Those rates

The District Council has published it’s proposed annual rate increase through until 2021/22 which shows an average increase of 3.7% a year over that period.

Next year’s increased is proposed at 4.31% followed by 4.07% in 2013/14 and then 2.44% the following year. It is important to remember that these increases are cumulative rather than on the current rate. I.E. after three years the rate will have gone up 10% on your current demand.

However the great unknown are the various proposals for amalgamation which seem to have gathered considerable momentum. It is difficult to see the Council being in its current form much longer.

Differing proposed options carry differing responsibilities. Both costs and government subsidies will vary considerably according to which amalgamation option is decided on. The subject of rates will then obviously have to be completely recalculated. Maybe they’ll go down?

Martinborough Women Lead the Way in “2012 Year of Women’s Squash”

Martinborough Squash Club continues to go from strength to strength, with large numbers of adult players, a fully subscribed business house competition, a vibrant and growing junior squash programme and three teams in the Wellington Interclub competitions. But the story this doesn’t tell is about the strength of Women’s Squash at the club.

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Martinborough School’s New Principal

Craig Nelson

Craig was originally a mainlander being bought up in Nelson but has been in the Wellington area for the last 21 years. His wife Nicki is a lecturer at Victoria University and he has two sons, Josh 10 and Toby 5, who have settled well into Martinborough school.

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First Church

Following our very successful Book sale in June ( we hope that all avid readers picked up plenty of great reading then especially since the library is currently running a reduced service ), First Church is hosting  two further special events this year as we celebrate our freshly painted building. 

Saturday 4th August at 4pm in the church. Billed as “Music to his ears” this will be a programme of classical and popular music by the favourite composers of Charles Dickens, to be performed by distinguished musicians, Cherry van Kranen, Victoria Jones, Elizabeth Patchett and Rebecca Steel, with a linking narrative devised by Graeme Burnard. There are no ticket sales, a note koha will be appreciated, and proceeds are going to First Church. We suggest coming in good time for a seat to what will be a remarkably fine and entertaining concert. 

Sunday September 9th  “Cant ate” the ladies choir from Wellington are coming to Martinborough to perform at 2pm in First Church.

As the year goes on we will be holding the traditional Kirk Fair in October and  the Flower Show in November.  On the first Sunday in December, the closest to St Andrews Day, we are planning to hold a service of  ” Kirking the tartan”.