The Eastbourne Herald December 2020

HCC looks to future of Williams Park

Twenty Days Bay residents turned up to a meeting at the Pavilion on Tuesday to hear discussions about a management plan for Williams Park.

The council is considering implementing a separate management plan for the park, which currently falls under the Sportsground Reserve Management Plan.

Hutt City Council’s Parks, Reserves and Recreation planner, Tyler Kimbrell said areas identified for consideration include the artificial and grass tennis courts, the junior soccer fields, the Pavilion (plus car park, duck pond, BBQ area), the caretaker's cottage, the beach volleyball and petangue piste area (and open space surrounding) and the car parks along Marine Drive.

Mr Kimbrell stressed on several occasions that nothing has been set in place as yet and the entire procedure is very much open to public discussion, feedback and advice. .

Former Wellesley College Principal, Warren Owen said that the park is considered a jewel in HCC’s crown and that jewel was based around simplicity.

“It’s a special place, timeless,” Mr. Owen said. “We owe it to the people to protect this space, let's not put in any unnecessary bells and whistles. it’s about enhancing what we have, the value of this simplicity.”

Discussions around the caretaker's cottage included turning it into an information centre. Days Bay resident Garth Cheyne says that he has often acted as a tour guide on the ferry.

“The Information centre is a good idea,” he said. The longer [the cottage] it remains empty, the more susceptible it is to vandalism.”

Consultation with the public will continue until March 1.

The Days Bay Playcentre band swung into action at last Sunday's Lions Club Christmas Market at Williams Park, with children taking the lead singing some favourite old Christmas songs. The market was small but well attended as visitors enjoyed a rare summer day.

Seat for conservationist

The late David Macdougall’s work in establishing the Dunes Group in 2003 and carrying on his mission to establish a sustainable ecological system on our middle beach dune system (HW Shortt Park location) has been widely recognised, but Derek Wilshere is driving a campaign to have a memorial seat in his honour.

David's wife, Judith, has agreed for a seat honouring her husband to be placed in the dunes for local residents, as a monument to David and his work.

“Hutt City Council has also agreed to fund a seat with the support of the Eastbourne Community,” Derek says. “I have undertaken to raise $1000 from our community to support this project, which could cost up to $5000.”

Derek is seeking public support for this. The Eastbourne and Bays Community Trust has agreed to manage donations to the project.

“David and his wonderful group of volunteers were awarded an Eastbourne Award in 2013 and a GRWC Rata Environmental Award in 2008, Derek says. "The work of the group has also been recognised by the New Zealand Coastal Society.”

TIMETABLE

Donations can be made to Eastbourne-Bays Community Trust (03 0543 0216625 00) or by contacting Derek personally; derek@wilshere. co.nz ; or 04 5627920, 0274303596.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Thank you for your support over 2020, we couldn’t do it without you. We have:

Ready meals, preserves, pates and gifts galore. visit www.marmalade.net.nz for details

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

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

Good news as wharf opens over Christmas

The completed area of the refurbished Days Bay wharf will be open for public use over the Christmas holiday period. Areas of the wharf still undergoing renovation will remain fenced off for public safety.

Mayor Campbell Barry visited the wharf in early December, with other councillors and crew from Wellington based marine specialist, Brian Perry Civil (the company contracted to oversee the reconstruction and fitting.

“Although work won’t be completed till around Easter next year,” Mayor Barry says, “I’m happy that the public will be able to use the wharf during the summer holidays.”

“Jumping off Days Bay wharf is a mustdo Lower Hutt summer activity, so I’m really pleased that the public will be able to use the wharf over the Christmas break.”

Brian Perry Civil’s crew will be shutting down the operation from December 18, returning on Tuesday, January 5. When work recommences, the wharf will only be accessible for timetable ferry arrivals and departures during working hours, until the project is completed around Easter.

“Many of our local residents use facilities like Days Bay Wharf,” the Mayor says, “so it’s vital that we invest to keep our people safe. I’m excited to see the work come to fruition early next year.”

The Days Bay wharf was first constructed in 1895, but at 125 years vintage, some of the

piles were in very poor condition, due to Teredo worm gutting the insides.

