CHAIRPERSON'S ANNUAL REPORT 2016
2016 has been
another busy year and our final visit on December 7th -9th saw
the Park looking splendid, with Peonies and Kalmia in full
flower and quite a number of rhododendrons still in bloom. The
main purpose of the visit was to continue dead-heading and try
and get as much done before Christmas. We were very pleased to
have Ian and Marie Mason join us and we have progressed quite
well. There is still plenty to do and if you have a spare hour
or two attacking a few more rhodos would be great. We will
achieve a better flowering next year for Conference, if we dead
head as many plants as possible.
A meeting was arranged
with contractor, Tony Mc Intyre, to discuss replacing drain
pipes across the top dam and removing insect damaged Astelia.
This will be done when Tony is not so busy and the ground drier.
Tony has very kindly `found’ some larger concrete pipes that
will be very suitable for the job.
With the 2017 NZRA
Conference “Gardens of the Country Road” approaching the Trust
Board have embarked on an expenditure program to replace our
appalling road signage, chalet refurbishment, some minor
earthworks (as described) further urgent arborist work and
previously flagged renewal of the internal garden signage. We
have over the past three years accumulated some reasonable cash
surplus which will enable us to accomplish the above programme
notwithstanding that we have applied for grants for the garden
signage and Chalet refurbishment. To date we have received $4000
from Eastern & Central Community Trust towards the garden
signage and are awaiting a decision from NZ Community Trust on
our application for assistance for the Chalet refurbishment. As
the cost of the garden signage project is in the order of $13000
that will necessarily be a work in progress.
Planning for
“Gardens of the Country Road”, October 27 –Oct 30, 2017, is
progressing smoothly and as the date approaches no doubt the
pace will pick up. The programme of garden visits has been
finalised, bus itinerary drawn up, function venues booked and
catering near to being finalised. All we need now are paying
guests. Regardless of this being an NZRA conference there will
be opportunities for Friends of Heritage Park to participate in
the whole of conference or on a daily/function basis.
Closer to conference time we will no doubt be looking for
assistance with the various tasks that go with the show, setting
up venues, flower arranging, bus management, toilet logistics,
packing guest gift bags etc, etc. So don’t be surprised if you
find a finger pointing at you saying “Your Country Needs You”.
All in all this past year in the park has seen further
progress with overdue tree maintenance, continued mulching and
replacement of companion plant material. Once again Clint
Stewart has kept up his very high standard of lawn care and weed
control. What a battle Clint has had with the elements this
season.
To all volunteers special thanks for your
continuing loyal support of Heritage Park and in conclusion,
Sue, Chris and I wish you a very enjoyable Xmas time with your
family and friends. We trust the New Year will treat you kindly
and to folk travelling take care on the roads.
Mike Wagstaff
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