Care and friendship focus of Tairua club

It is 30 years since Tairua Care and Friendship Club started and its’ volunteers continue to live up to the club’s name.

Tuesdays are a big day, with about five volunteers rostered on to cook and serve a weekly midday meal at Tairua Community Hall. There are often about 30 locals enjoying the lunch and company and there’s a happy mood in the hall. Co-ordinator, Agnes Topham, says some people pop in to pick up a take-away meal and several who are unwell, have meals delivered to their home by the club’s community van driver. Some folk arrive at the hall early to enjoy the challenge of a few board games before lunch is served. There is an $8 charge for mains (tasty chicken curry that day) and dessert and also a chance to win the raffle. Diners were asked why they came for lunch.

“It’s a way to meet people when you are new in town.” “It’s nice to eat at the table with a group of people instead of on my own.” “I like having a meal put in front of me and it’s very friendly here.” “I come here early for the games - even though I don’t win!” “I enjoy the fellowship, it’s an outing and the food is nice and really good value.”

There are lots of smiling faces and laughter and the volunteers get a round of applause. Sometimes local musician, Jim Hope, turns up and plays for the diners. Tairua Care and Friendship community van is very important to the town and there are many grateful people in the community who are driven to hospital and other appointments or shopping in Thames. \

For more information contact Agnes, 0212938248.

Caption: Locals enjoy lunch at Tairua Community Hall, thanks to Tairua Care and Friendship Club volunteers.