The Eastbourne Herald October 2020

Hutt South returns to Labour

by Carl McRae

The Hutt South electorate is once again red, following a three-year term from National's Chris Bishop, who was deposed on election night by Labour’s Ginny Andersen.

Described as ‘the everywhere man’ by former PM John Key, Bishop campaigned hard on the back of a real presence in the community since his somewhat surprise election in 2017. Andersen also campaigned well in the community and, assisted to a degree by the extraordinary swing to the left in the election, she eventually claimed the electorate, polling 2292 votes ahead of the popular incumbent.

Bishop's victory three years ago was also the result of a tight race, with National claiming the seat of Hutt South for the first time. Falling to the swing this time round, the seat is now back in Labour’s hands, returning the Wellington region to an absolute sea of red.

Andersen says she had a nervous time of it for a while on Saturday night, as her lead was significantly reduced for a period, before pulling away again with a late surge.

“It wasn’t until around 10:30pm,” she says, “that it looked like we had reclaimed Hutt South. It was possibly the Wainuiomata booths which came in toward the end.”

Andersen says that she is expecting to pick up a few more votes once the specials have been accounted for, an area where Labour traditionally do well. She is ranked 45th on the Labour Party list, but will now enter the arena as an electorate MP in her own right.

While no doubt aggrieved by the loss of his seat, Chris Bishop was just one of 14 National MPs who suffered a similar displacement on election night.

Having jumped 33 places to number 7 on the party list, his continuation in Parliament

was secured. A double representation for Hutt South with one electorate and one list MP based here, also remains.

Bishop says that while he respects the result and the fact that we live in a democracy, he is gutted after putting so much time and effort into his campaign.

“I put my heart and soul into it,” he says, “I honestly don’t know what more I could personally have done. I fought as hard as I could, especially in the last couple of weeks. I’m tired and will take a bit of time to collect my thoughts, but I’ll be back."

He says that his two offices will remain open and he’ll be continuing the work he has put in so far around the housing and transport issues that plague Hutt City.

Andersen says that she is excited about representing Hutt South in the coming threeyear term and tackling issues close to her heart,

which include the often-discussed cycle way to Eastbourne.

“I'm aware of the importance to Eastern Bays people of that shared pathway and will be keeping a close eye on its development,” she says.

“I’m also looking forward to tackling housing, or the lack of them, which is a big issue facing the Hutt at present. Issues around maternity services and mental health are also on my agenda. It’s going to be a busy term.”

It was the biggest victory for the 1916-formed Labour Party in 50 years and the first time since the introduction of an MMP system in 1996, that one party has secured enough of the vote to govern alone without the need to include minor coalition partners to form a government.

Hutt South MP Ginny Andersen, third from left, with her daughter, Eliza, in front.

No Christmas wharf jump this year

Work is progressing on the Days Bay wharf head, with repairs to the piles at the end of October. Hutt City Council Strategic Advisor, Bruce Hodgins, says that this is a complex section of work, with several different pile repair methods being utilised.

“With these piles repaired, the contractor (Brian Perry Civil) will then be able to complete the installation of the deck, kerb and fendering, completing three-quarters of the wharf head.,” Mr. Hodgins said. “When this area is completed the ferry berth can be moved to allow access to the remaining area of the old structure. The ferry will be relocated further out on the northern side of the wharf head, at this stage programmed for  late-November.”

Mr Hodgins adds that it has been a challenging few months for the site team. The initial COVID lockdown had a direct impact on the construction programme, with work unable to be carried out during level 4, and subsequent level 3 and 2 restrictions affecting productivity.

“The second lockdown meant that some key workers, such as the dive supervisor, were required to return to Auckland for a period,”

TIMETABLE

he adds. “The Wellington spring weather, with high winds, swells and heavy showers has meant that conditions were unsafe to work on the water at times. As a result critical path works have been delayed and it may appear there has been little visible progress.”

The structural timber work is programmed to be completed before the Christmas shut down. In the New Year the deck and finishing works will be finished, with the scaffold walkway and the beach compound area removed. Works are scheduled to be completed by late February, but this timeframe may still be impacted by bad weather.

New illustrations

Local award-winning author and illustrator

Kimberly Andrews is continuing her productive streak with the pictures for a new book by The Breeze radio hosts, Robert Rakete and Jeanette Thomas. Ernie and the Magic Kennel, published by Scholastic, is inspired by The Breeze’s very own station dog and Jeanette’s rescue dog. It features Ernie, a corgi of right royal pedigree who lives in a flash kennel that resembles a castle and Benny, a street dog without a home. When Ernie receives a magical invitation to visit the Queen at Buckingham Palace, picking up other pedigree pooches along the way, Benny hitches a ride and together they set off for the other side of the world in Ernie’s magic kennel. Author proceeds to Saving Hope rescue dog charity and DUFFY Books in Homes charity.

Ernie and the Magic Kennel is available from Rona Gallery, $20.

SAT, SUN &

HOLIDAYS: 10.40am (S) 12.45pm (S)

PUBLIC

(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).

Next ECB meeting:

7.15pm Tuesday 3 November 2020, East Harbour Women’s Club, 145 Muritai Rd

You can find the agenda for all Community Board and Council meetings on the Hutt City Council website. Agendas are posted four working days before each meeting.

ECB meetings are open to the public. There is time for public comment at the start of each meeting - anyone can speak for three minutes about anything related to the community.

The Mayor will present the annual Eastbourne Awards at the 3 November meeting to residents who have had noteworthy achievements in the current year, or who have made a significant contribution to Eastbourne over several years. Have your say on the draft 10-year plan for East Harbour

Greater Wellington has drafted a new management plan, the draft Toitu Te Whenua Parks Network Plan 2020-30, for eight regional parks and forests, including our three local parks in East Harbour: the Northern Forest, Parangarahu Lakes, and Baring Head/Oruapouanui.

Regional Council is looking for feedback. You can find the plan at haveyoursay.gw.govt.nz and at the Eastbourne library. We encourage Eastbourne residents to review the plan before consultation closes at 1pm, Friday 23 October 2020.