Brian Perry Civil have advised that the ferry docking site will be moved to the south side and access will be via the original walkway. There will also be ‘spotters’ on the wharf when the

ferry is docking/departing to ensure safety for swimmers and jumpers. The company ask local residents and the public in general to respect the erected site fencing and signage.

The project is likely to be completed around Easter, at a total cost of $4.6m.

Mayor Campbell Barry and HCC’s Strategic Advisor, Bruce Hodgins.

Mariana opens Argentinian food cart

It’s been a big few weeks for the peoples of Argentina. The death of their football legend, Diego Maradona. The Pumas beating the All Blacks for the very first time. And now for the local Argentine population, the opening of Mariana’s Kitchen.

Mariana Piccagli and family have been Eastbourne residents for seven years now and in that time, several other families from her homeland in South America have also made the Eastern Bays their adopted home.

Eastbourne residents will be most familiar with Mariana in recent times owing to her working at the Hive Cafe. But the former Buenos Aires resident has branched out and started a food cart all of her own, Mariana’s Kitchen, specialising in Argentinian cuisine.

Argentine people have a reputation for their love of eating, based around a cultural blending of Mediterranean influences from 19th and 20th century immigrants and the country’s 35 indigenous groups.

“I am going to keep my fare traditional,” Mariana said. “Argentinian food uses specific herbs and spices, sometimes only subtly different from what kiwis are used to, but I want to keep it all authentic, made by my own hand.”

Mariana’s husband (Ignacio) was charged with the renovation and painting out of the old caravan, in a pukka colour palette and… listo! Tables and chairs are available and the vista looking across Wellington Harbour

is as stunning as Mariana’s empanadas.

The savoury stuffed pastries are ever popular, coming in beef, chicken or two vegetarian options. Chimichurri chicken in sandwich or salad form is also a favourite. An array of Alfajores or lemon cake will satiate the sweet tooth, a range of beverages are also available.

Mariana says that she is open to the idea of catering for functions and her arrival on the cuisine scene provides another option for local taste buds and one with a distinct difference.

For now, Mariana’s Kitchen can be found, just south of the Eastbourne Bus Terminal, Thursday through Sunday from 11am-5pm (depending on the day and weather). Over the summer months she may move around the

region a bit, but plans are to be in southern Eastbourne the majority of the time.

If one needs to know where she is on any given day, just checkout Mariana’s Facebook page;

https://www.facebook.com/ Argentinianfoodstyle

Mariana Piccagli at her Argentinian food style cart.

Next ECB meeting:

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

Eastern Bays Shared Path

Hutt City Council (HCC) and Greater Wellington Regional Council have given notice of the hearing for submissions to determine the resource consent application for the long-awaited shared path. The hearing is open to the public and will take place on 15, 16 and 17 December at the Lower Hutt Events Centre. ECB will be speaking at the hearing to express the strong community support for the project.

Fires

Please remember that you need a permit before lighting a fire on Eastbourne’s beaches. Don’t light a fire if it’s windy and always put it out with water. If fires aren’t extinguished properly, our strong winds can start a new fire in the bush hundreds of metres away in no time.

Eastbourne Community Board

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

ERAT has a new team member

ERAT added a new member to the team recently: Rapu, a one-yearold border terrier - Parson Russell Terrier cross, a specialist rodent detection dog.

Rapu (pictured here out on a training run with Sally Bain) has been doing a lot of just that since his arrival; training and practising his fine art to become a top notch ratter.

“I had to drive up to the Coromandel to collect him,” Sally says. “He was part of a larger than normal litter, a top quality litter, where all the pups have gone to working homes.”

Sally says that in an ideal world, once he has been fully trained and certified, he will be contracted out, as well as working for ERAT when the rats are running.

“He’s trained specifically for rats,” says Sally, “and to tell the different critters in boxes, partially by their droppings.”

She admits that the rat identification part of training is the easy bit, obedience and ‘other stuff’ has yet to be sorted. But Rapu is progressing nicely indeed and will soon be doing his bit to ensure that the suburban areas of the Eastern Bay’s remain rodent free.

