Plimmerton Residents Association Newsletter

Whats new in Plimmerton?

April 2014
HOT off the press Plimmerton Volunteer Fire brigade needs you ALARMing day-time fire-fighting shortage
If you are reasonably fit, here during the day, kids off at school Plimmerton needs you! Our fire fighters say, We are critically short of day-time fire fighters and need people to step up and start training. You will learn everything you need to know over six months here, then after an intensive weeks course you will be part of the team. The only health issue that will stop you is asthma, apart from that you can get stuck in. Come on down to the fire station on Wednesday evening about 7.15pm and meet the team.

Leo sets SCORCHING pace for Sky City tower stair climb
Local fire fighter Leo Smith is doing this gut-buster challenge again as the defending NZ champion. Please support her effort to raise funds for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ. She will carry 25kg of equipment up 1,103 steps, think about that. To sponsor her Amazonian effort www.firefightersclimb.org.nz and find Plimmerton or Leo Smith.

More huff and puff for SMOKING HOT fire fighters

Dave Anderson from the fire brigade says they have new breathing apparatus sets that they have been trialling. These enable us to work longer and more safely, he says. Thanks to Mainline steam for the use of their facilities for this training.

PRA news Musical chair on the move

Colin Bleasdale is taking a years leave from his PRA chair role. Fans of Mana Blues and Xkeys will miss the great work Colin does on the drums, and many local community groups will miss the huge contribution that Colin and Marg make here. PRA meetings (fourth Monday of each month) will continue to be held at the fire station professionally run, inclusive and positive. Committee members will take on additional roles and will welcome people who would like to join us and help shape Plimmertons future.

Civil defence guru moving from PRA to Germany

Our energy expert Dave Lowe has been snapped up to consult at a stratospheric level on New Zealand-Germany scientific opportunities. Alan Reader has stepped into the civil defence breach to keep momentum going. Four Plimmerton people responded to our last notice about civil defence training. Great stuff. And we are keen to hear from good organisers who can help run this very important part of our programme.

Political messages in election year, no-no

The PRA cannot promote any political messages as this would compromise our charitable status as an incorporated society. Please dont send us any!

AGM history and mystery at Plimmerton Boating Club

Monday 26 May 7.30pm note change of venue this year Our esteemed (and, till next month, mystery) guest speaker will share poignant stories and images of stories of Plimmerton people who served in World War One to start our WW100 commemorations. A brisk review of current projects, and those in the pipeline, plus the usual business and the winning prize draw (more about that next month too) will be followed by the usual top-hole supper. Put the date in your diary today.

Free defib and CPR training for everyone note the date
Defibrillator and CPR training is being offered to everyone in Plimmerton by PRA and Wellington Free Ambulance. The tentative date is Wednesday 7 May at St Andrews. Details in the next newsletter and on the web site when its confirmed.

Maintenance review lumps, dumps, bumps, clumps and slumps

Please let us know if there are any issues like unsafe trees, blocked drains, holes in pavements, slippery steps, etc. plimmertonra@gmail.com so these can be added to the schedule. Urgent matters should be referred to PCC 237 5089

Neighbourhood groups muster and cluster now

Our new civil defence organiser Alan Reader is keen for people to get into gear and organise themselves into neighbourhood street groups. Lets get these groups up and running as this is the key to a successful community response to emergencies. Theres a booklet called Its easy get prepared for an emergency - prepared neighbours edition which you can get from The Big Salami for your group, or download from www.getprepared.org.nz. This is from Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office, WREMO, with ideas to help you organise neighbourhood meetings. Let us know when you have a street group going! If you can help to get our community prepared for emergencies, plimmertonra@gmail.com

Neighbourhood day this Sunday

Check out www.neighboursday.org.nz/ to find out more. Neighbourhood Day is an international event to promote safer communities. This could be the ideal date to talk to your neighbours and get a street meeting organised. Taupo Crescent residents are holding a picnic in their playground and planning an antitagging mural for the wall there. Good work that neighbourhood.