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

Local house market remains buoyant with high demand for stock

by Carl McRae

Despite commentary in the media about returning expats driving sales prices, Tony Alexander’s Real Estate Survey (September 2020), does not suggest that off-shore located buyers are a large presence in markets around the country, says Margaret Lindsay of Harcourts in Eastbourne.

“When reviewing who our buyers were from January to September this year,” Margaret says, “the overwhelming majority were moving locally, or moving from within the Wellington region. Only a small percentage were moving from other regions.”

Historical sales data shows that normally one month out from an election, people start to take a ‘wait and see’ approach and sales volumes begin easing off.

However, Margaret says that 2020 appears to have bucked the trend, with the number of properties sold nationally the highest in 42

Okiwi Volunteer Driving Service

months.

Government elections have not historically had a major impact on our local market in any case, as supply levels are always relatively low. There were 10 sales in September 2017 and 11 in September 2020. There continues to be a shortage of supply not only locally, but nationally also.

The absence of the price fall which many people had expected to result from Covid-19, appears to have spurred a greater sense of urgency amongst buyers in the “FOMO” (fear of missing out) category.

Margaret says that in the last quarter, local sales have been strong, also showing no negative impact from Covid-19.

From July to September 2020, there were 25 sales with an average sale price of $1,066,870 compared to the same period in 2019 where there were 21 sales with an average sale value of $832,546.

In September, there were 11 local sales with an average of 24 days to sell and an average of 19% above RV. This month only a net 4% of agents nationwide reported more off-shore interest.

“At present,” says Margaret, “there are 13 properties on the market from Point Howard to Eastbourne. Of those 13 listings, four are sections and a residential/commercial opportunity, thereby leaving only 8 homes for purchase.”

“Property values have held firm through the worst of the economic downturn, following the strict lockdown policies implemented in March,” she adds.

“The combination of low interest rates, access to credit and renewed confidence has seen demand hold firm. We are yet to see what the long-term impact of COVID will be.”

Local woman to receive live kidney donor transplant

by Carl McRae

It’s a cruel twist of fate when your kidneys function ‘too well’, but that is the dichotomy facing local woman, Tabitha Newton, as she prepares to become a kidney donor recipient in Auckland on December 7th.

Tabbie - and her twin sister, Suzie - both suffer from the ultra rare condition where the blood cleans itself too much, but the tubular defect is a genetic disease. Lowry Bay resident, Tabbie, watched and waited as Suzie went through the live donor process three years ago: a bilateral nephrectomy, complicated surgery with inherent risk.

But since her operation, Suzie has got married, has the job of her dreams and is currently planning to start a family, albeit through a surrogacy programme. And Tabitha is inspired by her sister and can see a time when life for her will become as normal as it can possibly be.

“I'm excited, but nervous,” she said. “Half of my life is currently spent in hospital and this has been a long, three year process to get to this point, dealing with four different district health boards, CAT scan, ultrasound…it has all impacted on care communication.”

“The big pressure on systems has seen me have to be the advocate of my own destiny,” says Tabbie, “but I am loath to complain. The nurses at MAPU (medical assessment planning unit) at Hutt Hospital have been amazing. They are already so overworked, but still treat me with kindness and like I am part of the family. They make me feel special and really care about me and other patients.”

Tabbie says that local support from the Eastbourne community has been equally amazing and she feels uplifted that so many people have got behind her campaign via a baking initiative, which has helped raise some of the funds required to complete her mission.

She feels blessed that she has such a strong support network around her, as she has also seen the other side of the equation in hospital, individuals going through the same or similar routines who are alone and scared.

“I’m being given a second chance at life,” Tabbie says, “and I want to make it count. It’s like ‘welcome to the crazy world of organ donation’. I’ve spent so long being sick (since her teens) and this will completely change my life.”

It’s the things we normal folk take for granted that Tabbie has missed out on and she is looking forward very much to the freedom of health.

“I’m excited to just go on holiday,” she says. “To go deep sea swimming and to have the freedom to say ‘yes’ on a whim, whereas I have had to say ‘no’ or turn down some wonderful offers because I was required back in hospital, where I currently spend every

third day.”

The process has a fiscal dimension of course and even after a $3,000 subsidy from the Health Board and $2,000 having been raised from the baking, to help offset accommodation costs and expenses when in Auckland, another $2,000 is required to get Tabbie over the line.

“Following the procedure,” she says, “I have to spend one week in hospital and then five weeks housed as close to the hospital as I can be, as I have twice daily follow-up clinics.”

“As is normal, I need to be as fit and healthy as I can be before major surgery and then post, adhere to a strict diet, basically overseeing the preparation of all my own food.”

Obviously, not unfamiliar with adversity, Tabitha is ready for her new life and most grateful to have gotten as close to having her dreams fulfilled as possible.

If one wishes to help Tabbie or donate towards her expenses, keep an eye out for Heather Ne’s baking fundraisers via Facebook. She posts on the Eastbourne Community Notice Board when batches of afghans, yo-yo’s and buttermilk cheese scones are ready to go.

“She is a very kind and thoughtful soul,” Heather says, “and as her friends and family will attest, always generous with her time and considerable skills, despite feeling so unwell all the time.”

“Her nurses at MAPU adore her because she is always gracious, humble and grateful for the care she receives. She has helped many junior doctors out by enduring lengthy questioning for their case studies and despite that being exhausting, she feels strongly that it’s important for people to learn.”

“As you can see,” Heather adds, “I’m very proud of the young woman that she has become despite her life not panning out anything like she expected. The baking is because I know people get tired of just giving and this way they are getting something back for their gift to us, which is that we won’t have to stress about costs while we reside in Auckland for this and we get to just concentrate on doing what we need to to help Tabitha through this.”

Tabitha and Heather would both like to thank the community at large for their amazing support thus far.

Tabitha Newton and her kidney-shaped fundraising cake

Faith in the Community

Speak truth to power…

Speaking truth to power is an oft-used phrase these days particularly around election time, and in connection with issues of human rights and with activism.

