Martinborough Star, July 2025
- First Church, Martinborough
- Jul 6
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
First Church News
With the latest talkfest of BBC analysis on the retaliatory middle East conflict still resounding in our ears, it seems a bit tame to be talking about the humble activities of Martinborough’s First Church. Still, life goes on in the sticks, and, unlikely though it sounds, maybe the Christian urges of compassion and downright commonsense will eventually prevail there. Even a bellicose Trump might wake up! We fervently hope so.
We were intending to be able to give readers an update on the progress towards re-styling our church, but it appears that the negotiation stage is still under way. Which simply means that our architects have their outstanding prior commitments to attend to. But we’re next in line with the more substantive beginning to that scoping work to start in July. As they say, watch this space.
With the Solstice now behind us and the first frosts upon us the most natural human urge is to break out the long johns – especially if, like your writer, there’s a vineyard to be pruned. Close behind garments though, is food, food, glorious food. More prosaically, the biblical guidance we receive is “give as this day our daily bread” and the warning “man does not live by bread alone”. This has the sound of a more spartan regime. But even if some of our parishioners and the population at large are having trouble paying Fonterra for their butter and cheese, most look forward to a hearty winter cassoulet with their glass of Pinot Noir. It is just a question of the difference between gourmet and gourmand. The first has a lively (too lively?) interest in sophisticated cuisine, the second a more gluttonous approach which usually involves dribbling with anticipation.
Whichever category you belong in; the urge will be satisfied at our First Church 19 July Mid-Winter Community Lunch. Don’t forget the authors of this thrilling menu are vastly experienced campaigners, equipped with that most excellent lexicon the Martinborough Cook Book.
You will not be disappointed. And there will be more than food and conviviality. Entertainment of a suitably restrained elegiac tone is also planned and you may even wind up taking a spot prize home. Grab a seat by phoning Shari on 027 6364579 to avoid disappointment because this event has become a firm favourite and the venue (the Church Hall) is usually sold out.
And, for long term planning purposes mark your diary for 29 August which should be reserved for the fabulous, frisky and febrile Fashion Show. Not quite up to the scale of Wellington’s WOW but we’re closing fast!! Now in its 4th year a mandatory occasion of frivolity.
Upcoming Events:
Saturday 19th July – Mid-Winter Community Lunch
Church Hall, 12noon start. Phone Shari 027 6364579 to reserve your place.
Saturday 26 July – Book and Bric a Brac sales
Church Hall, Weld Street, 1.30pm till 5pm
Friday 29 August – Spring Fling Pre-Loved Fashion Parade
Tickets please phone Karen on 027 4209775. Please see the Ad in the Star for further details.