The Eastbourne Herald August 2020

Community garden thriving in Point Howard

The Point Howard Residents' Association is establishing a community garden in an underused council lot. The initiative was kick started during lockdown when the local vegetable markets were closed and people isolated from their friends and families.

Lindsay Ancelet, Sarah Brooks, Red Robinson and PHRA president Allison Collins all got to thinking that a garden could be a little heart for their community.

“In addition to growing food to support the community, it will also be a place for neighbours to meet and bump into each other,” Lindsay says

Point Howard is a hilly suburb and houses are often tucked away, and Lindsay says that it isn’t always easy to run into the neighbours and many properties do not have enough flat land to accommodate a garden.

The group’s hope is that the garden will support the wellbeing of their elderly residents, teach children about growing food and strengthen their community resilience.

“Point Howard residents voted in favour of establishing the garden at the recent AGM,” says Lindsay, “and the first kick-off meeting occurred on July 19. We’ve had a really positive response from the community.”

The organisers have also been successful in securing funding from the Hutt City Council Resilience Fund and the Eastbourne Community Engagement Fund, and have had support from ITM Seaview and Mitre10 in Petone.

“Our plan is that produce from the garden will be shared amongst all members of the community who would like to be involved,” Lindsay says. “We’ve had a great turn out at our planning meetings and working bees so far, and everyone is excited to get planting. We have already put in eight large raised

vegetable beds that have been designed to be accessible for elderly residents and for wheelchair users, and are putting in a number of fruit trees and berry bushes at the next working bee.”

Significant thought has also gone into how to balance space for the garden, while leaving lots of room for children to enjoy the rest of the field.

“There are a number of young families on the hill and many are involved with the garden already,” says Lindsay, “so there is a strong focus on improving the space for everyone’s enjoyment. Elderly residents would benefit

from the social aspect and we imagine that many residents would like to just pop by to do a bit of gardening, to check on what is growing, changing and who else might be about.”   The group hope that young families would also benefit by having a space to involve their children in gardening and harvesting their own food.

Members of the Pt Howard Community Garden go about their business, for the benefit of local residents.Photos:: Francis Leniston.

Eastern Bays resident Maria O’Toole's work

'Tukorehe Wetland, Sound Score' received a merit award at this year's Parkin Awards. Her drawing was one of ten highly commended prizes worth $500 each, at the recent awards event in Wellington. The works are on display until August 30.

“I was especially delighted that this work received the award,” Maria said. “I have been shortlisted for it many times before, but this is the first time a work has received merit. I have the utmost respect for the selectors and Judge, which made the announcement of this award even sweeter.”

Maria says that her body of work is about giving visual form to the Tukorehe wetland, which is undergoing a restorative process. The chalk drawing is an embodied, sensory response to her own experience of the wetland.

“My phenomenological experience is underpinned by knowledge shared with me by local Kaumatua during wananga,” says Maria. “Through a process of building a drawing and deconstructing or wiping away and repeating, I have attempted to understand the history of this Kuku whenua on the Horowhenua coast.

TIMETABLE

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

(S)

(S)

(S) 12 noon (S)

(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

Maria’s work was completed on site during the Waituhi ā Nuku: Drawing Ecologies

Wānanga, February 2020. She is currently completing a PhD in Fine Arts.

The Point Howard Assn (PHA) and the Point Howard Tennis Club (PHTC) held their AGMs on Sunday, 5 July. We had a great turn out of residents, and welcomed our new residents, Tim, Cathryn, Simon, Mike, Lisa and Sharon to the hill!

The PHA AGM voted unanimously in favour of: The PHA Committee to pursue the reduction of the speed limit from 50kmh to 30kmh in Point Howard. A resident raised the risk that the higher speed posed towards vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians of all ages who walk the hill. It was also noted the lack of footpaths and inadequacy of the existing footpaths on the hill which resulted in pedestrians, runners, joggers etc using the road instead. The PHA has followed up with the ECB on this matter and will work with the relevant authorities. The establishment of the Point Howard Community Garden in a section of the underutilised field behind the Point Howard Tennis Court at 1A Ngaumatau Road. There was a subsequent well attended kick of meeting on Sunday, 19 July and working bees scheduled to establish the garden. For more details please email pointhowardgarden@gmail.com. Residents will by now have received a copy of the PHA “What We Do” flyer for 2020/21 in their letterboxes. Please let the PHA know if you are missing your copy by emailing pthowardassn@gmail. com.