While there are those who question the church being involved in matters of this sort, the phrase itself was coined by a 1955 Quaker pamphlet published in the USA.

And Christians take the lead from Jesus who declares his purpose at the very beginning of his ministry by quoting a Hebrew prophet who lived eight hundred years before him – Isaiah, known to be particularly sensitive to the political and international events of his time.

That prophet had famously said, when speaking to the people of his day about honouring God, “Is it not to loose the bonds of injustice, …to let the oppressed go free, …to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house?”

So, Jesus was placing himself squarely in a longstanding prophetic tradition of speaking the truth to power, and saw his calling in the further words of Isaiah “…to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken hearted, and to proclaim liberty to the captives.”

The churches who speak out in this way on social issues are just following his lead and trying to be true to his word.

St Ronan’s COVID: Please sanitise your hands, on arrival. Please don’t come, if you’re unwell. Social distance 1 metre. e-Services: Ask if you want to receive our weekly emailed services. Parish magazine: Ask if you want to receive our monthly printed magazine The Record

E: office@stronans.org.nz

W: www.stronans.org.nz

St Alban’s Sunday services 10am at Wellesley College. Weekday Kids Club, Thursdays 10am at various venues. Refer to our website for more information on church activities.

E: office@stalbanschurch.nz

W: www.stalbanschurch.nz

San Antonio Parish office, Petone (weekdays 10am-2pm)

T: (04) 971 7885

E: holyspiritparish41@gmail.com

W: www.holyspirit.nz

• This column of church news and views is sponsored by St Alban’s Anglican, St Ronan’s Presbyterian and San Antonio Catholic Churches.

Painting to be auctioned for Kea conservation

Local man of many talents, Murray Gibbons, is to donate an art work he painted last year to the national Kea Conservation trust. Murray plans to auction the work, entitled ‘On the Road to Aoraki/ Mt. Cook’ following its inclusion in a Labour weekend painting exhibition in the Wairarapa.

“Between now and then,” says Murray, “the painting can be viewed in the Eastbourne Library, if anyone wants to check it out and put in a bid. It’s called a ‘silent auction’; one makes an offer and places it in the appropriate box and I shall notify the winner post-exhibition and deliver the painting personally.”

“Whatever the winning bid is,” Murray says, “all the money will go directly to the Kea Conservation Fund. Make the most of your tax deductible benefits and help a native bird in a time of peril.”

The Labour weekend exhibition, where ‘On

the Road to Aoraki/Mt. Cook’ will be on display along with a selection of Murray’s other oils and Jacky Pearson’s watercolours, is at a rural Gallery located at 232 Norfolk Road, Carterton.

“There’ll be NZ landscapes, cityscapes, wildlife, portraits and more besides,” says Murray.

Jacky Pearson, who originally hails from Walsall in England, has her artwork spread around numerous galleries throughout Aotearoa and has done post-graduate research in soil conservation and multispectral remote sensing at Southampton University.

Local character, Murray Gibbons and his painting ‘On the Road to Aoraki/Mt. Cook’. One can enter the silent auction at the Eastbourne Library and help Kea conservation.

George Gibbs gets to grips with an exquisite legacy

by Ann Packer

George Gibbs, the Eastbourne entomologist who won a Montana book award in 2007 for the now classic Ghosts of Gondwana (revised 2016), has written his most personal work yet in An Exquisite Legacy. It's the memoir of his London-born grandfather, a Victorian collector and natural history artist who died when George was eight.

George Vernon Hudson was a child who knew at age 11 what he wanted to do with his life, and pursued that vision with passionate intensity to a grand old age.

It seems entirely fitting, 150 years on, that his scientist grandson, who remains in awe of his singular vision, should document that previously unsung life. And it certainly helps that the collector left behind a trove of glorious illustrations, plus 65 years’ worth of notebooks, diaries and what’s been described as ”the finest and most perfect collection of New Zealand insects ever formed by one person”.

G V Hudson came to New Zealand with his father Charles and two siblings in 1881 as a motherless 14-year-old – shortly after the monarch butterfly reached these shores – and never stepped offshore again, save for a brief research trip to the Subantarctic Isslands. Entranced as an 11-year-old by a large European dragonfly, the young George, a gifted artist from a family of artists who encouraged his talent, was already painting specimens.

Hudson later pursued his other love, astronomy, by building an observatory on his Karori property and importing ever-larger telescopes. He observed Halley’s Comet in 1910. Oh, and he was the first in the world to propose daylight saving time, in 1895 –evoking “a storm of derision”.

The Hudson Collection, which includes several thousand species of native insects of all types, has been resting in Te Papa Tongarewa in its original kauri cabinets since 1946. Now it’s joined by a wealth of notebooks and other ephemera that languished in suitcases in the basement of Dr Gibbs’ two Eastbourne homes for over 50 years. As the only child of Hudson’s only child (herself a botanist and artist), George’s inheritance remained hidden away while he taught the next generation, at Victoria University.

On retirement, somewhat overcome by guilt, George decided it was time to open up the suitcases and fulfill a promise made to his mother Stella before she died. “If he [George] went to the trouble of writing it all down, the least I could do was transcribe it,” he says. “I have a unique opportunity, and a keen sense of responsibility, to draw the threads together while these connections persist.”

There was so much to draw on – as well as his insect collection, Hudson produced seven books, filled with over 3300 mostly

postage stamp-sized and exquisitely-detailed watercolour illustrations plus 30 handwritten diaries, with summaries of each year’s events. All this at a time when such early citizen scientists needed a real job – in George’s case the New Zealand Post Office – to pay the bills.

There are now 39 species named after Hudson, and he discovered some 79 others, all meticulously listed in appendices.

As well as being highly readable, the book is beautifully produced, with family photographs as well as Hudson’s glorious artwork. Advances in technology mean the colour reproductions are as accurate and brilliant as when Hudson sent the original handpainted illustrations off to London in 1886 for his first book, an introduction to New Zealand’s insects. The pigments have not faded.

