Rotary is ready to light up Foxton to complement other attractions such as the windmill De Molen and the Dutch Connection Museum

Charlie & Chrissy Pederson, DG Martin, AG Chris Garrett
at the Foxton water tower photographed by Sandra Eckert.

President Chrissy and Charlie Pedersen and Sandra Eckert took AG Chris Garrett and me for a walking tour of Foxton and up to the water tower.  We have all seen the Foxton water tower as we have driven north on State Highway 1.  Soon when you pass by on some evenings you will see the tower lit up in different lighting designs thanks to the efforts of Foxton Rotary working with Awapuni Rotary. This has been a major project for the Club and the lights should go on in late August over an area of park that Foxton Rotary has also contributed to beautifying.

Denise and I have often popped into Foxton, particularly when our children were young, because of the windmill De Molen.  AG Chris was able to tell us that the main street in Foxton is so wide because it was designed to allow carts with up to six bullocks to turn around.    

I was pleased to hear that Foxton will soon also host the Dutch Connection Museum, which will be the New Zealand National Dutch Museum recording and showcasing the Dutch immigration experience.  This will be a great tourism attraction for Foxton and you can find more information about developments at http://www.dutchconnection.org.nz/

DG Martin, President Chrissy and new member Jason Davy

Another major project for Foxton Rotary is the annual Oroua Downs Trail Bike Ride which is a joint fun and fundraising effort with Oroua Downs school.  Several farming families who have a long history in the area allow their fences to be opened up and the course set over several farms for a 35 kilometre ride.  More than 430 bike riders take part annually.

It is great to see Foxton developing with the support of its local Rotary Club which is providing events for the local community and attractions that enhance the lives of local people while also drawing in more people to contribute to the local community.

Foxton Rotary is of course engaged in many projects and activities, including supporting our youth to RYPEN, RYLA, RYDA, the Rotary National Science and Technology Forum and school speech competitions.

Foxton Rotary is another good example of Rotary improving the lives of everyone in our communities.