Lively chatter flows at Tea and Talk

Aorere Autumn Flower Show

“Tea and Talk” involves coffee as well as tea, good food, and most importantly features a lot of cheerful talk. Age Concern Nelson Tasman have been hosting Tea and Talk sessions in various communities, and with their initiative a group now meets monthly in Pākawau.

The first very successful get together was before Christmas, and February saw the beginning of regular 2023 Tea and Talks, with another well-attended, enjoyable meet up. Members of Pākawau Rural Women will host gatherings at the Old School Café on the third Friday of every month.

Age Concern Nelson Tasman’s vision is that “all older people live a meaningful life in an inclusive society”. The organisation has various services, from volunteer visitors to older driver workshops, elder abuse response and “Care and Repair” – to help connect people with reliable home maintenance workers.

There are also social events like “spin poi”, which improves hand co-ordination and grip; singing groups; and cooking classes. Tea and Talk has become a popular part of their aim to “bring people together to connect, share stories and laughter”.

Lively chatter at the café last week was a sign of friendly connection and shared stories. Comments from Tea-and-Talkers were positive: “I caught up with someone I had not seen for ages”, “It was so good to meet new people”, and “See you next time”. Although aimed at “older folk”, nobody will check birth certificates at the door, and everyone is welcome. Rural Women are hosting, but men are definitely included in the open invitation. Come along for tea, bring a friend and enjoy talking, or listening.

Fridays 17 March, 21 April, 19 May, 10.30am, at the Old School Café, Pākawau.

Lois Benjamin was pleased with the number and quality of entries to last Saturday’s Aorere Flower Show.

Lois, who has organised the biennial show since 1969, said, although the number of cut flowers on display at Pākawau Memorial Hall was down on previous years due to “easterly winds creating havoc in gardens,” it was “far better than expected”.

The new arts section, added at last year’s Spring Show, again proved popular attracting numerous entries from local artists.

Speaking to The GB Weekly on Monday, Lois reckoned the event had taken around $1000. After the bills have been paid, the balance, she explained, will be used to purchase signage for the hall and to make a donation to help those suffering in the aftermath of cyclone Gabrielle.

In Brief

Fee subsidy for netballers

SUBMITTED

With many families feeling financial pressure, ANZ Netball Grants aims to ensure kids can still play netball by subsidising kids’ registration fees.

ANZ is providing $100,000 in netball fee subsidies to ensure Kiwi kids can play the game they love. Teams can apply directly for financial support from ANZcourtside.co.nz until entries close 24 March 2023.

ANZ Bank New Zealand Chief Executive Antonia Watson says more and more families are under financial pressure and registration fees are one of the first barriers of entry to sport.

“Sport is such an important part of a child’s wellbeing and we don’t want families who might be doing it tough to miss out.

“We hope this support helps remove that financial barrier and allows everyone to continue to enjoy netball this season.”

Applications for the ANZ Future Captains experience, which gives two lucky netball fans the chance to lead the stars of the ANZ Premiership onto the court at each official match, interact with the players, and experience the action from prime courtside seats, are also now open. Visit ANZcourtside.co.nz.