Why a memoir rather than a straight biography? George Gibbs the entomologist writes “…in the roundabout ways of genealogy and families, his story has evolved into my own story.”

AN EXQUISITE LEGACY: The life and work of New Zealand naturalist G V Hudson by George Gibbs, Potton & Burton, is available from Rona Gallery.

George Gibbs.

Lockdown results in boon for skincare range

by Ann Packer

For some, Lockdown was a time of Zen, all quietness and meditation. For others, it induced a surge of productivity. Lowry Bay’s Jo Lehndorf was one of the latter group – her Loveskin range of skincare products took off under COVID restrictions. Sales “went through the roof”; increasing 540 percent since the start of 2020.

Starting out some six years ago in Auckland and using trade shows and markets to promote her products, Jo operates her web-based business from home these days, employing three local women to help with administration and packing.

Focusing on online growth through social media marketing, she also has some retail outlets – including stores in Auckland, Hamilton, Greytown, Picton and Dunedin – all of which have come to her rather than being sought out; there are no local stockists as yet.

Jo began experimenting with making her own skincare, using natural and organic, plant based ingredients after suffering for years with problem skin and having been prescribed medication as a teenager to overcome acne. Although she has had no formal training in skin care, some 300+ five-star reviews on her website, from customers who’ve had their skin transformed, speak for themselves.

She credits another woman with Eastbourne roots, Margaret Hema, with being her inspiration, having used her products for many years.

“When it comes to how to treat the skin she made it all seem so magical.”

The idea of cleansing with oil rather than scrubbing and washing your face is a fairly recent one, Jo says – traditional cleanse/tone/ moisturise routines can be “quite aggressive, even if the products contain all natural ingredients.

Not all natural products are necessarily

gentle on the skin”.

Through her website she tries to communicate the essence of natural skincare, rather than simply sell products. “People want

a solution,” she says, “but it can be a processes of re-educating our customers”.

Loveskin products – seven types of serums and balms, for different skin types and conditions – are either handblended at home or made in a laboratory in Hawkes Bay.

They combine up to 20 botanical oils, New Zealand-sourced and organic where possible, including hemp oil, avocado oil and kawakawa oil.

Originally a police forensic photographer based in Wellington, Jo’s website beautifully attests to her skills.

After a stint snapping homes for Open to View she travelled overseas with her family before settling in Auckland. But when her partner was promoted to a job in the capital, her online marketing skills enabled her to build her business from here in Eastbourne.

She says while the goal is to continue to grow her business, that doesn’t necessarily mean finding investment partners.

Call 04 939 2366 www.jaglegal.co.nz

“The whole model has been modernised with internet and social media marketing,” she says.

“The path is not as linear as it once was.”

...a stronger integrated legal team!

JAG033

Joanna Lehndorf, Cathrin Jordan, Haley Pllu, Lara Orman.

Local band-members soar at Rockquest

by Carl McRae

Helena Cvitanovich, Y13 student at HVHS, was placed third in the solo/duo section of the national 2020 Smokefreerockquest, on September 24. The Days Bay resident was also part of a band from the school, ’Girl Scout Cookie’, who were unlucky not to have finished higher in the competition themselves.

Following Covid-related disruptions to the usual regional heats process, submission by bands around the country was done via video format.

After making the top three in the solo/ duo category (as ‘Helena’) and the top eight in bands, Helena and the other members of ‘Girl Scout Cookie’ (including Eastbourne’s Xander Cox-Turk), flew to Auckland to film their finals submissions in front of the Rockquest team.

“I think we’d have preferred to play in a live setting,” Helena said, “but we were grateful for the experience regardless. We also had interviews and photo shoots, plus opportunities to be mentored prior to filming, which was very cool.

"Unfortunately, we were not able to interact with or watch other bands, as we had to social distance and wear masks.”

En route to the national finals, where the organisers say the talent was ‘outrageously good’ and they had to up the number of acts competing from seven to 11, ‘Girl Scout Cookie’ was placed first in the Wellington regional final and, likewise, ‘Helena’ first as a solo/duo act.

She also picked up the Rockshop Electronicassisted Performance Award, based around two original compositions entered; “Neutral” and

Kidztalk

“Honeymoon Feeling”, the latter specifically honed for the Rockquest competition.

“I love singing ballads,” Helena says. “It was such a pleasure to sing this song, which is very emotional. It very much showcases my singer/ songwriter sound skill, which I hope will also resonate with others.”

Helena says that Rockquest has definitely opened the doors for her and has encouraged her to pursue composing music and lyrics, and not just for her own ears.

“I find songwriting has, for a few years now, been something I do anyway,” she says, “for thought release or therapeutic reasons. But with this Rockquest success, I believe I have the intent on working towards releasing some music in the coming years.”

Next year Helena is to study at Otago University, looking to do law, criminology and psychology.

But I will still keep an interest in music,” she says. “Releasing some, playing gigs on the side. I’m very optimistic about what the future holds.”

News from our local playcentres

We are loving having a good group of under twos at the Point Howard Playcentre. They have a great time together and expecially love forming their own little baby band while the rest of us sing along. There are always prenty of instruments to go around and we are lucky to have very musical Whānau to encourage the tamariki!

We would like to say a huge thank you to the Hutt City Council Engagement fund which provided funding for first aid courses for our parent volunteers. First aid certificates are a fantastic way for parents and Whānau to build confidence when taking care of tamariki on sessions and at home. We also received some funding from the Playcentre Federation for security lighting which makes our late night meetings or cleaning trips much safer. Thank you!

Feel free to visit us on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays between 9.15 and 11.45 am. You can find out more about our Playcentre by visiting our Facebook page or by contacting Stephanie on 022 088 0010.

NEWS FROM POINT HOWARD PLAYCENTRE

Xander Cox-Turk (left), Helena Cvitanovich and their band, ‘Girl Scout Cookie’.

