Degustation

Grand Re-Opening The Station

interview by Kat PicKford

SuPPlied

The 120-year-old train station building in Seddon is set to become a hub for the community and visitors again, with plans for a new cafe and cellar door. The Turnbull family purchased the building and acre of land in September last year. Heather Turnbull and daughter Olivia Doonan have taken on the project, and see it as a way of combining their community interests and family business, Tupari Wines. The Station which was built in 1902 and added onto 100 years later in the 90s has been unused in recent years, so Heather and Olivia are enjoying the task of breathing some new life into a building that is a fundamental part of Seddon. “The building is over 100 years old, it has a charming simplicity with original timber floors and joinery, alongside some distinctive railway features,” Olivia says. Extensive landscaping is happening outside. Once the plants are established, tables among the boxed edible garden beds and native plantings will be a pretty spot to eat and drink in the sunshine, while a large, fully fenced, shaded grassy area provides a safe space for the kids to run and play while parents relax. “We’re going for a modern take on the Edwardian theme, while trying to incorporate the community projects that are happening around us, including the Tui to Town park and the Community Garden.”

Kate Shadbolt and Koko Lambert – Café owners

The original ticket office is destined to become a tasting room for the family’s wine label Tupari, which will provide an opportunity for locals and visitors to get a taste of the wine, the area and its people. “The Awatere Valley is the second-largest grape growing area in New Zealand after the Wairau Valley, it’s a huge part of our community, yet you’d hardly know it if you were driving through,” Olivia says. “There’s so much potential for Seddon in tourism. It would be great for the community in terms of providing jobs and creating a vibe around town.” The sunny lean-to café area was added on to the front of the building in 2002, and will be run by local hospitality duo, Koko Lambert and Kate Shadbolt. When asked what inspired them to team up for this new venture they explain that is was the opportunity of The Station that sparked the idea. “The qualities we see in each other we also see in ourselves and our values in life and work are very similar, that’s why we knew it was the perfect match. We both have worked in hospitality from a young age which lead us to work together. We have played netball competitively together as well so we know what it takes to work together and have fun.” smiles the duo. As the area continues on a path of rebuilding and evolving, the modernization of the historic landmark will offer something else for the community. Our mix of delicious wholesome homemade savoury and sweet foods, can be enjoyed with family and friends, and by hungry travellers. Our menu will have something that appeals to everyone. The passionate food and coffee lovers seem to have a twinkle in their eyes when they describe what reviving The Station Café means to them. “For us, it means starting a new business where we are working for ourselves and our families future. We are locals, striving to rebuild local connections again by offering another place to come together. We are excited to share will the locals and encourage more community

Heather Turnbull and Olivia Doonan – The Station Owners

interactions whether it be mums with their little ones catching up with friends over a coffee and a scone to the locals and visitors coming down to enjoy our friendly faces and enjoy our choices of tasty food or even grab a takeaway treat to enjoy at our local beach or walking amongst the tussocks. We love this area, for us both it is where we choose to raise our tamariki. It is an area that what you put in, is what you get out. The Station is not just about feeding hungry locals and travelers. The original waiting room will be used as a free space for local community groups to meet up, or for businesses to hire, Olivia says. “A big part of what we’re doing is around the community, it can be quite isolating for people living out here. “The earthquakes damaged quite a few buildings in Seddon so there is a real need for common areas where people can meet and connect.”

The original ticket room will become a cellar door, showcaseing Tupari’s multi-award winning, artisan wines. Renown local winemaker Glenn Thomas and the Turnbull family started Tupari Wines in 2004. “The Awatere Valley is celebrated for it’s beautiful wines, so now we will have something Awatere on show for those passing through on SH1!” Outside, the grounds located between the train tracks and SH1 are already showing signs of this project’s community spirit. Three years ago, the Awatere Valley Trust planted the area with native plants, partially supported by the Marlborough District Council Tui to Town project, to beautify Seddon and create a welcoming space. Three years since the initial plantings the path, which winds through the well established natives down to the Starborough River bridge underpass leading to the Seddon Domain, is a beautiful, tranquil space for people to stretch their legs, rest and reflect. “This is just the start of something that we hope to continue to grow our vibrant community, create opportunities and turn Seddon into a destination,” Olivia says. “We live in a great little spot, we have lots of hopes for the future.”

The Station Grand Re-Opening

on Sunday April 14th will provide quite a show! The Marlborough Flyer will make its debut in the Awatere valley at 1:05. 300 lucky locals will spend 50 minutes in Seddon where Mayor John Leggett will preform a ribbon cutting ceremony. Local market stalls will open from 12-3pm and a bouncy castle will entertain the kids. From 3-8pm Kate and Koko welcome guests to enjoy a responsible drink, with nibbles provided. The Station has aligned itself with the Shaking Change for Good fundraiser- looking to replace South Marlborough’s early childhood services that were lost and damaged in the 2016 earthquake. Our tight knit community is rebuilding and re-opening, please come to celebrate with us.