It’s also subs time again. You can renew your membership or join the residents association for $25 per year per residential address. The membership year runs from April to March. Please refer to the “What We Do” flyer for payment methods, or contact pthowardassn@gmail.com for further details. Thanks to all those residents who have just joined or renewed their membership. We really appreciate your support!

pthowardassn@gmail.com

Farewell to a tireless conservationist

by Sally Bain

It’s a rare thing to have the forethought to plant and regenerate native plantings, to be able to imagine a different view, a different time, a different climate, but that’s just what David McDougall did when he fought to restore the dune area in Robinson Bay.

Over the last 17 years, the Eastbourne Dunes Group have planted some 20,000 plants in front of Marine Parade, right down to the southern end of HW Shortt carpark on Maire Street.

The results have been a triumph, resulting in iconic native flax flowers framing beautiful sunsets and enjoyed by many at the Eastbourne Sports and Services Club.

The replanting efforts created special friendships amongst like minded souls, who spent many hours in all weathers, caring, weeding and reconnecting with nature.

These volunteers can proudly look upon the area of the beach as “their patch” and feel the satisfaction of knowing what it is to leave a place more beautiful than when you first saw it.

David and his wife Jude McDougall, along with Keena Gibbs, are a testament to the care that lies deep within Eastbourne for the natural world. Indeed, David was also protecting his and many homes that, had it not been for his

group's efforts, may well have been inundated by storm surges.  In the recent storm during lockdown, the plantings caught the debris of logs and stones and prevented the road from being blocked.

These logs will eventually break down between the plantings, providing habitat to lizards and invertebrates and creating soil and nutrients to feed seedlings of the original plants. So the plantings have become selfsustaining and the group can now mostly relax and enjoy the spoils of their labour, as can the Tui, Koromako-bellbird, Kotari-kingfisher, Mokomoko-skinks and various invertebrates that now call this place home.

Please show your respect to David and Jude McDougall by taking care along this area and when you visit, know that: Pingau (the beautiful yellow grasses), don’t cope well with being walked on, so keep to the tracks and preferably keep dogs on the path or take them to the wet sand.

Driftwood are homes to many, and best left to break down naturally. Karora-Penguins nest intermittently over the year in the rocks on the Southern end and in spring unwary chicks may be about.

People can care enough to make positive futures for humans and nature alike.

Thank you David. Rest in peace.

News from Point Howard

David's work as evidenced on the beach near the ESSC.

Path shovel-ready by 2021

Hutt City Mayor, Campbell Barry, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a $15 million investment towards the Eastern Bays Shared Path.

“This is a big deal for Lower Hutt, and particularly the Eastern Bays whose residents have long told us this project is a priority,” the Mayor said. “With Government support, people can expect to see shovels in the ground early next year, with construction planned to continue through until 2026.”

Ultimately, the announcement gives the project certainty to move ahead at pace. While it has been known to have been on Council’s books for a number of years, a funding shortfall has meant there has been some delay and uncertainty about its future.

“Once completed, it will be a major upgrade from the current infrastructure which discourages walking and cycling,” the Mayor adds. “Pedestrians and cyclists are forced to use the road shoulder, which is dangerous and nonexistent in some parts. If we want people to take up active modes of transport, it’s high-quality infrastructure like the Eastern Bays Shared Path which will encourage that.”

Deputy Mayor and Harbour Ward Councillor, Tui Lewis, says the fast tracking of the Shared Path couldn’t come soon enough for the local community, who have waited years for this news.

“The Shared Path is one of the most common issues raised with me by local people over the years, Ms Lewis says.

“There are major safety concerns from the people of the Harbour Ward, so from my perspective, this was an obvious choice to put this up for shovel-ready funding.”

“It’s important that we provide our commuters more options for getting out and about in our city and make sure our spaces are safe for those people who are using them.”

It will create a safe walking and cycling route and connect communities along Lower Hutt’s Eastern Bays, from Point Howard right through to Eastbourne.

Other major benefits include replacement seawalls, which will provide improved protection from storm events for Marine Drive and other infrastructure contained within the Marine Drive road corridor.

The replacement seawalls will be designed to reduce overtopping and debris on the road and develop a consistent seawall design that can be added to in the future. The shared path will sit on top of the new seawall. The new seawall and associated treatments will provide enhanced environmental outcomes, as compared to the existing walls.

