News & Events

5 December 2020

Hawke's Bay branch trip to Oruawharo

Hawke's Bay branch trip to Oruawharo

At the end of November Paddy and Richard Bayley organized a real treat for the Hawke’s Bay Founders Society Christmas end of year outing. Unfortunately the weatherman had not received the message and the day was not ideal. This however did not spoil the day but enhanced it as we had a second chance to spend time in the wonderful old Church. 

A coach load of participants collected from Napier, Taradale, Hastings and Havelock North had a comfortable drive to  ‘Oruawharo’ near Takapau. An interesting commentary throughout the trip kept everyone on their toes. On arrival they were joined by some local members just as light rain began to fall. Luckily the first event was lunch served in the old church, Vincent’s Chapel, formerly situated in Takapau it now sits comfortably on its site in the garden of the homestead.

Paddy had some sad news to begin the day as our centenarian member George Foulds had passed away a few days prior, just after his 101st birthday. He will be very much missed as his enthusiasm for history and genealogy was paramount in his life and he always liked to pass on information to others.

 At beautifully laid out tables we were served a feast suitable for the Christmas occasion. Our members were delighted to welcome the NZ Founders National Secretary Carolyn Adams from Hamilton.  One new member and two “Friends of the Hawke’s Bay Branch” received their certificates.

 

Paddy, explained how one of our members, Faye Sherriff,  had travelled to the NZ Founders National Office in Wellington and assisted the National Secretary Carolyn with the scanning of the copies of membership certificates.  In three days they had completed this massive undertaking.  Members acknowledged their appreciation to Fay and Carolyn for their dedicated effort.

Following lunch members walked across to the Oruawharo homestead where we wandered through the rooms admiring the furniture and soaked up the ambiance from former days. Just all very glad we did not have to do the housework!

The homestead was constructed of native local timbers in 1879 from a design by Charles Tringham for Sydney and Sophia Johnston who emigrated from London. There are four staircases and two dining rooms but the Library is breathtaking with its floor to ceiling bookcases.

Rain began falling again as we left the house.  Our plan to have Christmas cake and wine in the garden was quickly changed and we moved back in to the restaurant area in the church for our final treat of the day.   On the homeward journey, members showed their appreciation to Jan, our extremely capable coach driver, and Paddy and Richard for a lovely day. 

 

Photo 1      Vincent’s Chapel 

Photo 2      Members dining in Vincent’s Chapel Restaurant

Photo 3      Oruawharo Homestead View 1

Photo 4      Oruawharo Homestead View 2

Photo 5      One of Four staircases

Photo 6      Friends of HB Branch with President Paddy Bayley

Photo 7      New Member Helen Martin with President Paddy Bayley

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