what's new in plimmerton? newsletter for october 2015
DESCRIPTION
What's new in Plimmerton? Newsletter for October 2015TRANSCRIPT
Plimmerton Residents’ Association Newsletter
What’s new in Plimmerton?
October 2015
Community planting day at Karehana Park Saturday 26 September Thanks to the 40 plus folk who turned up to plant trees and shrubs, seed the grass and do all the raking and mulching. The park is looking amazing and is well worth a visit. Thanks to Michael Pennington for his fantastic design, Roger Johnston for his drive, Bill Inge and PCC for their support, PCC and Tim on the day … and everyone who helped.
Diary this one: Karehana Park official opening … Scooterthon 22 November … details on Facebook and in next month’s newsletter.
Coffee rewards for beach cleaners Every day Ryan Kellahan walks his dog Lukas on Plimmerton beaches. And every day they return home with a pile of junk collected from the beach. Ryan organised a beach clean-up this Saturday and shouted coffee for the first five volunteers to muster at The Big Salami. He roused troops through Facebook pages (great work Ryan).
Diary this one: Sunday morning 8 November Plimmerton’s Big Spring Clean where all the recreation areas here get the ‘Ryan’ treatment. We all meet over at Big Macs Slabs then head off in fire engines to allocated area. We then reconvene for a whoopdedoo sausage sizzle. Everyone welcome … including all the new recruits!
Check out Polishing Porirua projects www.facebook.com/polishingporirua?fref=ts
WW100 photos and stories www.poriruawarstories.com Allan Dodson, local war historian, is publishing stories of 26 men from the wider Porirua area who served in the Boer War. The website he has set up for this work also lists 200 men and women from this district who served in the First World War. These stories will be posted from the end of October this year. If you know of any other WW1 service men and women from this area who should be included Allan is happy to research their stories. In 2016 Allan will tackle the huge job of compiling the stories of World War 2 servicemen and women from this area.
You can contact Allan [email protected]
Plimmerton heritage trail background work well under way A dynamic team is researching and writing stories about key natural and social history events and locations in Plimmerton. These will be identified on signs at each location and on maps around the area with information accessible in several ways.
Currently a designer is developing a logo, location signage, a map concept and web story templates. All the behind things that need to be sorted are under way before the trail comes on stream next year. Interested? Contact us [email protected] (trails).
Diamonds unearthed in Plimmerton Our item in the last newsletter for project management assistance has unearthed some brilliant and multi-faceted people (to work the diamond theme). We are working with them currently matching their experience and skills to projects on the boil.
Security systems for Plimmerton Following response to our last newsletter, and the recent public meeting discussing security in Plimmerton, we are following through with police, council and security specialist recommendations. Those who expressed interest in assisting should contact Brendan ‘Compy’ Gardner who is heading up this project [email protected]
Neighbourhood support groups … the best security of all There’s a lot of interest in setting up groups after the recent crime spree here. Moves are afoot to get the ball rolling on this. In The Big Salami you will find free booklets that will help you set up your group and show you what you need to do at home too. Contact Alan Reader through [email protected] if you need assistance.
Sad Day on Beach Road Every day Plimmerton parents load and unload school kids laden with coats and bags, small people excitedly heading off to kindy and even smaller people in carry packs and push chairs in and out of vehicles around the school and kindergarten area … and also the Plunket, church playgroup, toy library and medical centre.
Currently people can motor past these families at 50kph which is too fast. There is simply no way that a driver can respond to someone darting onto the road quickly enough on our narrow, winding, hilly roads when travelling at that speed. Young children can be unpredictable and move quickly.
Two weeks ago a small dog who had been frolicking on the beach unexpectedly raced up onto Beach Road and was killed with a ghastly thump. The driver went into shock and the dog’s owner was distraught. A vet nurse assisted and when the little dog was found to be dead she wrapped him gently. A witness who helped out at the scene kindly drove the shocked owner and her little dog home.
This beloved little companion dog lay in the home for two days surrounded by his favourite toys and flowers as friends and family said their goodbyes.
The driver was not speeding (though many do, every day) but 50kph is too fast. Events like this cause widespread devastation and show what could so easily happen to a child.
The trend nationwide and internationally is to slow traffic in school zones. In Wellington CBD it is proposed to drop the speed limit to 30k. Other suburbs in the area (like Lower Hutt) have school zones which limit speed at the key times of day.
We are working to get this situation urgently reviewed here. Representatives from the primary school, kindergarten, Plunket, play groups, toy library and medical centre and parent representatives can contact us [email protected] We will make headway faster with a united effort.
