The Eastbourne Herald January 2021

Twenty-five years of Shakespeare in Eastbourne

Eastbourne’s Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe has brought Shakespeare to the Bays every year for the past quarter century and in 2021, will celebrate the silver anniversary of something that had very humble beginnings.

Next month, BCTT will perform "A Winter's Tale" in its annual summer Bard in the Yard production.

Above: the theatre company has performed a wide variety of plays over its 25 years.

Right: Director General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield and John Marwick in 1996's Two Gentlemen of Verona .

See story on Page 9.

Colour in East by West's new electric ferry

Tartines’s team wish you all A very Happy New Year 2021

“Bonne Année 2021”

No life jacket in Days Bay death

An eyewitness (who called 111) says that he is certain the woman who died in a boating mishap last Sunday afternoon, was not wearing a life-jacket.

The local man who wishes not to be named, says that he called the emergency services noticing that two people in a small boat were clearly in trouble. One of them, he was sure was not wearing a life jacket.

Inquiries: 021 028 85347

Tartineseastbourne@gmail.com

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas & New Year

“Sure enough the boat capsized,” he said, “eventually sinking. One person (the woman who it is assumed drowned) stayed with the boat while the other person swam to safety adjacent to Sunshine Bay. I was watching out for her, but she just disappeared.”

The man said that Police, Coastguard,

an ambulance and a rescue helicopter were on the scene very promptly. The victim was airlifted onto the Days Bay wharf, where CPR was administered.

An NZ Police spokesperson confirmed on Monday morning that a person had died following the water incident.

“Emergency services were notified of a capsized boat at 4:04pm on 24th January,” the spokesperson said. “Sadly attempts to revive the person were unsuccessful and they died at the scene. The death will be referred to the Coroner.”

Two other people were treated for minor injuries at the scene by Wellington Free Ambulance (WFA) staff.

Now you can enjoy a Wellington summer... Your friendly local butcher

We have an extensive bbq range including seafood, ribs and much more. If you need something special or different, just ask what we can do for you.

7 Rimu Street, Eastbourne Ph 562 8049

TIMETABLE

(S)

SAT, SUN & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 10.40am (S) 12.45pm (S)

(S)

(S)

= Sailing calls at Somes Island, subject to passengers.

FERRY FARES EFFECTIVE FROM 15 JULY One way: adult $12, child $6. Family Days Bay $66 (Return). 10 trip: adult $90, student $68, child $45. Monthly pass: adult $270, student $199, child $135. Matiu Somes Island: adult $25, child $13, family $68 (Return).

Sailings may be cancelled at short notice due to weather. To check today’s sailings, tel. 494 3339

Next ECB meeting:

7.15pm Tuesday 16 February 2021, East Harbour Women’s Club, 145 Muritai Rd

Williams Park Management Plan consultation

The Council is keen to hear from everyone who uses Williams Park as it reviews the management plan for the park. Hop online (https://haveyoursay.huttcity.govt. nz/williams-park-management-plan) or complete a survey form at the Eastbourne Library.

Eastern Bays Shared Path

We expect to hear the result of the Eastern Bays Shared Path consent hearing in early February. Thank you to all residents who presented at the hearing in December.

Rubbish bins

If you’re a rate payer, remember to let Council know by 31 January which bins you’d like when rubbish collection changes on 1 July.

Eastbourne Community Board (ECB)

Residents are welcome to contact board members to sort minor issues directly with council staff or to ask for a report from council officers for the next ECB meeting. You can also contact us on the Eastbourne Community Board Facebook page.

Virginia Horrocks (Chair)

virginia.horrocks@huttcity.govt.nz

Ph 021 230 8210

Belinda Moss (Deputy Chair) belinda.moss@huttcity.govt.nz

Ph 029 494 1615

Tui Lewis (Ward Councillor) tui.lewis@huttcity.govt.nz

Ph 04 970 5159

Murray Gibbons murray.gibbons@huttcity.govt.nz

Ph 04 562 8567

Bruce Spedding

bruce.spedding@huttcity.govt.nz

Ph 021 029 74741

Frank Vickers

frank.vickers@huttcity.govt.nz

Ph 027 406 1419

Celebration for 1,000th kill

There is a local group of what may be termed ‘New Zealand's finest’, who go into the Eastbourne bush on a regular weekly basis to trap possums. The group was formed in August 2000, when three local gentlemen, Wal Louden, Colin Dalziel and Phil Benge, then all in their mid to late 50’s, thought it would be a good way to maintain fitness levels, while doing something positive in the community; trapping possums in the East Harbour Regional Park.

Thus, the Internationally Famous Possum Trappers of Eastbourne were created.

“The original three have now grown to about 10 persons (plus a few dogs),” Phil Benge says, “with a current average age in the mid 70's. There are other groups of local people who, through MIRO, also trap possums etc in the Park.”

MIRO heeded the call and supplied traps, with the proviso that they could be set

anywhere in the park, but a record was to be maintained of the cull.

“With an initial 10 possum traps,” Phil says, “trapping commenced. At the time there was very little bird life in the park and the flowers on the Rata Trees were being stripped by the possums as soon as the flowers started to bloom.”

Phil says it took eight months, with 10 traps, to get the first 100 possums. The last 100 possums (with 22 traps) took 4 1/2 years.

“The target was always to trap 1,000 possums,” Phil adds, “and this was achieved late 2020 - the cause of a great celebration and joy to the participants!”

So what has this meant for this group?

“Fitness levels have been maintained and improved,” says Phil, “and there has been a lot of fun going into the bush on these weekly ventures. Through their contacts, there have from time to time been many people from overseas who have joined the group for a day in the bush, to get that ‘All Kiwi Bush Experience’".

