Patea Community Board Chair

 The Community Board had its last meeting for the year on 5 Nov at the Waitotara Hall as the Hunter Shaw was being used for a Quilting Display in conjunction with the Garden Festival.

We had 2 funding requests – one from the Patea Business Association requesting funding for the annual Patea Christmas parade. $350 was approved. The second request was from the Patea Lions Club for the Beach Carnival and $1,500 was approved.

A report was received from the Patea & Waverley LibraryPlus showing the increased usage of the facilities, especially since the APN computers have been installed. The Board recommended the Waverley Library be open later on Thursday evenings for a trial period, to see if this meets the community needs.

We received a report on the Patea Freezing works clean up. The government is now insisting on a cleanup report before releasing the $1.5 million. The Waverley swimming pool upgrade is nearly completed and on track for the start of the new swimming season. The new Waverley Community Centre is progressing well and should be finished in the New Year.

The Board and Council representatives had a good meeting with the Wai-inu Beach people at the Waitotara Hall. Discussion centred on these issues :- the toilets upgrade, rubbish disposal, speed restrictions on the reserve area and overstaying mobile homes. Other concerns were also aired.

We have started consulting the public about the Patea Swimming Pool upgrade. At the initial meeting with the young and not so young, these points were raised – a thermal blanket to keep the water warmer, upgrading the changing sheds & lifeguard area, installing a BBQ area, more sunshades and more fun toys. There will be further consultation early next year. If you want to be involved please contact me.

That’s all from me; I wish you a happy Christmas and a good New Year. Next Patea Community Board meeting is early February next year.

David Honeyfield – Board Chair

Farmers take their gear off to support Playgroup

Another boring fundraiser? Not likely! The creative minds at Alton Hurleyville Playgroup have come up with an exciting fundraiser. The idea was sparked by an English calendar a member had, which led to the thought “hey, we can do better than that!” And they have.

So, what is it they’ve done? The group convinced local farmers from across the industry to take part in supporting the local playgoup by illustrating a wide variety of farming practices for a 2009 calendar, but with a twist, the models are nude!

One of the organisers commented that the hardest thing was convincing the guys to do it, but “we managed to get a couple on board, they probably thought we wouldn´t follow through, and then the rest followed. But afterwards all the guys were quite pleased with themselves and so they should be. They all did really well and we are proud of them – they look great! Some of them even thought they should have shown off more, so who knows – maybe there will be another one next year…

The calendars only cost $10 and will be available from “Les´s Place”, Patea, “The Café”, “Woodsys” and “@ Your Office and Lotto” in Hawera. All proceeds go to Alton/Hurleyville Playgroup; the money will be used to create a new outside play area.

A&P Show 2008

Kelly’s other results include:

Best on Parade – 2nd Novice pleasure Horse/Pony – 1st

Best trotting Horse/Pony – 2nd Best Combination – 1st

Paced and Mannered Pleasure Horse/Pony – 1st Champion Pleasure Horse/Pony

Best Rider 21 yrs & Over- 2nd Local Pleasure Horse/Pony – 1st

Hello from Te Mahana

December is here and the Festive Season is just around the corner. Our residents went to the movies in Hawera, 12 in all, and they thoroughly enjoyed the outing and the movie. It was something different and the feedback we get sure tells us they will go again.

We had a new resident come in, in November, Elsie Hickford from Waverley. She has really fitted in great; we enjoy having her and we are sure she is enjoying being with us.

We have a very cheerful and cheeky family now; it’s just great to see them all so happy. We have 25% of our clientele coming from Waverley. Seems our happy Waverley-ites have been spreading the good word and that’s just great for Te Mahana.

The Melbourne Cup was a neat night for all our residents and staff, with two sweepstakes going and drinkies, chips and dip to start with. Then at 5pm they had fish and chips in their own packets on their knees for their tea while the race was keenly watched by all, and the noise and laughter was great to see. The winners were really happy too!

A van load of residents went for a ticky-tour to Hawera to see the progress on the Tongahoe Bridge; we did see a little progress but these things take time, or so they tell us anyway. We had a lovely morning tea at McDonalds, which we all thoroughly enjoyed, and most couldn’t eat all their dinner when they got home. We had a drive around the A&P Show and saw the sights ready for the big days Friday and Saturday in November. Also we visited the garden centre in Hawera to get some more plants to pretty up our courtyard.

As another year has almost gone, it’s very hard to believe we have been at Te Mahana now for two years. They say time flies when you’re having fun, well that sure seems to be the case here. Fifteen of our residents went to the Christmas Party for the Masonic Lodge on Wednesday the 26th.

Everyone enjoyed mixing and mingling and getting into the festive season feeling. We would like to thank all the local people who have helped out at Te Mahana over the year. Whether it be entertaining the residents, brining in lovely veggies and fruit, or Meals on Wheels or chatting with our residents.

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.