NEWS FROM FIRST CHURCH

As the rain beats down and high winds howl we’re told that Spring has sprung and benign weather is just around the corner. Maybe. In Martinborough one sure sign of renewal is seen every September in the vineyards, with new season buds and nascent leaves now making their first appearance.  Anyone passing First Church on a Sunday will also be struck by the lusty spring induced singing emanating from within.  Linger and listen to the tuneful standard hymns (better still, come in!) but be prepared to quicken your stride for any of the more challenging psalms which challenge a congregation’s musicality.

People are still buzzing about the Spring Fling fashion show last month which was financially rewarding and a huge success.  With 126 tickets sold the Town Hall was full to bulging.   The high fashion clothes being modelled were a great hit with discerning punters and the event is bound to become an annual hardy.  Entertainment from the fabulous Maynard girls was an added bonus.

Upcoming Events

• The trusty 2-day Kirk Fair is scheduled for 25^th and 26^th November and will have a fine array of cakes, produce, clothes and tasteful bric à brac on display.  Any donations welcome.  See you at the Waihinga Centre.

• You’ll need to stock up on decent books to ride out the last of the wet weather.  Come to the Church Hall for their Book Sale on 28^th October, 1.30 – 5pm.

• Women Remembered – Prof. Joan Taylor, 22 October at 12.45pm – 1^st Church Community Hall.

If you’re interested in learning about the role of women in the Bible, come to what will be a fascinating lecture by Prof. Joan Taylor.  She is eminently qualified for this modern topic having served in senior academic positions at Uni of Waikato, Harvard Divinity School, Kings College London and latterly at Victoria and currently Prof. at the Centre of Religion Melbourne.  She has a PhD in early Christian archaeology.

Do you know why I joined Rotary?

“I joined South Wairarapa Rotary because I like to help people and make a difference in our communities – that’s why. (Anne Atkinson, Rotarian).

Want to know more?

www.swrotary.org.nz

south wairarapa rotary facebook

Live more – join South Wairarapa Rotary

Do you live in South Wairarapa, are retired and have discovered that those rounds of golf and keeping the garden tidy are not fulfilling enough?

South Wairarapa Rotary is currently seeking new members. As a Rotarian you get to socialise with a diverse group of other members; be inspired and widen your knowledge with our meetings’ guest speakers; help us run our primary fundraiser, the Martinborough Fair, and identify those in our community who will benefit the most from our financial support.

Our Rotary club is incredibly lucky to have over 50 active members – but we know we need to continue to recruit new members to replace those leaving the area and/or actually “retiring.”

Being a member means that you are entitled to join us once a week at a local café to socialise and enjoy a meal; participate in club activities and business before hearing from one of our organised speakers. Each meeting is around two hours from 6.00pm to 8.00pm.

There is no obligation to attend each week. Some of our members are still working so may attend on an ad hoc basis or just once a month.

When you become a member you get to choose which Committee you feel will best employ your talents. Committees are where discussions and decisions are made about the most appropriate way to assist the community with the money that is earned from running the two annual Martinborough Fairs.

Being a Rotary member doesn’t mean you can’t go on trips or holidays or miss out on family time. The club is flexible and will fit in with your lifestyle and commitments. Many find that they make new friends in conjunction with the satisfaction of doing some good for the community and its local organisations.

To find out more about what South Wairarapa Rotary does check out our website or if you’d prefer to talk to someone about joining or would like to attend one of our meetings, please make contact by email – membership@swrotary.org.nz

Spring bounce for business

By Allan Hogg, chair MBA

Tourism Thrives as Domestic Visitors Spend Skyrockets

Martinborough businesses are reporting an upswing in visitor traffic. Notably, Australian visitors have joined the mix. Domestic visitor spending for July 2023 reached $12.5 million, marking the largest increase compared to the same period last year within the nationwide network of Regional Tourism Organizations. This trend indicates Wairarapa’s status as an emerging winter destination, with the Greytown Winter Festival emerging as a prominent drawcard.

Martinborough Business Association Attends Business Wairarapa Summit

In August, members of the Martinborough Business Association were among attendees at the annual Summit Conference hosted by Business Wairarapa (Chamber of Commerce). Held at the Events Centre in Carterton, the conference received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. The event featured respected keynote and guest speakers, extensive networking opportunities, and fantastic hospitality.

Among the testimonials from attendees:

“For a small region, we sure know how to put on a business summit. I was already looking forward to hearing from Karen Walker and Brad Olsen, and they didn’t disappoint. But it was Bronwyn Lord’s story of her journey from pregnant teen mum to McDonald’s Franchise owner and running her own training company which was the most inspiring (and funny). A really worthwhile day out of the office. Looking forward to next year.” … Continue Reading