Linking the generations

A new community venture linking the generations is tying together Cambridge Resthaven and Bunnies Childcare and PreSchool.

The initiative kicked off with a morning tea at the Resthaven Village Centre that brought together Resthaven village residents and Bunnies youngsters.

youngsters, who ranged in age from 17 months to just over three years, enjoyed toys and party food before the Bunnies group delivered a Christmas singalong.

The gathering was the brainchild of Resthaven resident Linda Gorham and Bunnies manager Sheree Jones.

First, no-one passing through could fail to notice its cow statues, brightly painted by a variety of local artists and standing dotted around the streets. Most are regular cowsized but standing proud at the entrance to the town is a goliath of a cow, painted in stark black and white by way of a bold nod to the importance of Morrinsville’s longstanding links with the dairy industry.

Much of the town’s history is tied to the industry. The Morrinsville Dairy Company, now an integral part of Fonterra, has operated there since 1922, and today it is one of three regional towns that serve an area considered to be one of New Zealand’s most prosperous dairy farming areas.

There is a lot besides dairying going on in this small town. Situated amid undulating farmland between the Kaimai Ranges and the Waikato River, much of what it offers references its historical Scottish links and its importance as an early railway junction for the North Island over a century ago. The Morrinsville Museum is a great place to discover those colourful tales of the town’s past.

Visitors should make a point of stopping in at the Morrinsville i-SITE where they will find all the information they need. There are numerous walks, trails and rides for walkers and cyclists … some just a few minutes in duration, and others much longer for the more adventurous. They include walking tracks along the river, bush walks, mountain bike rides, and historical walks.

The more artistically-minded will be well satisfied by a visit to the Wallace Art Gallery in the centre of town. This ‘must-see’ in Thames St is in a building that was once Morrinsville’s post office now transformed into a fabulous contemporary art gallery with four spaces showcasing New Zealand art and artists.

Guest of honour at that event was Cambridge ‘good sort’, 91-year-old Dennis Lloyd, known for giving children soft toys on his daily walkabouts through town.

Dennis was presented with two large boxes of soft toys for him to give away. They were collected by the Resthaven residents and Bunnies families.

Resthaven residents and the Bunnies

Both are keen for what has been called ‘The Resthaven Bunnies’ to become a regular fixture and are planning the next one for February.

Linda said the ‘surrogate grandparents’ would be welcome to join the activities, enjoy the singalong and read stories to the children, while Sheree said the venture offered an opportunity for Resthaven residents to build relationships with the young generation.

Those keen to stay over a while to sample some of the town’s great restaurants, bars and shopping, have a range of standard and boutique accommodation from which to choose.

Call into the Morrinsville i-SITE for more information – they’re at 251 Thames St.