Community Garden News

I guess that most final newsletters of 2020 are going to start with something like….” well, thank goodness that year is over, let us hope 2021 is an improvement” …and who would blame them? 

The Community Garden has been pretty lucky: we have managed to have a constant supply of vegies, although at times distributing them has been a bit of a challenge: we have done some “ contactless “ deliveries  and some “bubble”planting. We have had great support from the Community Board and are delighted to have received a very generous donation from funds raised at the Community Market over Labour weekend…many, many thanks to Daphne Geisler. Thanks too, to John Taylor for the use of his land: to those who have dropped off seedlings, horse pooh and coffee grinds for the compost: also to Nathan for his water supply, and of course to those who turn up regularly and garden, harvest , water , make compost and generally keep things ticking over. … Continue Reading

Change at Martinborough Automotive

There has been a change of ownership at Martinborough Automotive, although  most customers will probably be unaware of there being new owners as they have been working there since the mid 1990s. On the third of November owners Colin and Eva Fenwick handed the business over to their sons Nathan and Mathew. 

Colin and Eva purchased the garage from Bruce Palenski  in 1984 and in the ensuing thirty six years have made many improvements. The major being the renewing of the petrol storage tanks and major  rebuilding and additions including the new larger retail area and alaundry mat which were all completed by 2016. An additional expansion to display lawn mowers for sale and accessories is planned to be added next year.  … Continue Reading

Book review – Scrublands

The great majority of crime/mystery novels are by American, English or, more recently, Nordic authors. However there are also a number of lesser known Australian authors of the genre. As well as mostly being very well written they are set in places many New Zealanders will have visited and are easy to visualise. These authors deserve to be better known

A new Australian author, Chris Hammer, has recently joined the ranks. His first novel Scrublands has been set in a small country town with it’s dusty back roads and dried up water way. A town suffering from an extended drought which has bought the town’s commercial heart to its knees and the residents in fractious states of mind.

Their popular parish priest has been a pillar of strength whose calm manner had been a factor in keeping a lid on things. Until one Sunday that is when he steps from the church and shoots five of the parishioners who were gathering outside before Mass. He did not escape, being shot himself. … Continue Reading

Blooming Success

A rose named Stawberry Ice.

The recent inclement weather didn’t deter the commitment and enthusiasm for local rose and flower growers.  Stunning blooms filled the Town Hall for the annual Martinborough Rose and Flower Show.

The increase in entries reflecting the current keen interest of gardening activity in the community from both experienced and novice entrants.

The tradition of the Rose and Flower Show continues to be a success with the efforts behind the scene of the committee, the judges, helpers and the valued support of the sponsors to whom we say a huge “Thankyou” (Anne Marie Durkin – Ray White Real Estate. Mitre 10, Clareville Nursery, Margrain Winery & Palliser Wines) and all of you in our community for your attendance to view the exhibition. … Continue Reading