Purple poppy day today
Story by Graham McBride:
As well as the traditional commemorative red poppy, the National Army Museum remembers and honours our war animals each year on the 24 February with Purple Poppy Day. The purple poppy symbolises all animals who have died during conflict. It is estimated that more than 8 million animals sacrificed their lives in World War I alone.
Strictly in the Te Kowhai context, I once obtained this photo from Andrea (Limmer) Whittle, whose grandfather Bill Limmer (b.1895, d, 1981) is named on the Te Kowhai War Memorial Roll of Honour. Initially, in WWI, Bill undertook Compulsory Military Training, where he served locally in the 4th Waikato Mounted Rifles, then enlisted in the War in early 1918. He fought in Egypt for 1 year and 245 days, with the N.Z. Mounted Rifle Brigade, NZ Expeditionary Forces.
These (mostly) local farm ‘boys’ grew up with a very close affinity with horses – for work, travel and leisure. The bonds between soldier and ‘fighting’ horse during WWI must have been very personal, but when Bill and his fellow horsemen were about to embark for New Zealand at the end of the War, our government made the servicemen shoot their horses to avoid the cost of repatriating them.
This is Bill’s evocative image of the fate of his trusty mount! Maybe we also need some Purple Poppies on the wall at the Memorial Hall?
Story by Graham McBride
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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66.7% Yes, supporting people is important!
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33.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
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0% ... It is complicated
Position available at Chartwell Church - Mainly Music Facilitator
Make a Difference in Young Lives
Chartwell Church is seeking an enthusiastic and engaging person to facilitate our weekly Mainly Music sessions during term time. This is a rewarding role where you’ll support young children (0–5 years) and their caregivers through music, movement, and connection in a warm, welcoming environment.
About the Role
As the Mainly Music Facilitator, you will:
Lead and facilitate the weekly Mainly Music session on Friday mornings
Create a caring, inclusive, and supportive environment for children and caregivers
Work alongside volunteers to ensure sessions run smoothly
Prepare music and session content ahead of time
Hours
On site: Fridays, 9:00 to11:00am during school term time
Preparation: Approximately 1 hour per week (in your own time)
About You
You will ideally:
Enjoy working with young children and adults
Be confident leading music and group activities (singing ability helpful but not essential)
Have strong communication and organisational skills
Be warm, reliable, and able to foster a sense of community
Be supportive of the values and mission of Chartwell Church
Applications
Applications close 22 February.
For further information, please contact the Church Office on 07 855 7434 or send your CV to the Parish Administrator at
office@chartwellchurch.org.nz
Starting gun sounds for housing on Te Rapa Racecourse land with re-zoning
Hamilton City councillors have signed off on a plan change that could see Te Rapa Racecourse swap stables for townhouses.
The deputy mayor says this paves the way for “basically creating a new suburb within the city”.
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