Garden Stuff with Sandy Lang

SIZE MATTERS

August/September: Almost springtime. Hurry. Better to prune late than not. Still just time to plant a tree or shrub.

Size & reproduction: We are about 1.7m tall. At a push, 2 of us can produce 12 kids in 25 years. So, our max reproduction rate is about 0.24 kids/person/year (12/2/25). But small things do much better…

Poppies: In 2 years, a poppy seed (1 mm) grows to a plant with ~100 flowers, each with 20,000 seeds. This reproduction rate is 1,000,000 seeds/seed/year (100×20,000/2). Poppies make our reproduction rate look silly.

Your local Butcher

We are here for the community. We can deliver to those who wish to lock down. Under level 2 you can come inside, 2 at a time. We will follow all the correct hygiene procedures to keep us all safe.

Kia kaha

7 Rimu Street, Eastbourne Ph 562 8049

Bacteria: And a bacterium (0.002 mm) can divide into two cells every 15 min. At this rate, after 8 hours (32 divisions) you have 4,000,000,000 new bacteria (232). Bacteria make poppy reproduction rate look silly. So, small organisms multiply very much faster than big ones.

Surface-area-per-volume: Some more maths. A 1 cm cube has a surface area of 6 cm2 (square cm) and a volume of 1 cm3 (cubic cm), so its surface-area-per-volume ratio is 6 (6/1). But a 2 cm cube has a surface area of 24 cm2 and a volume of 8 cm3, so its surfacearea-per-volume ratio is 3 (24/8). Working this calculation for a tiny 0.01 cm cube, we find it has a surface-area-per-volume ratio of 600 Does this matter? YES…

Busier: Living processes depend on the movement of stuff (O2, CO2 sugar etc) in and out of cells through the cell surface. So, on a per-volume basis, small plant cells (0.001 cm) can be much busier than large ones (0.01 cm). So, small cells contain more of the important stuff (enzymes, antioxidants) than large ones (usually just sugar storage). So, you are better to eat small plant cells than large ones. So, fruit skin is more nutritious than fruit flesh (10-times more nutritious because the skin cells are 10-times smaller). So, if you must peel a fruit, eat the skin and reject the flesh (apples, grapes, tomatoes). It’s better for you… And eat small fruits: The same geometry tells you that small fruits (blueberries, grapes) have more skin per flesh than big fruits (apples, pears). So, eat small fruits over large ones. And eat small apples over large apples.

- Sandy Lang slang@xtra.co.nz

Missing sign to be refurbished and returned

The disappearance of a 77 year old sign that has welcomed children to play at a local park caused a brief social media stir earlier this month, by its initial disappearance and then the appearance of its more modern replacement.

The Eastbourne Community Board quickly quelled the concerns expressed, offering an instantaneous explanation on Facebook, stating that the original Greenwood sign is being refurbished and would form part of a new display in the park, to be unveiled in October.

This was confirmed by board member Murray Gibbons, who says that the original sign is indeed being spruced up and there will be an official unveiling celebration on October 14.

“The story of how the park came about is an interesting one,” Murray says, “suffice to say that it was opened on the 14th October, 1943, at 12:02pm. Naturally, we will be revealing the new sign to the public (and the plaque that will house it) at exactly that time, on the same date…77 years later”.

On a certificate of title under the land transfer act (dated August 24th, 1942), Ellen Theodore Greenwood, a spinster from Wellington, ‘seised of an estate in fee simple’ and gifted the land to the Mayor, councillors and Burgesses of the Eastbourne Borough Council, ‘for the purposes of a children’s playground forever’.

Lot 10 on Deposited Plan No. 4641 has been just that to this day, a children’s playground and although it actually has no official name, it is colloquially referred to by local Eastbournians as Greenwood Park.

“It doesn’t have a proper name,” Murray says, “on the original deed it looks like it’s referred to as a green, so it could have been Greenwood Green. Greenwood Reserve also sounds good, we’ll have to make a decision on that one before the unveiling.”

Local historian, Ali Carew, offered more about ‘Dora’ Greenwood, via her original article in the Historical Society of Eastbourne’s newsletter of June 2019 (abridged).

Miss Ellen Theodora ‘Dora’ Greenwood (1865-1947) and her sister Mary Elizabeth ‘May’ (1873-1961) settled in Eastbourne sometime during the 1920s. They appear to have been educated and progressive women, with a social conscience, both involved in charitable causes.

