Plimmerton Residents Association Newsletter

Whats new in Plimmerton?

July 2011
Endangered birds move in to Plimmerton
Rare shore plovers have been seen over the past two weeks on the beach near the fire station. They are extremely endangered with an estimated 240 birds remaining. They are being hatched at Mt Bruce and introduced to predator free islands, including Mana, as part of a programme to save them from extinction. Our visitors are some of the Mana population. These little birds are seriously at risk from cats, rats and other predators, especially at night. We ask that you take particular care on this part of the beach. Please avoid it all together if the birds are there Stop press: PCC are putting up signs and possibly some barriers for protection. How can you help save these beautiful and rare little birds? www.plimmerton.org.nz

Security information are you on our email list?

If you are on our email list we can keep you up with the latest civil defence and Police information. Just last week we were able to warn people about would-be house breakers, wearing high-vis vests, lurking and pretending to be builders. We also alerted people to a computer scam. Both warnings have helped prevent further crime. You can be on our email list today its easy just email Plimmertonra@gmail.com with your name and contact details.

Book Club vacancies

A rare opportunity to join one of Plimmertons book clubs has arisen with members moving off shore. Contacts are on the web site. Call Michele if you are interested in joining the evening club.

Historic Restoration Award for Plimmerton

Plimmerton Residents Association has won a Rail Heritage Award for the restoration of our railway station last year. The total refurb took most of 2010 and involved 120 local trades people and volunteers putting in 2000 hours of labour. Project manager Allan Dodson says, We really tried to get the station looking just as it did in its heyday. The project showed the attention to detail that they were looking for. A brass plaque for the award will be prominently displayed in the new waiting room. Before and after shots of the refurbishment and the grand opening on 10.10.10 can be seen www.plimmerton.org.nz

Kai for Curves

Curves Gym at Mana is collecting all sorts of household and food items this month for Poriruas Salvation Army foodbank. Items can be left at Unit 3, Bridgepoint Complex, 17 Marina View, Mana by Tuesday next week. They are up to 500kg so far! Call Gemma Petch at the gym on 233 8748 Well done to the team at Curves who spend several months of each year working for good causes in our community.

Rugby world cup waving a welcome to overseas visitors

All available accommodation in Plimmerton is booked up for the period of the Rugby World Cup. Lots of people from around the world will be staying here and going by train into the city. If you would like to brighten your place and send a message of welcome to our visitors you can hang these great flags from every participating nation. A set of squillions of flags is just $25 from Scene@plimmerton call in and order yours today. See them soon in full colour at www.plimmerton.org.nz

Project snapshot photos wanted from bygone eras

Thanks to those who are fossicking through family albums for favourite photos of life in earlier decades in Plimmerton. With the $1000 Historic Places grant secured by the project team they are exploring electronic display options to show 200 plus images in the railway station. For a sneak preview www.plimmerton.org.nz Stop press: Breaking news in the search for historic photos! Allan reports that excellent 1930s photos by gifted amateur photographer John Buckley have been donated. These cover construction of the road from Paremata and Centennial Highway to Paekakariki. Contact Allan at agcdodson@xtra.co.nz

World War 1 soldiers to be recognised

Allan is also researching the stories of local men who went away to the Great War. He is writing stories and scanning photos for the web site. If you had forebears who fought for King and Country in the 1914-18 war please call Allan 233 1087. He has unearthed some amazing stories and memorabilia which will make a brilliant new history feature on our website and a fitting tribute to these courageous young men. On a hand built stone wall along the Plimmerton foreshore there is a small inscription in the concrete capping. It is a simply a number, a name and a date but delve deeper and there is an amazing story of a father and son going off to war and only one of them returning. See www.plimmerton.org.nz for the full story on 16 July.

Plimmerton School Quiz Night returns Friday 12 August

This brilliant, interactive, multiple media quiz event is back and promises to be as much fun as last year. Jessica Percy says, We will again have the incredible team from Sarah Searancke Catering serving scrumptious food and waiting tables. And we will have a great line up of trivia questions to test your team. Last year was a sell out so dont delay in booking your table .Its $120 for a team of up to 8 people. To enter your team email me asap Jessica.Percy@gmail.com.

Teatime for the soul

Photographic artwork by Johanna Lowe is on show at PureBalance Studio in Plimmerton Unit 6, 2-4 Northpoint St. Johanna says, The show is open on Sunday 3 July from 10-4 pm or contact me to arrange a visit. Ten percent of all sales go to charity. 027 416 5406 or 233 0199 and www.plimmerton.org.nz/johanna lowe/

25 years of nuclear free NZ

This important milestone is being marked at St Andrews Anglican Church on 31 July at 9.30 am. Jenny Dawson tells us, The focus will be on peace issues for today. Our speaker Dr Kate Dewes is a long term peace activist, member of the UN Secretary Generals advisory board on disarmament and co director of the disarmament and security centre in Christchurch. At noon there will be a shared lunch in the parish centre where Kate will be discussing a spirituality for the long haul, all welcome!

