FIRE BRIGADE REPORT 

Well a New Year is with us, and hopefully this year will bring a resumption of some of the more normal activities.

We welcome Aaron Huddleston to our recruit pool, I think by the smiles he is already enjoying himself and is already contributing on calls.

Late last year we hosted our Brigade Honours Night to acknowledge the contribution made by our members to the community, and especially  their families when they are dragged away, and to take time to formally present Certificates, Medals and Bars for their years of service to date. It was great to see our Life Members present, a huge shout out to the Duty Crew who still found time to go down to the fireworks display. … Continue Reading

Know your town

Parks 

Neither JD Baird’s 1870 Waihinga plan or John Martin’s 1879 Martinborough plan  set aside land for parks or cemetery. The Martinborough plan had open ground in the centre with roads running through it. This was not fenced until 1905 and completely closed off until 1920 to officially become Soldier’s Memorial Park 

The first  public recreational area was the Racecourse which was situated  on what is now the golf course. The Lower Valley Jockey Club wanted a permanent course and in December 1879 a public meeting was called to discuss the proposal. It was suggested that to raise funds  one pound shares be offered with a target of 500 shares being sold . 600 ( 2021 = $97,741) were taken up.  … Continue Reading

Lifetime astronomer honoured

A lifetime of amateur astronomy stretching from the late 1950s for Wairarapa Astronomical Society president Darrell Ramsey has been honoured by fellow astronomers in a ceremony dedicating a viewing observatory in his name.

About 20 astronomers from Wairarapa, Wellington and surrounding areas have attended an event at “Star Field” near Martinborough to celebrate and mark Ramsey’s contribution to local and regional amateur astronomy.

“Star Field” owner John Whitby used to occasion to dedicate the Darrell Ramsey roll-off roof observatory when guests of the Wellington Astronomical Society joined members
for their regular Astrophotography/Dark Sky “observing evening” at Star Field.  … Continue Reading

Royal Family net favourability

An interesting poll from YouGov on the net favourability 

 for members of the royal family. In order, they are:

1. The Queen +71%
2. Prince William +65%
3. Duchess of Cambridge +62%
4. Princess Anne +50%
5. Prince Charles +24%
6. Prince Philip +28%
7. Prince Edward +9%
8. Duchess of Cornwall +1%
9. Prince Harry +1%
10. 10.Duchess of Sussex -26%
11. 11.Prince Andrew -73%