“Above all,” he concludes, “it has been a most positive experience for all involved and it is such a delight to go into the bush, hear the fantastic bird chorus from time to time and enjoy the beautiful colour of the Rata flowers as they bloom.”

...the combined strength of our legal teams!

The ‘Internationally Famous Possum Trappers of Eastbourne’, Back Row (L to R): Colin Dalziel, Geof Hollands. Colin Rushton, Mick Louden. Front Row (L: to R): Chris Crawford, Jeremy Winter, Phil Benge, Wal Louden.

Vegan food truck and yoga venue opens in south

says, “but the Spinach & Walnut and the Whole Enchilada are popular with everyone it seems.”

Most nonvegans tend toward the "Chicken" Pot Pie, as it's the most familiar, but made with a pea protein textured like chicken.

“The recipes are vegan adaptations of food flavours I love,” she says. “I grew up in Texas, so I am enjoying bringing Tex-Mex and southern flavours to NZ (a Cajun pie is in the works as we speak).”

On Sundays at 9:30am (weather dependent), Jeanne holds ‘Yoga on the Green’, on the grass next to her trailer, a family friendly yoga practice (koha), before opening up Foxcat for the day.

A second food truck has appeared on the radar for local foodies, with the introduction of Jeanne Dear’s Foxcat Cafe. Officially located at 507 Muritai Road, that’s just south of the Bus barns, as they are colloquially known, Jeanne’s new venture is entirely plantpowered, with the menu focused on vegan pies, whole food smoothies and plant based snacks.

All of Jeanne’s produce is organically sourced, locally whenever possible and she prides herself on delivering a fresh product, with her vegan pies already a bit of a hit.

“We have five mouth-watering flavours,” she

Foxcat serves whole food smoothies, and espresso coffee (Jeanne provides regular organic milk, along with plant based milks), and sell organic Kombucha and locally owned Skinny Fizz.

“I also usually have a small assortment of vegan treats,” Jeanne says. “Protein Power Biscuits, made with chickpea flour (so they’re gluten free as well) and Whittaker’s Dark Ghana Chocolate. I have some vegan-raw raspberry cheesecake bites, and sometimes cupcakes, lemon squares or another random creation of the week.”

Jeanne says she wants to provide some healthy options for those out and about and to help promote that a plant-based diet can be really tasty.

Thursday, 18th February from 6pm-8pm - cost $10

145 Muritai Rd, EB Village (left of the Medical Centre)

Come along to see what’s on offer at our Club - a great asset for the community of Eastbourne and The Bays - membership $100 per year. New members are always welcome. Last year certainly had its challenges with a couple of Covid lockdowns, however cards (Bolivia and Bridge), craft group, mahjong and evening speakers/events continued to be held when possible and will be again for 2021. A well attended and delicious Christmas Dinner was also hosted in November.

To find out more contact:

Diane - general information 027 341 7545

Glendyr - cards and craft groups 021 030 3480

Lidia - mahjong 021 269 8262

“It's actually my dream to one day have a yoga studio, with a vegan cafe and smoothie/ juice bar,” she says. “So this is a step in the right direction.”

For a peek at the full menu, check out Foxcat’s Facebook page; https://www.facebook. com/foxcatcafe

Jeanne Dear, bringing a vegan menu to the local diet via her Foxcat food truck.

Get your cushions ready - opera to return to DB

A unique event in Wellington’s cultural calendar - much loved by those fortunate enough to have experienced it - is returning to its home in a romantic old Days Bay garden this February. For over a decade, Opera in a Days Bay Garden has presented live opera, with top singers and orchestra, all in a magical and intimate outdoor setting.

Our very own renowned opera singer, Rhona Fraser, will once again open up her home, on this occasion for a production of Vincenzo Bellini’s La sonnambula (The Sleepwalker), set for February 12-14th.

Returning to New Zealand after a two-year sabbatical in Europe, Rhona says she has been bowled over by the level of encouragement that she has received from previous audience members to revive summer opera in the garden.

“I realised that, with the wealth of talent here in New Zealand and our natural bush amphitheatre, we have something globally unique right on our doorstep,” she says.

For this year’s production, Rhona has chosen La Sonnambula. It is the romantic tale of a sensitive girl, who sleepwalks into the wrong bedroom on the eve of her wedding, causing relationship mayhem, which only more sleepwalking can possibly mend.

The story is amusing and the opera contains some of the most beautiful Italian music ever written.

In fact, Bellini’s music was considered so beautiful that it inspired Chopin to write his nocturnes, he then insisted on being buried within sight of Bellini’s grave in the famous cemetery at Pere Lachaise in Paris.

Rhona says that if there has been a ray of sunshine from the events of last year, it has been that it has brought many of our young talented

singers home.

The title role (made famous by Maria Callas and Joan Sutherland) will be sung by Elizabeth Mandeno, 2019 winner of the New Zealand Aria competition.

The ‘other girl’ in the opera, Lisa, is played by Natasha Wilson, who has temporarily returned to New Zealand from her company position at Pittsburgh Opera.

“The man they both want to marry, Elvino,” says Rhona, “will be sung by Andrew Grenon, who returns to Days Bay Opera after study in the United Kingdom.

"And the man whose bedroom becomes the scene of all the fuss, Count Rodolfo, is played by James Loelu, who has temporarily returned to New Zealand after study at the Manhattan School and roles with the English National Opera, Glyndebourne and Garsington.”

The Opera will be performed in Italian, with an orchestra of 13 players, all nationally renowned musicians and the chorus of villagers will be conducted by Mark Carter.

Staged outdoors, with a stunning view over Wellington harbour, is part of the special magic of Opera in a Days Bay Garden.

The audience is seated on terraces for the performance and then can picnic in the garden during the hour-long supper interval.

The second half is given as the sun goes down and the song of the bellbird is usually heard.

