Martinborough  Fire  Brigade 

It’s been a couple of very busy months for the Brigade with lots going on behind the scenes, a change of Chief Fire Officer, a belated welcome to new Chief Jake Hawkins, Guys Fawkes night bonfire, as well as responding to those calls for help for Medical Emergencies, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Vegetation Fires as well as the sundry trees and power line issues caused by wind.

Since our last report we held an Honours night to acknowledge the service given by our members and to present FENZ Long Service Medals. Our receipents for FENZ Long Service are OSU SO Peter Fisher for 28 years, CFO Jake Hawkins and OSU Medic Chris Hooson both for 21 years service. 

Additionally on the night the UFBA awards recognised the service of former Chief Bill Butzbach (43 yrs), OSU Medic Chris Hooson (21 yrs), SFF Lisa- Marie Ireland (7 yrs)FF Matt McQuaid (5 yrs), and  3 year Certificates were presented to FFs Rob Brown, Emily Abbott, Melinda Coleman and Annah Rait.  The Brigade also presented Honorary Life Membership to former CFO Bill Butzbach, our congratulations and thank you team.          … Continue Reading

Martinborough Golf Round-up: 

Another year has nearly passed us by and this will be the last report for 2019.  It’s been a busy year and there have been a number of changes but the course is looking fantastic and with this dry spell the roll will favour the short straight hitters, so prepare for some huge scores!!

Grumpies winners in November have included Ali Holmes, Mariana McDermott, Bob Tosswill & Malcolm Bridge.

The 9 Hole Ladies Group played their final of the Shootout, the winner was their youngest member Katrina Burgess, second was their eldest member Billie Holmes; the last game of the year they played a putting competition and Debbie Coom took out first place,

Last month the ladies played the 36-hole stroke play competition and there were some amazing scores.  Carol Parkinson’s gross score was 182. They also played their shootout final; and if the photo is anything to go by, they had a very fun day out!!  Sylvia Beavis reportedly played out of her skin and took home top prize, 2^nd Pamela Messervy, 3^rd Gretel Dick. … Continue Reading

Martinborough Red Cross

“Disaster may not be the first thing that’s on your mind for the upcoming holiday season, but it is an excellent opportunity to connect with people in your community. How good and ready are you for when disaster strikes? Connect, care, prepare are the three most important steps to take. Make sure you know your neighbours. In an emergency, neighbours will be the first to offer each other help.

Is there anyone who might need special assistance in the event of a natural disaster? Think of people with disabilities, who may not have the physical or the mental capacity to deal with an unusual and frightening situation by themselves.

To be included in their communities, and to know that there are people who will care about their welfare in case of a natural disaster or other emergency, is one of the most important things for people with intellectual disabilities, so they can live satisfying lives. … Continue Reading

Harvest is a joyful time of gathering the produce of the land.

Currently we are in the season of great abundance. The garden is richly planted with summer crops…lettuces, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, chillies, aubergine, beans, onions and a variety of herbs and berries. We have 2 varieties of artichokes and finally a kumara patch which looks to be settling well.

Thanks to the wonderful women from the Down to Earth Garden Group, we have also some rare and interesting pumpkins to plant in our patch, and some excellent Kumara stock and great advice from the coastal experimental kumara patch. 

We have delivered large harvests the Larder at the Medical Centre over the past few weeks. This produce is FREE to ANYONE who wishes to take it from the Larder. There is NO need to swap or exchange goods for what you take. There is always fresh harvest on a Wednesday, and if we can attract a few more helpers, it will be available fresh on Mondays as well.  … Continue Reading