You weren’t expecting to hear from me again so soon I bet! Some late editions to the newsletter have come in and it’s the “business” end of Mankelow korero so we thought we would send it out now rather than wait for the next newsletter in a couple of months.
But since we last talked I’ve had the chance to whiz north to see the folks at home, including my Granddad Bert. He is the last surviving child of Granny (Sarah) Mankelow, who I am named after of course. This visit was an eye-opener for me. He’s changed a lot – age has finally caught him up. Granddad is always chirpy, cheerful and full of life. You always know when he is happy and content because of his trademark whistle – it makes everyone around him smile to hear it. But his body is not keeping up with his fantastically sharp mind and he is very aware of approaching mortality. I am a little afraid that I may have missed my last chance to have a really good sit down and talk with him about his life and all that he has experienced.
Chrissie in her musings below talks about how great it was to see the younger generations catching up and meeting with the older ones. Granddad Bert is the last of his generation so I implore all Mankelow descendants that have not yet met Granddad Bert, that you do so at the next possible opportunity. The next family meeting, gathering or visit to Tauranga, go and see Bert. Hell, why not make a special trip. He’s well worth the visit.
(Photo is Bert with great-granddaughter Josie who is not quite two)
Family meeting held at - Ngaroma Hall
MINUTES
Meeting opened at
Apologies:
Lorraine & Neil Hancock, Cody Mankelow, Buster Carter, Lyn & Lloydie Kaaka, Tina Pizzini, Rita & Robin & Lynette, Kerry
Financial:
Current account: $2260.33
Investment Account: $11,213.07
Matters arising from minutes:
- People will be staying over-night camping in tents or vans etc.
- We would like ideas from people as to what they would like put on the plaque that will go on the rock to commemorate our celebrations.
Discussion
Big discussion about asking the Ngaroma Community if they would like to organise the Sunday as this will be open to the public to celebrate the 100 years of the Ngaroma District and many people have asked to come (past and present residents). We will share the costs between the family and community days. Saturday will be the day for Family Reunion with a dinner and dance in the evening.
It was general opinion that we write a letter and send to the Ngaroma Community to give them the opportunity to be part of the celebrations.
Housekeeping matters
Please could we have donations to help pay for the hireage of the hall for today.
There is a lucky dip for the children.
There are raffle tickets also available.
The auction will be held after lunch.
Next meeting will be held in Hamilton after the Ngaroma AGM
Meeting Closed at 12.30pm
MUSINGS
Chrissie Mankelow
February 27 was a lovely warm and sunny day. We welcomed a few new faces to the ones that usually turn up and I think all had a good time. Uncle Bert was a bit disappointed that there were not more attending but it was lovely to see younger family members this year, who had not met any of the older generations, enjoy meeting and talking with them. We hope to see the younger generations all come to the centennial and get to know their cousins. We hope to have interesting things to do and also for them to find out more about Granny (Sarah) Mankelow and her life in the district. While she was alive she really enjoyed having her family around her and I’m sure the reunion will keep that alive.
After lunch we held an aution of donated items, which caused great hilarity with the buyers trying to outbid each other. The items included two CDs; one of Glen Campbell and the other a signed copy of John Rowles; a rose bush, two bottles of wine (one red and one white), cups and saucers, a sugar basin, jug and a Christmas plate. These items bought in $92 for our funds. We also had a grocery raffle and a well-received lucky dip for the children.
THANK YOU so much to the families who donated to our funds, which are now looking really healthy. The money is for hiring items for the reunion in 2012, such as marquees, which are expensive, tents, toilets etc. We will also have to buy in water that will need to be trucked in.
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