Performances are on Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February 2021 at 5.30pm (the show will finish by 8.45pm).

Tickets must be purchased in advance online at: www.daysbayopera.org.nz (Box office: 021 069 4969).

Natasha Wilson, who will play Lisa in La sonnambula in February

James Loelu, who will play Count Rodolfo.

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FOR NO EXTRA COST YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN OUR ONLINE EDITION, SHARED WITH COMMUNITY GROUP PAGES IN EASTBOURNE, LOWER HUTT AND PETONEA REACH OF MORE THAN 300,000 POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS!

QSO for Jeff Sanders

Jeff Sanders, a resident of Rona Bay, has received a Companions of the Queen's Service Order in the New Years Honours list for 2021, for services to social service governance. The award honours a 40-year career with community-based social service and nongovernment organisations.

Mr Sanders (pictured) was a Methodist Presbyter from 1980 to 1988, General Manager for IHC New Zealand from 1989 to 2003, Director of Wesley Community Action from 2003 to 2005, Chief Executive of Relationships Aotearoa from 2005 to 2012 and Barnardos New Zealand from 2012 to 2019.

Following the Christchurch earthquakes, Relationships Aotearoa coordinated and led the therapeutic response to the resulting trauma. He committed Barnardos to ensuring tamariki and rāngatahi Māori experienced outcomes that were equal to or greater than the outcomes of non-Māori, and championed the organisation's Nga Pou e Wha Strategy for Māori Development.

He has served on the boards of the Community Social Services Industry Training Organisation, Wellington Night Shelter, and government task forces.

Wife, Rosemary, says that Jeff retired from Barnardos in 2019 and is currently a board member of the Social Workers' Registration Board, VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, the Roy McKenzie Centre for the Study of Families at Victoria University of Wellington and Chairs the Central Regional Health School.

She says her husband is a most humble man.

“If you need a quote,” she says, “this is what he wrote to others;” “I feel a bit of a fraud given I earned it doing what I am passionate about and enjoy, but it is gratefully received”.

Jeff Sanders was born in Lower Hutt and went to Hutt Valley High School.

He has four adult children, four grandchildren and has lived in Rona Bay for the past 13 years.

Faith in the Community

A new dawn

Recently, sorting through last year’s novels, I came across Sophie’s Choice, a WWII novel of searing loss and unbearable sadness. In the final paragraphs, the haunting line ‘And there was morning, beautiful and fair’ still holds me spellbound with its message of new beginnings, new dawns, new possibilities.

So, it was with the New Year. You could almost hear creation sigh and take a deep breath as the old year gave way to the new. 2020 and COVID 19, with its hardships, financial strains and separated families… But 2020 was also the year of teddy bears, courage, service, teamwork, kindness, respect, gratitude.

Now, early in 2021, I wonder if that generosity of spirit will prevail. If it will weather the challenges? Or will the memory fade as we pick up where we left off back in 2019?

2000 years ago, Jesus Christ walked this earth spreading a Gospel of love, forgiveness, reconciliation - of being kind to one another. Let’s continue with our new norm. At President Biden’s inauguration an extraordinary young woman poet spoke of just such a new norm, stirring hope and awe in all. The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light, If only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.

‘The Hill We Climb’ Amanda Gorman

St Ronan’s: Services Sun 9.30am. Ask if you’d like our weekly emailed e-Services. Also, our monthly printed magazine The Record E: office@ stronans.org.nz W: www.stronans.org.nz

St Alban’s: We now return to our services Sun 10am Wellesley College. Kids Club Thurs 10am, various venues.

E: office@stalbanschurch.nz

W: www.stalbanschurch.nz

San Antonio: Sat Evening Mass 5.30pm. Sun Mass 9.30am & 5.30pm Sacred Heart, Petone. Parish office, Petone (weekdays 10am-2pm).

T: (04) 971 7885

E: holyspiritparish41@gmail.com

W: www.holyspirit.nz

Ageing - it's all about your attitude

Anne Ribolow is living proof of the effectiveness of yoga, nutrition and mindfulness on positive aging and she's keen to share her knowledge with others via her creation and body of work, Radiant Aging.

Radiant Aging she says “is a program offering empowering practical tools to support and nurture a Woman’s growth and expansion in life, to be all that they can be, physically, mentally and spiritually, developing their purpose and passion, offering their unique gifts to humanity.”

Anne is 65 and in the best shape of her life. Part of it may be genetic - her mother Pat was very active in the Eastbourne Community until recently when she moved into a retirement village in Auckland, but much of it is to do with a positive attitude and a holistic approach to life.

Growing up in Eastbourne, Anne was always active, whether it was running, swimming, playing netball or tennis (which she still enjoys).

However, eventually she started feeling the effects of running on her knees and decided that yoga would be more supportive for her body rather than “pounding it into the ground”. She began by practising Ashtanga Yoga and eventually taught her own classes. This particular type of yoga is very physical, more suited to a younger body. With the physically strenuous job of massage as well, Anne felt the need for a gentler practice. She discovered and now teaches Viniyoga, a practice tailored to the individual client’s needs, encompassing pranayama, asana and meditation. “Many people are unaware of their breath. In many yoga classes , appropriate breathing is not taught. If you are not breathing correctly you are more likely to push beyond your body's capabilities possibly resulting in injuries. Yoga is not supposed to be competitive, a sport nor a substitute for the gym. It is a mind, body and spirit practice, facilitating your merging with all reality, enabling you to act, rather than react to all experiences”. She says she has developed an "inner sense of wholeness and peace" from her yoga and believes this contributes to her

positive attitude towards aging and appreciation for life.

In her thirties, Anne moved to New York . Since then she has split her time between there and NZ. However, because of COVID19 she has stayed in Eastbourne for the past year, and she has now bought her mother's house and set up her work here.