St Andrews Church news

As usual, its all happening with: Tuesday 26 July 10am to midday school holiday entertainment Little piggies and A sausage went for a walk from the Little Dog Barking Theatre Company Theatre and morning tea at the parish centre in Steyne Ave for kiddies aged two to seven, tickets $7pp from the parish office. Please book www.littledogbarking.co.nz Sunday 17 July at 9.30 intergenerational service with lots of fun activities Saturday 2 July 4-7.30pm Family fun and games bring along your favourite game and share it with others followed by fish and chips and a night sky lantern extravaganza. Tickets $7 from the parish.

Parish office 233 9781 www.pauanglican.org.nz And the full programme of events for this month is detailed on our web site too.

Mind your business

Some people are doing just that and promoting their businesses on our web site. We hope that you will all support our hard working local business community. Welcome to the new businesses listed and those who have returned. If you need to unblock a drain, celebrate a birthday or accommodate Uncle Cyril youll find instant solutions on the web site in the business section www.plimmerton.org.nz And if your business is not there yet then call Lyndon 233 8005 and he will be around to get your details and see that you are included.

Guardians of Pauatahanui Inlet present Living Waters

A GOPI spokesperson advises that, The latest episode of Cheryl Camerons Living Waters documentary series about Porirua harbour is now online at www.livingwatersdoco.co.nz. This includes clips not on the actual episodes. Enjoy and learn!

Bowling club fun keeps rolling on

Rachel Wybourne Curtin, secretary of the club tells us: Our fun Wednesday morning indoor bowls session is so much fun people are staying on afterwards to play mah jong. The AGM was held Sunday 26 June and financials and programme look good, thanks to all our new local members! We have a big screen organised and are planning fun events around the Rugby World Cup. Twilight Tuesday evening social bowls is continuing and weve registered for the nationwide Have a go day in October. Our clubrooms can be hired with all facilities. And we offer a variety of membership options, all ages and families welcome. Contact Rachel rachelcon@xtra.co.nz More info on www.plimmerton.org.nz

Plimmerton pavilion playgroup for petite persons

Fun playtime for pre school children, run by local parent volunteers held every Friday morning during term time 9.30 11.30am. Rebecca says, Just $3 per family covers morning tea for children and adult carers and even includes freshly brewed coffee for the big people! Come to Plimmerton pavilion on Sunset Parade. Check out the early childhood section on our web site. Call Rebecca 233 6446

Mid winter swim raises $6000 for kindy well done!

Congratulations to the excellent organising team at Plimmerton Kindergarten for another stunning mid winter dip. Despite our almost non-winter they managed to conjure up one of the grottiest mornings of the year. And despite a strong swell and high tide 120 brave people entered the water ... including a giant lobster, assorted pirates and cowboys and

Osama bin Laden. Organiser Shona Croasdale says thanks to the community for their support. It was great to see so many dignitaries first into the water and so many locals supporting the event. A highlight on the Plimmerton calendar since 1997, they raised funds to upgrade the kindy outdoor play area. www.facebook.com/plimmertonkindy

Scientific voice of quakes honoured

Plimmerton resident and geologist Dr Kelvin Berryman has worked for more than 30 years towards understanding natural hazards and reducing their risks. He was recently named a companion of the Queens Service Order. He is a senior manger at GNS and has been a science spokesman for the Christchurch earthquakes. Im honoured and pleased that science and scientists have been recognised at this time, he said. Coming to a website near you the full story from Kapi Mana (June 14) by Karoline Tuckey go to www.plimmerton.org.nz

Salvation Army celebrates 20 years in Plimmerton

Birthday week is 18 22 July with daily prizes and other treats. Corps major Nicola Rogers says, Thank you to all our supporters over the years. Please remember us next time you clean out your wardrobe. Were always looking for good quality clothing and bric a brac. Just remember that we cannot accept electrical goods or furniture but our Porirua shop will. Please call them on 238 2375.

Slippery steps on SH1 beware!

The bottom steps on both ends of the SH1 overbridge linking Grays Road to the railway station are galvanised checker plate and very slippery when wet. Ken Russell tells us that he nearly lost his footing there recently. The steps need grip treading and this concern has been registered with NZTA the agency responsible. Thanks Ken.

Stories and photos of local celebrities

People with an interest in writing and photography are invited to interview some of our local characters musicians, writers, scientists, experts in different fields and colourful characters. We have a list and can help you get started. If you have an interest in the environment, energy, whales and dolphins, painting, jazz whatever, we can point you to someone whose story we need on the web site. Call Carolyn 233 6385

Supergrans needed!
Supergrans Charitable Trust works to help people to help themselves. You dont have to be a gran at all, just someone willing to share your life skills with others finding the going a bit tough. They are looking for mentors/volunteers now. You might find yourself helping with budgeting, menu planning, grocery shopping and basic cookery. You probably take the many skills you have for granted. They could be life changing for others. Talk to Bronagh 022 061 4132

Bridge Club news

The club tells us that, Jack and Miriam Phillips have competed 25 years commitment to the Plimmerton Bridge club. While Jack retired some years ago Miriam has continued her involvement and to recognise their joint contribution Miriam was offered (and the club is delighted to say has accepted) the role of club patron. We look forward to many more years of her involvement. The club welcomes new members please contact Duncan McLean 233 8287 or Julie Kropp 233 1066

