Wellington Southern Bays Historical Society Inc.

NOVEMBER, 2008

THE SOCIETY’S NEXT SOCIAL EVENING WILL BE HELD ON
SUNDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2008 AT 2.30pm
at Kilmarnock Heights Home, 20 Morton Street, Berhampore

GUEST SPEAKER

Our special guest for the afternoon will be Dawn Sanders QSM and her subject will be - “Hanging around the Globe”.

She will tell us about the embroidered hangings made at Erskine College for the Globe Theatre, London.

Members requiring transport to this function can contact either President David Ryrie Ph.934-7266 or Secretary Cynthia Coomber Ph, 383-9202.

Afternoon tea will be served.

SOCIAL AND AGM 18 AUGUST, 2008

Over twenty members were present and a large number of apologies were received.

Following the presentation of the annual reports the committee was re-elected for the next year.
Following the meeting our speaker John Sullivan, Curator Photographic Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library entertained us with the history of the Library which was bequeathed to the nation. He showed us a wonderful selection of old photographs of various scenes around our three bays. They were most interesting and created some lively discussions.

BRONZE SCULPTURE UNVEILING - OWHIRO BAY QUARRY INFORMATION CENTRE

On Saturday 23 August 2008 a crowd gathered at the newly opened Owhiro Bay Quarry information centre for the unveiling of a bronze sculpture entitled Frenzy by the late Colin Webster-Watson.
Colin was New Zealand born, and spent most of his adult life living overseas before returning to settle in Eastbourne several years ago. The piece, representing a shark, was created in the 1970s and is one of several he has donated to the Wellington city. Another of his bronzes, Tail of the whale, has been installed on Oriental Parade.
The unveiling of Frenzy was attended by the Mayor, Kerry Prendergast and city councillor, Ray Ahipene Mercer both of whom spoke of Colin’s generosity. Members of Colin’s family including his niece Anne Manchester were also present, along with friends and members of the Owhiro Bay community.
This impressive art work has found a fitting home in the newly upgraded entrance to Te Kopahou reserve and will be admired for years to come by visitors to the wild south coast.

Archives

Our Archivist, Pat Hutchison, is present at our archive, situated in the Home of Compassion, each Friday from 10 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 3.30 pm with the exception of public holidays, and the period from mid-December to the end of January.

Her contact number at the archive is 021 027 86 577, and at home her number is 972 7488.

Please ring Pat at home at least the day before if you plan to visit.
Research volunteers are always welcome and those interested should contact Pat.

As we will soon have to vacate our space at the Home of Compassion we are looking for a new facility to house the archival contents. We are asking our members to help us find suitable accommodation.

The facility must have:

1. Safety for articles in storage.

2. Room for the archivist to work.

3. Accessibility for the public.

4. Room for storage.

5. A nice atmosphere.

6. Low cost.

If anyone can help us find a suitable building could they please let a member of the committee know as soon as possible.

Thank you.

OUTING

Early in October a group of us spent a pleasant morning at Wellington Hospital for a tour of the Royal Doulton Tile Gallery.

The tiles depicting favourite nursery rhymes were originally installed in the King
Edward VII Memorial Hospital for Children in 1910 and generations of children have been entertained by them. Changes in hospital buildings resulted in these tiles being placed in storage and later some were included in and around the present children’s ward.

The remainder are now located in a hallway connecting the old with the new part of the hospital and have been on display to raise funds for the Wellington Children’s Hospital. They will soon be accessible to the general public once the new front entry is open.

BOOK LAUNCH

We wish to thank Mary Logan for inviting us all to the very successful launch of her book “Nordy – Arnold Nordmeyer: a Political Biography,” on Sunday 31 August, 2009. The Hon Annette King officiated and complemented Mary on her diligent research and the creation of a very readable biography of a long term Island Bay resident and local MP. We wish Mary well with her sales.

MAGAZINE 2009

Magazine Editor, Colin Feslier, is in the process of finalising our magazine for this year. It is proving to be a most interesting edition. Unfortunately it will not be available at our November meeting but it will be out before Christmas.

MEMBERS' WELFARE

The Society is aware that from time to time members may become ill or suffer some other personal time of need and

Barbara Hoskins (Phone 383 8847) has kindly agreed to send messages when appropriate.

Please phone Barbara if you know of any member who fits this category and who would benefit from some contact.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Members are reminded that subscriptions for the financial year 2008-2009 are due.

IMPORTANT DATE

Our social events for next year will be held on:

Monday 16 February (at the time of the Island Bay Festival.

Monday 18 May, and

Monday 17 August.

EMAIL ADDRESSES

We are interested in making our communication with members more efficient and cost effective.

If you would be happy to receive Society information on line please advise the Secretary of your address.

Corporate members of the Society :

Emgee Electrical

Island Bay Bowling Club

Island Bay Services Club

Island Bay Video

RE/MAX Leaders Island Bay

Island Bay Physiotherapy

Island Bay Medical Centre

Island Bay Marine Education Centre

Our thanks to Trusts Charitable Foundation Inc for their donation towards the rent for the Society’s archive.

Newsletter photocopying service provided by Lorraine Edwards, REMAX Leaders Real Estate, Island Bay. Phone 383 8282.