Anne remembers her first time in New York, "I recall the plane flying in - it was a bright, sunny and clear morning with glistening light reflecting off the buildings. I didn't know anyone."

She got a job in a health food store which further developed her interest in health and nutrition, and also began taking courses in Jin Shin Do acupressure, eventually becoming qualified as a practitioner. “It resonated with me straight away," she says. She later became trained in massage and often combines this with acupressure depending on the client's needs.

Over the last 12 years, she has also brought into her work the ancient practice of shamanism which "heals by clearing and grounding one’s energy field, and bringing the body, mind and spirit into wholeness ”.

Anne also teaches Tibetan Rites, a form of yoga taking just 10 minutes a day, strengthening and creating flexibility in the body whist also balancing the hormones by working with the endocrine system. It is said that it reverses the effects of aging!

"In New York especially, so many women as they age go to extreme lengths to attempt to look young or to be someone other than themselves. Radiant Aging is a direct response to this and is a combination of all the healing modalities that I practise myself and offer in my work. It’s about accepting oneself fully rather than judging oneself. It’s about creating vibrancy, optimum health and a zest for life! It’s about supporting, nurturing, honouring and loving oneself with appreciation and gratitude for this miracle we call Life”.

Anne offers individual sessions and group workshops. To find out more, go to www. radiantaging.net or call Anne on 021 0355215.

I bring to you 30 years of experience in the Healing Arts, restoring balance, health and vitality to your Body, Mind and Spirit.

This offering is for women only, men by referral.

~ Massage

~ Acupressure

~ Yoga to refine or develop your personal practice

~ Shamanism, healing your spirit

~ Nutritional guidance

Contact: Anne Ribolow 021 0355215 www. radiantaging.net

Anne Ribolow.

Margaret Barns

Eastbourne resident and Wellesley College teacher, Margaret Barns, who died recently aged 105, had a life shaped by war. Born in 1915 at the family’s Wairarapa sheep station Bramerton, she knew her father for just eighteen months, and her younger sister Shirley never met him. Rifleman Guy Mace left New Zealand, Margaret and his pregnant wife Noeline Parata Mace (nee Cruickshank) for the Western Front in March 1917 and died at the Somme just over a year later.

After twelve years of solo parenting, Noeline remarried and the blended Tolhurst family was able to send Margaret to Nga Tawa College in Marton, where she excelled at sports and became deputy head girl in 1934.

She went on become a physical education teacher, and spent two years as Games Mistress at Woodford House in Hawkes Bay.

She then travelled overseas to study at Lund University for a Swedish Advanced Diploma, but had to be evacuated from Scandinavia on the outbreak of World War 2.

Back in England, her dream job as a phys ed instructor with the WRNS had to be abandoned when she became very ill with meningitis. Still in recovery and after a harrowing trip across the wartime seas, she returned to New Zealand in 1940.

New Zealand was no haven from war, however. Margaret had been writing to Harry Bauchop (Wellesley College’s 1935 head prefect) during her OE, and they announced their engagement in June 1940.

But Harry was off to war with the 2NZEF, as an Ordnance Mechanical Engineer with the 4th Field Regiment. Less than a year later, he was killed in a fire-fight as the New Zealanders retreated through Larissa, near Thermopylae in Greece.

Despite her grief and her health difficulties, Margaret wanted to continue working and in 1941 she was offered a teaching job at Wellesley College by legendary headmaster ‘Hoppy’ Stevens. Moving into Ngaio Cottage at 444 Muritai Road gave her an Eastbourne base which stood her in good stead for the rest of her working life and most of her retirement.

Wellesley College had taken over the Days Bay buildings of the former Croydon School in 1940, and for the next few years wartime austerity ruled.

“It was very spartan by modern standards,” Margaret Barns told Wellesley historian Peter Harcourt.

“Bare floors in the dormitories, a bed, little locker and stool, but bright curtains thanks to Mrs Stevens. Summer or winter, before breakfast all the boys had to get up and go for a run two or three times around the field.”

After the war Margaret returned to England. She loved her teaching job at an English prep school but then returned to New Zealand to support her very ill sister Shirley Barns, mother to Libby and Jenny.

OBITUARY

After Shirley’s tragic death, Margaret married Arthur Barns, and in the mid-1950s she and the girls returned to Eastbourne and Margaret settled back into her Wellesley teaching career.

In the 1950s, the classes were huge, with only four classrooms.

“I got up to 55 boys once – Standards 1 and 2 combined,” she said.

“Phys ed was taken in the passage outside the dining room.”

Apart from her achievements in tennis coaching, her extracurricular activities included gymnastics, swimming, netball and hockey. Libby Gosse, her step-daughter, recalls epic bicycle trips to the Pencarrow lighthouse and walks to Butterfly Creek; “she rescued so many boarders from Wellesley and they would come too.”

Margaret Barns retired in 1973, after thirty years of association with the school.

“I think Marg’s career at Wellesley was best described at their 2020 prize giving,” said her step-daughter Jenny Barns.

“Margaret was a legend in the class room and on the tennis court.”

She was also an active participant in local community life. “She and our grandmother, Noeline Tolhurst, who lived next door at 446 Muritai Road, were very keen on bridge and played at the East Harbour Women’s Club,” said Jenny Barns.

“We had a weekly bridge party at 444, in later days interrupted to watch Peyton Place!” Margaret came from a traditionally Anglican family and had a strong faith.

Gardening was another passion, and she created a splendid garden on the unpromising waterfront sandhill, the remnants of which are still there in the bank of aloes lining The Promenade.

In her eighth decade, Margaret Barns sold her Eastbourne home and shifted to the Omokoroa Country Estate near Tauranga. But, when she was no longer able to drive, Wellington called.