Enrich your relationship

The marriage course is on again at St Barnabas Church starting August 10 on Wednesday nights starting at 7pm.with nibbles then a series of short video clips which allow you

private conversations with your partner. The final session is 28 September and includes a meal. Contact Barbara and Alistair Brown 233 1054 or Anne and Hadley Bond 233 2241

Hows it hanging?
Drapery, figures moving and jeans(!) are the subject for upcoming Friday sketch group sessions. In the clubrooms on the domain at 10am every week with Stuart Nicol. All welcome, gold coin, bring or borrow sketching essentials. Need to know more? Call Mana Arts Denise Farrell 233 2014

Urban athletes Plimmerton

Outdoor training programme moving indoors for winter every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 5.30am-6.30am (that is correct dont be a wimp) from 11 July. Matt explains, This is for men and women who enjoy exercise in a group environment. It offers the experience of our certified personal trainers who will take you through a programme to improve cardiovascular fitness, core stability, and to reduce fat and tone the body and increase your energy levels. matt@urbanathlets.co.nz 027 469 2477 dan@urbanathletes.co.nz 027 637 5019

Direct access kinesiology could be good for what ails you?

An introduction to the principles and practices of kinesiology is being offered at a two day course in Wellington on 7 and 8 August. Laraine Thomson tutor explains, Kinesiology uses muscle testing to receive feedback from the body. The practitioner then uses this information to assess the state of the client and to determine priority techniques for healing. Call Laraine 029 6101 655 or go to www.nzck.co.nz/

Prizewinner says thanks for sunset image

Viv Barham was the lucky winner of our pay-your-subs-early draw. Viv emailed us to say, Thank you very much for the very special Johanna Lowe canvas I received from the PRA. It is a stunning sunset Johanna has captured and brings back warm, summer memories of the special place we live. It will be treasured.

PureBalance Term 3 keep all your parts moving!

The next 12 week term starts on Tuesday 19 July. Contact Deidre-Lee to secure your spot. 027 2076 588 or deidre-lee@purebalance.co.nz Details on www.purebalance.co.nz

Tree fellers on the job (how many? Irish joke)

On Thursday 7 July four elderly pine trees will be removed from the reserve above 60 Gordon Road starting at 7.30am and taking a day to complete. If its windy it will be delayed. Do not park on the road within 50 metres of number 60. A large mobile crane will be set up there to lift the cut trees over power cables. During the day there could be some traffic delays so please park down the road so your journey is not delayed. The trees will be cut into rings for firewood and the PRA will be on site the following day to sell the pine rings for the bonny price of $30 a trailer. The money will be used on Plimmerton projects. Contact the manager Parks and Reserves, Bill Inge, at PCC, if you have any queries binge@pcc.govt.nz

Note: there are some people who took trailer loads of firewood at the last tree felling and have forgotten to pay us for them. Please put a cheque or cash in the letterbox of 22A Steyne Ave no questions asked.

Fundraising ball for multiple sclerosis

Charity Ball at the James Cook Grand Chancellor on 23 July 7.30pm. Tickets from mswellington.org.nz/ball, $50. Support a worthy cause and enjoy a night on the town.

Trying tasks getting you down? Help is at hand and its free!
Bending down to find you cannot get up again? Need someone young and fit to lend a hand? Young world travellers passing through Plimmerton would love to help you with painting, gardening, stacking wood, shopping, clearing the garage, filling a skip and they are happy to help FREE of charge for three hours a day! In return, warm smiles, a friendly chat and a hot drink and the chance to take back a memory of friendly Plimmerton to Uruguay, Taiwan, Germany, France, Switzerland, Canada Ring 021 247 0447 to detail your job and book a time slot.

Civic Awards three cheers for Mrs Chipper!

Congratulations to Helen Chipper for her much deserved award last week in recognition of her pioneering role in village planning which mayor Nick Leggett says, laid a foundation for the other ten villages in Porirua to grow and flourish. Helens leading role in the design, production, installation and sponsorship of our unique seating was also recognised.

Firefighters needed!
Come down to the fire station any Wednesday and meet the guys and girls. Find out about the training and experience that volunteer firefighting offers. Our volunteer firefighters are a respected and valued group who make a huge contribution to our community. And they have a great time doing it!

New year has started for subs

Mysteriously many regular subs payers have not yet paid their $15 for 2011 and 2012. If you are a supporter of the PRA and its work then youll want to pay today! Direct credit to PRA Westpac Porirua account 03-1533-0019155-00

When the chips are down

And they will be. For seven weeks from, July 12 to August 30, Athena and Peter will be taking a very well earned break from Wellingtons supreme chippy to go home to Greece to visit family and friends. Bon voyage and have a great time!

Whitirea Park 6000 plants to get in the ground

Sunday July 17 10am Come along and help with planting behind the dunes and in the gullies to protect native fish in the streams and provide seed sources for birds and wind to spread to other areas of the park. Thanks to regional councillor Barbara Donaldson (see her column in City life and coming soon to a web site near you!).

www.plimmerton.org.nz

Support your community its the best!