Khandallah Park Picnic returns

By Frank Neill

Khandallah Park will see people descend in their droves on Saturday 18 February for the Khandallah Park Picnic.

Organised by the Onslow Community Residents Association (ORCA), the picnic will include free swimming at the Khandallah Pool, as well as free food. The free food includes a sausage sizzle, corn fritters, pulled pork buns and cup cakes. A variety of activities will also be available, including a treasure hunt, giant bubbles, a fancy dress parade, fun games and a photographic backdrop where people can take photos – ideally in their fancy dress costumes.

ORCA has organised the Khandallah Park Picnic in conjunction with the Khandallah Arts Theatre (KAT).

KAT will present the premiere of its new show Robyn Hood and Her Merry Gals, which will begin at 1:30pm.

Set in Sherwood Forest Robyn Hood and

Her Merry Gals will feature a duel on a bridge and an archery contest, and the sheriff is the villain. However that is about as close as it gets to the traditional Robin Hood story, The play is a musical with plenty of action, kid’s humour and audience participation.

Following its 18 February performance, the musical will also play on 19, 25 and 26 February at Khandallah Park or, if the weather is bad, at Cochran Hall, 106 Cashmere Avenue, Khandallah.

The Khandallah Park Picnic had to be cancelled last year due to Covid restrictions, but what has been a marvellous success in the past returns this year.

ORCA will also host a Tyers Stream Walk on 4 March.

Tyers Stream reserve is an ecologically significant and a historically significant area.

The stream flows from above Khandallah Park area, and under the Khandallah Swimming Pool, and then through Khandallah down into Wellington Harbour at Ngauranga.

Pam is making residents’ days with great meals

Pam Watkins worked in the hospitality industry for 35 years before taking up a role at an Enliven Home.

Pam has been the food service team leader at Chalmers Home in New Plymouth for two years, a sister site to Enliven's Huntleigh Home in Kaori and Cashmere Home in Johnsonville and says she has enjoyed the transition from restaurants to the aged care environment.

“It’s great, I should have done it years ago. It is a better environment, it’s the people around you, it’s a joy working for older people and seeing them smile.”

Pam leads a team of seven kitchen staff who prepare lunch and dinner for the residents. Her role sees her doing a variety of things, including managing the team, ordering, and costing food, and managing the food control plan.

She says corned silverside, mustard sauce, and pickled pork is a favourite meal of residents at the home.

Enliven positive ageing services has a range of exciting job opportunities available

“They always look forward to their meals, and if you make someone's day, that’s important."

She says it is a rewarding role, so much so that she is happy to commute an hour every day to get to work.

Pam learnt a lot about cooking from her mum and nana, and now has children and grandchildren of her own, who she loves to spend her free time with.

“Spending time with family is really important. In my last job, I always put work before family, and suddenly when you work in an environment like this you realise how important family is.”

Pam Watkins says it’s a joy working for older people.

Both Huntleigh Home and Cashmere Home are looking for more great people to join their team. If you or someone you know is looking for a fun and rewarding role, visit enlivencentral.org.nz/jobs or email: recruitment@psc.org.nz. PBA

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