Mama Bleuss
Sunray
Ted Sweetman
Greetings to all Independent Members, here in New
Zealand and overseas.
You probably feel that you are out on a limb, on your own, and no one
is interested in who you are or what you are doing. That couldnt be
further from the truth. It is a link to every other member that is keenly
interested in the growing, and enjoying of Fuchsias. You may not be
able to grow many, either because of space or ill health. But, you can
always enjoy hearing about them, seeing them grow in other people's
gardens, or see them in Shows and Displays.
It never ceases to amaze me that there are thousands of plants grown
commercially, and yet the numbers are not reflected in our numbers attending
Fuchsia Groups, both here and abroad. The fuchsias seem to be grown
more as annuals, to have a nice display until late Autumn, then pulled
out and replanted the following season.
Here in New Zealand, we dont seem to be having new varieties imported because of the cost of quarantine so hopefully the ones we have, are being jealously guarded so they dont go into oblivion.
The National Fuchsia Society of New Zealand's 25th Annual General Meeting is being held this year in April, 17th – 19th, in New Plymouth. If you havent attended one before, do try to come, you will have a wonderful time with the friendliest Fuchsia folk, and will be made very welcome.
Looking forward to seeing you, and hearing from you.
Elaine Baldwin,
Independent Delegate.
Please contact me at candebaldwin@xtra.co.nz
Elaine Baldwin & Heather Crofskey
A bowl of Fuchsias
Fuchsia Fridge Magnets
Fuchsiarama 2010
Greetings to
all Independent members of the New Zealand Fuchsia Society. Three members
of the Independents in Timaru are organizing the 2010 Fuchsiarama. We
ask you all to give serious consideration to attending this function.
Fuchsiaramas are a great way of meeting other people of similar interests.
Yes; Fuchsia folk are friendly folk and what better way to meet other
Fuchsia fans that at a get together like this. Only three hours of the
weekend are taken up with formal business and the rest is looking; talking;
socializing and looking some more. Normally a Fuchsiarama is based on
one main venue with side trips and visits. This year we have decided to
try something very different.
We meet in Timaru on Thursday afternoon and have an evening finger food
meal and social get together . Friday morning we leave Timaru by bus for
Mount Cook, passing through Temuka with a stop in Geraldine for tasting
at Barkers Wine and Bakery to taste jams and wines.
Passing through the farmlands on the way to Fairlie and Lake Tekapo. Here
we visit the historic Church of the Good Shepherd and the Statue to Mackenzie
and his Dog. Not only is the statue to remember Mackenzie, the famous
Sheep Stealer but also the collie dog which was so important to all the
run holders in the early days of the Mackenzie Country.
From Tekapo we travel to Lake Pukaki via the Hydro canals visiting a Salmon
Farm.
After a picnic lunch at Lake Pukaki we travel up the side of the lake
to Mount Cook, arriving about 2.30pm.
The rest of the afternoon until dinner is free to explore the area. There
are several scenic walks plus the Department of Conservation Visitors
Centre and the Hillary Museum.
The visitors centre was built last year at a cost of approximately $ 5,000,000.00.
Just remember it closes at 5.00pm so do not leave it till too late as
you will need at least an hour to view all the exhibits.
The Hillary Museum is in the Hermitage Hotel complex and is open much
later. We are there before the end of daylight saving so there is time
for short walks after the meal.
The Hillary Centre 3D Theatre is a must see. We had the priviledge of
seeing the Mount Cook film while organizing the Fuchsiarama. And , yes,
I want to see it again. Spectacular.
Saturday morning is the Annual meeting of our Society , followed by lunch
at Mount Cook before we leave for Oamaru for our evening meal. After leaving
Mount Cook we travel back down the side of Lake Pukaki and on to Twizel.
This township was built for Hydro workers while the Hydro dams were built
on the Wataki river. When the dams were finished it was anticipated that
Twizel would disappear as there would be no more use for it. Now it is
a bustling town with many holiday homes thanks to the foresight of some
of the locals. On to Omarama for a comfort stop. Again a thriving town
with lots of holiday homes. We then pass the Lake Benmore Power Station
and then the Aviemore Power Station and the Original Waitaki Power Station.
On to Kurow, where are Secretary did some of her growing up, and to Oamaru.
A look around the Historic part of the town and then our evening meal.
At 8.00pm we visit the Penguin Colony and home to our motels in Timaru.
Sunday sees the Forum and Sunday Lunch followed by all the farewells.
We hope you all will have some great memories to take home with you.
Jocelyn McKean and Beverley and Jim Kane. Convenors.