Friends of Williams House, Paihia Library Inc

24/03/2025

April 2025.
FRIENDS NEWS:
New blinds for the library: New sun screen blinds have been fitted in the library this week. The main lounge room, office and children’s room will all have matching sun filter blinds. These will cut out the glare when library users are reading and having their regular gatherings. In the high summer months, they will keep the rooms cooler too. The Friends are using funds to purchase these blinds earnt by the hard-working garage volunteers who have sold numerous books this financial year. Thank you for supporting our community and adding value to our Library.
New Sash Latch for the Office window: On measuring up for the new blinds a broken sash catch was noticed that needs replacing. Being a historical building it is important that a match to the existing hardware was found. We have managed to source a new latch identical to the others from a company in Palmerston North called Vintage Hardware. Mr Goggle can be very helpful.
New Story Board for the Upstairs Museum: Library staff have been noting regular questions they are asked from visitors regarding the house. Questions that relate to the house. E.g., when was it built, who by, what are the timbers, who lived in it. To answer these queries the Friends have decided to develop and design a new story board for the Upstairs Museum. We will work with the Williams family and Workshop E to produce an informative text. This is a work in progress.
This year we have bought 2 new garden seats, replaced the wooden edgings around the gardens, tried to get the pump working, plus on-going costs for the gardens. E.g. compost, plants fertilizer etc. Next spring we intend to replace the two garden seats in the front garden. We are also budgeting to pay to have the hedges cut approximately four times a year. For the past eighteen years this job has been done by a garden volunteer however he has now retired.
AGM: Our end of financial year is 31 March 2025. Our AGM is to be held on Monday of May 12 2025 in the rear meeting room of the Paihia Memorial Hall at 5.30pm. All are welcome.
Garden: We are looking for old bricks to edge out a small garden. Happy to collect if anyone has some, they can donate to us. The shell paths in the vegetable garden area have been refurbished.
Library News: On 31 March 25 at 10.00am there is a guest speaker presenting at the Seed/Plant swop meeting. Vicky Barrett will be talking about soil improvement and growing in small urban environments. All welcome.
Visitors galore: On March 18 when there were two visiting cruise ships in port the library and Upstairs Museum recorded 400 persons coming into the Williams house. It is great we can share our library and proud heritage with these visitors.

19/03/2025

From the Paihia Library page ...
These two lovely photos of Paihia have recently been donated by Eila Searles, who is the daughter of Lady Elizabeth Reed.
The first photograph shows Paihia beach from Maki Point to Stockyard Point.
The 2nd photograph is of Horotutu Beach.
Both photographs were taken 17 April 1951.
You can view these photographs on the wall of Paihia Library in the lounge room.

19/03/2025

From the Bletchley Park page ... Elizabeth was a long time supporter of the Friends and paid for the refurbishment of out second-hand book garage.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=972731878378443&set=pb.100069249199420.-2207520000

Elizabeth Langstaff was recruited to Bletchley Park from Newnham College Cambridge. Her first role at Bletchley Park, from October 1939 to April 1940, was in Hut 5, where she coded messages to be sent to London, preparing them for dispatch by rider, and for transmission by radio.

She was then transferred to Hut 3, where Langstaff's fluent German was needed. Her role was to type out German messages from raw decrypts, interpreting abbreviations and filing and sorting the results. The intelligence which could be extracted then had to reach the relevant offices in London, in a form which suggested a source other than that of breaking the Enigma cipher.

By 1943, Langstaff was personal assistant to the Head of Hut 3, Eric Jones. In an interview, Langstaff commented that while she enjoyed her work, she derived even more pleasure from her involvement with the Recreational Club Drama Group. Continuing an enthusiasm from her college days, she became secretary and took part in several productions, acting, singing and dancing with gusto.

➡️ Discover more incredible stories in our temporary exhibition, The Women of Newnham College and Bletchley Park, which is currently on display in Hut 12 until 31 March: https://bletchleypark.org.uk/event/the-women-of-newnham-college-and-bletchley-park/

Photo: Courtesy of Lady Reed, née Elisabeth Langstaff.

02/01/2025

01/10/2024

DID YOU KNOW that the Williams House Book Garage was opened in May 2008 by the late Monica Williams. Speakers included Bronwyn Hunt FNDC Library manager, Councilor Ann Court and the late Val Cadell, chairperson of the Friends. For the past 16 years funds have been raised here to support the Williams Estate and the Paihia Library by the many volunteers who have supported The Friends and their community.

