Landmarks Newsletter May 2006

Newsletter Date: May 2006

LANDMARKS

SUNTRAP

STONEYCROFT

GARAGE SALE

Saturday 6th May

This garage sale heralds the beginning of an ongoing fundraising project to preserve and rejuvenate a magnificent heritage property, for the enjoyment of the entire district. Stoneycroft has been purchased by the Hastings District Council and will become an integral recreational area for the new Lyndhurst residential suburb.

Time: Gate opens at 9am (no earlier please) – Midday

Entry: Into grounds off Omaha Road by Expressway roundabout

Gold coin donation (towards cost of building restoration)

NB: Some reserves will apply

“Hastings 50 years a City” Celebrations

Plans for Hastings City 50th jubilee celebrations in September are well advanced and the organising committee is extremely pleased with the level of sponsorship support offered by local businesses.

Formal celebrations will commence during the first week in September however schools will be involved in a series of competitions prior to this. A range of functions, concerts and other activities are being planned and the programme should be finalised by the end of May.

There are two exhibitions planned – A social exhibition “The Golden Years” at the HB Exhibition Centre focusing on the last 50 years in Hastings and at the Community Arts Centre Hawke’s Bay artists will interpret the anniversary.

Some of the confirmed activities include:

Formal dinner   Friday 8th Sept
1950s Family Fun Day   Sunday 10th Sept
(including 1950s style tabloid sports)
Drive in Movie Friday  15th Sept
1950s Blossom Parade  Sat 16th Sept
”A Night on the tiles”   Saturday 16 Sept
with guest artist Johnny Devlin

These are but a sample of the events that will take place so mark your diaries now for a busy time in September!

Event organizers, Hastings City Marketing, are keen to collect stories and memorabilia from the 1950s. If you would like to contribute please contact Sally Jackson or Suzy Melhuish on

“Landmarks = People + participation + Pride

Landmarks owes so much to the vision of Jeremy Dyer. A vision that sees that community as an integral part in raising civic pride in Hastings. A vision that identified the need to consider the four key areas of History, Architecture, Landscape and Public Art, and to integrate them into all projects undertaken.

His landmarks vision was based on a belief in Hastings and its people. The Landmarks community will sadly miss his energy, his leadership, his sense of humour, his pragmatic ability to get to the heart of an issue. But Landmarks still has his dream – his Landmarks vision.

Jeremy Dwyer QSO.
3.12.47 – 10.12.2005

SPANISH MISSION WALKS

Times:

John Davidson is one of three guides that conduct Spanish Mission walks around Hastings mainly in the weekends. Up to now, it has seen difficulties, but times are changing …..

walks this summer have benefited from some advertising

The numbers have grown and the enthusiasm of the walkers has been rewarding especially to the guides

Inclusion in the Art Deco Week Booklet led to a surge in numbers, with frequent comments such as “I didn’t know Hastings also was damaged” reinforcing the perception (even at Te Papa) that the earthquake has been branded as ‘the Napier earthquake alone’

More and more tourists and locals are appreciating Hastings’ very special character

Comments about unsympathetic signage is common, as is the ‘unprotected’ status of many heritage buildings

It is hoped that everyday access to the Opera House will become standard

Peeks inside Harvey’s and Kershaw’s skylights and upstairs Westerman’s are always popular

Guides are considering altering the walk to possibly conclude with coffee at the Opera House

Obtaining access to the Wesleyan Methodist Church has been a boost – the new paint and restored organ are highlights

There is a need for more guides for next summer – anyone interested – please contact John Davidson – Landmarks Exec

Landmarks Bits and Pieces:

Members Reminder:
Please help Landmarks by paying your subs. Your support helps Landmarks push for positive action.
Outstanding and new members –
Send your $15 to Treasurer Landmarks Trust, Private Bag 9002 Hastings

Walking & Cycling Strategies:
Launched March 2006
Promotion of exercise while experiencing the natural landscape of Hastings
Various initiatives already underway
Council’s commitment to existing and new recreational walkways
Goal: By 2015, substantial numbers walking to shop, work or school

CBD   Heritage Controls   Plan Change 23
Landmarks, Hastings City Marketing and the NZ Historic Places Trust have succeeded in securing the District Plan protection over a significant portion of heritage buildings within the inner Hastings CBD.
In addition further design controls for buildings located within the Large Format Retail Zone are to be reviewed as part of the commercial area review.
Use of the Aesthetic Design Panel is also proving successful.

Public Art:
Construction of Linda Trubridge’s ‘Winged Walls’ artwork for the Havelock North Village Green has begun
Fundraising continues for the Bing Dawe’s ‘Eels’ with hopes that both will be completed by 2007.

Hawke’s Bay Opera House:
The Opera House is operating as a working Theatre now that Stage 2 of the Opera House upgrade is complete. The next Hastings CBD upgrade (Stage 4) is about to commence, involving the reconstruction of the Hastings Street block outside the Opera House. Other new developments to watch out for the Opera House complex is the establishment of a Cafe in the recently refurbished courtyard buildings (ex Quinney’s).
Photo: Craig Goodall – Opera House Manager

Landmarks President Joyce Barry received Civic Honour Award:
April 5th 2006 was a big nights for Landmarks president Joyce Barry. Joyce was awarded a Civic Honour for Services to the Arts and Welfare. The award recognises Joyce’s commitment to many causes including, Landmarks, Walk & Cycleways, Keep Hastings Beautiful, Cranford Hospice, Guilin Sister City relationship, Dove Financial Trust and the Hastings Croquet Club. Well done Joyce!!!