Sanson
Snippets
December
2010
Letter from Andrea Mackenzie.
It is with pleasure that this month I sponsor
this fine newsletter and personally thank Dell Parker for the
tireless work she contributes to our community.
I would also like to take this opportunity
to thank the many friends who contacted me with expressions of
support after the other "newsletter" was circulated
around the village after the Meet the Candidates night prior to
the Local Body elections. I was astounded at the attack made on
me by Anne Fullerton for asking questions at a public meeting
of candidates that were standing for election. Isn't that the
reason for such meetings? It sounded as if we were at different
meetings by the write up she made.
Personal attacks have no place in a small community in my opinion,
especially as the writer has never met me or made an attempt to
contact me.
I was going to let the matter rest until I
was given a copy of the latest diatribe she circulated, where
she wrote some very disrespectful comments about Dell.
Dells family like mine go back many years in
Sanson and district and I would like to give a little history
as to why I'm passionate about this community and why it matters
that people are respectful of others.
When comments are made with little regard, it doesn't just hurt
the person spoken about, it affects the larger family. My two
dear Aunts still live in the village and many cousins in the surrounding
district. It also tarnishes the memory of those that went before.
My great, great grandfather Thomas Sanson built the first house
in Sanson and with his brother Henry, settled in the village.
A stained glass window in the Methodist Church was dedicated to
Henry. The lectern in the Anglican Church is dedicated to my late
Mother, Jean. Both of my parents attended Sanson School as did
all their siblings, as did my sister and I and my children.
Community projects I have been involved in began with Play Centre,
then supervisor, where we had annual Cabarets, and did all our
own catering, fundraising for a new play centre , which we secured
under Pam Frecklington the able Chairwoman.
School PTA chaired by Ross Vile, then School committee with Dick
McAlister as the Chairman for many years. There were no school
fees in those days and we had to raise the income with many fundraising
enterprises, always helped by Dell Parker. Today the school is
to be complimented for continuing the good work. We know it isn't
easy.
A member of the local Plunket committee, where we held annual
fundraising events, at the home of our Patron, Mrs Rex McKelvie.
Secretary, for many years of the Sanson Basketball club, which
played in the Feilding competition. Again we were notorious for
the quality of our Cabarets and the suppers we provided, as well
as winning the competition for our grade.
Secretary of WDFF and a member of the District committee.
Secretary, Treasurer of the Sandon District sesquicentennial committee
where we held the first event in New Zealand, with the turning
on of the lights at the Mount Stewart Memorial and later in the
year we hosted the opening of the park at Mt Stewart by the Governor
General, Sir Paul Reeves.
My Grandparents were respected members of
the Sanson community and among their many friends, Mr and Mrs
Ted Davey, whose grandson Mr Rod Titcombe was for many years the
very capable CEO of the Manawatu District Council and recently
dissed by the "other" newsletter.
You see the tentacles of small communities are wide and we treat
with respect those who have worked hard to make the community
a better place for our children.
We are all mindful of the community awards and recognition that
Dell Parker has deservedly received for the enormous amount of
time and energy she has given to our community with no pecuniary
reward and no amount of thanks can compensate for her efforts.
I would respectfully ask that the sarcastic
and snide remarks about folk in our midst who have helped make
our town and district a great place to live, cease and some respect
shown for the efforts made.
You don't have to agree with everyone but one should always act
with dignity, show respect and acknowledge the efforts and history
of the town you choose to live in.
Again my thanks to the friends who brought
to my attention the remarks made about me and the support given.
You are appreciated.
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season.
Kind regards
Andrea Mackenzie.
P. S. I drive a Holden!!!!
For hall bookings phone
Del 3293674 Individual quotes given.
Email
Del
or Phone 06 3293 674
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