Fraser gets a suprise on his 80th
Fraser Sim
Fraser Sim has done it hundreds of times – donned his kilt and piped in a special guest, or piped out a loved one at a funeral. Yesterday he thought he was piping in Trevor Vaile to receive a medal a the Waipu Firestation, but in fact it was a ruse, he piped himself in to his own surprise 80th birthday.
And he never missed a beat – as you can see in the You Tube clip.
Fraser is a much loved Waipu resident, descendent of Waipu’s original settlers, and teacher of the Bagpipes, it was a treat to see his smile and friends and family gathered around.
By some miracle the secret was kept and Fraser was surprised!
Go Fraser!
Classics at the Cove 2012
Dave Brown is once again hosting this event on his Waipu Cove property on 21 January. Bring a picnic and enjoy a lazy summer afternoon.
Set in Dave’s park like grounds overlooking the sea, Classics at the Cove will appeal to easy listening music fans, but don’t be fooled by the word ‘classic’. It covers classic rock, classic country, classic folk and more.
Local group Whiskey Business will be launching their new album One Foot in the Groove.
21 January 12-6pm 566 Cove Rd $20 kids under 14 free
Gate sales only
The setting for Classics at the Cove
2012 Waipu Highland Games
It was touch and go with the weather – many volunteers worked through the rain to set the Caledonian Park up.
But by the time 2 January rolled around – fine weather greeted us for another great Highland Games. There was a great atmosphere – I met some one guy proudly wearing his new kilt, there was of course tartan everywhere, and rarely was the sound of Pipes far from our ears.
The Tartan in the Park fashion parade is always great fun, and the fiddle competition have both become favourites for me. I watched the heavyweights and what a joy Pat Hellier is – everyone throws well, but he is stupendous and it seems so effortless as he picks up the hammer and throws it.
Well done to all those who make this event happen so well. It can only get bigger and better
2011 Waipu Christmas Parade
Christmas at Downton Abbey were the popular Best Float
Another fabulous Waipu Christmas Parade – organised by the Waipu Business and Promotions Group with support of the Whangarei District Council and countless locals. The summer seems to begin for me on Christmas eve as people flock to Waipu for the parade. The parade was a great success even if summer took a few more weeks to arrive! Scroll down for some pictures from Rosemary and Sue Welford
The winners were: The Waipu Citizens and Services Club who had a fabulous float themed on Downton Abbey. They won a $500 prize
The runners up (who won $100 each) were: Circool Circus, Waipu Playcentre, Waipu Primary, Radio Waves and Bream Bay Scouts, cubs and Keas.
Thanks to everyone who makes this event happen
and contributes to it being
such a great community event
Christmas and New Year at the Clansman Motel
Christmas Lunch 25 December
Forget about cooking, make it a special day by joining in lunch in a 5 course traditional menu $45pp Bookings essential. Ph 432 0424
Hogmanay with Clan Donald 31 December
Clan Donald invite you to join them to celebrate Hogmanay – the Scottish new year eve witha 5 course dinner, pipers and the address to the haggis $45pp Bookings essential. Ph 432 0424
Waipu Christmas Carols 2011
Once again Lachie Mclean, local singers and musicians will be practising for the annual carol service. All are welcome to join the choir – its one way of guaranteeing a seat.
Practices: 7.30 8 December, 13th and 15th December and 6pm 18th December at Waipu Presbyterian Church
Carol Service: 8pm 18 December
come early to get a seat, or bring a seat and rug to sit outside to enjoy the evening.
Highland Games on 2 January 2012
Just a reminder that the Waipu Highland Games in 2012 will be on the 2 January 2012 not the 1 January as is usually the case. As Noel Robinson reminded me:
In keeping with Waipu traditions the Games are never held on 1 January when it falls on a Sunday. It is widely belived that was simply because of the strong Presbyterian Ideals of the settlers and whilst that is no doubt relevant, although the first Games were not held for nearly 20 years after the settlers arrived, it was because the Annual Communion Service of the Waipu Presbyterian Church was always held on the first Sunday of the New Year.
These days Communion is held more frequently but the tradition of the Games date remains. In fact the hsitory of the Waipu Caledonian Society is linked to the Church in two other ways also. The present chucrh was built in 1871 – the same year as the first Games of the Caledonian Society and the Minister of the Church has always been the Padre to the Society.
Thanks for that Noel – for more on the Games, check out their Website
Waipu Highland Games
Waipu gets behind the RWC
The Judges
It might have been a nail biting final – but we got there, the All Blacks won!
What a relief…
On Saturday the shops in the main street who donned a teams colours and decorated their shops were judged by Huw Turner and Sue Matthews. The winner got a $100 Pizza Barn Voucher – it too was a close call! Scroll to the bottom to see all the photos Read more
Refinery visitors raise $18,000 for cancer unit
More than 4,500 people attended Refining NZ’s 50th anniversary open day at its Marsden Point refinery near Whangarei on Sunday 9 October, raising $18,000 for the Project Promise drive to fund a dedicated oncology facility at Whangarei Hospital. Read more
The Waipu Museum needs some help
The Waipu Museum is looking for some more volunteer help on the weekends – a chance to help out in our community
A letter from the Waipu Museum:
First, I would like to thank all of you who assist us here at the Museum and in the Museum shop. The volunteers in the shop every weekday, and the Board members and volunteer helpers on the weekends, have enabled us to keep the Museum open and the shop profitable, which would be impossible without you.
We have been lucky to have Anne Picketts and Adrienne Slocombe to take alternate Sundays for some time now. Unfortunately, Adrienne has been ill since earlier this year, and Anne has been attending every Sunday for the last few months. Now, Anne has been unwell herself, and is no longer able to be here on a regular basis, or at all at least until she is better. Read more
