14 INTERCLUB • VOLUME 29, ISSUE 2 - 2023 REACHING CLUBS SINCE 1995 CLUB LIFE: TIMARU TRAVEL Papanui Club trip to Timaru Ray & Debbie welcomes you to Baywatch Motor Lodge in Timaru, a spacious motel complex within easy walking distance to all facilities. Enjoy awesome panoramic views in our modern 15-unit motel situated in the heart of Timaru with some units overlooking Caroline Bay and the Pacific Ocean. 7 Evans St, Timaru | 03 688 1886 | baywatch1@xtra.co.nz | baywatchtimaru.co.nz Perth Street Downtown Timaru Book now for an unforgettable adventure in Marlborough SETSAILWITHTHEPELORUSMAIL BOATANDEXPLORE BREATHTAKINGCOASTAL WONDERS! Tuesday - Tony our Coach Driver said “seat belts on” and there were 36 clicks to be heard! We departed from Papanui Club with the drizzle coming down - the windows were fogged up but the “air of anticipation” from our members made us all happy to be out of town for a few days. We had a comfort stop at Rakaia, the rain was heavy and felt icy; next we arrived at the north Ashburton Aviation Museum at 10.30am where we used our waterproofs/umbrellas as the two big hangers were on grass. The museum, which has been open 49 years, houses planes and paraphernalia from around New Zealand and overseas, including war planes from different eras and countries. On reaching Ashburton the temp was 3 deg C with snow on foothills! We all enjoyed lunch at the many eateries. Tony explained how the different colour wrapped around the balage was sign that $$$ were donated to different charities eg pink for Breast cancer - blue for Prostate cancer. We entered Timaru passing Phar Lap Raceway - “Phar Lap was “very fast” and had a “big” heart - most of us stayed at Baywatch Motor Lodge across the road Bay City Motor Lodge was for the singles - very happy to arrive - sun shining and the promise of a cuppa was foremost in some minds. Owners very welcoming and units were “top notch” immaculate and warm - some of us had a view of Benvenue Point where there had been tragic shipwreck in 1882. At 5.30 we headed to Speights Ale House which was housed in the Timaru Landing Service Building between 1870-1876 - original interior mostly very rustic and welcoming. We enjoyed meals eg sole / Lamb / seafood chowder etc - many wines and Speights beers ales were consumed. Wednesday- after a night of rain we awoke to 4.9 deg C. We were expected at Pleasant Point Railway and Museum. The original line from Fairlie-Timaru which used to transport people/ grain closed in 1968. In 1972 enthusiasts set up a Society to preserve the historic railway - all they had was a vision, a steam locomotive, and a vandalised railway station. Today we have 2km of track museum at Keane Crossing with workshop / displays / vintage cinema / model railway / old time movies. Lunch was at Pleasant Point Railway Hotel (formerly Nelligans Railway Hotel which was burnt down 1911) - the staff were very welcoming and served up very tasty and attractive meals. Next we travelled to the DB Brewery at Washdyke. For the 2-hour tour we dressed in protective gear / Fluoro vests and started at the bottling / distribution end of tour right through to seeing the big towers that held malt etc. The malt is mostly South Canterbury sourced with some being sourced from overseas being used for special beers etc . It was very interesting tour with the group enjoying "free samples” in the bar afterwards. I had thought beforehand that this tour would just be of interest to the males in our group - I was wrong everyone thought it so Interesting and enjoyed it. At night we enjoyed a drink before our meal at the Timaru Town and Country Club to enjoy and eat a swiftly served meal - the meals were very nice/ tasty and attractively presented for all our group - the ice cream sundaes were popular for some. Thursday - 4 deg C - the sun came out mid morning. Visit to the South Canterbury Museum- Perth Street - where we were welcomed by staff who gave history and overview of museum - with a new one being built by 2025. I noticed a large rock of “Kakadu marble” grey / white - this is formed from limestone that has suffered immense pressure whilst being buried under the earth. First ship “Strathellan” arrived here from London via Dunedin in 1858 - 96 days it took travelling homesick and seasick - then extreme heat through “the doldrums” near the equator then the strong westerly Tradewinds in the Roaring Forties literally blown to NZ at a good speed! Whaling Stations were run by Weller Bros 183941 to as far south as Otago Harbour - who traded with Maori for timber / spars / ax / Maori spuds - which sold in Sydney for 8 pounds per ton - they went bankrupt in 1841. Some inventors were Richard Pearce, 18771953, who invented the rst powered by man “heavier then air machine” in 1903. Colin Murdoch 1929-2008 - was a pharmacist and veterinarian who invented the rst hypodermic syringe / tranquillising dart gun / silent burglar and re alarm and child-proof bottle cap among other things. We had an “ex-Timaru local as part of our tour group - he kept us informed of his knowledge of Timaru and surrounds as he had lived there in his earlier “working-days”. With the sun out we headed for Geraldine 38km inland towards the Southern Alps - with snow on the top peaks it made a picturesque scene. We entered the Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery - where we all enjoyed a “platter-style” menu which comprised tasty savoury nger food and sweet little morsels to delight our senses - in a light and airy surroundings with a beautiful outlook out to a garden walk through the high trees. Afterwards there was wandering through the streets soaking up the sun and shopping at the little retail shops. We joined up with SH1 at Rakaia on trip home. Thanks to Tony (driver) for an enjoyable trip! Dìana Robb - April 2023. Caroline Bay, Timaru. Pleasant Point Hotel is the hub of the community. We welcome locals & visitors to enjoy our fantastic meals. Open 11am every day Lunches & Dinners. Full menu all day plus takeaways • Accommodation available 95 Main Rd, Pleasant Point | 03 614 7605 | pleasantpointhotel95@gmail.com
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