Well, it is nearly the end of March and that means this is my final contribution to the newsletter as convenor. After two years in the role, I have decided it is time to step down as are a few other long serving committee members. Alistair Young, Gay Hoffman and Hugh Butcher have also resigned from various committees. Alistair has been our treasurer for many years, sitting on the main committee and willingly undertaking the tasks that have been asked of him. He has left our organisation in a good financial position and I would like to thank him for all his hard work. Gay has been a member of the various committees over a number of years and more recently the Wednesday and Friday walks committees. She has also represented the Thursday group when needed on the main committee. Hugh Butcher has, like Gay, been an enthusiastic member of the various walks committees for several years. Both Gay and Hugh have been instrumental in discovering, designing, mapping and leading many of the organised walks we have enjoyed over the years. Thanks Alistair, Gay and Hugh. I also would, on your behalf, like to take this opportunity to thank all the committees and leaders for their contribution to the success of this walking group year. Your efforts are appreciated.
The sub-committees will be announced over the coming weeks but the main committee for the 2021/2022 year is:
- Convenor ; Russel Paterson
- Deputy Convenor: Brian Vincent
- Treasurer: Keith Thomas
- Newsletter/Website: Peter Nalder
- Wednesday Walks: Helen Paterson
- Thursday Walks: Vicky Prout
- Friday Walks: Peter Bushnell
- Membership Secretary: Paul Alpe
So what is the news for the past week. All three groups had superb weather for their various walks. On Wednesday a group of 30 members went to Mana Island to experience what that island had to offer. Another 34 participated in a local walk around the streets and reserves of Churton Park. So 64 in total took part on Wednesday of which two were visitors. I would like to welcome, Cherie Arlidge and Viv Burns to the group and we hope we will get to see you again in the future. The Thursday group also walked locally with all five enjoying the late evening light before daylight saving ends over the Easter break . The Friday group (all 9 of them) walked a three hour walk heading around the coast and hills east of the Spruce Goose in Lyall Bay. Thanks to Brian Alderson, Russell Paterson, Christine Binns, Gay Hoffman and Andrew Laing for organising the walks this week.
Monthly Drinks
The voting on the venue for the monthly drinks is now closed. The final results will be forwarded to the new convenor and will be announced in the newsletter in the next week or so.
However, the April monthly drinks will be held as already planned at the Sprig and Fern but as the first Friday of April is Good Friday, they will, for this month only, be held on the second Friday of the month, i.e. 9 April at 5pm at the Sprig and Fern.
Finally, I would like to thank you all, for your support, friendship and commitment that has been given to me over the past few years. It has been truly appreciated. I would like to wish Russell and the committees for the coming year, the very best for another successful year (hopefully without any lockdowns!!!!!).
Alison Lavin
Photos
Here are some photos from last week. Walkers please try and take a photo of each group on walking days and email them to peter@jville.kiwi preferably small size (389kb).
Walk Schedules
You can look at the walk schedule for April here.