Shared Pathway – Notice of Hearing

A panel of Independent Hearing Commissioners has been appointed to hear submissions and determine the resource consent application for the Eastern Bays Shared Pathway. The hearing (15-17 December, Lower Hutt Events Centre, 9am-4:30pm) will be chaired by Robert Schofield, with Mark Ashby and Elizabeth Burge in attendance.

While the hearing is a semi-judicial process, it will be conducted as informally as possible,

consistent with the procedures specified in the Resource Management Act. All parties will have a fair and reasonable opportunity to present their submissions.

A useful guide to the conduct of hearings can be found at: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/ publications/rma/everyday-guide-rmaappearing-council-resource-consent- hearing.

A timetable will be provided closer to the hearing.

Sally and Rapu, out for a training run at Point Howard.

Tragic ordeal has profound life-changing impact

Don’t sweat the small stuff. That’s the holiday advice from a local man, Stephen Newman, just over a year since he was involved in a dramatic sea rescue amid howling winds and horizontal rain 37 kilometres off Cape Brett, Northland.

A low-pressure system, which had rolled down from the tropics and struck the top of the North Island, also engulfed the family yacht, Essence, an ordeal in which Stephen, his sisterin-law and a friend Bruce Goodwin were lucky to survive. Unfortunately Pamela Pederson’s husband, Stuart, did not.

The dramatic ordeal, while impossible not to relive, has had a strangely calming effect on Major Stephen Newman, a Days Bay resident for 25 years.

“We had prepared ourselves and the Essence about 36 hours before we encountered the fury of a violent storm, described in the Beaufort Wind Scale as: Force 11,” Stephen says. “Giant waves with visibility seriously reduced. The edges of the wave crests are blown into froth. The sea is covered with blowing spray; wind speed in excess of 100kmph and wave height, in feet, over 10m.”

Stephen, Stuart, Pamela and Bruce ended up in the water awaiting rescue. Stephen says that the time flew and although he only noticed the cold on one occasion, he admits that the mind can do strange things. But he remained patient while in the water, in no doubt that the foursome would eventually be found.

“From my military background, I knew that as a minimum we would have to wait two hours for dispatch of a RNZAF Orion patrol aircraft and then allow it travel time,“ Stephen said. “I warned the others that we had as a minimum 2.5 hours in the water, but that once found, we would be dropped a life raft and our chances of survival were better. I had no doubt that the Air Force would find us. I have worked with them in NZ and on deployments overseas. They are a thoroughly professional bunch that I am pleased to work alongside.”

Tragically, skipper Stuart Pederson died as he was winched from the violent seas, a scenario that all experienced sailors discuss and plan for and hope never happens. But it did happen

and the teamwork and shared courage almost ensured that all four survived.

Despite the Maritime NZ draft report assigning no blame regarding the actions of the sailors, owing to the state of the boat, Stephen says it doesn’t stop him suffering from the odd pang of survivor's guilt and asking himself if he had done enough. It was particularly hard on Pamela, whom Stephen had to break the news to that her husband had not survived. She herself had no memory of events in the water.

But overall, the tragic event has changed a good deal of Stephen's perceptions andrealising that he’s lucky to still be here - his general attitude toward the rest of his life. Contemplating a watery grave but beating the odds has, of course, been nothing short of a profound experience.

Naturally, his advice to anyone contemplating an off-shore, or indeed any hazardous activity, is to take safety seriously and to invest in the best gear. There is no time to get ready when disaster strikes.

“Don’t panic,” Stephen says, “panicking is useless. Think calmly and plan. And post, seek mental health. This commences with talking to your loved ones. In my case, it was followed by professional support from NZ Defence Force, clinical psychologists and a compassionate line boss.”

While Stephen found that a written narrative of the ordeal was cathartic he admits that the hardest thing for his mental recovery was the fact so few knew he had survived the ordeal.

“All the news of the day and weeks following the loss of Essence and Stuart never named me – for some reason I was always “Steve the brother-in –law”,” he says. “Even a year on, some

friends and colleagues have no idea what I went through and how some of my attitudes have changed to 'not sweat the details'.”

But most importantly, says Stephen, is 'get back on the horse'.

