Memorable Weekend Planned For Pace-Setting Organisation

3 April 2012

Memorable Weekend Planned For Pace-Setting Organisation

The Wilson Home Trust Prepares For Its Jubilee

A weekend of celebration and shared memories has been scheduled for later this month, by one of New Zealand’s best-loved organisations for people with disabilities.

The Wilson Home Trust is to celebrate its 75th anniversary from April 20th to 22nd, with a series of events, at and around its historic facility on Auckland’s North Shore.

“Our Jubilee isn’t just an occasion for Aucklanders to celebrate. All over New Zealand and beyond, there are people with disabilities who have achieved lives of dignity and independence, with a bit of help from The Wilson Home Trust,” says its Director, Russell Ness.

“From the start, we’ve been pace-setters in our field. So, it’s very gratifying that, in the run up to our Jubilee, we’ve heard from so many who’ve benefited from our work, as well as from former staff members, volunteers and donors, some of whom have been associated with us over many decades.

“With their help, we are publishing a handsome, limited edition, book of photographs and memories. It will be a fitting way of commemorating what seems likely to be a moving and enjoyable weekend,” he says.

Amongst those who spent time at the home as a youngster, was the legendary racing driver, car designer and New Zealand icon, the late Bruce McLaren. His sister, Jan McLaren, will be amongst the speakers at a celebratory dinner, scheduled for the evening of Saturday 21st April.

Other speakers are to include Mick Brown, who spent some of his earlier years at the home, before commencing a distinguished career that led to his appointment as New Zealand’s first Principal Youth Court Judge.

Also attending the Jubilee dinner, will be William Wilson, the grandson of Mr and Mrs W. R. Wilson, who, in 1937, gifted their spacious Belmont family home and outstandingly scenic coastal gardens, for the expressed benefit of children with disabilities.

The weekend is to start with a Friday Night Party and reunion at the Belmont site, where The Wilson Home Trust continues to be based. For the last two years, its administration has been housed in a lovingly-restored nineteenth century cottage.

Belmont will also be the scene, during the Saturday, for a series of memory sharing sessions, as well as for guided tours of the 13 acre site and entertainments galore, provided by, amongst others, the celebrated Kumeu Vintage Brass Band, the acclaimed Devonport Folk Club Uke Troupe and accordion playing sensation, Tracey Collins.

On the Sunday, there is to be a non-denominational Service of Thanksgiving, followed by Devonshire Teas and more garden tours.

For further information visit the Wilson Home Trust’s Jubilee website: www.jubilee.wilsonhometrust.org.nz

ENDS

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