In 2002 she moved to the recently-opened Rita Angus Retirement Village, where she died in late 2020 at the extraordinary age of 105.

Intention to prepare a Williams Park Management Plan

You are invited under s.41 of the Reserves Act 1977 to make written suggestions on the proposal to prepare a Williams Park Management Plan. Your suggestions will be used to inform the draft Williams Park Management Plan. Please email suggestions to submissions@ huttcity.govt.nz

Please post your suggestions to Hutt City Council, Private Bag 31912, Lower Hutt 5040. Further information about Williams Park and the reserve management planning process is available from Tyler Kimbrell, Parks, Recreation and Reserves Planner, ph 027 218 0966 and under “Current Projects” at https://haveyoursay. huttcity.govt.nz/

The deadline for suggestions in this first round of engagement is Monday, 1 March 2021. A second round of consultation will be conducted after the development of a draft plan in 2021.

Jo Miller Chief Executive

14 December 2020

huttcity.govt.nz

Margaret Barns on her 104th birthday, with Matiu Baker, Curator Maori at Te Papa (left) and her step-daughters Jenny Barns (centre) and Libby Gosse (right). Margaret is wearing the kahukiwi cloak Te Hihi Kanapa, woven by prominent weaver Kohai Grace, daughter of author Dame Patricia Grace, assisted by Ngāti Toa weavers from Hongoeka, Plimmerton. The Grace family and Matiu Baker are direct descendants of Wiremu Parata Te Kākākura, MP for Western Maori in the 1870s, who was godfather to Margaret’s mother.

Happy New Year!

The Point Howard Assn anticipates that there will be the annual walkabout with the Eastbourne Community Board and HCC officers in late summer. The Assn encourages all residents to raise items in advance of the walkabout directly to HCC using their Report It feature on their website (http://www. huttcity.govt.nz/) so that they can be seen to speedily.

After numerous sightings of feral pigs towards the end of 2020, they seem to have moved off to pastures new. The PHA thanks HCC Animal Services for placing live capture traps in residents gardens in the hope of trapping and relocating them, as well as using dogs trained in scent work to track them all the way down to Days Bay! If you do see feral pigs on the hill, please note the date, time and location of the pigs and call HCC on 04 570 6666 and ask for Animal Services.

Northpower have given advance notice that further work will take place on Ngaumatau Road on the 19 and 20 April to replace an electricity conductor. Please look out for the PHA monthly newsletter for further details. If you are new to the hill and would like more information on, or would like to join the Point Howard Residents’ Assn please email pthwowardassn@gmail.com

Telling of timeless tales the secret of this company's success

From Page 1

In the early 1990s, John Marwick and wife, Susan Lennox, would celebrate Twelfth Night (5th January) by getting a group of likeminded friends together with their Complete Works of Shakespeare and reading one of the plays.

“In 1997, someone suggested inviting an audience of other friends and moving outside,” John says, “and so Bard in the Yard began as a rehearsed reading of scenes from Shakespeare.”

That proved extremely popular and soon outgrew their Konini Street garden, and in 2002, with the support of Muritai School, a full-blown production of Much Ado About Nothing was staged in the school yard.

The early productions were mostly staged and directed by John and his friend, the late Jerry Duckor, another keen Shakespearean actor who visited for the early months of each year from upstate New York.

“Mind you,” John adds, “our productions have often been not quite what you might expect. An all female Taming of the Shrew brought a great new perspective on that play that's sometimes thought of as misogynistic. We've done Merchant of Venice twice - both times with a Jewish Shylock. Our Midsummer Night's Dream was set in an old-folks home so the four 'young' lovers were aged from 65 to 85!”

Over the years 18 different plays have been produced ranging from such well-known classics as Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet to those much less known like Two Gentlemen of Verona and All’s Well that Ends Well.

“Some years the Troupe has put together compilations of scenes with titles such as Beauties, Barmaids and Battleaxes and Trials and Tribulations,” John says.

“These allow more actors and directors to

be involved and give more scope for women – as have mostly all-female productions of The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing. One of those who appeared several times in our productions has become more notable for other things during the last year.”(See photo of Ashley Bloomfild on front page).

Bard in the Yard is now presented in a protected and screened-off courtyard of Muritai junior school where in 2006 the Troupe worked with the school to construct a permanent raised stage over the old sandpit.

The evenings begin with the audience gathering (a glass of wine from the bar in hand and maybe wrapped in one of the supplied blankets to keep out the evening chill) as the sun gradually sets behind the school. And in the second half, the stage lights enhance the intimate magic of live theatre by the world’s greatest playwright.

Whether watching the light comedy of As You Like It, the tragedy of Othello, or his great late romance The Tempest, old and young –even those who thought Shakespeare was too complicated - have been entranced.

“I guess its longevity is a lot to do with how good the plays are,” John says. “That and the fact that everyone has heard of the Bard. Over the years we've not only got a group of actors who've developed their Shakespearean skills but we've also got an audience who really appreciates it.

And, being Wellington there are sometimes the odd nights of inclement weather even in late February, and on these occasions the show moves easily into the floor of the adjoining school hall.

The 2021 production is Shakespeare’s wonderful romantic comedy The Winter’s Tale which will again be directed by John and presented for a short season from Tuesday 23rd February to Saturday 27th.

News from Point Howard

Mondays

• Retired Persons’ Assn meet 4th Mon, 10am St Ronan's Church hall for morning tea followed by a speaker - $2 entry.Transport can be arranged for these meetings on request, ph 562 7365 or 562 8387.

• East Harbour Women’s Club – Contract Bridge 2pm-5.30pm. Contact Judy Bishop 562 8985

• “Baby Bounce & Rhyme” at the library 10.00am.

• Singalong 1st Mon, 2pm at St Ronan’s.