The Point Howard Community Garden was declared open for business by Mayor Campbell Barry on Saturday, 3 October at the Community Garden Social. The Community Garden appreciates the support from HCC, ECB and EBCT which has enabled this initiative to thrive. The gardeners also appreciate the many words of encouragement they receive from non-gardener residents who visit them! Please contact pointhowardgarden@ gmail.com for more information.

The PHA on behalf of its members will apply for a reduction in speed limit to 30kmh on the hill. Community consultation will be part of the process so please look out for the notice on how to have your say on the Point Howard noticeboard, in The Eastbourne Herald or via email. Please email pthowardassn@gmail.com to register your email address with us if you’re not on the PHA mailing list.

Pthowardassn@gmail.com

New works in exhibition

News from Point Howard

Following a hiatus due to Covid19, two exhibitions are coming up for artlovers. The annual Splash exhibition and Ceramicus, are combining again at the Academy Galleries in Wellington from October 24-November 9. Talented local artist Alan Collins' latest works will be on display at his exhibition at 30 October - 25 November at Alfred Memelink Artspace Gallery, Petone. Above: Alan Collins, working on a new painting at Rona Bay.

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. Caroline 021 072 1070.

• 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. Caroline 021 072 1070.

• 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.

• Eastbourne Embroidery Group, St Ronan’s Church lounge 10am-12noon.

• 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 Library9.30-10.30am. 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. Caroline 021 072 1070.

• Scottish Country Dance. Merryn 562 0236.

• Bridge Club 7-10pm. Shona 562 7073.

• DB Playcentre Mon, Wed, Fri 9-12. Andrea Jensen 02102797311.

• “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. Caroline 021 072 1070.

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

• DB Playcentre Mon, Wed, Fri 9-12. Andrea Jensen 02102797311.

• 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.

Garden Stuff with Sandy Lang

MINERAL NUTRITION

October/November: Mid, late spring.

Everything’s growing so fast…!

Soil nutrients: Plants need three main soil nutrients – the ‘macronutrients’, nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). Plants must also have much smaller amounts of a host of other ‘micronutrients’.

Nutrient status: Eastbourne soils are sandy and their ability to retain soil nutrients is low. It’s difficult to maintain adequate levels of all soil nutrients. Specific deficiencies are common here.

Nutrient loss: Along with a naturally low nutrient status, our soils also lose nutrients every time we remove plant material from the garden - as food or green waste. They also lose nutrients every time it rains heavily or is overwatered. The percolating water washes dissolved soil nutrients deep down (leaching) to below the rootzone. If soil nutrients are deficient a plant grows slowly and is weak and disease prone. For healthy plant growth, soil nutrient levels must be continually topped up… Nutrient deficiency: The leaves of a nutrientdeficient plant are often discoloured. Experts can identify some specific nutrient deficiencies by looking at the leaves - non-expert diagnosis is unreliable. Commercial growers do expensive leaf analyses to identify soil nutrient deficiencies.

In the garden it’s easier to apply a general fertiliser containing the full range of macroand micronutrients. This will fix any specific nutrient deficiencies. It doesn’t much matter if some of the nutrients added were not particularly deficient. Our soils are unlikely to be overly high in any of them. Fertiliser application: With a low-retention soil, it’s best to apply fertilisers ‘little and often’ to keep plants fed and to minimise leaching.

Chemical vs organic fertilisers: The nutrients in an ‘organic’ fertiliser are the same as those in a ‘chemical’ fertiliser. Whatever the source, K is always K and P is always P etc. The difference is, an organic fertiliser is usually derived from plant/animal remains while a chemical fertiliser is mined from a mineral deposit (often derived from ancient plant/animal remains). It’s not the use of chemical fertilisers that’s the problem with some intensive agricultural systems but the too-heavy use of chemical fertilisers –especially on light soils. For the home garden, organic fertilisers are usually more expensive than chemical ones and the amounts of nutrients they contain are often variable. Quality control is difficult in a product derived from a variable biological source. Sandy Lang www.gardenstuffnz.blogspot.com

Masks on!

Following Covid disruption and a raft of unforeseen circumstances, not even foul weather could stop Muritai School’s masked parade from going ahead in the end - and with a good deal of success. The idea was originally to take the parade to the streets of Eastbourne, says Associate Principal, Jamie Power, but last minute weather disruptions saw the long awaited event confined to the school hall and grounds. Rumour has it that a few masks might resurface around the streets of Eastbourne on

LETTERS

Maire Street accidents

The statement in the September 26 Eastbourne Herald that recent car accidents in the Maire St carpark “ appeared to coincide with the new pathway arrangement” promotes the inaccurate assumption that there is a relationship between these accidents and the pathway simply because they are in the same car park.

Neither of the collisions between cars and the power poles were linked to the new pathway. One involved a car parked, nose in, on the eastern side of the car park away from the sea, which reversed into the pole. Such accidents are not reported so do not appear in City Council records. Who rushes to Council to tell them they have hit a power pole? In the second incident the car was not parked, the area was virtually empty and the driver accidentally drove into the power pole. The ECB has now had the the lower part of the power poles painted white and reflectors installed. We hope this will make such accidents less likely in future.

The Herald article also repeats what it

describes as speculation from un-named people that the ECB is “actioning initiatives of their own accord and not with the support of or consultation with the community.”

The idea for the pathway came originally from residents who have approached Board members over the last few years to express their concern about cycling, and walking with kids behind the cars parked on the water front in the Maire St carpark. With the onset of Covid the Board was given permission to use their unspent training allowance on a community project that could be rolled out within the six weeks left in the financial year. We decided this trial pathway could be done in the time frame, would be a boon to the community and make the area safer for everyone.

While some people were anxious about the proposal many more have greeted the trial pathway with enthusiasm, some describing near misses in the past where they had feared for the safety of their children and they now feel safe.

Virginia Horrocks (Chair, Eastbourne Community Board)

Thank you to the Eastbourne Community

Our family recently experienced the loss of a much loved daughter, mother, partner, sister, sister-in-law and aunty. Fiona died suddenly at age 50 years. This letter is being written to express our gratitude to the Eastbourne community which has been so generous in offering condolences, sending cards and flowers, providing food, giving hugs in the street and attending Fiona’s send off in the Eastbourne Bowling club.