May had studied photography in England

and upon her return, set up her own studio in Wellington, commuting to town by bus and ferry.

Dora was apparently concerned about the way the sandhills of Eastbourne were being built upon, leaving local children with no place to play. So she purchased a waterfront section in South Muritai and gave it to Eastbourne as

‘The Children’s Field’, stipulating that it be kept in a ‘rough, natural condition’, so that children could play freely, using their imagination.

It still serves that purpose today - with the minimum of improvements - just as Dora wished.

The Greenwood family, with ‘Dora’, third from left in the back row.

Scouts farewell long-term leader at annual winter swim

Keas, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, parents and caregivers, past and present, all turned out to farewell outgoing Eastbourne Scout Group Leader, Gavin Redpath, on August 2nd.

The combined groups timed their goodbye with the annual mid-winter swim, a ‘refreshing dip in the harbour’, with celebrations following which included a toasty fire and hot chocolate (mulled wine for the adults!).

“We were lucky to have a gorgeous calm day for the event,” says Rachel Thompson, treasurer of the Eastbourne Scouts group. “Despite the calm weather and clear waters, just 15 made the dash and splash. There was a lot of whooping, hollering and gasping to the amusement of the support crew.”

A few curious Eastbourners watched, as participants took the plunge, the young and hardy lingering a bit longer in the cold winter water than the majority.

“Most had a very quick dunk,” Rachel says, “then raced back inside to warm up by the roaring fire. All the kids were thrilled with marshmallow toasting, swinging on the indoor rope and playing giant jenga.”

The harbour dip was a perfect opportunity for the group to say adieu to Gavin, who has been involved with the Eastbourne Scout Group for over 16 years.

“We presented him with a plaque and a well earned badge,” said Rachel. “Gavin and his family have belonged to the group from Keas right through to Venturers. He has been part of many adventurous activities over those years and his kind manner has been appreciated by all.”

“It’s been a privilege to be involved with the Keas, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers over this time,” Gavin said, “and watch my own and other youth mature and grow as individuals. Scouts offers great social and practical skills that really give youth a boost, while encouraging the families present to become more involved in supporting the current leaders.”

“You just can’t beat the life skills and experiences that are offered, from the simple things like roasting marshmallows over a

campfire to national events such as Jamborees,” he added.

“The Group exists due to the huge efforts of previous leaders and families too numerous to mention, and has a great future with those currently involved,” Gavin concluded.

Previous Scout leader, Justin Bloomfield, commented on the other groups such as Playcentre, Toy Library and Eastbourne Games that Gavin had contributed to and a few laughs were had when Gavin said he’d probably move on to Lions next.

While Gavin has joined the Eastbourne Lions, he will continue to help the associated scouts groups with advice and fix-it skills.

Incoming Group Leader Susan Kirkham and Assistant Group Leader Damon Smith have stepped into their roles enthusiastically and are looking forward to guiding the group forward with the support of the rest of the leaders and families.

The group size has ebbed and flowed a bit over the years and there are currently places available across all sections. Families are welcome to arrange a time to attend a couple of evening sessions to see if their children are keen (see What’s On column for contact information).

“Fun and friendship are the cornerstones of the Kea programme,” Damon says. “It is filled with a little bit of everything; outdoor activities, games, music, and crafts. Challenge and fun are the focus of the Cubs; hikes, weekend camps, and an introduction to outdoor skills and campfire activities.”

“While fun is still paramount, Scouts is about gaining valuable leadership skills and self-confidence by doing outdoor adventures like mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping. Supported by personal development

Gavin Redpath braces himself for a refreshing dip.

Coach to hundreds of locals passes away

The Eastern Bays community lost a most respected and active member on July 21st, with the sudden death of Ray Gough, 79, of Pt. Howard.

Ray ‘died as he lived, immersed in water’, as stated in his obituary in the Dominion Post newspaper and was very much loved and appreciated by family, friends and the swimming/surf lifesaving community.

Born during war time in Croydon, England (with his father in the Fleet RAF), the Gough family emigrated to New Zealand post WWII and quickly settled in Days Bay, where young Ray attended Wellesley College as a boarder.

He helped establish the Eastbourne Swim Club and was still the head coach at the Eastbourne Pool until recent years. He won the Kenny Cup, awarded since 1954 to the first Eastbourne competitor home in the annual Wharf to Wharf swim, an unprecedented 16 times.

