Jean Davidson and Julie Colville cut the cake made by Donna Glasson.
There were speeches, songs and a lot of laughter and reminiscing when over 40 Helensville and District Historical Society members, some of whom have now moved away from the area, gathered at the Masonic Hall on 7 April to celebrate their Society’s 50th birthday. Speakers included Vice President Leigh Bosch, who provided the formal welcome, and Secretary Lynn Millar, who summarised the Society’s history. While founding member Wynn Haysmith was unable to attend, as she was overseas, a message from her was read to the gathering.
Preservation and promotion of South Kaipara’s history and heritage has been the Society’s guiding principle since its inception, and it was very pleasing to see the organisation in such good heart. “It was great for everyone to catch up and a lot of stories were told,” says Lynn.
The committee provided a catered lunch and the cake, cut by the two oldest committee members Jean Davidson and Julie Colville, was made by Donna Glasson.
The Society is always working on the next project. Future plans include opening a Mâori exhibition room, providing housing for the recently acquired Bay-City tractor shovel and preparing the presentation of the historic Waitoki School Sunshine Schoolhouse.
The next event is at 2pm on 20 May at Saint Joseph’s Church, where Alan Scott will talk about Helensville South in the 1940s.