Facebook group for Plimmerton/Camborne residents

Locals Mel Troy and Eleanor Cater have set up this forum to share information, general discussion, news about events and activities, and useful emergency and police information. Here are the rules, Mel says. We ask people to respect each other as adults who may have different opinions, no swearing or personal attacks, try to keep everything constructive. The group is monitored and anything detrimental will be removed by the administrators. Just find Plimmerton/Camborne Community Group on Facebook and request to be added, its that easy. And you can contact Eleanor or myself if you need to.

Your neck of the woods right in the village

This months winner is one youll all be familiar with. Bella says, It is a building with a strong aesthetic where a pohutukawa complements and contrasts. In summer theres a striking colour combo with the bricks and red flowers. Its pruned to keep out of gutters and is a real asset to an otherwise formal frontage. If its your place you have won a prize courtesy of Caf Vella. Check it out www.plimmerton.org.nz/your-neck-of-the-woods/ Contact us at plimmertonra@gmail.com to claim your voucher.

Calling everyone who owns a camera competition closing soon!

Beverly from Guardians of Pauatahanui Inlet reminds us that its our last chance to enter the GOPI 14th annual photo competition. The categories are nature, recreation, human impact and artistic and its open to people of all ages, she says. Entries close on Wednesday 9 April. All the info and entry forms www.gopi.org.nz/photo-competition/

Battles recalled in Plimmerton house names

Two houses in Karehana Bay were named to commemorate World War One battles - Krithia and Somme House. There was a third, 51 Moana Road, called Anzac Cove 1916 which was a well-known landmark until its demolition in the 90s. A photo remains of the original name on the house. Stories and photos www.plimmerton.org.nz/history/anzac-stories/anzaccove/

Karehana Park stream bank transformation under way

Cutting of the eastern culvert wall and removal of concrete is complete. Now the bank can be reshaped and planted. Visit the park to check out progress youll see layouts of the pavers that have been sold and will soon be put into the path to be constructed If your family does not yet have a paver this could be your last chance to create a special family memory for your grandchildren in the park. You can buy pavers and see the redevelopment plans www.plimmerton.org.nz/events/karehana-park/

Motuhara residents set up tree management group

A group of residents is networking to develop sustainable management for properties, verges and road reserve in Motuhara Road from 55 to the crest of the hill at 71. The minutes of their first meeting are on our web site. They plan to clear rubbish and introduced weeds, plant appropriate natives with assistance from the council and to remove unstable larger trees which are a storm hazard, again with council help and an arborist. Reminder: in two previous newsletter we have passed on the message that home owners are responsible for having large trees trimmed and topped so they do not interfere with overhead wires. In the last big storm several life threatening situations arose where big trees caused dangerous situations when branches or trees fell and brought down live wires.

March events how did they go?

Plimmerton Croquet Club now has a new website up and running thanks to a huge effort by local Carol Kleim, Alison Lloyd Davies tells us. For all immediate news and photos www.croquet.org.nz/clubs/plimmerton/news/index.html Rotary Book Fair the usual well organised and heavily supported event saw a 10% increase in sales this year and raised $20,000 for projects supporting local youth. Of the books left over they say 30% have been kept for next year, 30% have gone to another Rotary Club book sale and the remainder have gone to be made into egg cartons! Great work and congratulations. St Theresas School Carnival had a nervous start with a cyclone predicted to hit, but the weather stayed lovely and the gala was a great success. Mana Lions Ronald McDonald House Charity Golf Tournament. Dave Black reports, We had a great day with 80 enthusiastic golfers teeing off in perfect weather. Were confident that well be writing a cheque for around $4000. Organisers are grateful for the tremendous help from local businesses and individuals who generously supported this very worthwhile cause. Andrew London Trio and carvery at Plimmerton Boating Club fantastic evening, very funny and great musicians, bring them back soon!

Bouquet for sailing coaches

Plimmerton identity Mary Casey writes, Congratulations to the Plimmerton Boating Club for their excellent Learn to Sail programme. Karehana Bay is a great venue as children can learn the skills of sailing in all weathers mostly in Optimist yachts, and become confident in themselves and their boats as well as having a good time! The coaches enable many children to have this valuable experience and do a great job supervising and teaching them how to sail. Well done and keep up the good work.

