$10,000 goal well surpassed 

A great night was had by all at the P&K ‘Quiz for Life’ at the Village Cafe on the 23rd of February. The P&K team had set an ambitious goal of raising $10,000 for Relay for Life, with funds going to The Wairarapa Cancer Society. Over $4,000 had already been raised …

The three centenarians

At the last census there were 558 centenarians in New Zealand.   What is amazing that three of them live right here in Martinborough, at Wharekaka.   I decided to ask each to tell me the most exciting thing that had happened in their long lives. Gladys Stephen, the oldest …

Ventana three years on

It’s hard to believe it’s approaching the three year mark since Ventana opened its doors 7th of June 2016.  I’m proud to look back on several full years of sparking creativity and joy for our community as well as creating a platform for small artisan businesses local and abroad.  We’re …

“A lawn clipping sandwich please”

It was the early 60s and Noeline Thomas’s three children, Grant, Jackie and Brent were entering their teens.  She wondered what new interest she might take up now they were more independent.   Noel, in the way of husbands in those days, had his own views on this.   He …

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Maree’s musings

March 15, 2019 March 2019 No Comments

LEAVING and TAKING …

I’m sure all you readers will be relieved, as I am, that the recent devastating fires in Nelson and elsewhere are over. You can’t help but feel for those people getting the word to evacuate, and as soon as possible. Leaving your home in a hurry is bad enough, but deciding what to take just adds to the stress. Does anybody plan ahead of time like they’re supposed to? And even if one has; it’s not that simple: we all get so used to having our stuff on hand and being comfortable with knowing it’s all safe.

It got me thinking about what other folk, and I of course, really value. Being clear-headed and rational when you’re in a state of panic is nigh to impossible; so it probably pays to Think Ahead. And when it comes to the crunch; is it a question of value, irreplaceability, necessity or what? How do you sort the priorities? I honestly don’t know what I would take or leave. My cats, naturally. My probably too large frog sculpture collection, although packing them up would preclude that! I’m partial to pot plants. The poetry I haven’t finished writing would have to be up there as it’s still on scraps of paper in a folder somewhere. Slack! … Continue Reading

Martinborough Golf February round-up 

March 15, 2019 March 2019 No Comments

As the shortest month is under our belt and we officially head into the first month of autumn the weather has been pleasantly warm.  The course is looking supreme – as long as you can hit straight (even a drop-kick or duff shot) the ball rolls forever down the fairways, the greens are holding beautifully and are looking better than ever – a credit to Tim and his team!

Club opening day was a success with random drawn partnerships playing holes 1-6 ambrose, 7-12 4BBB and 13-18 foursomes. The winners were Captain Andy & Ann Hume 63, 2nd Lizzy Thomson & Malcolm Henderson 56, 3rd Sally Fairbrother & Bindy McLeod 55, 4th Tora & Lizzy Goodall 54. I understand the Morisons with various others provided great entertainment.

The Grumpies have played on some pretty mercury busting days (mad-dogs and Englishmen?!), winners have been:- Ro Griffiths, Elaine Howe, Mariana McDermott, Rob McCreary and Murray Blackwell. … Continue Reading

MARTINBOROUGH RED CROSS TURNS 80.

March 15, 2019 March 2019 No Comments

What a long Martinborough’s Red Cross has! Records show that  on February 10th 1939, the Director-General of the NZ Red Cross, accompanied by Mr Skill, the mayor at the time, chaired a meeting with the aim of forming a Branch in town. All 40 residents at the meeting agreed; and on March 31st , the first meeting took place in our ‘old’ Town Hall.

So … eighty years on, and the town still has an active (now) Group – part of the Wairarapa Branch. Activities have changed, of course; but the principles and aims of the NZ Red Cross and similar societies throughout the world remain the same. The local Group consists of a small ‘Committee’ plus over thirty members. 

Our presence is very much in evidence – Meals on Wheels, volunteer drivers who help people with travel to appointments, a small band of ‘knitters’, emergency equipment store, and of course the now legendary annual ‘Spring Party’. Plus more. Fundraising is an important aspect. Money donated goes to Branch funds and is used locally and also for NZ’s needs and special appeals. … Continue Reading

MARTINBOROUGH RUGBY CLUB

March 15, 2019 March 2019 No Comments

Training for the season is underway for both our Premier and Reserves team, if you have not been along and wish to play this season or find out more, pop along or contact one of our coaches.  The season kicks off on the 6 April for both teams.

PREMIERS – Mondays & Thursdays 6.30pm, Coach – James Bruce 0272772962

PRESERVES – Thursdays 6.30pm, Coach – Marshall Love 0276607488

Our Registration Night was held on the 7 March for our Senior players but it is not too late to register, this can be done online at https://www.sporty.co.nz/martinboroughrfc/Online-Registrations/Senior-Form

JAB players can register at https://www.sporty.co.nz/martinboroughrfc/Online-Registrations/Junior-Form  … Continue Reading