“As for me,” he adds, “our daughter Lucy decided to learn to sail as we waited in Tauranga to bury Stuart. So now Lucy has learned to sail via the Muritai Yacht Club. Helping the sailing coaches was interesting for me as I thought I might be shy of getting on the water in the rescue boats – but I wasn’t. The conditions were too tame. Instead I have re-entered the world of dinghy sailing by purchasing a Sunburst and joining the committee. It’s a great sport done by great people – I am loving it. Give it a try".

Stephen Newman.

Don J. McIlroy

Annual auction raises $10,000

by Carl McRae

The annual Lions of Eastbourne Auction in November raised over $10,000, which secretary, Lorraine Shorter, says will be, as is per normal, distributed to a host of local charities and organisations, if no local group comes forward requesting funding for a specific project.

“We were a little concerned this year,” Lorraine says, “with Covid and the like, but once again, the generosity of the community at large was to the fore and we had another hugely successful day. The Lions would really like to thank the local population for their generosity and once again supporting the auction, our long standing tradition.”

Lorraine admits that every year it gets a little harder for the incumbent Lions to operate, with fewer numbers to call upon, but with a little help from their ‘friends’, they were once again able to deliver for the local community.

“Should any local group, charity or organisation require funding for some particular initiative, please get hold of us, we’re only too happy to help. This year - on a local basis - we have helped with extra funds for the Nourish@Christmas project.”

Likewise, the Lions themselves - a very worthwhile organisation - are always looking to boost their member numbers. The Lions are a valuable resource for Eastern Bays residents and are involved with many local projects, from traffic management for events, to organising a giant bin on the last Saturday of every month for locals to dispose of their excess waste.

To apply for funding…or to enquire about joining the Lions group, one can contact Lorraine (562 8499) or the club secretary, Graham Wilson; wilsonfam@xtra.co.nz

Annual recipients from proceeds of the Lions Auction include Wellington Free Ambulance, Te Omanga Hospice, Life Flight Trust, Wellington Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Mallaghan Institute, Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled, Camp Quality, Eastbourne Scouts, and Eastbourne MENZ Shed.

Auctioneer, Charles Odlin, plying his trade at the 2020 Lions Auction

Scout's initiative rewarded

Cameron Johns, who bikes with his dad, Bjorn, to Scouts each week, recently noticed that the reflectors on the bollards along the Promenade in southern Eastbourne, were very difficult to see at night. Even with lights on their bikes, it made for a hazardous journey especially in the middle of winter.

Cameron did some research on what was required to make the bollards safer and wrote to the Hutt City Council. He was delighted when a council representative came back to him with a positive response. As a result, Council agreed to replace all of the reflectors on the bollards.

"Along the beachfront walkway in Eastbourne,” Cameron stated in his letter to the HCC, “there are a number of posts/bollards that don't have reflectors on them making them a hazard for runners and cyclists in the dark. Where there are reflectors, the posts are easy to spot just from the light of a torch. We estimate a total of 16 reflectors would be needed to have a reflector on both sides of every post. These posts/bollards are located between Nikau street in the south to near H.W Shortt Park.”

Nigel Parkin, Contracts Officer (City Infrastructure) for HCC replied to Cameron’s e-mail and within weeks, 32 new RM7 hazard markers, with white reflective tape, were placed

on the offending bollards, now providing the night vision aid that Cameron had found to be missing.

Faith in the Community

Spare a thought...

Despite all the hype and the enticements to spend more, more, MORE, most families approach this time of year with a sense of expectation and delight, particularly in the (near) aftermath of COVID-19. The expectation of a holiday break, of getting together with families, the delight on children’s faces at the Santa parade, Christmas lights and a small pile of parcels under the tree. A time to sing favourite carols and listen to angelic-sounding choirs well-rehearsed in the classics.

These are reason enough to approach the holiday season with a lightness of heart, and for Christians a time to celebrate the birth of the one who changed everything, and who lived out the mind-altering power of unconditional positive regard we call love. But then there are those for whom this season is decidedly not joyous, because it comes as a stark reminder of someone who is no longer here - the first Christmas without a beloved ‘other’. Then there are those who by reason of work or travel restrictions are separated from family who are living on the other side of the world.