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 9:15 to 11:45, phone Andrea 02102797311 for more info.

• Pt Howard Playcentre. Mon 9.15 -11.45am. Lucy 021 335 391.

• The Historical Society’s Eastbourne History Room above the library is open 2-4 pm every Monday.

• Eastbourne Volunteer Fire Brigade training every Monday 7-9pm. Ph 562 7001 for more info.

• Toy Library 8-9pm. St Ronans Hall www. eastbournemibase.com.au Elizabeth 021 08224664.

• Eastbourne Karate Dojo junior and senior classes (children 8 year & older, plus parents) on Monday and senior classes on Thursday. Contact lindsaysensei@live.com, cell 021 844 873.

East Harbour Women’s Club

• Duplicate Bridge: 2-5pm. Contact Judy Bishop 562 8985

Keas: Monday 5.15pm – 6.15pm

Kea Leader: Ed 021 738 699

Cubs Monday 6.30pm – 7.45pm

Cub Leader: Damon 022 620 7116

Tuesdays

• Eastbourne Bowling Club. Gentleman’s Casual and Social bowling held every Tuesday from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Experience not required. Bowls and instruction provided. Casual dress code Contact Bruce 562 8401 or Warren 562 860.

• Pt Howard Playcentre Tues 9.15 -11.45am. Lucy 021 335 391.

• Days Bay Playcentre Puddle Jumpers Tues 10:30 to 12 noon: Messy and Sensory play for children 2 years and under. Casual sessions, $3 donation.

• Muritai Tennis Club 9.30–noon. Merryn 562 0236.

• Eastbourne Homebirth Group 1st Tuesday of the month. Phone Kate 562-7096.

• East Harbour Women’s Club Morning Tea & Chat Group 10am. Contact Glendyr 562 7181.

• Indoor Bowls Club 1.30pm, at the croquet club, Oroua Street. Rosemary 562 7365

• Menzshed 9 till 12 , Williams Park, Mike 562 8688.

• Poetry group, every second Tuesday meet to read and enjoy poems old and new. Phone

562 8387.

• Toy Library 9.30-10.30am. St Ronans Hall. Facebook: Eastbourne Toy Library Elizabeth 021 08224664www.eastbournemibase.com.

au

• 9.30am Nia Dance Fitness Class (low impact

- teens to 70+) Music Movement MagicMuritai Yacht Club - call Amanda 021 316692 www.niainwellington.com

• Pump Dance preschool and junior hip hop. 4pm onwards St Ronans Hall. 0274373508 info@pumpdance.com

Wednesdays

• Retired Persons’ Assn meet 2nd Wed at Tartines for morning tea and socialising 11am. Occasional outings arranged. Ph 5627365 or 562 8387.

• Library preschool story time 10.00 am.

• Pt Howard Playcentre Wed 9.15 -11.45am. Lucy 021 335 391.

• Scottish Country Dance. Merryn 562 0236.

• Bridge Club 7-10pm. Shona 562 7073.

• DB Playcentre Mon, Wed, Fri 9-12. Siobhan siobhan_whelan@yahoo.ie

• “Steady as You Go” Age Concern sponsored Falls Prevention and Exercise Programme. Held 12 noon each Wednesday at Eastbourne Community Hall. Classes are held for 1 hour and costs only $2. Improve your strength and balance to reduce falls and injuries. Falls are preventable. Please join us!

• Baby Boogie - dance for babies and preschoolers at St Ronan's Hall. 9:30am10am. Intermediate/teen hip hop and contemporary. 5pm onwards St Ronans Hall. 0274373508 info@pumpdance.com

• EHock - Fun Stick and Ball game Girls and Boys 7- 13.Eastbourne Community Hall. Wednesdays 6.00 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. Derek Wilshere 0274303596

Thursdays

• Menzshed 9 till 12 , Williams Park, Mike 562 8688. Women welcome.

• St Ronan’s Mainly Music, 9.30am-10.30am, contact Cathy 027 213 9342.

• SPACE at Days Bay Playcentre. Michelle 971 8598.

• East Harbour Women’s Club

- Bolivia 12.45pm, Contact Glendyr ph: 562 7181. Guest Speaker (3rd week of month)7pm, drinks and nibbles provide, Contact Diane ph: 562 7555

•Lions meet 2nd Thursday of the month at the Eastbourne Sports and Services Club, Tuatoru St 6.30 pm. New members and visitors are welcome. Graham 562 8819.

• Eastbourne Karate Dojo junior and senior classes (children 8 year & older, plus parents) on Monday and senior classes on Thursday. Contact lindsaysensei@live.com, cell 021 844 873.

• Pump Dance boys hip hop. 5pm-6pm St Ronans Hall. 0274373508 info@pumpdance. com

Scouts: Thursday 6.30pm – 8.00pm

Scout Leader: Susan 027 535 4962

Fridays

• Pop in and Play playgroup at St Ronan's Church Hall, 9am-11.30am during school terms. All preschoolers (0-4 years) welcome. Cath 027 213 9342.

• Pt Howard Playcentre Fri 9.15 -11.45am. Lucy 021 335 391.

• AA Plunket Rooms 7.30pm. Mark 566 6444/ Pauline 562 7833

• DB Playcentre Mon, Wed, Fri 9-12. Siobhan siobhan_whelan@yahoo.ie

• Discovery Time for 4years+ at San Antonio School, 78 Oroua Street, 9.30-10.30am. Office 562 7398.

• Eastbourne Bowling Club. Newly formed Ladies casual bowling group meets Fridays at 2.00pm. Experience is not required. Bowls & instruction available. Casual dress code. Contact Cheri - 021 0699 274.

Saturdays

• Justice of the Peace at the Eastbourne Community Library, first Saturday of each month 12pm-1pm.

