PO Box 56076, Tawa Wellington 5249; Secretary ph 232 5901
Website: tawahistory.org.nz
The Tawa Historian
Newsletter #48 – May 2019
Dear Members and Friends,
New Book to be Launched
For the past 18 months, work has proceeded on a book entitled The Mexteds of Pluckley, Kent and Tawa Flat, Wellington. Currently the text, by Bruce Murray, has been completed; the work of design and layout is under way, and we expect to receive it from the printer in time for a launch in late June, 2009. Members and friends are accordingly invited to the launch which will be held at 6.00pm on Wednesday 26 June 2019 in the showroom of Mexted Motors, 145-151 Main Road, Tawa. Fingerfood, tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be served. Please come, and bring friends.
The aim of the book is to answer a simple question: Why would a family, who had lived in Kent for hundreds of years, make a dangerous 25,000 kilometre journey halfway round the world in 1841, in a small (444 tons) sailing ship, knowing that they would never see family and friends again?
Please note this event in your diary, and make the necessary effort to attend this launch. Members of the wider Mexted family, who have made such a contribution to the life of Tawa (Flat) will be present also.
Another book in preparation
A history of Takapu Valley is the subject of another book which has been in preparation for some time, and will be launched probably around October 2019. Mike Steer has been working on this project conducting interviews and meeting those who have some knowledge of this part of our Tawa community.
Thanks
We are grateful to the Tawa Community Board, the Wellington City Council, and a Mexted Trust for the provision of funding to assist us with the design and layout of the two books mentioned above. These days design and layout is not only important for presenting to the public a well set out book, but it can even make the book more attractive and easier to read. As design and layout is one of the more significant costs associated with the publication of any book, it was gratifying to receive additional funding for this purpose. It also helps us to offer books at reasonable prices.
ANZAC Day 2019
Once again it was a pleasure for our Society to be associated with the Service of Remembrance held at the Tawa Memorial on 25 April. On a day of perfect weather - plenty of sun and no wind or rain - a good crowd were present once again. We are indebted to the New Zealand Defence Force, and in particular the Joint Operations Health Group; our speaker, Group Captain Andy Scott, DSDS, RNZAF; the Red Hackles Pipe Band; Trumpeter Nicholas Garrett; students from Tawa College and Tawa Intermediate School; members of Tawa Scouts and Guides and other youth Groups; pianist Lois Hill; sound system by Graeme Conijn of Sight and Sound; and the RSA Chaplain, Rev Annette Carter of the Tawa Anglican Parish. The Memorial and its surroundings are an excellent place for this particular occasion. We are especially grateful to the members of the Tawa RSA who take overall responsibility not only for the Service and its sound system but who cater for a breakfast prior to the Service and a morning tea/light lunch following it.
Sundry matters
We have suggested to the WCC that, in view of the damage done by the public when parking cars at the northernmost boundary of Oxford Street which has seen damage done to the stakes supporting the two trees planted within the bounds of the Tawa Memorial, that some for of parking restricting need to be considered in this area.
We have suggested to the WCC that the area containing the Tawa Memorial, the Brian Webb Memorial Rose Garden, the Elsdon Best Memorial, and the stone to which two plaques are affixed regarding the end of WW1, be signposted as “Memorial Corner” of Grasslees Reserve.
We continue to work with the WCC regarding the development of a ‘rules’ document to govern the placement of any further names on the Tawa Memorial. We hope that by the end of 2019 such a document will be finalised.
Kind regards,
Bruce Murray
Chairman,
Tawa Historical Society