Eleven of those 16 victories were back to back and the ex-New Zealand swimmer and 1966-1974 Wellington rep also set the world record for the Kapiti Island swim in 1970, which still stands to this day.

Ray encouraged all kids he taught to enter the W2W and it is believed that under his guidance, literally hundreds have entered the race.

“I always wanted to coach someone who actually won the Wharf to Wharf,” Ray told The Eastbourne Herald in 2019, “and twelve year old Finola Rance was able to do that for me some years back. She was tremendous to coach. She had a most efficient stroke and would train all year round.”

Ray himself first started swimming the W2W in the 1960s. He and other competitors

Kidztalk

would then warm up for the event by swimming the course in reverse, from Rona Wharf to Days Bay. All contestants having to pass a medical with Dr Chris Savill in the Plunket Rooms, was a tale Ray often liked to retell.

“Firstly he would ascertain how long people could hold their breath,” he would recall, “and then the stethoscope would come out to determine whether a heartbeat registered. I don’t think Chris ever failed anyone.”

In 2019, Ray put out a book, Ray’s Story on his life’s adventures and achievements, in and out of the water.

“I never had a coach,” he states on the final page, “but I got a lot of help from friends. So now I go out of my way to do good things for

News from our local playcentres

We've had a busy start to the term with lots of people coming to our Mātāriki whānau night for shared kai, waiata and a bush walk in the dark, hunting for glowing rocks. We've also done a few trips, including to Avalon Park and Hutt Valley Gymnastics which the tamariki loved. Our under 2s are very active and enjoy connecting with our older tamariki as their role models.

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.

people and love to give out my favourite poem; “Don’t Quit”, which I have been doing for over twenty years.” - by Carl McRae

Don’t Quit (abridged)

Success is failure turned inside out, the silver tint of the clouds of doubt and you never can tell how close you are, it may be near when it seems so far. So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit, it’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

New NT school for EB teacher

Deane McKay has been through quite a lot since he left his home and family in January. Following a calling he felt strongly about, he uprooted himself to go and work with and teach the indigenous peoples of the Northern Territory in Australia.

Arriving in Darwin in the wet season, it was extremely hot and humid, uncomfortably so for this ‘kiwi boy’ from Eastbourne. Deane spent a few days in the NT capital, meeting staff from the school he was going to teach at and also many other teachers who were beginning their journey, just as he was.

“During a couple of days of orientation,” Deane says, “I engaged in professional development about effective practices when working with indigenous students in remote communities. My favourite day of this PD was when we were able to be instructed by Aboriginal Educators and we learnt about the importance of culture.”

Dr Miriam Rose Ungunmerr, a renowned artist, activist, writer and public speaker was one of the educators and she gave a concise explanation regarding the spiritual dimension of Aboriginal culture, which has had such a great influence on me.”

After a week in Darwin, Deane flew into Wadeye aboard a light aircraft and was able to obtain a fantastic aerial view of his future home.

“Wadeye is a real melting pot of about 20 clans,” he says. “Although each has its own unique language and customs, the people are all brought together by the community language of Murrinhpatha.”

Deane taught a Year 5/6 class at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Thamurrurr School and while by numbers, his class was much larger than he’d encountered in New Zealand, only a portion of the students would attend regularly.

“Children in Wadeye are naturally and instinctively curious and creative learners,” he says. “They also brought a huge amount of cultural and indigenous language knowledge with them to school.”

Deane’s major role was as the English language teacher, as for many children English is their third (or fourth or more) spoken language. He had support aplenty from his assistant teachers, who translated during lessons when required, working with small groups and individuals. There was also a Murrinhpatha language teacher and Deane says that he really enjoyed being a part of these lessons and learning, alongside the children, about their own speech and culture.

His teaching role was not without its challenges. And while Covid-19 caused a huge amount of problems worldwide in education, living in a remote community had its benefits and during the height of the virus, they were in one of the safest places in the world.

“The school followed all of the protocols advised by the Department of Education,” Deane says, “such as educating students about personal hygiene (washing hands with soap regularly and coughing/sneezing etiquette) and physical distancing.”

The school was able to remain open throughout, as they were so remote and with a biosecurity area in place, only essential services were able to enter the community. But post Lockdown, Deane found himself on the move again, jumping at an amazing opportunity to be an Assistant Principal in a similar community.

“I really loved Wadeye,” he says, “and am so grateful for the time that I was able to spend teaching and living there. I am now working in the remote community of Numbulwar, with a small population of about 900 people, a primarily Aboriginal community on the Gulf of Carpentaria, also in the Northern Territory.”