Mana Parents Centre courses for parents of 2-7 year olds

Parenting with purpose a six week course on Wednesday nights from 16 April to 21 May 79.30pm look at parenting skills and find out which are the most productive. Magic moments a three week course on Wednesday nights from 28 May to 11 June 79.30pm how to build caring relationships with children while giving clear boundaries. More info, prices, bookings and address info consciousparentingmpc@gmail.com

Neighbourhood support newsletter

Out of the blue, from the Neighbourhood Support Network. Their newsletter is on our website with crime stats for February, security advice for your property and advice about safe neighbourhoods www.plimmerton.org.nz/neighbourhood-info/crime/

Mosaic makers on the tiles

Kerry says hello to everyone who expressed interest in helping to make the mosaic concrete wave seats. She says, I will contact you in three to four weeks time as I am still working on a piece in Ranui. We will be making the mosaic in the Mungavin Hall in Porirua East near the Ranui sculpture.

Time travellers historic tours of Porirua popular

Organised through U3A, these bus tours through the region with local historian Brian Mosen have been chock-a-block. You can find out more from Mana U3A about all the interesting events they run for their 190 plus members. Contact Robyn sweetpea6@paradise.net.nz

Accommodation news
Granny flat to rent $250 a week for cosy self-contained fully furnished flat with all amenities. Across road from beach, easy walk to station and cafes. Lovely outdoor area, free sunsets, small friendly cat and dog to visit, suit professional person/s. Rent includes electricity and local phone and wireless broadband. Refs required, 233 8753. Room available with own bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. Linen supplied, own amenities and share kitchen. Very close to station and cafes. Top notch accommodation, short or long term. Beverly 233 2557.

The Dog Park banishing the home-alone hound dog blues

Justine tells us that they are now offering full day doggy care plus pick-up and drop-off for morning and afternoon play times. So, no more long, sad days for doggies at home alone. Your canine companion will greet you at the end of each day pleasantly pooped from a day doing what dogs do best, socialising and burning up all that energy with doggy mates. Justine says, We have a huge outdoor area for maximum doggy fun with indoor space for wet days and lots of room for running and playing. We do full or half days and collect and drop off as you want. We are compiling an album of happy dogs in The Dog Park on the web site during April. To book justine@thedogpark.co.nz

Emerging Light Gallery this month

Con-textural Exhibition opens Friday 28 March with texture, textile and mixed media by local artists. International Book Day at the gallery 23 April. Meet local authors and view/purchase their books Irene Swaddling, Adrienne Jansen, Wendy Betteridge and more to come. ANZAC weekend 25-28 April: Remembrance Wall and exhibition of portraits and memorabilia from 1914-18 with a Plimmerton focus. Michael invites you to, Pin up a poppy in on the wall of remembrance in memory of family members. Display and photos: Allan Dodson.

Gig guide music, drama and art

Plimmerton Boating Club Fran Barton and Kevin Clark Jazz Night Carvery Dinner Sunday 6 April from 6.30pm. But wait theres more! She was a sensation last month and shes back by popular demand, tango/gypsy fiddler Fiona Smythe. Call Richard at PBC to book a table 233 1592. Topor Bar and Bistro Sundays 12-2pm live music outside while you enjoy brunch or lunch. Throughout April, while the weather is kind. Phone 233 9939. Mana Little Theatre presents Alice a NZ political satire adapted from Lewis Carroll by Sue Mortimer and Stephanie Drew. From 16 April to 3 May at the newly renovated theatre behind the pavilion. Bookings 233 8087 or email smort9256@hotmail.com Richard Young Gallery 4 School Road, open Saturdays 1-4.30pm and by appointment. See the web listing for exhibition details or call Richard 021 084 57322.

Make sweet music

Saxophone and clarinet tuition with Blair Latham, 20 years experience blair.littleblast@gmail.com 021 239 7945. Drum lessons with Tia Beaufort in Pukerua Bay, professional tutor for beginners or advanced. tiabeaufort@gmail.com 0211 903 077.

