Plimmerton Residents’ Association Newsletter

What’s new in Plimmerton?

December 2012 - January 2013

Big Spring Clean ... brilliant effort shifts record amount of rubbish More than 35 cubic metres of rubbish ... or the equivalent of 583 rubbish bags each weighing 60 litres ... were shipped out of Plimmerton after the big spring clean. The words of PRA chair Colin Bleasdale are on www.Plimmerton.org.nz as he thanked the 40 plus people who turned up last Sunday to prepare Plimmerton for a bumper summer. It was especially great to see several young dads and their kids there to help. Thanks again to everyone who helped and especially to Steph and Tony from Mac’s Slabs who turned on a whopper sausage sizzle for the hungry workers.

Dogs on Plimmerton beaches ... where and when Murray Chilcott, PCC’s animal control team leader, gives us the final word on dog exercise areas around Plimmerton’s coastline for summer.

Dogs are allowed on the two beaches Plimmerton Beach and Karehana Bay before 10am and after 7pm from 1 November through to 31 March. This allows parents to run the family dog after dropping the kids off. Between 10am and 7pm no dogs are allowed on those two

beaches.

Murray says, “All other coastal areas in Plimmerton can be used for exercising dogs off-lead all year round. South Beach, going south from the stream half way along Plimmerton Beach to the rocks, and Ara Harakeke walkway to Paremata are dog off lead exercise areas where families can play and swim with their dogs. Dogs must be under control at all times in all locations. The area from the Beach Road boat ramp around to Karehana Bay is also an off-lead exercise area. As is the coastline from Karehana Bay on around the coast. The map spells it out.”

Dog owners are reminded to take poop bags with them whenever they take their dog out and to remove all poop from beaches and walkways. (And humans, especially young ones, are reminded to remove their fast-food wrappers, ice block papers, beer bottles, cigarette packets and other junk.)

Sol Weinstein 29 July 1928 – 25 November 2012 Plimmerton’s character, beloved father, jokester, author, TV comedy writer, schmoozer, flatterer of women and jazz fanatic Sol will be remembered at a memorial service in Plimmerton Pavilion this Friday 30 November at 10.30am.

Open day Saturday 2 February 9am – 4pm at Hongoeka marae All welcome to a day of entertainment and cultural performances with activities for kids and handcrafts for sale. Food, fun and family entertainment! Call Bob Smith 021 027 57749 if you would like to have a stall. Standby day Sunday 3 February.

Saturday 1 December Carols by the beach at Plimmerton School Free concert from 3.30pm till 8.30pm, for all the family. Bring a picnic or buy refreshments at the event. Always fantastic – get that Christmas feeling!

Police information • A boat was stolen from the Plimmerton industrial area last weekend. Please

report any vehicles or people hanging around where they shouldn’t be.

• Tagging and vandalism continue to be a problem around the area, though prompt action by locals means that many of you never see the scrawls and broken fence palings etc. The toilets at Plimmerton domain have been vandalised several times and community constable Jonathan Westrupp says that replacing broken and stolen commercial grade fixtures is costing ratepayers thousands. “Anyone caught will be in hot water.” (Presumably if the tap has not been nicked).

• Pukerua Bay has had a spate of house burglaries ... by someone on foot when people are away from home. Again, we are asked to promptly report anyone wandering about where they don’t belong.

• Jonathan says, “We are always interested in any illicit drug information whether it’s someone handing out drugs at parties or growing cannabis.”

• STOP PRESS this Saturday night one of the toilets on the beach at the entrance to Plimmerton was completely destroyed by someone wielding a brick (5th incident!). See the damage on our web site. Anyone who heard or saw anyone in that area should contact the Police urgently.

To report any of these things call Crimestoppers ... it’s anonymous and all crimes

reported will be investigated http://www.crimestoppers-nz.org/

Get your boules out for Christmas At Karehana Park construction of the Tuohy Homes Petanque Court is under way. The heavy timbers from the old Airlie (Pukerua) bridge are in place and looking great. If you cannot totter around to see it happening, check it out on our web site on the Karehana page.

Stage two of the pathway will start very soon. This section will link Cluny and Airlie Roads with another section of curved pathway inset with pavers. Have you and your family bought your pavers yet? What a great Christmas gift idea ... order your paver for a loved one with Plimmerton connections ... send them a photo of it for Christmas.... and get one for each of the grandchildren! The gift that goes on giving for a hundred years.

Limited numbers available now so contact plimmertonra@gmail.com

Somme House history documented Somme House is a well known landmark on the foreshore of Karehana Bay. It was named to honour soldiers who died at the 1916 Battle of the Somme.

Allan Dodson has produced a history of the house with photos and stories of the families involved with Somme House. There are two very poignant family connections to the 1916 battle. It’s all there www.plimmerton.org.nz/

See Plimmerton stories on the official web site www.100.govt.nz

Plimmerton’s Treasure Hunt ... taonga found Check out our web site now www.plimmerton.org.nz/treasure-hunt/ to see the treasures that have been discovered. Thanks to everyone who located these pieces of our history ... your coffee voucher for The Big Salami is on its way.