The overwhelming sense of belonging to a caring community has shone through in the weeks since Fiona’s passing and as a family we have gained much comfort from the feeling of being wrapped in a collective hug. Living in such a community is a privilege that we now appreciate more than ever.

Our love and thanks to you all, Jim and Pat McKinlay and family

Greater Wellington Regional Council has drafted a new management plan for eight regional parks and forests, including the East Harbour Regional Park and are seeking public feedback on their proposals.

There are six goals which set the overall direction for work in parks, three of which are core and ongoing; managing natural values, recreation experiences, heritage and landscape. The remaining three are for particular focus over the next ten years and all overlap; working with mana whenua, climate change and sustainability.

The new plan includes proposed actions for work over the next dcade, 2020-2030. Some apply to all parks and many are parkspecific, including a raft of activity scheduled for the Eastern Harbour; Northern Forest, Parangarahu Lakes and Baring Head/Ōruapouanui.

In brief, key plans for our region include; Trail improvements for access, amenity and environmental protection in the Northern Forest.

Mountain bike trail improvements, Wainuiomata side. Accessible trails.

In partnership with Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust, to promote and improve access to Parangarahu Lakes including filling gap in lower level circuit trail. Develop amenities at the lakes, storytelling opportunities.

Progressive restoration to high levels of ecosystem health in all areas of the park.

Restoration of lighthouse complex at Baring Head/ Ōrua-pouanui for overnight stays and of the grazed areas, maintaining vistas.

The full plan can be viewed at;  https:// haveyoursay.gw.govt.nz/parksplan

David Richard Parker, the man who upset some locals by ‘freedom camping’ on Days Bay  beach last February, was arrested on October 9th for repeating his actions, this time at Oriental Bay in Wellington.

Parker, who made the area his new home on October 1, was subsequently charged with offensive language, resisting arrest, assaulting an officer, possession of an offensive weapon, and disorderly behaviour.

In the time leading to his arrest, residents had cited his behaviour as increasingly aggressive and there had been confrontations

over dogs encroaching on his established space. Parker had been seen landscaping the area and setting up division with driftwood in the public space.

Following a meeting of the MIRO group on October 12, Parker Jones has announced that six Banded Dotterel nests have been successfully hatched so far this breeding season, a vast improvement on the decimation caused by cat predators in 2018 and 2019.

“I’d like to thank the scouts for their help,” says Parker, “and the cat owners who have kept their cats in at night.

"We have had six nests and all hatched successfully, no sign of cats on my trap cameras, just a rabbit!”

“What we don’t want is people going out there to try and find the chicks,” Parker adds, “as they are very well camouflaged. The dotterels are very good at hiding.”

The Eastbourne Lions Club is holding its annual garage sale on Saturday, November 14. Now is a great time to have a clear out and donate to the event, which raises money for work in our own community.

For more details, see the advertisement on Page 13.

LABOUR WEEKEND PAINTING EXHIBITION

Tel: 562-7555 or Spencer Logan - 021627773

Campbell Logan - 0220938090

OILS AND

Embroidery group seeking new members

by Carl McRae

The Eastbourne Embroidery group meet once a week at St. Ronan’s Church for two hours - and have done since 1981 - but the ladies say that numbers have dwindled through the years and they are now down to almost single figures.

Despite the downturn in members, organiser, Marilyn McCorkindale, says that the social side of meeting is as important as the beautiful craft they participate in and the amazing needlework they produce.

“We’re so very busy doing nothing,” Marilyn says flippantly, while the group sat drinking tea and reminiscing over the many years they have been together. Nancy Hunt and Dawn Watson have known each other since the 1950s. Most of the ladies learned to sew when they were teenagers or even younger.

But it’s not all cakes and ale, as the expression goes. A rich array of embroidery, tapestry and knitted items are made with a purpose.

“We knit for charity,” explains Nancy. “Distributed through the Eastbourne library are an array of hats and cardigans we make for the region’s prem(ature) babies.”

Ann Mills, wearing a colourful poncho she created, says the group are more than a bunch of doddering oldies wielding knitting needles. She was busy clearing out cupboards during lockdown and produced a lovely piece,

a butterfly (she calls a bug) on a large cushion.

“We just do our own thing,” she says. “There’s a lot of chat and the social hours we spend together each week are just wonderful.”

“What’s more,” she adds, “the stories you hear, stay in the room!”

The ladies are keen to have new members

join the group, before the beautiful art of embroidery becomes a forgotten gem forever. They are keen to pass on their knowledge and skill, lessons and stitches they themselves learned from the doyenne of the needle, Betty Busby, all those years ago.

If that and some good old-fashioned camaraderie is your cup of tea, the embroidery group are keen to have you drop in and check them out. They meet at St. Ronan’s Church at 10am on Tuesday mornings. Further details are available by contacting Marilyn at; corky1@ xtra.co.nz

CHRISTMAS GIFTS GALORE!!

Local wares:

pottery, honey, tea towels, teas, truffles, preserves, dressings, sauces, oils, vouchers Taking orders for glazed hams, brined turkeys, mince pies & xmas cakes ALL XMAS FUNCTION CATERING visit www.marmalade.net.nz for details

2 Rimu St, Eastbourne | 562 7566 marmalade.net.nz

Controlling Rats in Our Forest

The next big step forward in pest control for our Northern Forest is to greatly reduce the rat population. Traditional ground-based control methods of poisoning or trapping require a very dense network because female rats don’t venture far from home, often staying within 50m of their nest. So, to control rats in the forest behind Eastbourne we would need roughly 2,500 traps or poison feeders. We believe that maintaining such a large network for the long-term would be too time-consuming given current methods and resources. However, there are a number of new possibilities for solving the rat control problem that we are looking at:

1. Protecting the perimeter. Perimeter fencing of sanctuaries is about ten times more expensive than trapping. However, protecting the perimeter with intensified traplines is an option and has been trialled successfully in NZ. For our forest, roughly half of the perimeter could be protected with urban trapping projects. This is in place in Eastbourne and the Bays through ERAT and a similar project is starting up in Wainuiomata. That would leave the northern and southern boundaries as well as the area between the Wainuiomata Golf Course and the urban area. So, this is a future possibility, but one problem remains—having protected the boundary, you need to remove rats from the forest itself. It is very unlikely that widescale aerial poisoning would be allowed near to the urban areas and streams, so you are still faced with intensive trapping everywhere for a period, as well as managing incursions after that.