Maintenance issues A long list of street and footpath repairs, planting issues on Steyne Ave, and rail-related issues has been discussed with council staff. Lots of holes have appeared in strange places as a result of a long, wet, miserable winter. If you see things that need repair… blocked drains, cracks and holes in streets and footpaths … call Porirua City Council’s hotline 237 5089 and drop us an email to [email protected]
Mainline steam … join the Marklin Express … Sunday 25 October Steam-hauled excursion from Plimmerton to Pahiatua. Enjoy spectacular views of the Kapiti Coast and the impressive Manawatu Gorge. Leaving Plimmerton 8.20am, returning 6.40pm. Fares Include entry and railcar ride at Pahiatua Rail Car Society - adults $145, children $105: BBQ lunch available $15. Bookings 04 233 8131 business hours.
Plimmerton Boating Club 90th celebrations heat up Friday 2 October 8pm dinner and with musician Don Wilson.
Saturday 3 October from 6pm dinner and show with The Hollywoods (dinner $20, show $20).
Sunday 4 October 90th anniversary celebrations 10am opening day race, 2pm opening ceremony, 2pm chocolate treasure hunt/dive, 3pm afternoon tea, 5.30pm carvery ($17.50). Posters and info on all the action www.plimmertonboatingclub.org.nz
Porirua Historical Association celebrating 50 years! The society invites you to join them for a film, high tea and a guided tour! Saturday 17 October at 1.30pm.
You’ll see the film ‘Reel Life in Porirua’ which will be followed by high tea and a guided tour through the ‘Made in Porirua’ exhibition at Pataka. All welcome, FREE entry! RSVP by Friday 2 October to Brian Mosen 233 0709 or [email protected]
Make friends, learn new skills, use your talents, have a laugh Volunteer Porirua is looking for people to help refugee families build a new life in our community, be a jazzy jammer at music and dance sessions for kids with disabilities, work with the team at Mary Potter hospice, restore native forests, deliver services to people with disabilities, become accredited visitors for Age Concern, use building-related skills to help with construction projects … and lots, lots more!
Contact Lynne and the team at Volunteer Porirua 237 5355 on Monday, Wednesday or Friday or email [email protected]
New Zealand ShakeOut Thursday 15 October at 9.15am A national earthquake drill will give us all the chance to practice what to do in an earthquake … drop, cover and hold. Register at http://www.shakeout.govt.nz/register/index.php
This will tell you how to participate and also has valuable information about preparing our household for the worst.
Community response plan review … you can be part of the process Our civil defence plan will be reviewed later in October. If you want to be part of this process contact [email protected] attention Alan Reader.
Digital opportunity Crown Research Institute Landcare, is looking for someone with skills in design, software and digital creativity. Isabella Cawthorn asks if you have these skills to contact them to enjoy an amazing opportunity to use your powers in a getaway weekend. Applications to Naturehack www.naturehack.nz
Bras and knickers Zonta Mana are collecting bras and knickers for women at Arohata Prison. They do this every year and staff say that it makes a huge difference to the self-esteem of the women. All sizes and styles are welcome. Bras can be a tiny bit pre-loved but knickers must be new!
Please drop these off to Robynne at her shop Beaux Cadeaux on Beach Road (Thursday to Sundays).
Weed-eater found in mysterious circumstances If you have lost a weed-eater and can identify yours … then it’s your lucky day. It can come home. Contact [email protected]
Parenting children course starts 21 October till 11 November Do you want the best for your family and have children up to ten years of age? St Barnabas Church are running a course for five Wednesday evenings from 7-9.30 pm. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] to register interest.
Plimmerton Croquet Club ‘have-a-go’ day Sunday 11 October Come along to Plimmerton Croquet Club and have-a-go. Croquet is played by people of all ages, it’s relaxing and great for stress, exercise for mind and body, challenging and fun … and it’s a great social activity.
Have a go and see if you like it between 1.30 and 3.30pm at the club on Plimmerton Drive, off Ulric Street. All you need is comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes. Everything else is supplied. There will even be a green for the kids!
Plimmerton residents honoured in fifty year celebrations Fifty local citizens who have given much to this community over the past 50 years will be recognised next week as part of our city’s birthday celebrations. Check out our web site next week for news of any Plimmerton people honoured. Well done!
Silver medal achievement for young bowler Young lawn bowler Seamus Curtin won a silver medal at the recent Commonwealth Youth Games. Photo and story on www.plimmerton.org.nz
Tomatoes for sale … 30 heritage varieties Saturday 17 October Just $2 per individually potted plant. Cash only!
12 to 3pm Ngati Toa Hall at Ngati Toa domain.
Tagging blitz in Plimmerton In the early hours of Saturday26 September youths disturbed dogs in local properties. The youths were out tagging with black and blue spray paint through Plimmerton. The tags are distinctive and were photographed and sent to police and other agencies before being removed. Thanks to Peter Williams who scrubbed the offensive huge tags with turps and made a difference. The tags were disrespectful of local art works and amenities including shop walls, seaside seats, the pavilion and park and the domain.
The railway station was littered with beer bottles and drink cans so hopefully the cameras there will have information about the culprits. If anyone driving through Plimmerton at that time saw anything please let Porirua police know as soon as possible.
http://www.plimmerton.org.nz/
and our email: [email protected]
Support your community – it’s the best!