At a Wairarapa Hospital Board meeting in 1989, at which Mrs Wendel Wall was the South Wairarapa representative, the speaker was Sister Monica Landy who had returned from a visit to America. There she had studied work being done to encourage older people to keep their minds and bodies active so that they had something worth while to look forward to each day.
Wendel was very impressed and subsequently the organization W.O.O.P.S. (Wairarapa Organization For Older People) was proposed.
A public meeting was held at the Anglican Parish hall where a large attendance listened to Sister Monica speak on insuring that the aging community kept in touch and remained active.
It was agreed to begin to provide such an opportunity in Martinborough and a name for such a club was required. Loui Jones suggested ‘The Martinborough Friendship Club’ so that all ages could be included.
Mrs Joan Gibson accepted the position of convenor, Jenny Hardie to handle finance and a catering team of three to make soup, three to cook slices and scone maker. Others to be part of a phoning team. A list of local and new residents was drawn up.
Within a few months Jenny moved to Taupo and Nolene White took over as Trustee/Treasurer. Soon after Joan became unwell and Nolene was asked to be convenor.
The Trustees were Joan, Gordon Taylor and Nolene. Their job was to find the necessary funds to pay hall hire and arrange entertainment etc. It had been decided that the club would not be money making but with enough members would be self supporting. Recently that job has become difficult.
After twenty five years Nolene has decided that she can no longer carry on in this roll.
Other catering members are also in their 80s to 90s but it is agreed that it is up to them who may have age and health issues to choose their on- going rolls. Ideally the club would do well with a new team, and is prepared to embrace any changes which may be suggested to the long standing format.
In the new year a meeting can take place and there are possibilities to keep this service going. There is a definite need for an opportunity for the community to gather, share a meal and in general keep in touch with others – and at the same time encourage new residents to be involved.
Nolene White