Inquiries: 021 028 85347

Tartineseastbourne@gmail.com

So, before you become too caught up in your Christmas preparations, spare a thought for anyone you know who has recently lost a loved one or is going to be alone this Christmas.

Don’t just think about them - do something tangible to lift the loneliness and bring them a little of the good cheer that will brighten your own celebrations this season.

St Ronan’s: Sunday services 9.30am. Christmas Day Family Service 9.30am. Mainly Music: Summer break last 10 Dec to first 4 Feb. Toy Library: Summer break last 15 Dec to first 1 Feb. Pop-in-and-Play: Summer break last 3 Dec to first 3 Jan. e-Services: Ask if you want our weekly emailed services. Record: Ask if you want our monthly printed parish magazine. E: office@ stronans.org.nz W: www.stronans.org.nz

St Alban’s Children’s Christmas Celebration: Sun, 20 Dec, 5pm, Wellesley. Christmas Eve service: Thurs 25 Dec 10pm . Christmas Day service: 9.30am Wellesley. Christmas Party and Service: Sunday 27 December, 5pm at the Vicarage. Short Eucharistic Service followed by food to share. Services in January Sundays 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 January* 10am Vicarage grounds. San Antonio (Eastbourne) Saturday Vigil Mass: 5.30pm. Night Mass of Christmas (Carols before) 24 Dec 9pm. Family Mass Christmas Day 9.30am. Parish Office, Petone (weekdays 10am-2pm)

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.

Cameron Johns.

MYC has a dose of the Feva

Members of the Muritai Yacht Club heartily welcomed the new RS Feva, a two person sailing dinghy for junior classes, to its fleet on Monday, November 23rd.

The dynamic, composite construction boat arrived just in time for the club’s Spring Regatta and Garth Cheyne hopes that it will revolutionise junior sailing at the MYC.

While the boat is suitable to be sailed by two young sailors, or by adult and child teams, the RS Feva may also be sailed single-handed.

“And while those options are all viable,” Garth says, “we can see the most benefit will come from the parent child combination. It’s a structure we’ve been developing, as we are a wonderful, community friendly club, in a great location. The Feva is perfect for all that.”

Garth says that Lloyd Auckett has been very helpful in assisting him to bring the Feva to town, including the Feva Regatta, which was held last weekend, won by Noah Stock and Ben Cass from Muritai.

“We’re a progressive club,” says Garth, “and welcome any youngsters or parents who’d like to come and give sailing a go. The Feva is just the first piece of exciting news, we’ll have plenty more over summer.

Watch

Garth

EASTBOURNE

YOU ALL A VERY

Friday 25th - 28th Dec closed.

Friday 1st - 4th Jan closed. In between we are open 8am to 3pm.

Toasting the arrival of the $14,000 investment in youth sailing are (from left) Keena Gibbs, Diane Cheyne, Garth Cheyne, Lloyd Auckett, Jeremy Winters and the club's Patron, George Gibbs.

Mondays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

East Harbour Women’s Club

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

Keas: Monday 5.15pm – 6.15pm

Kea Leader: Ed 021 738 699

Cubs Monday 6.30pm – 7.45pm

Cub Leader: Damon 022 620 7116

Tuesdays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

562 8387.

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

au

• 9.30am Nia Dance Fitness Class (low impact

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

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

Wednesdays

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

• Library preschool story time 10.00 am.

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

• Scottish Country Dance. Merryn 562 0236.

• Bridge Club 7-10pm. Shona 562 7073.

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

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

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

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

Thursdays

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

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

• SPACE at Days Bay Playcentre. Michelle 971 8598.

• East Harbour Women’s Club

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

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

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

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

Scouts: Thursday 6.30pm – 8.00pm

Scout Leader: Susan 027 535 4962

Fridays

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturdays

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

• Lions’ rubbish bin last Saturday of each month.

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

Sundays

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

Rona Bay Tennis Club - EB's best kept secret

The game of Tennis has often been regarded as a most resplendent and civilised sport and pastime. For some, there is no finer way to while away a few glorious summer hours than a good game of tennis and for the puritans, as is traditional in the truest sense, on lawn or grass.

