A lone walnut tree stands in the midst of building work outside Winemaker Services (commonly known as the bottling plant) in the Square. It was planted in 1950 and is bearing fruit this autumn as it has done for many years. Although the extension to the bottling plant that is currently under construction is close to the tree, every effort is being made to protect it in keeping with the desire to preserve this part of Martinborough’s building heritage.
Owen Whiteman, Plant Manager, says that the bottling plant building, which dates back to 1903, does not meet the current earthquake code and needs strengthening. Because of its historical significance as much as possible of the original building will be retained. Wall strengthening is a major part of the work required, but one brick wall has had to come down completely. This is the wall at the north end of the plant, and, as Owen says, the space beyond it “provides a golden opportunity to create new office space”.
Janice Mills, Office Manager, will have a brand new office which will be much more accessible with an entrance directly off Kansas St instead of through the yard as at present. There will also be an office for the stores manager, who currently works on the far side of the premises and cannot always see the comings and goings of vehicles and goods.
When the brick wall was demolished, the very heavy old safe door was removed. It featured many signatures and messages written over the years, including one that records the walnut tree’s beginning as “planted by T Findlay June 1950”. The door may be gone but the tree remains, along with the essential character of the building. If you’re passing in the next week or so, do pick up a few walnuts – I promise you they are excellent quality!
Rachel McCahon
