Library Book Club

We meet at the library on the second Friday of the month at 10am and anyone is welcome to join us

No particular book is chosen instead we all have the opportunity to talk about a book or books that we have found intriguing. It is always interesting to see what grabs who’s attention as we all read many and varying books which open our minds to new ideas. The beauty of book club, is here we have a group of people who love books and reading, where we are all welcome to bring our insights and have a discussion around that certain book that has claimed our attention.

Last time we had Alex, so delighted to find that a book he thought was a really great book “Aftermath The Remnants of War” had been read by two of our members and we agreed with his findings. I would say this tome opens our eyes to the activity that is necessary after a conflict. Like all the unexploded shells that still remain in French forests, or the ongoing effects of Agent Orange to the clean up required in nuclear testing sites. Each chapter is a story in it’s own right. Thanks Alex

Then we have another woman saying I have been reading feminist books and it’s all about consent! … Continue Reading

Letters

Ripped off

The magnificent Terracotta Warriors have revealed themselves and given us a glimpse back in time of a hugely resourceful, probably coercive,  imaginative and spiritually connected civilisation. Unfortunately, at the same time, Te Papa choses to demean itself and all it’s local and international visitors by banging a ‘service fee’ on top of its entrance fee. For the privilege of paying cash for my entrance fee of $19, i paid and extra $2.50, an increase on their advertised price of over 13%.

After much unforthcoming correspondence, which i won’t bore you with, Te Papies PR Man Syd Duflou finally stated baldly  “We felt this fee was a way of being able to generate additional revenue for us”. Consumer NZ sighed with despondency. Ticketek didn’t trouble themselves to take the time to respond.  I’m still waiting on the Commerce Commission to see what they might have to say about this devious price gouging that many people i’ve spoken with are also offended by.

Doug Harris

Know your town

Terry Trotman erecting stalls for the Bush Carnival held at Kansas Street.

The highs and lows of Martinborough

Martinborough Fairs

The first Martinborough Fair started out as a Bush Carnival to raise money for the replacement of the Ambulance with great success. Three years later Mr Bill Fetch ran with the idea and so tha Martinborough Fairs put us on the map.

TV series ‘Pukemanu’

Filmed during the 1970s at the Club Hotel renamed the Pukemanu when the series became popular, it became the pace to be seen and to have a drink.  Quoted in a newspaper as ‘ A Must Thing To Do’. Shortly after the series finished the Hotel was demolished and replaced by the Pukemanu Tavern.

Toast Martinborough

Mr Tom Draper and Mr Richard Riddiford made an excellent job , both here in New Zealand and overseas, in making such an event work in a backwater town as Martinborough then was. With the realisation that the wines were so good that a need for food and accommodation became apparent. In keeping the accommodation had to be up to a high standard which started the upgrade of many places , historic and new.  And the food  not just pies and sammies or fish and chips.  … Continue Reading

Junior sport

Next month we will be running our Junior sport section and invite all managers or coaches of junior teams to send in reports and pictures of your team.

Currently I have contact details of  football,  hockey, netball and rugby coaches. We would love to hear from other sports being played. Please either contact me for publishing details  (beckett36@gmail.com ) or send your report to that address. The deadline is 4pm Wednesday May 29^th. However it is always helpful to us if you can have it in a bit earlier.

Meanwhile: 

Like to try Badminton? 

Are you and your children looking for a winter sport? Clareville Badminton is a family- friendly club that meets every Tuesday from 7.30pm at the A & P Hall in the Clareville complex

All abilities are catered for and our season runs from April till October. Come along on 30 April and give badminton a go for FREE – rackets available.

For any queries or to register your interest, please email Julia:

on ruralwriter70@gmail.com