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NewsletterIssue 16 October 2010PUBLIC WALKING DAY TO CELEBRATEOn 9th May we had over 80 people join us to walk from Morgan Park, via Mill Stream Walkway, through Gilmour Reserve and down the river to Coffey’s Creek swimming hole. After an introduction by Councillor Mary Carmine, we planted a tree to celebrate Waihi Walkways Inc being 10 years old.
Chairperson, Carol Speir, shared a lovely sentiment expressing her feeling about the walkways and environment – "We are privileged to be custodians of this heritage. The old people have gone but for those of us who have returned it makes me glad to see the land being cared for and respected by Waihi Walkways. Hold the ancient memories that are here." We stopped along the walks from time to time to hear about the history of the area. Snack bars were available to keep up the energy levels, and we passed under Coronation Bridge to enjoy the amble alongside the lovely Ohinemuri River.
Children, parents with strollers, and older folk were all part of the group. We all enjoyed the variety provided by the walks – from open vistas to the ferns and bush. Everyone was given the opportunity to take home a kowhai tree seedling for their garden – we distributed 65 seedlings. Our esteemed supporter and volunteer, and local identity, 92 year old Isabel Chester, walked all the way there – and back again – with her family. OHINEMURI REGIONAL HISTORY JOURNALSThe mammoth task of preparing and uploading 53 Journals onto the website, complete with images, is up to date, thanks to the expertise, dedication and perseverance of Eric Lens. The journals hold a wonderful range of stories, recollections, even poems, which provide a sense of history of the region. The Waihi Borough Jubilee booklet (1962), the precursor of the Journals is also now published online. It is intended the website will continue to accumulate documents relating to the history of the area. www.ohinemuri.org.nz MILL STREAM INTERPRETATION POSTS
Mill Stream Walkway traverses land which has been extensively modified since the onset of gold mining in the district in 1875. To give a brief glimpse of the past activities, predominantly associated with the Waihi Mill (Battery) at the base of Union Hill, we have placed posts numbered 1 to 17 along the length of the Mill Stream Walkway. A self guiding brochure is available on website, or at Information Centre, and Waihi Stationery. www.waihiwalkways.org.nz/heritage AGM CELEBRATIONSWe were delighted to have founding Chairperson, Tessa McKenzie, speak to the Annual General Meeting this year. She congratulated the members present on their participation in this initiative which provides multiple benefits to the community.
The many and varied activities of Waihi Walkways
Chairperson: Carol Speir, Ph: 863 3279 Coordinator: Ruth Ordish, Ph: 863 8600 Address for correspondence: Waihi Walkways PO Box 241 Waihi
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Waihi District Walkways Inc. PO Box 241 Waihi New Zealand Send e- mail to: Waihi Walkways |