HAPPY NEW YEAR! May 2023 be a beautiful year for you, your family and friends.
Our thoughts are also with those who are experiencing tough times, both here, and across the world.
As the New Year begins, we reflect also on the year that was.
We are very thankful to so many people and entities who have given so very much to bring St David's into the ownership of the Trust, and to those who are supporting critical restoration and enabling work, including the creation of Kāhui St David's, the centre for music and community.
War & Peace, 'Well done thou good and faithful servant' Soldiers' window. Acrylic paint removed off the Oamaru stone to let it breathe. Repairs now need to be done to the stone, inside and out.
One of the great challenges of the year was taking on a nigh-on 100-year-old building that was in need of a lot of love, in numerous directions, all at once. We have fixed the numerous leaks in the roofs, completed the Type 4 fire detection system (it now connects to the Fire Service) and emergency exit lighting, undertaken drainage and plumbing repairs, concrete repairs, leadlight window repairs, stone repairs, floor repairs, and much else.
A highlight of 2022 was the first Art of Remembrance ANZAC Eve service held indoors, and the week-long illuminations and soundscapes in the grounds.
Another great milestone was the gift to the Trust of a very meaningful, additional new name: Kāhui Rangi Pūpū. Also, the name for the new centre for music: Kāhui St David's. Again, we thank Kaumatua Tautoko Witika. If you haven't already seen it, view the video that shares some of the meanings behind 'Kāhui Rangi Pūpū'. It's on the homepage.
To our Partners, Patrons, Benefactors, Friends and Volunteers: we thank you. All that was achieved in 2022 has been made possible thanks to you.
ODE TO VOLUNTEERS
Gardens a jungle, weeds pushing high
Mud-splattered laneways, no safe passage by
Dust and debris on the carpets, ledges and pews
Piles of dishes in the Vestibule, the Zip has blown a fuse!
Inspection holes in walls and ceilings, needing to be made
Seven hundred? staples to pull, right across the stage
Hark! knocking at the door - who could it be?
Volunteer angels! come to save St D.
INTRODUCTIONS
We would like to thank, and to introduce you to some of our incredible volunteers.
Paul Wymer
Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of concrete construction and restoration. Determining how to restore a 100 year-old concrete and masonry building, from research and strategy phase through to procurement of a contractor and ultimately building works, it all demands considerable ability, experience and dedication. Paul is working alongside architect Claire Chambers, structural engineer Dizhur Consulting, and the Trust's Building Working Group.
Paul is the Director of Contech, with a BE (Civil) Hons, NZCE (Civil) and FEngNZ.
Mary-Ann Judge
Mary-Ann has for many years worked tirelessly at every major event we have hosted, and has been there, ready to muck in, at so very many challenging junctures. Whatever the challenge, Mary-Ann brings her incredible energy, determination, and humour to see the job is done, and always to the highest standards. From brain-storming Kāhui St David's operational strategy, to transforming the grounds, to making the Great Hall feel great once more, Mary-Ann is a guardian angel of St D.
David Brown
It was ANZAC week 2022, and David and family came to check out the projections in the grounds. Looking up at the towering facades of the Soldier's Memorial Church, David asked: how can I help?
David brings a wealth of experience, and a welcome sense of humour, with years of experience in building and complex project management.
If there is an immediate challenge at hand, David is there, always finding the time.
The image below captures David in the middle of it, opening up ceilings and walls to enable inspections of the structure.
GIFTS
In addition to the work required on the building, there is much needed to make it usable - and beautiful. Our aim is that everyone feels at home when they visit Kāhui St David's. And that includes experiencing manaakitanga (hospitality), and spaces where people can relax, connect with others, and work.
Shirley Anne Dyer
Shirley Anne has gifted the Trust a superb antique, Oak table with a stunning and lovingly hand-polished top and carved legs, and matching set of six chairs.
The table is now a fixture of the Vestibule (entry lobby), serving as the meetings table, hospitality table, and centre-piece of the room. The chairs are now doing service around the Board Room table, strong and well made for extended board meetings!
When the Centre opens, both the Vestibule and Board Room will be available to be enjoyed by the community. Thank you Shirley Anne for your generous gifts.
Robert Vette
The Trust is now the Kaitiaki (guardian) of the building, and also of its historic heritage contents. We will be creating a library-museum-gallery within one of the existing spaces for the purpose, and two very important books will be part of it.
Our thanks to Robert Vette who has had two of the most valuable books restored and protected for posterity.
TRUSTEES
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tireless service, hard work, professionalism and expertise of fellow Trustees, Graham Judge, John Morrow, Dawn Judge, Carole Pedder and Craig Stevenson.
YOU
And finally, thank you for being part of the Kāhui St David's whānau of Friends. Here's to you!