• Lions’ rubbish bin last Saturday of each month.

• Croquet from 10am Muritai Croquet Club. Lyn 562 8722 or Val 562 8181.

Sundays

• AA Plunket Rooms 10am. Karen 021 440 705.

We have a feathered vixen in our midst. Over the last five years of our banded dotterel (pictured right) monitoring efforts, we have observed that the birds will pair up with the same partner season after season. They will also protect and nest within 10 metres of the same spot year to year.

We know this by mapping each nest location using GPS and identifying the sitting birds by their three-letter flag a Department of Conservation-approved bander places on their right leg.

Over the last three years, PAT was partnered with the famous PAP. PAP was our bird whose flag was recorded in New Caledonia last June/July. This is a 2,240 km flight and dotterels do not soar—they have to flap their wings the whole way.

PAP flew back to New Zealand in just 4 days, which caused much discussion among New Zealand and New Caledonia birding enthusiasts.

So, we expected that PAT and PAP would meet up again this season, but PAT had other ideas. Instead, she flew to the Parangarahu Lakes breeding area, enticed a male dotterel away from his previous partner, and nested with him at the lakes.

The nest successfully hatched, but the chicks did not make it to the fledgling stage, so PAT abandoned her lakes male, and flew back to the Eastbourne nesting area.

PAP was happy with his new partner, so PAT then enticed another male away from his partner, and their Eastbourne nest just hatched. What will she do next year!

Kidztalk

How’s your summer going?

The birds have been much more successful at Eastbourne this year. We had 12 nests of which one was abandoned, one was predated by a domestic cat, nine hatched successfully and one is still active.

We have had reports of black backed gulls eating chicks—they are the dotterels’ natural predator.

Over the last two years, not a single nest hatched chicks due to cat predation of the eggs, so thank you to those of you who kept your cats inside at night during the nesting season. The ERAT and MIRO trapping programmes are keeping the hedgehogs, mustelids and rodents out of the area as shown by our tracking tunnel monitors.

At this point, we estimate we will have at least three chicks make it to the fledgling stage, our first in three years at Eastbourne.

The dotterels are still in decline, losing 2.5 percent to 3 percent of their population each

News from our local playcentres

year, so their population will halve every 20 years.

Our study shows that the chicks do not return to their birth location, so unless work is done on other dotterel nesting sites, our population will not grow.

We are currently working with Greater Wellington to expand our management plan all the way to the Orongorongo river mouth, including Baring Head. If you are interested in helping, please email info@miro.org.nz.

Our tamariki are well prepared with our latest fundraiser.. Skinnies Sunscreen. We are back for Term 1 on Wednesday 10th February and would love you to join us. We will be making the most of this glorious weather with bush walks, sprinklers, swimming, rock pools and more! If you have children or grandchildren aged 0-6yrs looking to have some fun in our beautiful community come along Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9.15-11.45am. Great company, great coffee and drop offs available. 1a Ngaumatau Road, Point

Howard

If you would like to purchase some sunscreen or would like further info please call or txt 0275768224 https://skinnies.co.nz/

NEWS FROM POINT HOWARD PLAYCENTRE

The Winter’s Tale for Summer

Not many people know Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale well. It’s a surprising story that starts tragically and then transforms into a romantic comedy with a magical happy ending.

In 1611 the newly-written play reopened the London theatres after they had been closed on and off for three years because of the plague. Similarly, in the light of Covid, the Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe has chosen it for their annual summer Bard in the Yard production.

It’s also the 25th consecutive year that Eastbourne’s theatre company has presented Shakespeare to local audiences.

John Marwick, the director, counts it as his favourite Shakespeare play. “It’s extraordinary,” he says “it really shouldn’t be possible to mix tragedy and comedy like this and the ending is quite surprising.” Yet he’s seen it on stage and film many times and it always works. “People leave the theatre with a sense of hope, touched by the magic of live theatre.”

Twenty one years ago the same play was a most successful production for the Troupe in the Millennial year. It won that year’s local Theatre Federation award for best drama and featured, among others, Dr Ashley Bloomfield who has since moved on to even greater fame!

Marwick points out that in Shakespeare’s day his plays always had a familiar contemporary setting even if the story took place in a faraway country and time. So, in the same way, this production will be set in

modern New Zealand. One of the characters says “a sad tale’s best for winter” but this summer production includes lots of comedy and music and will instead emphasise another quotation from the play: “purge all infection from our air”.

The show will have just five performances at 7:30pm in the Muritai School Yard starting with a gala opening on Tuesday 23 February and running until Saturday 27 February.

Bring warm clothes but the show goes on even in the rain.

Tickets are limited because of the venue and are on sale through Eventfinda and at Rona Gallery. Cash sales may be available at the door if not sold out beforehand.

For more information:

John Marwick 027 451 2849 Director Elspeth Cotsilinis 021 0423 040 Production manager.

College looking for new principal

Brendan Pitman has made the decision to say farewell to Wellesley after 6 years as Principal. Brendan is leaving to take some time with his family, before exploring other options in the education sector.

Veronica Stevens, Deputy Principal of Wellesley, will become Acting Principal while the Board conduct a comprehensive search for a new Principal to lead Wellesley into the future. Veronica has previously had the Acting Principal role at Wellesley and is well placed to act during the appointment period.

