MALVERN U3A REPORT

MalvernU3AmeetsmonthlyattheDarfieldBaptistChurch,normallyonthesecondFridayofthemonth. Itisanorganisationforseniorstocometogetherforcontinuouslearningandinformationandisopento allwhoarenolongerinfulltimework.WhileU3AstandsfortheUniversityoftheThirdAge,itisnota universityinthemodernsenseoftheword;therearenoqualificationsrequiredandnoexams! Comealongandseeforyourselves.

The Evolutionary Phenomenon That Is New Zealand

Malvern U3A’s August meeting welcomed Terry Thomson. Terry is a natural history communicator based in Christchurch and a freelance nature guide. He has written the book, ‘The Loney Island; The Evolutionary Phenomenon that is New Zealand’.

The title of his talk was, “A closer look at New Zealand’s deep endemics”. Acceptance in the 1960’s that continents move horizontally across the face of the earth became central to the history of Zealandia. The splitting of Gondwanaland and the influence of the Pacific Islands resulted in the uniqueness of New Zealand’s endemic species, which are found nowhere else on earth. Their history can be traced through this geographical understanding and in more recent times the use of DNA. With the bat being the only mammal, species developed without predators and birds such as the kiwi became flightless. Widespread reptile groups in Australia such as snakes and turtles are absent, only geckos and skinks are present. The tuatara is the only living reptile in a biological order that is otherwise occupied only by long extinct and fossilised reptiles. The rare New Zealand native frog is only resembled by frogs in faraway western Noth America. Weta, snails, dragonflies, freshwater crayfish, and mussels are unique to New Zealand. DNA helped to develop ancestorial charts, which showed the development of New Zealand species was different to what was previously thought. The talk was well illustrated with photos of New Zealand’s endemics back through time.

U3A is looking forward to a mini -series in September entitled, “Malvern – A Districts Journey from Early settlement to the Present Day”. This covers farming business and social development. Brain health and dementia will be discussed at our next meeting when we are fortunate to have Dr Matthew Croucher speaking. U3A welcomes anyone who is interested in a range of topics to join us.

IanWarren

Kieran Heenan kph@meareswilliams.co.nz

Anita Molloy-Roberts am@meareswilliams.co.nz

W: www.meareswilliams.co.nz

T: (03) 374 2547

Offices located at: Lincoln - 43 Gerald Street Rolleston - 80A Rolleston Ave Christchurch - 225 Papanui Rd

Restoration Fundraiser

Do you have photos or family stories about the former Malvern South School, now known as the Whitecliffs Community Hall? The South Malvern Community Trust would love to hear from you as they continue to restore the heritage listed 1883 building.

The Trust is running another Family Fun Quiz Night Fundraiser on August 25 to raise funds for the hall. This year, the funds will go towards replacing the antiquated electrical system with a modern, safer system that will meet new regulations.

Last year’s quiz night was successful and welcomed former pupils of South Malvern School, Whitecliffs local Helen McArthur and her brother John McArthur, and past teachers of Branston Intermediate.

With additional fundraising events and grants from Selwyn District Council and Fonterra, the Trust purchased new doors for the building earlier this year. A volunteer builder has completed the west side exterior and is finishing the restoration of two more sides of the building.

To find out more or to book a table of four or six people, phone Rosemary on 0210 768 234. BYO drinks, raffles, and light supper available.

Registrations Of Interest

The recent Waddington 150th celebration highlighted interest in the old Waddington School located on the St Johns Youth Camp property on Waddington Road. People asked what were the plans for the building’s restoration, if any?

The old school, built in c1877, needs some love and attention plus a huge amount of cash to get it back into shape, so a small group of Waddington locals are getting together and calling for additional registrations of interest from other people in the area who are interested in being part of a focussed and dedicated fundraising team. Work that needs to be completed includes new roof, removal of asbestos, removal of exterior plaster, and demolition of the additional kitchen. The building is listed with the Selwyn District Council as an ‘Historic Place Category 2’. The resulting fundraising team will work with the St John’s Fundraising team. A member of St John’s will come and talk to the group and discuss what has already been done and what needs to be done in the future. The organisation is keen support any fundraising efforts by the community.

If you have a passion for or family ties to the old Waddington School, would love to see it restored to its original form, and can help raise funds to get the project started, email: oldschoolfundraiser@sheffield-waddington.nz