New Levin chapter for the Childs
‘‘From the seaside to the countryside’’ is how Henry and Glad Child are describing the next chapter in their lives.
The 85 year olds, who have lived in their Moana Rd, Plimmerton, home for more than 40 years, were not sad about giving up their spectacular view of Karehana Bay and Mana Island to move to Levin. Quite the opposite.
‘‘No, no, this is the chance for us to go to a lovely home on a flat section, near our family, and in a beautiful rural setting,’’ Henry said.
Kapi-Mana News spoke to the Childs last year about the rates they pay to Porirua City Council. Their home had been in the family for 64 years, but paying nearly $5000 a year in rates was becoming too much.
The constant upkeep on the big home and a recent nasty fall for Glad on some steps sealed the deal for a move.
The community stalwarts were seen off in the past fortnight by their neighbours – some of whom came back early from a holiday to attend the barbecue – and what Glad described as a heart-warming farewell at Plimmerton Bowling Club.
Glad was a long-time member of Plimmerton Women’s Bowling Club and Henry held a number of roles at the men’s – and later combined – club, including president between 2005 and 2007. The duo were made life members in 2014.
More recently, Henry entered the club’s champs with Finbar McGuigan, where they dipped out in post section play.
McGuigan is 16, so the age difference between the pairing was easily the widest at the champs.
‘‘We played well in our pool but things didn’t go well after that,’’ Henry said. ‘‘It’s a fantastic club and I worked out the other day I’ve raised $114,000 for it over the years. It was an important part of Glad’s and my life for decades and it’s been brilliant, especially the galas, where everyone comes out. There aren’t many places you can go where you don’t see a familiar face.’’
Both say Porirua was a great place to raise a family.
‘‘We’ve had many happy times in Plimmerton,’’ Glad said. ‘‘What we’ll miss most is the people. We’ve made many friends here.’’