Martinborough Star, August 2025
- First Church, Martinborough
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
First Church News
Nothing like a free lunch of 3 courses to bind people together – except of course there’s no such thing as a free lunch we’re told by the liberal right. Saturday 19 July was one such occasion – the Mid-Winter Community fandango hosted by First Church. So there was a right throng of the faithful and others, choosing between mushroom, and blue cheese and cauliflower soup followed by beef casserole or mandarin caramel chicken – with all the trimmings, and then, with groaning gusset, moving onto the hallowed choice between cheesecake, apple shortcake and meringues. And what the chance of a liberal smattering of ice and whipped cream!
Not to forget the skilfully concocted mulled wine on offer to enthusiasts as they entered the hall.
In all, full to bursting with people and full to bursting with food. Accompanied by the convivial and sometimes rowdy conversations – not necessarily about the meaning of Luke 10, which we got the next day from Jim Veitch, but just as likely to be about the upcoming test match against the French.
Nor was the occasion restricted to the truly exceptional cuisine. Yes, there were diversions/entertainment.
Two main items.
First, we were treated to and enthralled by a choral piece on screen. A pure voice producing one of the psalms followed by the Lords Prayer with the soaring crescendo that it needs. Only to be told that the angelic creature singing although of Kiri Te Kanawa quality, was all of 11 years old! Truly miraculous and moving.
Once the elderly had dabbed their eyes the event took a turn towards a lighter vein and for those who hadn’t seen/heard it before something rather intriguing.
This was a thing/instrument/device which the country of origin, Holland, calls the Busker Organ, propelled into action by local Dr. John Monro. With eyes shut, and delving back into childhood memory, you would have said this was an organ grinder with only the monkey missing. More accurately the sound is produced by human hand by winding a handle which produces in some mysterious way a pre-programmed tune – something like the old-fashioned pianola. Not content to restrict our ears to the accordion-like music John started bellowing out some lyrics, which, given their octogenarian status, all the guests were familiar with and nostalgic about. So we got items from My Fair Lady and Oklahoma, not to mention the Lambeth Walk. And finishing, entirely suitably, on Get me to the Church on time.
The whole lunch event just goes to show the lovely, lively sense of community enjoyed at First Church.
Upcoming Events:
Friday 29 August – Spring Fling Fashion Parade, Waihenga Centre
This is a fun filled evening showing preloved high end fashion and accessories by local models, an auction, spot prizes, raffles, delicious food and great company. With the opportunity to purchase from the racks, racks and more racks of wonderful clothing!
Doors open at 4.30pm for early bird shopping and parade starts at 5.30pm. See the Advert in the Star. Tickets available from Sherryl 0272405110 or Karen 0274209775.
Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August – Preloved clothing and accessories sale
Church Hall, Weld Street, 10am – 5pm. Free entry.
Saturday 30 August – Book and Bric a Brac sales
Church Hall, Weld Street, 1.30pm – 4.30pm. Books, jigsaw puzzles, lots of bric a brac. Come along and get a bargain! Any inquiries please ring Ronnie 0274586257.