Those traditions began with the opening of the world's first lawn tennis club in Leamington Spa in 1872, predating Wimbledon by three years. In New Zealand, The Parnell Lawn Tennis Club was founded the same year, with the trickle down reaching all the way to Eastbourne in 1932 with the opening of the Rona Bay Lawn Tennis Club, just a few years later.

While relatively spoiled for choice in the Eastern Bays for places to go and have a hit at our favourite racquet sport, there is only one true grass venue and that is the picturesque courts, located in Houhere Terrace at the bottom of Rona Street.

The rich and colourful history of the club, still very much in existence, was recorded by local historian, Kath Young, in a book released in 2009 entitled The Best Kept Secret: A History of Rona Bay Lawn Tennis Club.

Current Club President, Cushla Jamieson, says that the land where the courts were established, formerly owned by Bartolo Russo, was once a market garden. The club has many long standing members who have enjoyed decades of great tennis, but also some wonderful socialising.

“When I first joined and began playing,” says Cushla, “mid-week tennis was strong, mainly mums back then, but not necessarily so. But times have changed and these days we have good turnouts on both Saturdays and Sundays over the summer and autumn months.”

Cushla says there are many reasons to consider Rona Bay if you are planning to play

Kidztalk

tennis this coming season.

“Playing on grass is a treat,” she says. “There’s a slight adjustment required to playing on grass, but in many ways it is more forgiving. It’s easier on the joints for one.”

Cushla says that it’s perfect for anyone who has played before and wishes to take up the sport again and admits that the members are very welcoming and forgiving of poor shots.

“We’re all reasonable tennis players,” she says, “and quite a social club. After a game, we enjoy nothing more than watching the sun set with a glass of wine and nibbles…or a BBQ.”

So if all of this sounds like your cup of tea, you may wish to consider dusting down the sand shoes and popping down to the Rona Bay club for a set or two.

Okiwi Volunteer Driving Service

Provides transport to appointments in the Hutt Valley, and Wellington for all Eastbourne’s older residents.

Our ‘20-Minute Volunteers’ are also available for small jobs around the home. Find out more about us at www.okiwi.org.nz

Phone Pippa the co-ordinator on 0800 654 942

News from our local playcentres

What a fantastic year it’s been for our spacious, hilltop home. We’ve welcomed a number of new families, said goodbye to three school leavers and enjoyed visits from families visiting from Auckland.

This term we have woven spring and rainbows into our activities to help the tamariki get a sense of seasonality. We’ve taken the opportunity to deepen our focus on te reo, by learning our colours with waiata (singing), puka puka (books) and games like Tākaro. Another highlight has been growing our own food. Not only do we have the newly established Point Howard Community Garden nearby, but we have our own tomatoes, an avocado stone being propagated and we also picked the spinach and broccoli which we planted in August! We turned them into vege muffins with a child led recipe that was a surprising success!

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 Lucy on 021335391

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

NEWS FROM POINT HOWARD PLAYCENTRE

...the combined strength of our legal teams!

Another year has flown by in Point Howard, we’ve welcomed a number of new residents onto the hill this year, and the community vibe is flourishing with the establishment of the Community Help Team during the level 4 lockdown, the immense participation of residents in the level 4 photo competition, as well as the founding of the Community Garden. The PHA would like to thank all members of the Community Help team, Good Fortune Coffee for providing the photo comp prizes, and the HCC, ECB and EBCT for supporting the community garden.

The PHA Committee wishes all our residents and friends in Point Howard, Eastbourne and the Bays a wonderful festive season and a Happy New Year! If you’re heading away please remember to tell your neighbours and ask them to keep your letter box clear and a watchful eye on your property. Report any unusual or suspicious behaviour to the Police immediately over this period.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

pthowardassn@gmail.com

Stellar season for U-85kg’s rugby

2020 was a stellar season for the Eastbourne Rugby Club’s - U85 kg team.

The team was runner up to Upper Hutt in the local competition and then went on to reach the semi final of the national ‘Barbarians U-85kg Club Cup’. This was an incredible achievement for such a small club with only one senior team.

The quarter final of the National competition, between Eastbourne and Wellington RFC, was televised live from Sky Stadium in Wellington. An enthusiastic and vocal group of supporters were there to support the team.

