Its Gin O’clock!

As a distilled spirit infused with a bounty of various botanicals, Gin has over the course of a millennium, evolved like no other. From being a remedy for Black Death, to instigator of Eighteenth Century social problems, to hero of the 1920’s Cocktail Age, Gin today has never been so ‘in’.

Represented by products of various origins, styles, and flavor profiles that all revolve around juniper as common ingredient, the range of Gin available is both breathtaking and a story worthy to be told. 

One of the best ways to sip and savour the many botanical beauties around is by joining Martinborough Wine Merchants’ quickly growing Gin Club. Aptly named Gin O’clock, Gin Club takes members on a tasting journey over five completely different gins, blind (no, not in that way). And because there’s more to a G & T than a slice of lemon, Gin O’clock also presents an equally impressive array of tonic waters to match the range du jour. “You have to view tonic water as a condiment to your Gin” say Martinborough Wine Merchants. “Everyone has their own preference, whether it be a classic tonic with their London Dry, Yuzu with a saffron gin, or a splash of lime keffir with a Quince gin”.  … Continue Reading

Inner Wheel Club of South Wairarapa

Club Meeting

It was a ‘full house’ again at our April meeting, with yet another interesting speaker. Learning about conditions in Kenya and Malawi, especially around education and the lengths some children need to go to, in order to receive it, was a wake up call for most of us. We heard that some children walk 10-15km daily to receive their education, with many classes being held outside under a Baobab tree. Kay Harvey and her husband spent a year in Africa to learn about Development. The primary goal was to provide clean water for communities whose only water source was contaminated. The clean water goal was achieved for these communities.

17^th International Inner Wheel Convention

Three of us recently attended the 17^th International Inner Wheel Convention in Melbourne and a few of our highlights were shared on Club night. Our Australian neighbours were wonderful hosts and we had a great time at the Convention Centre on the South Bank of the Yarra River in that beautiful city! Being amongst the 1450 women from around the world, all with common goals, was certainly a great experience and many friendships were formed or rekindled. We had made the decision to attend this particular Convention as it was so close to us geographically. The next host country will be India in 2021 where the 18^th International Convention will be held at Jaipur, the ‘pink city’ in Rajasthan. … Continue Reading

Lions’ Skyline Challenge Supports Local Youth

Martinborough Lions recently held another successful edition of their iconic Skyline Challenge mountain bike ride (run and walk) on farmlands near the South Wairarapa township.  “We’re pleased to say that the event raised $2000, which will be going to the Wairarapa Whanau Trust,”says Martinborough Lions President Lee Quayle.

The Trust works to coordinate and engage social services for local youth in the Wairarapa region. They provide a safe place for youth to belong and learn new skills, and to work with community mentors.

“We had about 100 riders, runners and walkers this year on a fabulous autumn day,” says Lee.  “There’s definitely a challenge for those who want it, but many of the riders, walkers and runners were just out to enjoy a great day in the countryside, with great views.”

The event was dedicated to Lion Ric Geisler who took responsibility for organising the event until he passed away earlier in the year.

Fertility Advice

Bex Henderson (nee Morison) grew up in Martinborough and recently settled back in the Wairarapa after ten years overseas. A Registered Nurse, Bex found her niche working in Women’s Health after graduating from Otago Polytechnic 15 years ago. She has since worked in fertility clinics in London, Melbourne and most recently Wellington.

Now settled in Greytown with her Scottish husband, she is enjoying the prospect of raising their two children in a more relaxed country environment with grandparents and close family nearby.

With her wealth of experience helping couples to conceive children, Bex has decided to offer a consultancy service to those who may need it. There is a lot that can be done naturally and Bex has been constantly surprised how little is known about natural cycles, tests and fertility treatment options that can be tried before resorting to the costly IVF process. 

   On average, women are having babies later in their ‘reproductive window’ and there is more urgency to become pregnant once that decision has been made.

Interestingly, because of extensive worldwide research into how to prevent pregnancies, some of that information has also been very useful in helping women to conceive.

Bex is working with the full support of local and Wellington GPs. Check out her website: www.seedfertility.co.nz, ph 027 541 6880