Our rally continued at Naenae College over the weekend, and we certainly couldn't complain about the weather. It was hot and sunny, and everyone was so pleased having the large shady trees to shelter under. There was a momentous occasion when Harry Shackleton, patriarch of the Wairarapa Caravan Club, was awarded Life Membership of CCNZ (Caravanning and Camping New Zealand). Harry and his late wife Lorraine had been involved in CCNZ, our parent organisation, for many years and he had served on the Executive Committee for quite sometime. The award was presented by Alan Dale, Keeper of the Records. All this came as a complete surprise to Harry, and to most of us present. Many congratulations Harry, this award is richly deserved.
Alan Dale and Harry Shackleton
We had two guest speakers on Sunday evening, first was Tamsin, who is in charge of the special needs unit at Naenae College, “Te Whare o te Atawhai”, and had been working here for 13 years. Eligible pupils get funded and can stay at the school from the age of 13 years till 21 years, although most opt to leave after 5 years or so. Tamsin related the trials and joys of working with these children, and finds it a marvelous fulfilling role.
Our other speaker for the evening was Taylor, who is the Property Manager of the college. He is also a Kaumatua, and teaches Kapa Haka, rugby, soccer and golf. I was amazed when he related he could trace his Scots ancestry back to the time of Mary Queen of Scots, and told of one of his forefathers arriving in New Zealand in the mid 1800s and marrying a Maori girl. Taylor was such an interesting speaker and is justly proud of both his Scots and Maori heritage. In fact he showed me his family tree on his cell phone, scrolling back through pages and pages. That is real family history indeed, going back so many generations. Many apologies for the blurry photo, obviously my camera was misbehaving on the night.
Taylor and Tamsin
Gemma wasn't the only pet at the rally. Here she is trying her best to get into Dot’s camper van, but her lead only let her in the door. She really would have liked to get further inside, but……. that's as far as she could get. The other pet at the rally was Judith and Alan’s lovely rescue dog. Half Jack Russell and Papillion, this litter was kept in awful conditions before being rescued from the puppy farm. He is a gorgeous dog, although still a little shy after his bad start to life. He has found a good home with Judith and Alan and is much loved.
We must thank our sponsors for their generosity to our club in donating items for the Regional Rally, it was most appreciated, and certainly was a big help.
Our sponsors for the rally
After the Closing Ceremony on Monday morning, it was time to take the club photos. Here’s our club Heretaunga, what a lovely bunch we are!
Heretaunga Caravan Club members
We said our goodbyes, packed up and drove away. We have another rally to attend very soon, the ICA Rally starting in Urenui in a few days time. What a busy life, it’s all go at the moment!
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