At half time Wellington RFC were ahead by 12-0, however Eastbourne came back strongly in the second half, eventually winning by 23-15.

The semi-final was held on a very blustery day at Evans Bay Park. Eastbourne met the Eden Lizards from Auckland. In a hard fought encounter, the Lizards prevailed 29 – 3. The Lizards then went on to win the competition. Once again a loyal group of supporters were in attendance and the team received many messages from Ex pat ‘Eastabourna’s’.

During the season, there were significant personal milestones for several players. Dan Hewson clocked 250 games for Eastbourne, Jesse Gordon 150 and Hami Love 100.

Dan Hewson says that it is a huge honour to represent the Eastbourne club and wear the green and gold.

“Because of Covid and the strangeness around the season,” Dan says, “the team really bonded and we were able to get some great results. This was also because of the coaches, Baz Luke and Willie Davis (Manager). Greg Halford and Danny Love also contributed to team training during the season. Neil Sullivan and Chris Brenton were others who were integral to our success. The team is very appreciative of their input, coaching and support.”

On November 17th at the Wellington Rugby Football Union Community Awards, Barry Luke was a well deserved recipient of the 2020 Club Coach of the Year 2020. Willie Davis was nominated in the Senior Volunteer category.

In buoyant mood, the rugby club is now looking forward to the Centenary celebrations to be held on Queens Birthday weekend Friday 4 June to Monday 7 June 2021.

Correction.

In November's Eastbourne Herald we mistakingly attributed a quote about the Eastbourne Pool to Belinda Moss, when it was in fact a quote from a council officer. Apologies for the error - Ed

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News from Point Howard

Jack Coles looks to attack during the match at Evans Bay Park against the Eden Lizards. East-a-bourna support from left; Hami Love, Dan Hewson and Ad Maney. Photo: Phil Benge.

Asparagus fern is a challenging and persistent weed that Greater Wellington Regional Council has been controlling in the northern forest for over 15 years.

Originally from South America it forms dense ground patches and climbs 4m or more smothering the forest. This prevents the establishment of native plant seedlings and growth of established species. Tiny white flowers in spring ripen to easily dispersed, orange–red seeds in summer, a favorite of blackbirds. The underground tubers readily re-sprout and it survives in a wide range of conditions. A classic case of an attractive garden plant that has escaped and is now threatening the native forest.

With budget and resource constraints

Greater Wellington Regional Council's priority is to control this species in the Key Native Ecosystem (KNE), high value biodiversity, mainland island area. This work involves annual sweeps within the mainland island as shown on the map digging up and removing tubers.

LETTERS Church to stay

In a recent article about St Alban's you said: “…..or a new structure should be built in its place”.

There are no plans at any level in the church to replace the existing church with a new structure. This unhelpful and misleading comment has created unnecessary distress to people.

The plan is to restore the building as a functioning church building. However, we want a church that is going to function well for future generations and for this to happen with care and sensitivity.

The hope is that such changes would add value both in terms of function and aesthetics.

PARKSIDE

The aim has been to revisit each area every 4 to 5 years.

Due to good results in the east repeat control is being undertaken less frequently. This will enable the team to concentrate on pushing back the western infestation boundary.

Each year a small amount of additional work, using herbicides, has been undertaken on the Eastbourne facing hills. Primarily on the Bus Barn, Kowhai and MacKenzie track edges and largely as part of other climbing weed control, such as Banana passion fruit, Old man’s beard and Japanese honey suckle. This area has high density infestations, lower biodiversity values and the ongoing re-infestation from surrounding properties which makes control here a less efficient use of resources.

A dedicated volunteer team led by Felicity Rashbrooke have worked hard for over 10 years, every month, on the MacKenzie track making life hard for both asparagus fern and blackberry in this area.

The Eastbourne community can help by starting a new line of attack, have a go on your patch, especially if you border the regional park. Find out how to get rid of it in your garden

on the Weedbusters website. Alternatively contact Hutt City Council on 0800 488 824 or contact@huttcity.govt.nz, Asparagus Fern is

The Rev John Hughes Vicar St Albans Church Eastbourne

Asparagus fern.

This map shows the area of Asparagus Fern control.

