754 days ago

New turf for old friends at Waiuku Tennis Club

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Franklin County News

One of Waiuku’s community hubs finally has a new astroturf, thanks to years of fundraising, grants and the efforts of members and friends alike.

The Waiuku Tennis Club is putting on a grand reopening to celebrate new astroturf, and invites locals to check out the club and maybe even sign up.

Life member Jonathan Taylor said the club has been a key part of his life ever since he moved to Waiuku in 1983.

He was part of an army of volunteers and club members who helped pull up the old astroturf and bundle it up for organisations to take away, saving the club some $16,000.

“It’s very much a part of the fabric of Waiuku, if you like,” Taylor said. “I am a big believer in that.”

Founded in 1907, the tennis club has seen generations of Waiuku families come and go. One of those families was Ilian Trivonov’s, who arrived in 2000 from Bulgaria.

Always an avid tennis player, there was no question about finding a club to play in, but this one quickly became his family’s connection to the community.

“I have no words to explain how welcoming the club was, and is. Everyone - adults, and kids,” Trivonov said.

“We keep connected. It’s very pleasant when you see somebody on the street, at the doctors, in the shops. We remember the good times.”

The NZ Community Trust, Lion Foundation, Waiuku Rotary Club, Foundation North* and the Teague Family made sizable donations to help buy the new turf.

You can join the celebrations, including an exhibition match and BBQ, at the Waiuku Tennis Club, 4 Racecourse Rd in Waiuku on Sunday 30th October, from 2-5pm, and if you become a member on the day you will get a free free Waiuku tennis club cap.

RSVP to waiukutennisclub@gmail.com

Image
More messages from your neighbours
1 hour ago

Think You’re the Smartest on the Block? Prove It with This Riddle!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What is seen in the middle of March and April that can’t be seen at the beginning or end of either month?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image
1 hour ago

QUIZ NIGHT - NEXT WEDNESDAY 27th Nov

Virginia Warren from BPW Franklin Inc

BPW Franklin Inc QUIZ NIGHT at the Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club, Nelson St, Pukekohe. November 27th 6.30pm. Teams of six. Come on your own or make up a team and have a hilarious night of fun. Cost $50pp includes 2 course dinner. Must be prepaid to BNZ 02 0404 0100956 00 by 8pm Sunday Code Quiz, Ref your name. Email: secretary@bpwfranklin.org.nz
All funds raised go to the BPW FRANKLIN EDUCATION BURSARY which is open to any woman with connections to Franklin going into tertiary education in 2025

Image
3 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

Image
When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 5% Second half of November
    5% Complete
  • 44.7% 1st December
    44.7% Complete
  • 16.6% A week before Christmas
    16.6% Complete
  • 32.5% Whenever you wish
    32.5% Complete
  • 1.2% Other - I'll share below
    1.2% Complete
1557 votes