District update / places of interest / snippets of news:
Closure of the School: Sadly this took place in 2010.
Minutes from August 9th meeting explained that there were several “triggers” for the closure. “The cost to rectify structural deficiencies and associated legal and consequential building issues” were some. Other triggers include roll decline, lack of pre-school children and accessibility to other schools. The minutes said that the school’s blocks were not classified as dangerous by Hastings District Council, however, it was not earthquake safe. (H.B.Today, August 20th 2010).
‘Building structural deficiencies’, where sited as the reason to immediately relocate the remaining students to other local schools while the Ministry of Education decided the schools fate. By the end of 2010 our beloved school was well and truly closed. 2011 saw the complete demolition of the buildings with a section, which was sound, being retained to be transported down to the ‘Weka’ camp site. At the time of writing this the school house, pool and ‘old resource/playgroup room’ remain onsite with the grounds being locked and looking rather run down. The Rissington Community Group contacted the Ministry with these concerns only to be told “once demolition has occurred, we will not be able to provide any further comment with regard to what occurs with the site”. You are welcome to visit the site while here for the reunion and yes…..the Loquat and other trees are still there!
Weka Scout Camp: This has recently had a makeover and although not yet completed, it is well under way to being again, a great asset to the Scouting futurity. There has been an upgrade of the winch, landscaping, tracks, new swingbridge, campsite buildings and ablution block to name some of the improvements. A two room section of the closed and now demolished Rissington School is also down there, to be used as accommodation for supervisors of visiting Scout groups.
Rissington Community Hall: At a meeting in May 2001, Rissington residents gathered to discuss the future of the dilapidated hall. Factors such as better roads and transport meant a pull towards town for entertainment and combined with less time for volunteer maintenance, the old faithful hall become rather shabby. Even if a large amount of money obtained from somewhere was spent on it, the amount of use the hall would be used was minimal.
The hall was tendered out, demolished and the site returned to the Absolom family. A cairn was erected at the hall site with a plaque. The Rolls of Honour which for many years graced the walls of the hall were shifted to the school. The remaining funds from the tendering of the Hall, ($5209.08) were transferred into the Hutchinson Bequest at Rissington School for the benefit of Rissington School pupils.
War Memorial: In October 2005 a monument was erected at the old hall site to honour the servicemen of our district who went to the 1st and 2nd World Wars.
Flagpole: With the closure of the school, the flagpole and memorial ‘Wooster’ plaque have been relocated to the War Memorial site, with the flag still being flown for special occasions or put at half mast for the death of any local dignitaries.
Glengarry and Soldiers Settlement Roads: are now tarsealed the entire length! There has been an increase of traffic on Glengarry Road of course -being a through road to the Napier-Taupo Road, and it’s great to go up and back down Soldiers Settlement and the car is still clean!
Volunteer Fire Brigade: We are very fortunate to have 22 volunteer fire fighters in our District. There have been a number of successful turn outs for the brigade but of course we would prefer to have only practises and not ‘the real thing’ to attend. This year we are being upgraded and look forward to the arrival of a new fire appliance in about March.
Rissington Community Group: This group was recently formed as a result of our school being closed. The aim of the group is to keep the sense of community alive by being a voice for the community. Social events, local issues or concerns and the administering of the Hutchison Bequest, to name a few, have been tasks to date. With the closing of the school went the Hutchison Bequest (made to the school in 1942) and also the Hall Funds. After research, gathering of information and many meetings the R.C.Group met with the Ministry of Education, School Support and auditors, successfully getting the money returned. The way in which the funds will be used is still to be finalised but will quite possibly be in the educational area to benefit the children of our district -as were the stipulations in the original Bequest. An email newsletter system keeps residents up to date with what the R.C.Group is currently working on, and any social events planned.
Garden Group: There is a local active group of ladies who enjoy visiting gardens of interest, listening to a speaker, or participating in a workshop. There is always something interesting to fill in a morning once a month, along with morning tea, a chat and great camaraderie.
Puketitiri Golf Club Inc: Worth a mention, as although Puketitiri is a little further up the road, we have a few keen Rissington golfers who are regular players. If you fancy a round of golf while in the area, email rissingtonreunion@xtra.co.nz for more information.
Cemetery: A place of great interest to many, steeped with history and well worth a wander around the well kept area.
Local Band for Dance: We are delighted to have a local band for the Dinner/Dance on the Saturday night of the Reunion. Called ‘The Top Knots and Pizzles’(ask a sheep farmers if the name needs explanation!!), the band is Puketitiri based but includes one Rissington ex-pupil who is also a present day resident. We look forward to dancing the night away with them!
Catering: Again we are delighted to have local involvement. Lucinda (nee Sherrat of Apley Station), and staff will be providing the catering for the entire weekend. We certainly look forward to sampling her cuisine.
Omatua: As you will see during the Reunion, ‘Omatua’ is still a wonderful place. Very much a local icon, it is used regularly by the Girl Guides, as well as groups for retreats, social occasions, education etc. The Rolls of Honour from the School are now housed at ‘Omatua’ along with other history items belonging to the Girl Guides. The Rissington community is very lucky to have ‘Omatua’ with so much history, right on our doorstep. The grounds are large and peaceful, so take a wander and enjoy!
Please see the latest updates on Accomodation and Registration Form.
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