Ramblings from a Councillor

Throughout life occasionally we need to be reminded of the obvious or that which is taken for granted.
Martinborough today has lots of good happenings; like a 10% population growth since the 2006 census, the school roll increasing, class rooms having to be built, a bulging Kindy, two Day-care Centres, houses are being built, new investment in vineyards and we are seeing an increase of visitors during winter months. Our barmy breezy summer days continue to attract visitors, enjoying our cafes and overflowing into the vineyards on hire bikes, casually strolling or relaxing on a vineyard tour bus, many staying over to sample the variety of accommodation on offer. … Continue Reading

SING IT TO MY FACE

THE PROJECT:
Sing It To My Face, by Wellington based theatre company Barbarian Productions, is an inter-generational music theatre project featuring local Wairarapa singers. Four different generational choirs will let each other know how they really feel about society in a stylised, theatrical performance of a fully scored choral arrangement. The libretto, crafted by Jo Randerson is based on a cross generational survey held in the Wairarapa and set to music by Julian Raphael (Community Music Junction). … Continue Reading

South Wairarapa Probus

This month we were treated to an excellent presentation by Catherine de Groot and Vicky Read on the proposed Waihinga Martinborough Community Centre.

As most people were aware this was motivated mainly by the need to do earthquake strengthening on the Martinborough Town Hall. We had all heard some information on the project but the presentation by Catherine and Vicky was a good overall presentation of what is proposed. They told us of the huge amount of work which has gone into ensuring the best use of the property as a community centre with inclusion of the library, plunket rooms, play areas, work space for visiting medical consultants in conjunction with the medical centre and an i-site visitor centre. … Continue Reading

South Wairarapa Rotary

The Rotary year is well under way, into our second month of new people in the management positions. When there are about 55 members it takes some organising to keep everybody involved, speakers arranged, and meetings ticking over.

Historically Rotary Clubs were all male when Rotary was first established early in the 20th Century. There were rules about how many people from each profession could be in a club, there were duties to be performed though unlike some organisations there were NOT secret handshakes. Times are a- changing, there now are women in clubs, and a good percentage, there is no concern over having too many plumbers, or accountants and if you are busy and can’t make every meeting there are no issues.

Later this month members of the Rotary Club of South Wairarapa will be helping to pick daffodils at a property on the way to Cape Palliser belonging to one of our members. The daffodils are put into bundles and end up being sold as part of the national Daffodil Day. This is just one of the many interesting things that a modern-day Rotarian can find themselves doing.

On a larger scale the annual Rotary Martinborough Charity Fun Ride is approaching fast, Sunday 1st November will see 400+ bike riders chosing between 3 courses to test their fitness. Proceeds this year will be going to Life Flight and the NZ Blind Foundation Guide Dogs.

Later in November the club will be assisting with a Garden-Day raising funds for Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, Fernside just outside of Featherston will be open to the public and members will be directing visitors. If you would be interested in helping feel free to email info@swrotary.org.nz with your details.