2. Self-resetting traps. Self-resetting traps mean that you only need to visit the trap every 4–6 months, or even longer. This greatly reduces the labour involved compared to traditional traps, which need checking at least monthly. There are now two brands of NZ-made self-resetting traps on the market. Goodnature’s A24 trap has been around for a few years and we have tested it in the forest and as part of our urban trapping. In the urban area results were mixed, with the A24s catching lots in a few places, but often not catching much at all. The results in the forest were also variable and camera evidence showed many encounters by rats with the trap without them being caught. However, late in the recent beech mast, catch

rates improved markedly. We have also been testing a few AT220 traps. These have a similar mechanism to a DOC200 stoat trap (widely used), but have a motor drive to reset the trap and are mounted on the side of a tree. Again, camera evidence shows many rat encounters before a successful kill, but the catch rate appears to be good from the 3 traps we are trialling. Both the A24 and AT220 are far more expensive to purchase than simple rat traps and are 2–3 times more expensive than the traditional DOC200. On-going running costs would also be significant.

3. Long-range lures. If you had a lure (either a scent or a sound) that could attract a female rat out of her home range, you could then get sufficient coverage to control rats with fewer traps. This is a current area of research, both here and internationally, but is in its early stages with fairly inconclusive results so far.

4. Traps linked by radio. You may have read Oliver Seiler’s article on radio links in the May issue of the Herald. Having a large network of low-cost traps linked by radio overcomes the problem of having to visit all traps frequently—you only visit traps that have a catch or that need attention (e.g. a replacement battery). Working with Oliver, we intend testing whether we can get a low-cost radio-linked trap network to operate reliably in our Park.

BRIEFS BEACH CLEAN AND ARTBOURNE

5. Targeted trapping. Rats don’t necessarily live in all parts of our forest all of the time because they need both food and water. Working with local company Kenex, we have written a proposal entitled Towards Targeted Trapping where we aim to use our rat catch data from the forest, along with spatial information such as vegetation type, altitude, slope direction, water sources, and soil type to see what influences where rats live. If we can identify areas where rats always live,

we can target just those areas and try to get the rat population really low so that when food becomes available elsewhere in the forest (e.g. in a beech mast year) there will be fewer rats to infiltrate those areas. This means we would be able to control rats across the forest with fewer traps, making effective rat control a real possibility.

As you can see, there is still a long way to go, but there are some exciting possibilities!

- Terry Webb, MIRO Chair

Interested in helping MIRO? Email: info@ miro.org.nz

The Feva is coming...

In the fast-changing world of aqua dynamics, the Muritai Yacht Club have kept abreast of developments for their youth sailors and have purchased an RS Feva, the world’s leading double handed dinghy for youngsters and parent/child teams.

“The MYC will be supporting the development of the new Youth Class,” says club member, Garth Cheyne, the man behind bringing the new innovation vessels to our shores.

“The R.S. Feva is ideal for Wellington,” he adds, “and gives youth a chance to sail with a friend and to experience the joy of sailing as a lifetime activity.”

The Feva is a strong composite construction, two person yacht that is 3.64 metres long and 1.42 metres wide. It has a jib, mainsail, and a Gennaker. The Gennaker is like a spinnaker but is attached to a bowsprit which makes it easier to hoist.

“The Gennaker makes downwind sailing a lot of fun,” Garth says. “The Feva is ideally suited for sailing on Wellington Harbour, as its sails are easy to control and there is no trapeze, so the boat is more stable. It has a self draining cockpit which helps to keep the boat dry, which is also another plus.”

The Junior category is for under 14 year olds. The youth division is for under 18 years of age and the Open category is for an adult and a child. There are now over sixty of these yachts in New Zealand and the Nationals at Waitakere Yacht Club in December will attract over 40 boats. The World Championships for the Feva are going to be held at Manly Sailing Club in NZ, in late December 2021.

“The Muritai Yacht Club will be helping to promote the class with a Spring Regatta which is going to be held on November 28th,” says Garth.

There will be a number of Fevas coming to Muritai for that Regatta. The public are invited to come down to the Eastbourne wharf to watch people having fun in these sailing dinghies.

UP AND LIBRARY

“The Feva is therefore a good boat to learn in and with its three categories, it will be a good way for people of a variety of ages to have fun sailing.”

It is expected there will be a three race series starting at 10.30 am. You will be able to have a look at these boats around 1.30 pm.

Garth Cheyne will be the person to

contact if you would like to have a sail and learn more about these fun sailing dinghies; 021 025 05872

LBYC release video of 24 hour endurance race

The Lowry Bay Yacht Club was packed with skippers and crew, friends and family on October 14th, to watch the official release of a video presentation of the club’s 2020 Endurance Yacht Race, held on March 14th and 15th.

“The video was the result of skippers and crew of competing yachts shooting footage throughout the race,” says race director, Theo

Muller, “and it gives a wonderful account of what it was like to be on board during the two days of competition. We all enjoyed some wonderful home-baked pizzas and liquid refreshments, before the official announcement that next year’s race will be on the weekend of 27th and 28th March. The start will again be from Rona Wharf in Eastbourne.”

OKIWI TRUST

Appointment of Trustees

In accordance with Rule 6 of the Deed of Trust there is a vacancy for three Trustees appointed by Eastbourne-Bays residents.

The Board of Trustees has recommended these appointments be for a one-year term. The retiring Trustees being C Reynolds, J Martin and G Tuffin are available for reelection.

A special general meeting will be held on November 11, 7pm, St Ronan’s Hall.

