On Sunday 6th October, 55 members boarded the coach for the very scenic drive out into the Kahuranaki and Elsthorpe areas east of Havelock North to Waipawa. Our lunch venue was the Historic Waipawa Municipal Theatre.
The main highlight of the day was to come! Following lunch our trip continued through the scenic Tikokino countryside to Smedley Station and Cadet Farm. During this drive, the commentary was given by Branch member Athol Curtis who is an “Old boy” now called “Ex Cadets” of Smedley.
Smedley Station and Cadet Training Farm, known as one of New Zealand’s best farm training establishments, comprises 5,660ha west of Tikokino in Central Hawke's Bay. Offering a unique two-year training experience for young cadets.
The farm was originally owned by “Josiah Howard”, who, on his death in 1919, passed it on to the Crown, to be used to provide agricultural training to the young farmers of New Zealand. The Howard Estate Act was passed later that year providing that Smedley Station be held by Public Trust in trust for the Crown, as a permanent endowment for the purposes of agricultural education.
The first training course was opened in 1931. More than 740 young farmers have successfully graduated since that date.
On arrival we were very warmly welcomed by Dean Winlove, winner of our Branch’s 2023 Hereworth School Essay Competition, his parents, extended family and friends. Dean’s father is a builder on Smedley. His mother Vicki is the Howard Estate Advisory Board Secretary
Following a very informative and most interesting video presentation by Vicki Winlove, members were allowed to wander through the stable area and small museum before partaking in a delicious “country style” afternoon tea.
Secretary Richard Bayley handed out song books for the “usual sing along” on the homeward journey.
Obviously upon receiving these comments below – we were delighted to know our members were most impressed with the visit.
“It was a brilliant day yesterday, thanks”.
“It was an awesome day out on Sunday - learnt so much about Smedley - amazing set up”
“An amazing experience for the whole of our Founders group I feel sure”
“Best day out ever”
PHOTOS:
1 Welcome by Vicki Winlove, Howard Estate Advisory Board Secretary
2 Presentation of certificates to three new “Friends of Hawke’s Bay Branch”
Left to Right: Philip & Pamela Norman, Ian Gordon, with Branch President Paddy Bayley