01/10/2024

Friends’ news: October 2024.
GARDEN AND NEW SEATS: The Friends committee have ordered two new seats for the rear garden. These replacements are the same as the ones we purchased over 18 years ago. They are expensive costing over $2500K each however a very good investment enjoyed by many. Delivery is expected any day soon. Next year finances allowing the Friends hope to replace the two in the front garden area. The wooden edgings surrounding the garden beds behind the Stone Shed and around the vegetable garden are to be replaced. These were restored 20 years ago as a joint venture between FNDC and the Friends. This time it is the Friends only funding the job. Timber has been ordered from Northland Kauri and our volunteers will be working on this job as soon as we take delivery of the materials.
None of the above would be possible without the loyal volunteers who sell the books raising funds for ongoing maintenance and projects along with our community who support and donate us great stock. We thank you all.
Our garden co-ordinator Jan Baker has walked the garden with staff from the FNDC identifying what trees large trees needs trimming. Work is to commence soon on the large Bay Trees which are overhanging the Book Garage, footpath and parking area in Williams Road.
Vandals recently prised off one of the signs from the Garden History Trail, this has now been revived and put back on its stand.
BOOK GARAGE: The “back-room team “have been working hard to update the garage with new books and reorganise the shelves. We now have a newer editions section of books. These are no older than 2020. We are always looking for new stock, favourite authors include Lee Child, James Patterson, Dick Francis, Sidney Sheldon, Lucinda Riley, John Grisham, Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts.
Opening hours are the first and third Saturday of the month 10-4.00pm. During October will open for visiting Cruise ships on 16,17,19, & 29 from 9-3.00pm.
HAPPENINGS AT THE LIBRARY:
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE CLINICS: These run every fortnight at the library, no appointment needed. Just drop in with your documents. The next clinic is Thursday 03 October 11am-1pm.
KNITTING CLUB: new members are welcome to join this group. Next meeting Tuesday October 8th 10-12. This is a good way to meet new friends and share your knitting ideas.
BOOK CLUB: meets once a month on the 2nd Monday 10.30-11.30am.
SEED BANK EXCHANGE: last Monday of the month 10.00am
CRAFTANOONS for children every Thursday 3.30-4.15pm, (during school term)
MINECRAFT: for children every Friday 3.30-4.15pm (during school term)

01/09/2024

Can you believe that in 2000 the Williams house was derelict, tagged and unloved.

01/09/2024

We welcomed the first Cruise ship to the Bay on Friday 10 August 2024, the passengers were all mainly retired Australians who were very interested in the Williams gardens and museums. We enjoyed some excellent feedback which was heartening. Plus, they purchased lots of books from the Book Garage.

The Cruise Ship Schedule for 2024-2025 is once again very busy with approximately 74 ships booked to visit the Bay of Islands. Of these 74 we hope to open at least 40 days. We would love some helpers. If you would like to volunteer to work in the Williams Garage Bookshop we would love to hear from you. The days are divided into 3 x 2-hour shifts. A roster is sent out via email at the beginning of each month. If you can fill a spot, you simply email us back. There is no pressure on how many shifts etc. you have to do. For further information email Jeff: [email protected]

BOOKS: We have been donated some very good quality books and we are slowly weeding out older stock to replace with the new. The older books are recycled via the Free PhoneBox library which we keep stocked. Books are also sent to the Opua Cruising Club for the visiting yachties.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS: We would love some new books to add to this area. We can collect books please call Jan: 0272211636 to arrange.

GARDEN: We are thrilled to welcome a new “garden volunteer “Dianne. Already she has improved the look of the garden beds. Thank you for coming forward and joining the Friends.
HAPPENINGS AT THE LIBRARY:

KNITTING GROUP: meets fortnightly on a Tuesday 10-12.
SEED BANK EXCHANGE: last Monday of the month 10.00am.
CRAFTANOONS: for children every Thursday 3.30-4.15pm, (during school term)
MINECRAFT: for children every Friday 3.30-4.15pm (during school term)
BOOK CLUB: second Monday of the month 10.30am.

We invite you all to enjoy and make use of this wonderful Community asset.

22/08/2024

Newsletter July 2024.
In the recent FNDC Long Term Plan submissions our community was asked to comment on the number of libraries the FNDC oversee. It was suggested that these be limited.
The report dated 27 June 2024 read: FNDC have opted to maintain the current set up of libraries and information centers but requested staff explore and consult with the public on other cost saving measures?

Thank you to all the supporters of the Paihia Library who took the time to submit on this issue. Our library is an integral part of our community. Fiona and her team offer many programs for the community:
KNITTING GROUP: meets fortnightly on a Tuesday 10-12.
SEED BANK EXCHANGE: last Monday of the month 10.00am.
BOOK CLUB: second Monday of the month 10.30am.
CRAFTA NOONS: for children every Thursday 3.30-4.15pm, (during school term)5. MINECRAFT: for children every Friday 3.30-4.15pm (during school term)
All welcome to join in. If there are other programs you would like to see at the library, please contact Fiona and her team to discuss. Ph: 094028394.

