Watch those costs!

Don't forget - we must be realistic about costs and not become over committed.

Meeting on 27th April 2010

Good attendance. This meeting was intended to be just for the steering committee, but interest is such that several others attended as well. Now isn't that a good omen?

We were very happy to welcome our local Rodney District Councillor, Dave Parker, who has for many years been a keen supporter of Puhoi functions. Also Des Peate, a stalwart of our history, expressed deep interest. Musicians from Ohaupo put forth their ideas and possible contributions to the celebrations.

Useful Links

'Puhoi 150th Anniversary Steering Committee' www.puhoi150years.org.nz
'Puhoi Dialect Challenge' www.puhoidialect.net.nz
'Puhoi Historical Society' www.puhoihistoricalsociety.org.nz

Enjoy!

What are we celebrating?

There could be two things to celebrate.

1. The actual landing in 1863.

2. The progress the settlement has made over the intervening years.

I have always understood that it was the actual landing that was celebrated.

Meeting on 16th February 2010

Yesterday we held a meeting for the 150th celebrations in 2013.

Attending this meeting were 21 people who expressed a high interest in the celebrations.

At times it became quite excitable with everyone putting forward their ideas many of which could possibly bear fruit over the next few years.

A steering committee was formed and the next meeting is to be held on Tuesday the 27th February 2010 at the same venue, the Puhoi Hotel dining room which is adorned with many historical photos of Puhoi.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is Tuesday, 16th February.

All welcome!

Parking and Security

I can foresee problems with parking. Do you have any solutions?

Also, the winter weather may cause parking disruptions.

Any ideas? Where, and who will take responsibility? Will all the vehicles fit into the village?

Meeting on the 21st September

Our last meeting was a good casual follow on from our first meeting.

Our main aim is to get a programme sorted but that is not the easiest task --- some thought we were going in circles.

Taking into account the time of year and various projects, would the celebrations take place over two or three days ?

Fund raising set the adrenalin working overtime and suggestions of taking advantage of incorporated Societies brought forth ideas. Sheryl is to proceed in part and report later.

Maurice brought copies of Centennial pics from NZ Weekly News. Do you remember the excitement as the boats came up river? Were you there?

Larry suggested that maybe the Helensville Maori group be approached as well as Mahurangi.

There is plenty of talk going on. As Brian said, don't lose the momentum.

"Don't forget to book the Bishop!" were the parting words of the day.

Where is the Fiddler?

Since 1863 traditional music has been kept alive by several families always with someone to play the violin, until currently when the band plays minus that important component, the violin. Yes, Linda's hands have succumbed to tireless years of Fiddling the Fiddle.

Past fiddlers have included Ben Bayer who treasured his violin and played it with expertise and love. Another was Annie who excelled herself and really put all her might and energy into the serious side of music. Ben Lambert also played and, at the Centennial, he, with others, sat on the road outside the Puhoi Hall and gave it everything possible to celebrate the great occasion.

Melody haunts the hills as if their spirits are watching over us.

Program

A programme of events will be set up in due course. At this stage sorting out exactly what events and what times is in “the jam and pickle stages” (to quote a long past serving priest)!

Possibly something like this,
Fri 28th June Traditional musical evening at hotel
Sat 29th a.m. High Mass,
Re enactment, Maori Welcome, Parade, refreshments, lunch?
Honouring Age Luncheon
Sat evening, frivolity of some kind (Ball - dance? in the Hall)
Sun a.m. Mass, Cemetery Procession,
Mix & Mingle - Hall- refreshments

Fund raising ideas?

If you find a hole in your pocket mend it quickly for digging deeply will be on the agenda for the next three to four years! Fund raising has to be done for all celebrations whether we like it or not. Any suggestions will be listened to with interest.

Suggestions so far include a recipe book of Puhoi recipes (see the comments on my 11th July post), a Bierfest, luncheons, dinners, and maybe a concert.

Days gone by brought forth the cakes and raffles, stalls etc. but those who spent hours pickling onions, making jam for the trading tables have passed on. What do we do now? The oven has grown cold.

Re-enactment

The majority of those people I've spoken to think a re-enactment could be a great idea. After some investigation as to the tide suitability, it was reported that the tide in June 2013 might be in our favour for a re-enactment. Thanks to Des for hunting that down.

Of course boats and willing people must be found. The Mahurangi group has expressed interest and maybe they can come up with some ideas about boats --- we do not need the "Queen Mary." The "Jane Gifford" maybe a bit presumptuous?

It is important that Maori play a significant part in this as they conveyed the original settlers up river in 1863. Pioneer and Maori traditional dress would be appropriate and respectful.

The land below the hall used for 125th celebrations is now probably unsuitable because trees having overgrown the site. Maybe the new wharves would be ideal with a welcome ceremony taking place there (depending on the weather), followed by a parade or a welcome meal.

Suggestions anyone?