A spokesperson said Brendan has undertaken significant change and great work at Wellesley

Garden Stuff with Sandy Lang

February: weed (wēd) n. an unwanted plant. How to eliminate weeds by semantics

Ever noticed that poorer countries (S America, S China, Mediterranean rim, India) enjoy richer cuisines? The converse is true too. What foods do you associate with the USA, and the UK? Hot dogs and hamburgers, and deep-fried fish’n’chips, respectively. QED

Thanks to domestic freezers, clever coolstorage and 20,000-km-long supply chains. We enjoy most plant foods year-round. Few now have limited seasons. But the range of plant foods we eat has shrunk as a result. Modern diets are monotonous. Dietary narrowness is unnatural. Dietary diversity is healthy. Italians flavour their food with roadside weeds, pasta with wild rapa, frittata with wild asparagus. Great flavours…

If you find a use for a weed, by definition, it ceases to be a weed and, hence, a weed has been eliminated by a mere thought. Further, Murphy’s Law suggests it will immediately stop growing so fast, but this secondary inference is less certain. Anyhow, here are some good things you can try with your feral garden plants. It’s quite educational to Google edible weeds

Baths: Throw a sprig of rosemary in your hot bath, or thyme, or pine, or mint. You’ll be soothed.

Tea: Infuse a leaf (or two) of kawakawa in a mug of boiling water (10 min), or mint (ordinary, or peppermint, or spearmint, or lemon balm). You will be refreshed. Zero caffeine so no insomnia.

Salads: Throw a leaf or two or more of nasturtium or oxalis into a tossed salad. Great spikes of flavour.

Tussie Mussies: Make a tiny posy of wildflowers and leaves. Enchanting… Some will remember Isabel McIlraith and her little book ‘Tussie Mussies’. Google mcilraith tussie mussies click on the ‘images’ tab.

Insects: Around the globe insects are in decline. 30% of insect species are endangered. 10% go extinct every 10 years. Blame habitat destruction, intensive agriculture, pesticides, urbanisation. Why not let a defined area of your garden run wild with weeds? Long grass and flowering weeds create food and habitat for insects. Try it in a sunny spot. Even two square metres will be rewarding. Explain to visitors it’s not just laziness. For the more industrious of you, to attract insects, sow a small area in buckwheat or phacelia, marigolds, scabiosa, salvia, fennel.

slang@xtra.co.nz

www.gardenstuffnz.blogspot.com

Author hoping to publish children's story set in EB

by Carl McRae

A former Eastbourne woman is hoping to attract some interest from publishing houses regarding a book she has written, which was inspired by her childhood memories of collecting shells on Eastbourne beach with her father.

The children’s book is called Collecting Cat’s Eyes, and its author, Jane Va’afusuaga (nee Davitt) was born in Eastbourne, shortly after her parents had immigrated from Scotland.

“I was raised in Eastbourne with my two sisters,” says Jane. “We lived mostly in Oroua St. I attended Muritai School and Hutt Valley High School.”

Jane has fond memories of her childhood in Eastbourne, involved in many sports, plus first Brownies, then Girl Guides.

“I spent a lot of time at Bishop Park, the swimming pool and at the beach,” she says. “Later, while still living in Eastbourne, I studied for a B.A. at Victoria University and went to Wellington Teachers College (as it was known then) in Karori.”

Jane says she has always loved books and was an avid reader from the age of five.

“I was so excited when the new library opened in Eastbourne. I still remember my library card number was 250. Every Friday night my sisters and I would walk down to the village with our Dad to go to the library to change our books and spend our 20c pocket money afterwards at Hooper’s Dairy. What a treat.”

Jane lived in Eastbourne until she was 22, when she accepted her first teaching post at Te Papapa school in Auckland. 11 years later, she took a teaching job in Samoa.

“My contract was for two years,” says Jane, “and I’ve been here now for almost 20.

"I met my husband, Tuiafutea, in Samoa and we have a teenage daughter, Coco. Village life has provided a lot of inspiration for my writing.”

The family now divide their time between the village and Apia for school and work.

Jane is the coordinator of a project to save the critically endangered national bird of Samoa, the Manumea.

“I write mainly for children,” she says, “and have had four children’s books published by Little Island Press. I write from my life’s experiences, books that Pasifika children can see themselves in, with situations, characters and stories they can relate to.”

Jane says her books are not only engaging for Pasifika, but introduce aspects of Pacific culture to all readers.

“I have been fortunate to work with some very talented illustrators who have brought

my texts to life and produced some beautiful, bright, colourful authentic illustrations. I had two books published in 2020, Uncle Tino and Visiting Grandma which are both set in NZ, though unfortunately I wasn’t able to travel over to launch them."

Jane Va'afusuaga, former Eastbourne resident, is looking to publish a book inspired by her time in the Bays.

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FAMILY HOME IN PRIME LOCATION

CHARACTER & LOCATION

View By Appointment

Sinead Diederich

Situated across from the playing fields, playground & park on Marine Parade & a short stroll to schools & village, this 4bed+ family home has sun from morning till evening. Super attractive both inside & out, the modernised mid-century family home has many enhancing features; main bedroom ensuite; 2 further bathrooms, insulation, radiator heating, landscaped front & rear, garaging & OSP. sinead@tommyshv.co.nz

04 568 2222 | 021 02581960

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Sinead Diederich

This quality 1940s character home has 3 double bedrooms with built-in storage, cosy lounge with new wood burner, cute kitchen, separate dining room which opens to a sundeck, & separate laundry. Painting & carpeting have just been completed throughout! This lovely sunny site is fullyfenced with garden, garage, off street parking & electric gate. Close to the bus, & just a short walk to the beach & village. sinead@tommyshv.co.nz

04 568 2222 | 021 02581960

12/13/14 of February at 5.30pm

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Sinead Diederich

'Bays living' at its best, with stunning sea views, superb sunny aspect, hillside garden & charming interior. This architectural home is a fun, creative, exciting haven away from the hustle & bustle of life. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan/split level living - opening to a north facing deck off the kitchen; the home is warm & light filled, & ideal for anyone looking for a great Bays lifestyle. sinead@tommyshv.co.nz

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Box office: 021 0694969

www.daysbayopera.org.nz

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