Nominations may be made to the secretary:

Anne Manchester

Email: aemanch@gmail.com

The race itself is the brainchild of Theo and has grown into a spectacular local event over the past few years. But Theo says there is still room for growth and he has some great initiatives for next year›s race, which will be revealed closer to the time.

“It’s a well constructed video,” he says, “very insightful and well worth the eleven minutes watch, for anyone with a nautical interest.”

The video can be viewed here;  https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=GUFqbQPS7Js&feature=emb_logo

The Feva.

SONNY'S YOGA - EASTBOURNE CLASSES - Enjoy a relaxing yoga class near the ocean. Every Wednesday 6.45pm at Muritai Yacht Club. Beginners welcome. For more info visit www. sonnysyoga.nz

Dan Reed lawn mowing, lawn and garden care. Contact 027 337 1360.

WATERBLASTING Services – For all exterior cleaning and maintenance – call Mike on 027 587 5871.

Nourish is a locally run charity with food at the heart of it!

Our purpose is to make life easier for families at Christmas.

This year is going to be a tough year for many and we have been asked to provide Christmas hampers to over 900 families in our community.

This is a mammoth fundraising target, but you can help!

We are a registered charity, and every cent donated goes towards providing hampers to families in our local communities.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Classified ads cost 50c per word. Email copy to: editor@eastbourneherald.co.nz or phone 562 7500

Please support our cause at www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/nourishatchristmas, or else get in touch with Claire Turner: 027 558 5641.

If you want to learn more about what we do, check us out at www.nourishtrust.org

Professional couple seeking property in Eastbourne or the Bays to house-sit or rent ASAP. Phone 021924514

Swim club ready for new season

With the Eastbourne pool set to re-open in mid-November, the local swim club are looking to ramp up for another great season, tinged with sadness, as this will be the first summer since the pool opened where the legendary Ray Gough will not be involved.

Ray's passing in July has left a large void in the community and all things aquatic, but even he would have admitted that the show must go on. Quitting was definitely not in his nature.

Committee member, Kaye Wilmshurst, says that while it has been a strange year in several capacities, the club and swimmers of the Eastern Bays simply can’t wait to get started.

“As a committee,” she says, “we can’t wait till the pool opens and we can get swim club underway for another season. More than ever this year it will be great to get the children in the water.”

Eastbourne Swim Club is a local club run by a committee of parent volunteers. The club runs lessons at Eastbourne pool over the summer (during school times) on Thursday nights from 5-6.30pm.

“We have the bbq going and hot milo,” Kaye says, “great for children and parents! We start around mid November when the pool opens, and finish with a race night around mid March when the pool closes.”

“Ray leaves a big space in swim club,” she adds, “along with a legacy, for all he brought to coaching and helping others to coach. His passion for being in the pool was legendary. His legacy continues on in many of the coaches we have today and we, as a club, have been so fortunate to have had him for so many years.”

Hoop Club members in

As a result, the swim club is looking for coaches (both in and poolside) interested in helping out and also any parents who would like to come onboard the committee.

“Please get in touch with us via email ( eastbourneswimclub@gmail.com ),” Kaye concludes, “or Facebook (Eastbourne Swim Club), we’d love to hear from you.”

Eastbourne Hoop Club members, Aubrey Chunga (with ball), Joseph Keenan (25) and Dimitri Fisher (27), having made the Hutt Valley U13 B reps, took part in the Central Region Basketball Championships in Napier, earlier in October. The team finished third in their grade.

Unbeaten Falcons claim EFC ‘Team of the Year’

Is this the most successful Eastbourne junior football side ever?

That was the question being asked following the 13th Grade ‘Falcons’ final match of the season against the Onslow club, their fourteenth consecutive victory. The 6-4 winagainst the team which finished second - was the closest match of the season.

Club historians were combing through old team records to find out if any former junior side had a record that rivalled the efforts of this year’s 13th Graders.

Unbeaten in 2020; Played 14, Won 14. Goals for 134, goals against 25.

The team started the season in their grade’s ‘Red’ division - which they won - and were duly promoted to the ‘Black’ division halfway through the season and turned round and won that also.

Success breeds success, as they say, and the

Falcons certainly had a large posse of followers. Friends, parents and grandparents followed the gang around the Wellington region. They even had a team mascot! The dog, Soda, belonging to Marlow Fraser, attended every game.

Coach for the past five seasons, Adam Ridley-Gibbons says that the majority of the players have been together (as two teams) since aged seven and until this year were principally a girls' squad. Most of the young women play Futsal together during the summer months.

“Our philosophy has been that any team sport (in this case football) is a great vehicle to develop friendships and create some great childhood memories,” Adam says. “The Culture of the team was based on the idea that no individual is bigger than the team and consequently everyone is given equal playing time.

“With a squad of 16 players,” he adds, “we

sat them all down at the start of the season and asked them “should we stand a couple of players down every week to give you more game time?” The unanimous answer was “no thanks, we’ll all play every week with reduced game time.””

That’s been the way the side played all season and they’ve all supported and encouraged each other throughout.

“Our style of play is based on doing our best to prize possession, utilise the space, and then create opportunities for our strikers,” says Adam. “The other notable point is the balance of our team, 7 girls and 9 boys. In our grade, sadly, girls are already a rarity. Most of our opponents have either one or two, or more commonly, none. So it’s a point of pride that we’ve established and maintained something special with this team.”

Initially the team was coached by James Prosser (currently the coach of the Island

Bay 1st Grade side, who won their league this season), with help from Rob Buchanan.

“Two local kids who had drifted off to other clubs in the district, returned to play specifically for the Falcons,” says Miranda Allcock, mother of team member Benji. “They certainly added a richness and strength to the team overall.”

The players themselves, all year 8 and 9 students, attend five different schools, but successfully came together to collect the EFC ‘Team of the Year’ award at the club’s junior prizegiving last month.

Right: Delirious players, parents, grandparents, supporters and mascot of the 13th Grade Falcons after taking out their grades champions title.

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