We believe in honouring the ones who have done the hard yards and paved the way for us. We were very blessed to receive a visit from Bob and Margaret Hoyle. Bob is a grandson of Robert and Katherine Hoyle (pictured below), the name-sakes of Hoyle Road and the original owners of the land prior to Graham Crawshaw purchasing the farm and then building the Arapohue Bush Camp later. Bob and Margaret pictured above in Crawshaw Lodge here at Arapohue Retreat.
We loved hearing some of the history and sacrifice to clear the land and build the original farm and homestead around 1860. Twice-yearly grocery shopping was done in Auckland (whether they needed anything or not!). The Hoyle's cared for needy children in their homestead (no longer here).
Bob Hoyle was a little emotional when he saw the life returning to the place because of the work done by the Wild Side Charitable Trust since it acquired the old Arapohue Bush Camp in Dec 2020. The Arapohue Retreat is caring for people now, and has restored 3 buildings so far. After 15-months of restoration work, we are now appealing for help to complete the next big push forward to help us to restore these ancient ruins.
Thanks to Louise Kapene-Green, a korowai-maker and close friend of Ray and Jan's, who visited Arapohue from Taranaki this month for her gift to Arapohue Retreat of this stunning korowai in the colours of the Paua in honour of the work done here caring for the people.
Ray and Jan honoured their local church leaders Craig and Petrina Sullivan from Te Korowai o Ihu Karaiti Haahi (The Cloak of Jesus Christ Church in Dargaville) with a stunning korowai made especially for them by Louise. Photo shows Louise presenting it to them. If you would like to order one email Louise.
Thanks to the Kaipara Lifestyler for running this excellent article with an update of what we are doing, thanking those who have put their hand to the plough... and a call for partnership from corporates who understand the social responsibility of helping people in the community get free from addictions and undertake healing for trauma.
The article states the need for donations and grants to continue the restoration work and pay for qualified staff.
The next project: Lodge kitchen facilities
We are struggling to feed people from the Farmhouse kitchen and dining room. Fundraising has just begun for a Homewood wood-burning stove (manufactured in Whangarei) with three large ovens; a warming draw; an expanded firebox with increased-capacity water jacket for water heating; and expanded cooking surface.
The Homewood stove is perfect for the Retreat's needs for preserving home-grown produce. These photos are taken off the Homewood Stoves website.
Ray and Jan are always learning in the area of inner healing and have just completed a Blueprint for Learning seminar (6.5 hours) Understanding Addiction and Recovery and received NZQA approved certificates.
Listen to Jan talking to Radio Rhema here about her story of coming to Jesus out of drug addiction and a toxic relationship and the continuing legacy of her story helping others in similar situations.
PLEASE consider what you, your family, your trust or your organisation could donate THIS MONTH to help us meet these urgent needs:
Maungaraho Cabin: Paint, timber and furnishings and appliances $2700
Crawshaw Lodge Kitchen: Stove, extraction, cupboards, flooring, dishwasher, fridge, hot water, paint and building repairs, electrical rewiring $50,000
Thanks for your consideration and support and a sincere THANK YOU to our faithful volunteers for their commitment.
We are extremely grateful to the one-off and regular supporters who've partnered with us (donations of $10, $25, $50, $100, $150 per week): which help cover monthly running costs. We really appreciate you!
If anyone has donated and would like a free copy of Janet's book, The Wild Side, please email janet@thewildside.net with your courier address and we would love to send you a copy.
