies and have a wee cuppa while you are here, keep a look out for our banner (and an ear as it is broadcast over the P.A system). … Continue Reading