November 2001

VANDALISM We suffer again at the hands of others who have nothing better to do than make work for folk. Over Labour Weekend, 21 windows were smashed in the front of Bach 114 (Turners next to the Hall). Believed to be the work of three teenagers it has cost the Trust and its sponsors at least $1000 to get them repaired. Speed was necessary to prevent weather damage to the inside of the bach and it was not an easy job getting the measurements and arranging glazing. The windows being of the fine sash type have not been easy to repair.

Wednesday 5th of December
Pre Xmas Get Together
Marine Rescue Centre Mechanics Bay @ 7.30pm
A last chance to get together before the hurly burly of Xmas.
No speakers or elections, just a drink and a nibble and good conversation with like-minded people.
Please bring a plate, something special to drink or a donation. Tea and Coffee provided

SIGNS of PROGRESS Using the last small amount of a Grant it was decided at the last Committee meeting to have made signs that can be attached to any project that we have in progress on Rangitoto Island. The signs measuring 600 x 800 will have our logo on them with the words 'Restoration Project' by the Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust, and a contact email and postal address. There will be room for sponsors logos and a warning that it is a Construction Site and Authorised Personnel Only. We hope that this will
a) give us an enhanced profile on the island,
b) elicit more enquiries regarding our activities and provide sources of archive material
c) prevent vandalism.

ON SITE WORKSHOP Jeremy Treadwell (conservation architect) has kindly offered to facilitate a workshop on the island to be held on one day of the weekend of the 1st and 2nd of December at Bach 38 (Taylor's at Rangitoto Wharf). We have been donated the iron for the roof and Allan Godsall has funds available for the rest - timber etc. The idea is that Jeremy will work through the Conservation Guidelines, explaining their intent and how they are applied to bach restoration. This will enable us to work with confidence knowing that we are doing the right thing and utilising the skills our members have without the need to have an expert on site on a continuous basis.

If you are interested in attending the workshop ring Allan on 634 0161 in the evenings and he will fill you in with the details.

REPAIRING THE DAMAGE Allan and his trusted accomplices put to right the damage caused by the burglars reported in the last newsletter. He has a photographic record of the damage done - not a pretty sight - and has made the bach much more secure.

INORGANIC CLEAN UP Planning is underway to have an inorganic cleanup on both Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands in February next year. We have received funding from two organisations so far, Zero Waste Trust and the ARC Environmental Initiatives Fund. Further applications to others are in the pipeline.

It is anticipated that the clean up will take place over two weekends. We will need volunteers from our members to work at least one full day on the island. We have had offers of help from other organisations already. All volunteers will be provided with safety equipment, all you will need is proper footwear and clothing e.g. overall and boots.

If you would like to add your name to the list ring Elizabeth on 634 1398 and leave a name and contact number. Please in the interests of safety we ask that no children be involved. There will be a letter going out soon to all leaseholders/caretakers with more details on what can be removed, where to put the rubbish and specific dates. Please note that the clean up will not remove any household rubbish.

ASB TRUSTS Approaches have been made to the ASB Trust with regard to securing long term funding for the majority of the Baches. The dialogue between the Donations Assessors and ourselves was extremely useful and set in motion the items below.

PRO FORMA INVOICE The ASB Trusts noted that we run 'on the smell of an oily rag' and this will have an adverse effect on our ability to raise funds for organisational costs etc. Of course this situation comes about from the generous nature of our members. So you will find with your newsletter a pro forma invoice that we are asking you to fill in anytime you do something for the Trust and don't charge us. Shirley will keep a separate ledger of all these invoices to show funders what we have raised by way of donated time and materials. The latest kind donation of A4 paper is an example of this.

CONCESSION To obtain funding from ASB Trusts and others we need to have in place a formal concession agreement with the Department of Conservation. We have twelve to eighteen months to have it completed.

WEBSITE The ASB Trusts thought the idea of a website had merits and that they would consider a funding application - no guarantee of course. It was agreed by your committee that further planning should get underway.

MEETINGS A very enjoyable time was had by all at Ryder's Museum with a great dinner and a wonderful film. Planning is already underway for another outing - on the ARATAKI RAILWAY in the Waitakere Ranges in March next year. Don't forget to mark this and the next meeting on the 5th of December on your calendars!

NEW FERRY TIMETABLE A new Rangitoto timetable is now in effect.
Departs AKLD @ 9am, 11am, 1pm & 3pm.
Departs RANGI WHARF @ 9.25am, 11.25am, 2.20pm & 4.20pm.
Everyday incl weekends & public holidays.
Fridays Mail Run @ 7.00pm.
Check regarding Islington Bay.
Coffee Cruise now Island Hopper

TRUSTEES/COMMITTEE Elizabeth - 634 1398, Shirley 279 9819, Susan - 445 1894, Jim - 4466228, Hilary - 418 4920, Lois - 480 5989, Allan - 634 0161, John - 844 8875.

For those of you unable to attend the next meeting have a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.