Friends of Wharekaka: A New Initiative

On a recent sunny winter’s morning, the new Wharekaka dining room was used to great advantage in hosting a morning tea to a large group of invited guests. The increased space enabled everyone to mix and mingle easily and the new French doors were opened onto the generous deck that now extends out into the garden. Sunlight flooded into the room, which now accommodates welcoming armchairs and sofas as well as dining tables and chairs.

Helen Meehan, Chair of the Wharekaka Auxiliary, explained that the occasion was to enjoy the new dining room and show how it can be used beyond providing a very attractive and roomy space for residents’ meals. She also thanked all the volunteers who do so much for Wharekaka, especially those on the afternoon tea roster.

Every Tuesday, two volunteers make and deliver afternoon tea to the residents. This relieves the staff of one duty each week but, more importantly, it offers residents an opportunity to see new faces. Having somebody different come into the home, particularly for those who are less mobile, is very welcome.
The Auxiliary is launching a new group called Friends of Wharekaka, which has begun by creating a database of all those who are already involved in some way. Helen pointed out that Wharekaka is a community trust in which all of Martinborough has a stake and an interest.

The goal of the Friends group is to make Wharekaka the hub for older people in our community, and there are plenty of initiatives to consider. Holding meetings in the new dining room and inviting other groups to use it is an immediate step, while ideas such as setting up a Men’s Shed can be discussed and progressed over time.

The Auxiliary is always very keen to involve new volunteers, so if you are interested in taking an occasional turn on the afternoon tea roster, or have ideas for the Friends initiative, please contact Helen on 306 9074 or Barbie on 306 9934.

Rachel McCahon