Published as Issue No. 142
December 15, 2015
Flying South: It’s a measure of the appreciation of their contribution to the community that three people provided articles to farewell Houghton Valley residents Ruth and Peter Reece from Hornsey Rd, leaving to join family in the South Island. Ruth helped out at the Kae Miller Lodge; Peter will be remembered by many children of the valley for his researching and data collecting of the valley bird life. Both made important contributions to the Kawakawa Commons garden by keeping the vegetable garden tidy and productive; feeding the birds and donating tools.
Each winter for the last six years Peter ‘The Birdman’ has set his mist nets up on the trails in the school forest. It is part of his valuable research of our changing bird population as our valley regenerates its forests. It has also provided hundreds of our children with a unique opportunity to get close to our birds. The joy on their faces as they got to hold and release a bird said it all. At a recent school assembly it was with sadness that students presented him with a farewell tree and a range of cards expressing their appreciation for all he has done. Local people gathered at Ken and Miranda’s home to farewell Ruth and Peter (see photo below, second and third from left).
Locally made Ice cream again this summer: Brian of View Rd is again setting up in competition with Top Top and others, from December 17 to December 23. One dollar a scoop! For what, where, who, how and why, see Houghton Valley Ice Cream Parlour.
Still waiting: Friends of Houghton Valley are still awaiting the outcome of the Judicial Review concerning the multi-housing development in Houghton Bay. On Friday, 4th December an article about saving the natural character of Wellington’s South Coast was published, see http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=84353
Thanks again Brenda: For many years now Brenda, who lives on the corner of Houghton Bay and Hungerford Roads has been decorating her windows for the children kids who come to the playground to enjoy.
Around 25 in 2015: Busy mid December is not the time of the year to talk about new ideas for the newsletter for next year, although possibilities are being discussed. Suffice to say about 25 issues were produced in 2015 and there was always contributions from a range of people. The first in 2016 will be late January.
Norman and contributors