Find out there what new treasures are being sought and how you can get involved in Plimmerton’s treasure hunt.

Gig guide • Cafe Vella has local musicians from 4.30 till 6.30pm on Sunday evenings. Enjoy a

relaxed interlude of music with refreshment from the special drinks and nibbles menu. December’s artist at Vella is Vicky Webster, come along and see her solo exhibition.

• Ruby Tuesday at Topor 4 December at 6pm. First drink free, open mic, bring your guitar. Fund raiser for Ruby Red Trust (see below).

• Jazz ‘n’ other stuff at Plimmerton Boating Club 16 December 6.30pm Top class entertainment, with fish ‘n’ chips, all for just $20. Kevin Clark and Fran Barton perform. Book, it’s hot. Call Sandra club manager, 233 1592

• Guitars under the stars lfinal2012 event, 9 December from 5pm Bring a rug and a picnic and settle in to enjoy local musicians. Call Kimba on 021 519 968.

Ruby Red Trust ... how you can help Ruby and her family Ruby is a local seven year old girl battling Lyme disease (caused by an undiagnosed tick bite). Her family needs our support as Ruby’s mum has had to give up work as a nurse to care for Ruby who endures up to 70 life threatening seizures a month. On top of income loss, treatment for Ruby is expensive www.facebook.com/RubyRedTrust

FREE seminar Neighbourhood power: building communities the Seattle way Tuesday 4 December 10am to 2pm (lunch provided) You are invited to a seminar by inspirational community building expert Jim Diers from Seattle who has a passion for getting people engaged with their communities and in the decisions that affect their lives.

RSVP essential tfrost@pcc.govt.nz or talk to Tui Frost 237 1527 to book (she will confirm the venue when you book).

Plimmerton promenades at play April 2013 Planning is progressing ... are you on board? Check out the web site for the latest news.

Locals honoured for work with SPCA Debra McCleary tells us “I was invited to government house on 15 October to be presented with an SPCA Volunteer medal with 116 other people who came to Wellington from all around the country (about 1000 people nationwide were awarded this medal). Bill and I have been volunteering for more than 12 years now. This was a very wonderful experience and a proud moment.”

Also honoured was local Whitby veterinarian Julia Bryce. She says she is, “always front and centre during SPCA’s annual appeal.” She has served on the Upper Hutt committee for 30 years, 12 as president. “People can do lots of things to make a difference.”

Eventful time for fire brigade Chief Fire Officer Carl Mills tells us that the brigade has been busy. “We attended a truck on fire at the SH1 weigh station in the early hours of one morning. We worked for an hour turning over the contents of the load after extinguishing the blaze.”

Three brigade members travelled to the city of Minho near Osaka and were hosted by the fire brigade there. A highlight of the trip was being taught to tie their own rope harnesses before abseiling from a tower ... not a knot to get wrong.

On behalf of the community the PRA would like to thank the volunteers fire brigade for all the sterling work they do for people here in their official role as fire fighters and for all their generous support of community events in Plimmerton.

Ten times the value! Taffy Parry’s book The Quarryman’s Son can be ordered from Amazon for just $2.95 ... not $29.95 as we said last month. Even more reason to stock up on this entertaining tale of life in Wales and New Zealand. Read the first pages www.plimmerton.org.nz/taffy-parry/

Original ANZAC song for our web site Renee Coffey performs her own song on our ANZAC page www.plimmerton.org.nz/anzac

(Renee is the great granddaughter of Mr Mildenhall, the first president of the Plimmerton Progressive Association, in 1916.)

Pet care and feeding for the holiday season • Pet Feeding Solutions ... all pet care, exercise and attention. Contact Justine

petfeedingsolutions@gmail.com

• Pet Care with Amy. Walk, play cuddle and care. CV and references available mkimj@clear.net.nz 970 7709, 027 8963 851

• Pet Care Essentials with Jen. Certificate in animal care. Jen 021 933 734

Family croquet evening For not-so-high-flying croquet players, the club is introducing family fun nights 5.30 to 8pm on the second Saturday of each month. Mini courts for the little ones, full size for college age and adults. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the lovely garden setting ... and bring flat shoes! Mallets and playing equipment provided. Just $2 a head, or $10 for a family group. Bookings essential so call Tom 236 8877 or Kelvin 234 8287.

Pataka grows visitor numbers buck national trend In the past year 178,241 people visited Pataka ... more than 18,000 above target. Nearly 25,000 visited the Plimmerton exhibition. We congratulate the professional team at Pataka for the consistent, high quality of their exhibitions and for this great effort which bucks the national trend of lower visitor numbers to museums and galleries. Add a visit to Pataka to your holiday plans!

