Had a Few People Come to Dinner

About 200 people actually. The end-of-year celebration for those who've attended this year's Nuturing the Future, parenting courses.

They came from all directions, all over the Coast, to On Yer Bike/Little Earth Model Village to see the village and have a barbeque meal. Most of the food was donated, by New World Supermarket and other anons.

The weather, for a largely outdoor event, was nothing short of miraculous. After 2 days of heavy, steady rain - including when Warren and his crew were all day cooking the pig on a spit over a wood-fire, it stopped raining about 1/2 an hour before they were due to arrive. The sun even broke through.

It was a great event and a huge success, thanks to everyone who helped. I didn't get any dinner though! The queues were too long.





Everyone there got a trip on the Haglund. Thanks Michael!



There was even a bus-load came down from Westport, thanks to a cheap deal by Cunningham's Coaches.



Each family was supposed to bring a Gnome for Gnomeland. Not everyone did, but the ones we got were great. Gnomeland's population has grown.

Reefton People!

These are George, Haidee & Bayley Smith-Murcott, who came to see us today.
George works at Reefton Motors and used to be Treasurer of Friends of Waiuta.

cheers

The Other Model Village

Before and after shots of Bushy Steve's Model Village - Gnomeland's first model village - with and without weeds.

We called it that because it was set up in the first place by Steve, who used to work here - he died. Steve had bushy hair & a big beard, hence Bushy Steve (there was also Little Steve, on the bikes).

It gets very weedy because the water-spout over top of the walking track up the hill gets directed across it by the blessed winds! It will have to be moved - one day.

Oops!

We had gale-force winds in the weekend - the sign broke!

Did i mention that i hate bloody boggery winds?

The Roadside Sign

We've got a new sign up above the road. Now we just have to wait & see if the council, or anyone else, complains.

Actually, when I was up there, putting it up, an asian guy stopped his car & took my photo - so it must be eye-catching.

Red-Haired Maori Boys!

Jarrad & Callum are over for a holiday and spent the day in the village yesterday. Jarrad says that when he leaves school, he's coming to work here. That won't be for a year or two.

Always great to see them.




This photo-board is proving to be a big hit. It gets pictures taken every day. We'll make another one, one day - when there's time.


cheers

A Waiuta Girl

This is Naelane Dale who came to see us yesterday, (in the rain!) She lives in Temuka now. When she lived in Waiuta, she was Naelane Magee and had redhair & freckles.

She went to school with my mum! And knew Reefton as well.

Always a joy to see Waiuta people - they're a breed apart.