Reader Alex Saywell of Red Beach got in touch this month to fill us in on the background of the sundial at Maygrove Park, whose bronze plate has gone missing, presumed stolen . “The sundial and setting was developed as a project by the Maygrove Residents’ Association in 1999, to commemorate the new millennium,” Alex explained. “I was a committee member responsible for overseeing the project.
The late Tom Mayne [who was also vice president of Greypower and chair of Age Concern] was chairman.” As Alex wrote in a book several years later, the committee began planning for the project in March 1998, adopting the sundial idea first put forward by Mike Woods. Rodney District Council approved the project and Don Hunt of Red Beach prepared a perspective sketch.
Although costs were estimated at more than $10,000, the committee decided to proceed with fundraising. A successful application to the Lotteries Grants Board garnered $2620 towards the project and donations from businesses and residents made up the rest, facilitated by contributions of pavers from Stevensons and bricks from Carters. Work began in September 1999, and with committee members and residents providing time and skills the project was completed in December.
On the morning of January 1, 2000, Tom Mayne dedicated the sundial at a ceremony attended by 200 residents and children. “Merv McNeil had composed a song for the occasion and led the refrain to the enjoyment of all present.”.
