Community fun for busy farmers

Considerable wet weather and a low milk payout forecast have made for trying times for local farmers.

But the small Puketurua community near Arapuni in the South Waikato is aiming to boost morales by once again holding a free family fun night and dinner in the Puketurua Hall at 6.30pm on Friday, September 23.

Hall committee member Judith Bennett said a similar event was held last year and it was a chance for locals to mix, mingle and have a good time.

‘‘Last year everyone was down with the payout so someone on the committee said why don’t we try and cheer everyone up where they can come along for a barbecue,’’ she said.

’’It was a fantastic night and because the wet weather made the start of calving a battle for everyone this year and there are still low forecasts with the milk payout morales are low again so we’ve decided to run it again.’’

She said it wasn’t easy for farmers out there.

‘‘The rain and payout forecast not up by much means everyone was worse than last year. I was talking to a young guy who wouldn’t wear a raincoat anymore because he said it was wet inside and out from having to wear it everyday. He was so down,’’ she said.

She said anyone within the community

‘‘Calving has been a busy time but we are coming to the end of it now and it's not an excuse not to have another life’’

was welcome to come to the free fun night and dinner if they let her know by Thursday.

‘‘We’ve made it at the end of term so it’s easier for people to come along to but we need people to let us know if they want to come so there will be enough food,’’ she said.

‘‘We have changed the menu slightly from last year and there will also be a bit of a surpirse.’’

‘‘Calving has been a busy time but we are coming to the end of it now and it’s not an excuse not to have another life.’’

‘‘There will be a DVD playing for the children and popcorn so bring them along. It’s important to get out and have fun,’’ she said.

While sponsorship is paying for the evening, donations will be accepted at the door to cover any shortfall.

Tea, coffee, juice, and non alcoholic punch will be provided otherwise it is bring your own.

Email mjbennett@xtra.co.nz or text 027 285 4915.