PureBalance FREE introduction to yoga for newbies

Deidre Lee invites everyone who has not tried yoga to come along to one of her classes at no cost. Everyone talks about the health benefits of yoga but if you are not sure please come along and see if its right for you. Call me to book. Deidre-Lee 027 207 6588.

Swissball exercise Swissball cardio or Move and groove classes.

The studio, Unit 1, 9 Northpoint St. 027 618 9145 juliap@paradise.net.nz

Kai time casual dining and special occasion choices

Thai Plimmerton opens this week. Sean says, We are open from 11am till 8pm and we are offering real Thai food, plus barbecue chicken and chips. Pop in and welcome Seans team to Plimmerton and try it yourself. 233 2138. See the menu www.plimmerton.org.nz/business-directory/cafes-and-restaurants/thai-plimmerton/ Caf Vella is now open 7 days from 9 till 4pm and on Friday and Saturday nights. Eric says, We have all your old favourites on the menu - and even on the staff with me, Vicky and Michelle! We are pleased to offer you Bruno Rossi coffee which you can enjoy in our renovated sunny courtyard. And please talk to us about catering for your special occasions. Call 233 9111. Ezee Meals can be bought from St Andrews church on Tuesday and Thursdays. Everything from roast dinners to all day breakfasts and dainty desserts. For the menu and other details on our web site.

Plimmerton Taj new chefs, daily specials, friendly service, authentic cuisine. Phone 233 0474. The Big Salami pizza with pizzazz, prompt delivery, cake of the day, great coffee, its all here at our community hub! Phone 233 9939. Plimmerton Fish queues winding down the streets testify to the consistent quality and popularity of our local chippy. Phone 233 8063. Topor Bar and Bistro Steve and Valerie are celebrating their first year anniversary on 29 April. They say, Come along and enjoy our Sunday brunch and lunch menu with Polish extras and live music. Were revising the dinner menu and the Polish Club gave it the big tick thumbs up when they tested it recently old favourites and some exciting new dishes. Phone 233 9939.

Take note singers twice as tuneful

This popular group are plain folks having heaps of fun singing in harmony. No auditions, just come along and sing. Tuesdays 7.30 8.45pm at Patakas community room and now theres a new group, same day same place, but starting at 10.30 am. Contact David Dell 04 528 8595 dell@clear.net.nz .www.takenotesingers.co.nz

Urgent help needed with bumpy stony apology for a lawn

Can anyone help fix this neglected, abused ex-lawn? Ideally a strong competent experienced person who can fix it this autumn for a reasonable price! Bad news: wheelbarrow access only, good news: its flat! 029 7701 109.

Winters on its way beat the cold with a heat pump

Its time to think about winter heating. For free quotes and genuine advice consult your local heat pump experts Smart Air Solutions www.smartairsolutions.co.nz or call 233 6161.

Can you ride horses? Play the piano? Tutor art? Swim or go to the gym with someone? Help kids in a hydrotherapy pool? Work at a garden harvest festival?
Volunteer Porirua needs people like you with a range of skills and talents to share. Call Lynne 237 5355 email porirua@volunteerwellington.org.nz Volunteer work can lead to paid employment. A local mother of a teenage boy tells us, I said to him get a summer job, and if you cant get one, volunteer. He did. They loved him and his IT skills. Its led to a paid summer job and ongoing weekend and holiday work to pay university fees through the year. Smart kid. Wise mum.

Big Mac Slabs and Palmers Garden Centre Easter sale

Big Mac Slabs Furniture and Palmers Garden Centre will be having a monster Easter sale. Steph says, Come along for fantastic bargains and bring the kids to check out the latest addition to the Big Mac Slabs Furniture playground! Next PRA meeting Monday 28 April 7.30pm, fire station, contact us for inclusion on the agenda. Our website: http://www.plimmerton.org.nz/ and our email: plimmertonra@gmail.com

Support your community its the best!