The major language group of the community is Nunggubuyu and their language, Wubuy (pronounced ‘Worboy’), is used by older generations and is the language that is taught at school. Kriol is also widely spoken. Deane is looking forward to getting to know the people and the place and having many more wonderful experiences working with the indigenous people.

Deane has only been able to video chat with his family due to travel restrictions, and says he's excited to get back to New Zealand at the end of the year.

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 8606

• 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.

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.

• Eastbourne Dune Restoration Group Meets dunes area in front of the Eastbourne Recreation Ground, on the first Saturday of the month at 9am. Contact Keena for more details on 562 0992.

Sundays

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

Faith in the Community

Don’t just stand there - do something…!

Any of you fortunate enough to have visited Oslo will no doubt have seen Vigeland’s larger-than-life sculptures in Frognar Park. They depict all the intimacies, the joys, the quirks, and the sorrows of human existence - from cradle to grave. One poignant sculpture is that of an old family dog, faithfully keeping watch in the background, never intruding but ever present, as the family surrounds the coffin grieving over the untimely death of their young daughter. Accompanying them… Keeping watch…

Calling that sculpture to mind reminds me always of my father. When we were growing up, he would exhort us, as we stood idly by watching our mother busy around us, to not just stand there but do something. Make yourselves useful…!

We are a nation of ‘doers’, of No-8 wire creators, of fixers, of menders. Often when we can’t ‘do’, we feel helpless, threatened by our inability to put things right.

But there are deep times when there is no fixing to be done, when we are asked simply to stand there, to be present, to accompany. Like the old family dog.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus didn’t ask his disciples to take away his journey to the Cross, but ‘to stay awake and keep watch with me’. Sometimes, the simple gift of being present is the greatest gift we can give to another.

St Ronan’s COVID: Please sanitise your hands, on arrival. Please don’t come, if you’re unwell. e-Services: Just ask if you want to receive our weekly emailed services. The Record: Just ask if you want to receive our monthly printed magazine. Knitting/sewing group: Restarts 1 September, every Tuesday, 10am to noon.

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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.

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W: www.stalbanschurch.nz

San Antonio Parish office, Petone (weekdays 10am-2pm) T: (04) 971 7885

E: holyspiritparish41@gmail.com

SPORT

Hammers hitting it home

The EFC Hammers still sit atop the Masters 1 Qualifier table with eight wins and a draw from their nine games played, despite dropping points against the Lower Hutt City LongBalls on August 8th. It was the first points dropped by the Hammers this season, in their quest to join the elite in Masters 1, the match ending in a 3-3 draw.

“It’s getting to the point in the season where a lot of players are injured or carrying injuries,” says Neil Drummond. “We were ahead for the majority of the game and got to 3-1 in front, but a couple of scrappy goals led to the draw.”

This Saturday (Lockdown dependent) the Hammers have a return home leg fixture against the North Wellington Rampage, in what

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could be a season-defining match for them. ExWellington Phoenix and All White defender, Ben Sigmund, plays for the Rampage and Neil confirms it will be a big game for his side.

Kick-off is 5:00pm at Petone Memorial Turf and as one would expect, when the two top sides meet, it should be a cracker! The Hammers will certainly appreciate any support as they make their bid for Masters 1.

Closer to home, the G’s (Masters over 44) are on the hallowed turf of Bishop Park this Saturday at 2:30pm - also depending on the current Lockdown status - and always welcome some local support also. After a dodgy old start to the season, the team have really picked up their game, unbeaten in fact since July 15 and are now mid-table and upwardly mobile.

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

Unfortunately, at the time of writing we all find ourselves back at COVID level 2. Community transmission is happening so please remember the Northern Forest tracks are narrow, making social distancing hard. Look after yourselves and others by being mindful.

This year’s Hunting Ballot in East Harbour's, Northern Forest and other Regional parks were cancelled due to COVID 19. However, Trap and Trigger, professional hunters undertook 8 days of deer hunting in the Northern Forest as part of Greater Wellington’s control program. 4 deer and 3 goats were removed from the margins of the forest. The use of firearms in these areas close to the residential properties is a skilled operation due to the nature of the terrain and strict safety protocols.