Plimmerton, Paremata and Pauatahanui school fairs ... brilliant! Well done those hard working teams who have been organising school fairs as fund raisers for local schools. Paremata and Plimmerton School Fairs were well run, military operations and the person charged with getting the weather right was spot on. Shame about Pauatahanui’s lamb and calf day which is always brilliant but this year was nearly washed away by a freak storm. Fantastic effort by those school communities, generating funds and providing child-focussed days of fun.

Helpful people register for Plimmerton? It has been suggested that we should have on our web site a go-to list for people who can help with various tasks around the place that are too small for trades people but are very annoying if they aren’t done. People with specific skills could offer to do small jobs and people seeking local help could indicate interest.

We already offer free space on the web site for all the talented trades people offering services to our community. (If your business is not there then it should be, contact us plimmertonra@gmail.com). If anyone would like to set this service up contact us.

Census Tuesday 5 March 2013 ... collectors wanted Our local district supervisor Robin Jones says, “Census collectors are needed to personally deliver forms to every household before census day and to promote completing forms online. This is paid work for a six week period from 11 February to 24 March 2013 with full training provided. Collectors will need to be reasonably fit and comfortable working with the public, knocking on doors, delivering and collecting forms and recording information. Applications will open on Friday 7 December 2012 but those interested are invited to register interest online now. (You will then be notified by email when the positions are advertised.” Those interested will then have to complete an online application. More info can be found on the Census Jobs web site http://jobs.census.govt.nz

Web writing /researching opportunity ... great to show on the CV! There’s a great opportunity for a local college or varsity student to research and write material to update sections of our web site. Two in particular that need attention are those which outline community services and the section which covers the plethora of groups and clubs for social, cultural and sporting activities. This is an excellent project for someone wanting to add a meaningful experience to their CV.

An experienced writer will give advice and assistance as required and a reference when the project is completed. Call Carolyn 233 6385

Mana Archery Club have-a-go days ... Saturday 10 December - two 30 minute sessions, between 10am and 12pm. Anyone over 11 years old can participate free. The club will provide tutors and equipment. Please register interest now at coaching.manaarchery@gmail.com

More sessions will be announced soon ... http://www.facebook.com/ManaArcheryClub

Xoe Hall’s 2012 exhibition ... The Pop Rebellion 6 December @ 6pm at 152 Vivian Street Xoe is exhibition includes paintings, one-off customised jackets, tattoo flash, glitter works and a photo shoot collaboration with Mortal Gods and Dinosaurtoast. To discuss commissions for her murals, and other art work, 027 4680 942. Check out www.plimmerton.org.nz to see some of Xoe’s work.

Irish family after seeking family information Mary Reilly is looking for her mother’s uncle’s children. They are John (Jack) Alfred Lagden and his wife Hilda Alice who lived in Plimmerton in the 1940s and 50s. They had two daughters, Hazel Valerie and Lesley. Jack was involved with the Plimmerton Volunteer Fire Brigade during their time here. If you or any one you know can tell Mary more about this family please let us know at plimmertonra@gmail.com (subject: “Lagden family”).

Give the Christmas gift that really keeps on giving (but doesn’t repeat) A Bellyful voucher makes a very meaningful gift. Each voucher is beautifully presented in a gorgeous card and envelope. For $20 you can provide a meal for a family of five who have a member seriously ill or a new baby. And for $60 you will be helping a number of families going through tough times.

Call Rebecca.morahan@bellyful.org.nz or 021 552 852

Raw milk is here Raw milk is now available in Plimmerton. Collect your order every Monday from 2 Bath Street. To place an order or to find out more about the benefits and safety aspects of drinking this whole and natural food call Kimba 021 519 968 or email kimbaj@xtra.co.nz

All about breastfeeding ... La Leche League Mana He tautoko, he manawa, he matauranga Support, encouragement, information

Janet says, “Mothers and babies are warmly invited to come along to our final informal gathering for the year at the Plimmerton Pavilion supper room on Wednesday 5 December.”

For information or help ring Neroli 234 6651, Lorraine 233 6513, or Janet 233 1815

Colours Hair and beauty Christmas evening Monday 3 December from 5pm – 8pm at Colours in Steyne Ave. Gifts, Christmas specials, prize draws, bubbles and nibbles. Limited invites so pop in or call 233 0288 to RSVP

Mack’s tracks Christmas presents with class Gerald at Mack’s tracks on our railway station would love to help you with your Christmas shopping. Visit him, and go mad choosing fantastic presents from his selection of boy toys.

Christmas stress? Call Bowen technique practitioner, Dale Stewart on 233 9951 or 021 148 7939

Please let us know your new email address! Just send your info to plimmertonra@gamil.com right now so we can let you know any police, civil defence or community information over the summer period.

Our website: www.plimmerton.org.nz and our email: plimmertonra@gmail.com

Have a safe and pleasant holiday season ... cheers, Plimmerton Residents’ Association

Support your community – it’s the best!