In an online message from his daughter, Lora Thomson has announced the death of Chris Thomson who had terminal cancer. The family intend to honour his wish of a small private service but there will be a public memorial on January 30th at Navara Lounge in Auckland.
Born in 1951 Chris Thomson released close to 300 songs in his 50+ year career, including a first album that is now widely acclaimed as an international classic. Next year’s memorial will focus on celebrating his music.
Efforts to revitalise the Te Mata hall are continuing with a new hall committee formed last week with a whopping 13 individuals keen to take part. Wayne Stephens, Sarah Adams and Tanya Wilson took on responsibility for the big jobs of Chair, Treasurer and Secretary.
Following the winning of a free do-up from This Hits Radio station and Resene paints the Te Mata Community has been galvanised into action and has also begun fundraising to do much needed repair and maintenance work on the old hall before the paint job starts.
This is not the only refurbishment work happening in that community with a project to bring the community tennis courts back to life as well.
Raglan District Community Vehicle Trust and other Waikato community transport providers can apply for a share of the regional council’s increased Community Transport Grant fund from Monday 25th November.
The fund supports operators that provide transport services to residents whose needs are generally not met by the public transport network, which is mostly in remote and rural areas or where passengers have specialist medical and accessibility needs. Raglan District Community Vehicle Trust, operator of the Raglan Health Shuttle, received a grant in April 2024, from last year’s fund.
Waikato Regional Councillors voted to increase the fund to $300,000 per year as part of the 2024–2034 Long Term Plan (up from $200,000 in its first two years).