Every now and then I get contacted by private households that back onto the Northern Forest who have a problem with deer destroying their flowers, fruit trees or veggie gardens. Under the present control plan deer will not be eradicated from the Northern forest, so this impact is unlikely to go away. Options to consider are to build a deer proof fence or other protection for your garden or specific plants or try a deer repellent such as Nature's Defence weatherproof deer repellent. Hiring a professional hunter on private land is an option, but hunting without a permit in the park is breaching the bylaws. Contact us and we can work together to increase the chances of success.

Weed of the month: Moth Plant

My first ever “weed of the month” is quite

obscure but there are active sites close to the park.

This climbing vine can grow 10m high, smothering native vegetation. The funky looking pods can be as big as a fist and contain over 500 seeds. White flowers appear from December to May, leaves are 5-12cm long and it has a milky white sap that can cause people to react. So altogether it’s not wanted.

If you know of any sites of this pest plant, in or out of the park let us know and we will control it for free

Despite delays caused by COVID 19, 4000 plants have made it into the ground at Baring Head and over 1500 plants at the Parangarahu lakes. Thanks to all the volunteers and tangata whenua involved. On 8 August Point Howard

Couple looking at returning to Eastbourne

We are looking to purchase a 2 to 3 bedroom home south of the village. Condition not important as will look at all options including a long possession date.

Please phone Chris 0272474701

and Lowry bay residents braved a cold southerly to trim tracks and tame gorse. We hope to get some plants in soon.

Banded Dotterels, Pohowera have arrived back at both the lakes and Eastbourne foreshore including a male banded as PAP who was spotted in New Caledonia!

Nationally threatened, this species has many threats, feral and domestic cats are one. Pest control is important and last year the lakes colony successfully fledged 6 chicks, but the Eastbourne colony failed due to predation. Houses closest to the colony at Eastbourne will be receiving information about what to do to keep cats safe whilst helping the banded dotterels. If you want more information contact MIRO info@miro.org.nz

I have my fingers crossed that this year will bring the upgrade of the Mackenzie track, park entrance. This site is particularly challenging, being steep, narrow and with limited access. Engineers are working to solve this problem, which won’t be easy.

Have your say - The draft parks network plan, outlining the vision and direction of Wellington’s regional parks for the next 10 years, including East Harbour Regional park is due out for Public consultation very soon. It will be available on the Greater Wellington Regional council Website.

-Jo Greenman, EHRP Ranger

The Point Howard track working bee.

Eastbourne second in competition

SPENCER LOGAN

Tel: 562-7555

or Spencer Logan - 021627773

Campbell Logan - 0220938090

Email: spencer.logan@xtra.co.nz

www.spencerlogan.co.nz

The Eastbourne U85’s had a top of the table clash at HW Shortt against the Upper Hutt Rams on August 8, which was coincidentally the rugby club’s Old Timers Day.

The Rec was full and the crowd buzzing, wrapped from the winter cold, as the two top sides in the grade went at it.

It was the Rams who prevailed with a 38-24 victory, to remain unbeaten and with 30 points, in strong contention for the JC Bowl.

Eastbourne, although they have played one

game more than the UHR’s, sit second on the ladder, four points ahead of Avalon and OBU’s Scallywags, both on 19 points.

Eastbourne were to meet Poneke last Saturday, but matches were postponed owing to the current Covid-19 crisis and were scheduled to have a bye this coming weekend.

All junior rugby has currently been cancelled, this involves the Pirates (U12), Panthers and Sea Eagles (U11), Thunder (U10), Typhoons (U9), Dragons (U8) and the two Rippa teams; Roosters and Tigers.

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Photograph: McLeod Harrison of the Eastbourne U85’s, scorches down the Oroua Street touchline in front of a gallery supporters, most of them old-timer’s. Eastboune lost the match against the Upper Hutt Rams by 24-38

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

NewListing

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04 568 2222 | 021 02581960

sinead@tommyshv.co.nz

View By Appointment

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Sinead would like to thank everyone who attended our recent cinema fundraiser, as well as sponsors: Eastbourne Four Square, Everyone's Adventure, Marmalade Deli, Orania Skincare, Pause Yoga, Sorrento, Tartines and Pete Carter. Together we raised $2,450 for this amazing cause, which will go towards providing hampers to support families in need this christmas.

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OR POP IN TO OUR OFFICE IN THE VILLAGE

Sinead Diederich 021 025 81960

Duncan Povey 027 5971 080

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REF: THV02682

WARMTH AND INCOME IN THE BAYS

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REF: THV02681

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