OUR GENEROUS COMMUNITY: It was a huge surprise for the Friends to be donated $5000.00 by a generous local to go towards the cost of repairing the pump. The pump failed late in 2022 and it has been a long job. So far, the work has entailed removing the pump and having it reconditioned. Then the bore had to be sleeved with a PVC pipe, then blown clear. The water from the bottom of the shaft has now proven to run clear and we now await an opportunity to have the pump reinstalled in the bore to once again pump water. Having the pump to provide water helps the Friends keep the gardens lush as well as contribute to water savings in the high summer months. We are so grateful for the support of this very kind community minded person.
Recently the Friends asked Aaron Peacock of KAAP Contracting to restrain the fence wires surrounding the front garden. Aaron attended to the job the very next day at no charge stating “as happy to help out the community “Thank you Aaron for your support.
GARDEN: we need someone to prune the plum trees in the Williams house orchard. Is there anyone in our community who could help us here please?
SAD NEWS: Sadly, the Friends long serving and loyal committee member Joy Moore passed away on 10th July 2024. Joy attended the Inaugural meeting of the Friends on 19 August 2004. In October 2004 she was nominated the Vice Chairperson and held that role for several years. In the early days she helped oversee the Upstairs Gallery and then took on the Garden supervisor role. In more recent years Joy was responsible for the banking and making up of the float for the Book Garage. For over 20 years she served our community with her work through the Friends. We will miss her. RIP in Joy.

April 2023: Joy in blue selling plants for the Friends of Williams House, Paihia Library Inc.

03/05/2024

Canon Percy Temple Williams with his wife Mary and children Patrick and Mary standing in the garden near the Stone Shed. The Stone Shed is now part of our museum displays. At the centre-right can be seen the pump shed, which at that time had a header tank on the roof. The pump now provides us with water for the gardens during summer.

18/04/2024

18/04/2024

History of the Friends of Williams House, Paihia Library Inc:
The Friends have been serving the Library and the Community for 20 years.
It was on March 24 2004 that a meeting was held to discuss the formation of “Friends of the Library, Williams House”.
Present were Rae Baker (Paihia librarian) Val Cadell, Barbara Traviss and Mary McKay; with apologies from Anne Corbett, Bronwyn Hunt FNDC and Sue Hodge FNDC. At this meeting a steering committee was formed including Val Cadell, Mary McKay, Barbara Traviss and Anne Corbett. FNDC staff Bronwyn Hunt and Sue Hodge were to consult with the Kerikeri-Paihia Community Board for their approval.
On May 05 2004 a further meeting was held when it was reported that the Kerikeri-Paihia Community Board agreed in principle to the forming of the Friends and the next step was to compile a draft constitution. The objectives were:
To Promote the Library.
To Encourage Public Use.
To Provide extra facilities for Community use in co-operation with the FNDC.
To Work in conjunction with Heritage NZ
Val Cadell offered to draw up a constitution and prepare a draft for the steering committee to present to Sue Hodge FNDC. On the adoption of the Constitution the Friends were inaugurated
as a non-profit organization the registered office being at the Williams House, Paihia.
In the past 20 years much has been achieved:
The first step was to map the garden recording the original plant and tree species which was done by Susan Clunie from Heritage NZ. Using the plan the Friends have slowly restored the gardens and orchard to their former glory. A garden history trail was developed and seats which are still in use today were placed in the garden. The fence was rewired and the Kissing Gate was repaired. Trees and plants were grafted to keep the original stock. A Friends Garden team now attend to the on-going garden maintenance.
The Williams House garage was set up by the John Hoggard and funded by Elizabeth Reed. It was their vision that the sale of second-hand books would provide the funding to support the Friends. Over the past 20 years many volunteers from our community have provided the manpower to sell books. This revenue has enabled the Friends to carry out their many projects. Other funding agencies have included Foundation North, The Southern Trust, Grass Roots Foundation, N.Z. Lotteries Board, BOI-Whangaroa Community Board, and the Williams Family.
A book “Protecting Paradise “was commissioned to include the memories of those who worked and lived in the house. These are on sale at the library and in the garage for $20.00.
The Historic Stone Shed was restored and later turned into a small museum. The pump house was rebuilt and the pump was restored to provide water for the gardens.
Yearly donations are made to the library to purchase extra books, or equipment. Volunteers have made cushions for the children’s room and provided other items as required.
A shed was purchased and placed on the site of a former garden shed that had fallen down. This is used as a storage shed for the books donated by the community destined for garage sales.
The latest and biggest project for the Friends was to establish a museum in the upstairs area of the Williams House. This was opened in April 2023. Visitors from far and wide can now enjoy the history of early Paihia and those who were associated with the house.
The objectives set out over 20 years ago by the Kerikeri-Paihia Community board have certainly been achieved. Congratulations must go to all past and present volunteers who have worked and contributed to this community Asset.
Continuing jobs are maintenance in the gardens, out houses and museums, assisting with the library projects and selling books in the garage.

We welcome all newcomers to this engaging community hub where we pull together to enjoy maintaining and beautifying the Historic Williams House and grounds.
If you would like to join this team, please come and learn more at the AGM or contact Secretary Anne Corbett email: [email protected].