The folks in Esther Street have developed a great neighbourhood tradition that brings them together as well as contributing to the wider community. Maybe it will inspire you to do something similar on your street?
It started in the winter of 2013 when the hospitality business was very quiet in town. Some enterprising Esther Street residents decided to book a dinner out, to help the local economy and also give weekenders and permanent residents a chance to meet.
That year the food was prepared by Pinocchio’s, they had just opened for business and as it didn’t have a liquor licence food was ferried across the road and served in Cool Change who happily supplied the drinks – a great collaboration.
At first there were Secret Santa presents but soon it was decided to put that money towards worthy local causes instead. This fundraising is boosted by a raffle and donations in kind.
Beneficiaries have included the Museum, the Toy Library, The Breakfast Club, the Food Bank and last year the Pump Track.
This year the money raised will go towards supporting the Martinborough Christmas celebrations, guests were also invited to supply (wrapped) lollies for distribution at the parade.
Thanks to the creative people involved, the mid-winter dinners have often had a theme. An Apres Ski with Fondue and Mulled Wine at Colombo, Brac and Bow for Booktown, History of Martinborough theme was held at Circus to support the museum, to name just a few.
Around 30 people come to each of these events. To make it work, everyone pays in advance so that the venues have certainty and can offer a good deal.
In addition, end-of-year drinks are held in December – residents take turns at hosting these get togethers which are open to both past and present residents. Maybe with council permission there will be a street party to mark this years 10th anniversary.
With 10 years on the clock, the Esther Street community gatherings continue to thrive, providing the residents with the sort of social network that is sometimes lost in the modern world. There was a brief period, during COVID, when people would meet out on the end of their driveways for a drink but that was lost with the return to normal life.
Maybe it is time to start a movement and make every street an Esther Street.
