Work piles up at Silverdale Pioneer Village

When you are the custodians of several historic buildings, maintenance is an ongoing challenge.

The latest project for the volunteers of the Silverdale Pioneer Village is the re-piling of the Old Neville Homestead, and the Old Parsonage.

In total, the work will cost more than $85,000 and take several months.

The Silverdale & District Historical Society, which manages and operates the Pioneer Village, has been building up funds over the past year and work can now begin.

Society vice president, Paul Maguiness, says the two buildings were relocated to the Village over the last 55 years, and need attention so that future generations can enjoy them.

The Old Parsonage was built in 1877 and Neville House in the early 20th century. Grants supporting the work came from the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, Foundation North, NZ Lotteries, Auckland Council

Heritage fund, the Bayes Family Trust and other local families and businesses.

Paul says the Society is grateful to everyone who has made the project possible and any further donations or sponsorship are welcome. The Society’s bank account details are on its website, www. silverdalepioneervillage.com/ Volunteers hope to keep the village open while work takes place.

Give It Up for the gut

New statistics from the Ministry of Health confirm that gut cancers remain the most common form of cancer in NZ, with notable recent increases in the rates of oesophageal, liver, and pancreatic cancer. On average, 17 Kiwis are diagnosed with a gut cancer every day, or more than 6000 every year. Gut cancers include cancers of the stomach, liver, gall bladder and bowel. This month, the Gut Cancer Foundation is asking Kiwis to give up something they enjoy – choosing between alcohol, sweet treats, or being sedentary on the couch – to raise funds to fight gut cancers. In the process they will be making lifestyle changes that will help reduce their own cancer risk. The Foundation hopes to double its 2022 Give It Up tally of $174,000 in donations, setting a target of $350,000 to be raised this year. Info: www.giveitup.nz/

Apprentices challenged

NZ Certified Builders (NZCB) is encouraging apprentices to get their entries in before the March 17 deadline for its annual Apprentice Challenge. Regional heats will be held in multiple locations across the country on April 1, with great prizes up for the grabs and winners going on to compete for the title of national champion. A week before the regional heats, competitors will be advised of the project they are to build. Each competitor has eight hours to complete that project. Finished projects will be judged by a panel of experienced building practitioners and industry educators on elements such as craftsmanship, assembly, ability to work to a detailed plan, safe working technique and time management. Projects made by the apprentices will be offered for sale on TradeMe to raise money for charity. Info and to enter: visit https:// apprenticechallenge.nz/ Entries must be received by Friday, March 17.