LOTS OF LAUGHS AT THE RED CROSS PARTY

The Martinborough Red Cross put on its annual ‘Spring Party’ last month for local [mostly!] elderly residents. This proved to be a very festive occasion and much enjoyed by all. In keeping with the ‘Red’ Cross theme, the hall was decorated with red balloons and red and white camellias. Drinks were served as people were seated. With some indecision about a ‘toast’ proposal, the Red Cross won over ‘Team New Zealand’. Guests then got down to the serious business of playing BINGO; with the mystery parcel prizes providing much hilarity, when one winner, who shall remain nameless, modelled her gift – a scarlet satin and lace G-String!! (Over her jeans, of course.)

Nearly everybody received a gift or two; these included more useful items such as hand lotion, coffee mugs and balls of string. Afternoon tea rounded off the occasion and many guests promised they’d be back next year.

The annual party fits well with the principles of the Red Cross. It’s not a fund-raiser, just a way of showing ‘we care’. 

Maree Roy

GOLF CLUB NEWS

It has been a very busy month at the club with groups playing from all over NZ. A group of eight from Auckland fell in love with Martinborough and could not believe how quiet things were here. A group from the Manawatu played the course for the very first time as well as a couple from Cromwell.
Several trees were lost after the recent violent wind-storm but the club’s many volunteers helped Darren get the course back in tip-top shape. Thank you to Ali Holmes, Ro Griffiths, Bill Jones, Mike Hatrick, Doug Ferguson, Trevor Petersen, Nick Allen and Garry O’Dwyer. The new tee signs have also been put in place and look rather impressive and very professional. … Continue Reading

Fire Brigade

As part of learning about local emergency services, Kindergarten teachers brought their class of 21 to see the trucks and meet a few fire fighters. An important learning for young children is not to be frightened of seeing a fire fighter in full gear who is trying to help in an emergency. 
Recruit Fire Fighter Chantelle Struthers donned full protective gear including breathing apparatus and face mask and talked to the kids and let them come up close to see and hear all about being a fire fighter.  Also we reminded them how to phone for help if ever needed. The Brigade is always happy to demonstrate what we do and the equipment we are trained to use.  … Continue Reading

 George Pain – A Worthy Pioneer (founder of Pain & Kershaw)

A Life Story written by George Pain  
(edited by I Kershaw)

Part One
My father and mother came from England in 1839 by the ‘Oriental’.  The voyage occupied about 4 months and they landed at Petone on Jan 31st 1840. My father’s trade was a bricklayer and I was born six years later in Wellington.

My first recollection is of a little brick house built on a hill behind Stewart Dawson’s corner, near where the Bank of New Zealand now stands. It was then known as ‘Clay Point’ and I remember the sea washed so close that there was just sufficient space for a dray to get round.
Later on the family moved to Boulcott St and lived there for many years. ‘Te Aro Flat’ now Cuba St, Victoria St and Courtney Place were all covered with flax and manuka scrub, the Basin Reserve was a lagoon and Cambridge Tce. a bog. … Continue Reading