Did you know

THE MAYNARD TWINS And Wharekaka extension items in the July Star were erroneously attributed to Rachel McMahon. This should have been Rachel McCahon. Apologies Rachel – Mike.

THERE’S ENOUGH in the world for every man’s need but not every man’s greed – Mahatma Ghandi

ONE IN FIVE apples eaten in the world are of a New Zealand developed variety

SCOTTISH SCIENTIST Sir Henry Faulds discovered in 1880 that every set of finger prints was different. Currently the United States authorities have 60 million sets of prints on file. … Continue Reading

The Old White Truck

 If you live in Martinborough, and if you are lucky enough to visit Martinborough, you will have seen Roger Mills delivering bread around town in his old white truck. And most will know Kay, Roger’s wife, from Madcaps, as chief organiser of the Martinborough Christmas Parade and as a regular fixture around morning tea time at the Village Café. Well, Phillip Percy is very fortunate to have Mr. and Mars Mills as neighbours in Venice Street.

Roger’s daily trips around town delivering bread inspired Phillip to write a wonderful children’s book called ‘The Old White Truck’. The book is beautifully illustrated by Phillip’s father, Dale Percy, and is designed by Dustys&Lulu. It tells the amusing story of when Mr. Mills discovers a most delicious aroma as he delivers bread around Martinborough one morning. Mr. Mills eventually follows the smell back to his own front door where Mrs. Mills has a lovely and very tasty surprise for waiting for him.

The book is already a hit with young people. Lucy Cooper, host of ReCooper8 on Arrow FM said about The Old White Truck: “We’ve read it, several times, to our children, Isla (3 years) and Florrie (6 months) and it gets a big thumbs up (or, in Florrie’s case, gums up – she is quite an adept paper chewer!) from all of us.  Phil’s charming poetical style, combined with his dad’s lovely illustrations, make for a captivating read that provides a tantalizing glimpse into the early morning life of a small New Zealand town.”

The Old White Truck is available at several shops in Martinborough including Peonies and The Wine Centre. You can also order online at www.martinboroughstories.co.nz.

Interested in Birds?

The Ornithological Society (OSNZ), Wairarapa Branch meets monthly alternating between Greytown and Masterton. The meetings are held on the second Thursday starting at 7.30pm. Filed trips to various sites in the Wairarapa are also held monthly, usually on a Saturday or a Sunday.

The next meeting is on August 9th at 7.30 pm in Masterton and is the annual “Big Bird Cup” challenge which is a light hearted contest between members living south of the Waingawa and those living north of this. Members of the public are invited to join in the meetings and the field trips. For further information: contact Peggy Duncan on 3048382 or peggy.duncan@clear.net.nz.
 

Catch the Kiwi Spirit – Become a Pukaha Mount Bruce Volunteer

Thanks to all the fantastic work that is taking place at Pukaha Mount Bruce, visitor numbers are on an upward trend, so a new initiative is underway to recruit and train volunteer hosts to help look after the many thousands of people who are visiting the Wildlife Centre.

This new role involves meeting and greeting visitors to the centre, informing them about tours which are available, which areas they can visit and feeding times throughout the day, as well as answering questions and helping visitors to find their way around the centre.

… Continue Reading