The Friends Of Williams House are a voluntary group who support the development of the library, the upstairs gallery and the historic Williams House. The Friends enjoy an excellent working arrangement with the Far North District Council and the Williams family who support the many projects the Friends undertake.

 

The Friends are an active group who have completed many projects:

 

1. Upstairs gallery: This has been equipped with an art hanging display system, lighting and carpet. The gallery is available for local artists to display their art. 

 

2. Restoration of the Old Stone Shed: The Friends organised the restoration of this historic shed. Used as the first school house in Paihia, this shed is steeped in history. The next stage of the project is to organise a display within the shed that details the historic significance and its many uses.

 

3. Restoration of the garage: A local resident donated to the Friends $9,000 to restore the garage. The Friends now use the garage as a venue to sell second hand books. This is their main source of funds. The books are sold at bi-monthly book stalls, (first and third Saturdays of each month). The money raised from the book stalls is used to provide facilities for community use in Williams House and books for the Library. The Friends welcome the donation of used books which they will collect. Contact the Garage Book Sale co-ordinator Sue Thompson at sooty53@actrix.co.nz.

 

4. Brochure: A brochure has been published explaining the history of the House, gardens and site. The site has direct links with Henry Williams who arrived in Paihia in 1823 to establish an Anglican Mission Station. These brochures are available from the Paihia Library, Paihia i-Site office or at the Williams House garage during book sales. Work is also progressing on a History Trail to complement the brochure. Information on the trail can be found here.

 

5. A book, PROTECTING PARADISE IN PAIHIA - The Story of Williams House and Gardens by Fiona Craig, was commissioned to record the living memories of those associated with the House and gardens. This has now been published and the official launch of the book was held in the Williams House grounds on Saturday 13th November, 2010. Copies of the book are available for $25 each. If you wish to obtain a copy, please contact the committee members listed below.

 

6. Garden: This is an ongoing project for the Friends and the helpers. Three garden seats provided are well used by the many visitors. An interested local has volunteered to look after the vegetable garden and tends this in his own time when convenient. The Friends have regular working bees to look after the flower beds. Any one who would like to join us at working bees or would like to take the ownership of an area of the garden is welcome.

 

7. The Friends make annual donations to the library to purchase books, puzzles and other items as they are needed.

 

Anyone who would like to become a member of the Friends is welcome, please contact any of the Friends listed.

 

For more information:

Contact Name:  Chairperson - Annette Roberts   Ph: 402 7711 or

                        Secretary - Anne Corbett  Ph: 402 7882

 

Address:           6 Williams Road, Paihia

Email:               paihianz@gmail.com

 

Postal Address: Friends of the Williams House, Paihia Library Inc,