Choose your bin size

Complete online or send by post

Be sure to check your November Hutt City Council rates bill to find out how to choose your bins ahead of next year’s upgrade to rubbish and recycling. Check, Choose, Complete and get ready for roll out

Thanks Eastbourne, we made it through 2020! Thanks for your continued support - especially our advertisers, without whom The Eastbourne Herald wouldn’t exist.

This Christmas, be kind to others and be kind to yourself.

All the best for a fabulous 2021. From The Eastbourne Herald team.

Our offices will be closed from Monday 14 Dec-18 Jan.

The first deadline for 2021 is 21 January - delivery over the weekend of 30 January.

by Verity McRae

A few months ago, I packed up my life in Eastbourne and moved to Paris. Unlike many young Kiwis who had their OEs derailed by the pandemic, I managed to slip away and into the late European summer, when many thought Covid was on its way out. However, my blissful freedom has come to a rapid halt as France reluctantly makes its way through what it was promised wouldn’t happen; another nationwide confinement.

Instead of spending hours in Paris’s array of museums or jetting off to a neighbouring European city for the weekend, I’m milling about the 9th arrondissement where I reside. My second lockdown of the year, but this time in one of the world’s worst affected countries.

The lockdown the French government settled for this time, is far looser than the first. An approach most countries in Europe are taking during this second wave. Many businesses and shops are still open, as are schools and rest homes, and you must have a permission form for every time you go outside.

People are not forced to work from home, meaning many are still heading into the office, and exercise within 1km of your home for one hour a day is permitted. Yet despite such enforcements, it’s evident the French are faintly abiding by these rules. With an unusual lack of police presence or interference so far, many streets and parks remain busy and the one hour a day of exercise is largely executed without respect for the time or distance limits.

This lockdown feels far different from the

first wave of Covid earlier this year and particularly distant from my experience confining in New Zealand. I find myself out and about several times a day, using my permitted exercise hour to go for runs, then walking through shops and markets to fetch groceries and finally work, which as an au pair involves heading to a school to pick up the children I care for. Any concept of social distancing or sticking to a bubble is largely out the window due to the many public spaces that are still somewhat occupied.

However, one stark difference I’ve noticed this time around is the drop in fear people have for the virus itself, despite the growing number of infections. It’s been replaced with an equally terrifying reality though; when will this all end?

The longer the virus lingers, the more restless people are about a return to normal life. This has left respect and trust for any government decision low, with people becoming more and more reluctant to trade in their liberal freedoms for a second attempt at a solution that brought so much economic and social damage the first time around.

In the case of France, there doesn’t seem to be much more the Government can do without tipping its citizens over the edge due to the already rocky state of its political environment. Protests are starting to emerge and the common consensus is that civil unrest will only continue to grow the longer this carries on.

So as winter sets in, it's not just the health system the French government will be fighting to keep afloat, but also its growing population of freedom hungry citizens. And I will patiently sit here and watch it unfold from my petite chambre de bonne.

Verity McRae in Paris.

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In what has been an extremely challenging year for many people in our community, we wish you all a peaceful and enjoyable festive season, hopefully some time to relax and reflect, and our very best wishes for 2021

This property, located on a gorgeous prime waterfront site in one of the quietest and most sought after parts in Eastbourne, is really surprising; set on a 607m2 section, this 1980s cedar clad home has generous proportions with 3 very spacious double bedrooms (2 with sea views) and great living spaces, with internal access double garaging.

The ground floor comprises a spacious entrance hall and internal access garage. On the mid-level are a family room with woodburner and heatpump, spacious kitchen dining space, 2 guest bedrooms and bathroom, with 2 separate w.c.s.

The lounge opens out to a sunny west facing deck and leading onto a lovely lawn: ideal for soaking up the afternoon rays and watching children play. Upstairs the large master bedroom has a sun balcony, loft space and uninterrupted views.

Tons of potential to make this home your own, including to add a second floor (plans available). sinead@tommyshv.co.nz

REF: THV02776

Sinead Diederich

View

Duncan Povey 0275 971 080

Safari Real Estate Ltd MREINZ Licenced Under the REAA 2008

Lower Hutt