When Angela Thompson heard about the recent thefts at the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park and Museum on October 11, it gave her an idea to host a fundraiser event.
“We saw it in the newspaper, and my husband and myself only have to see something of that nature to realise that we’re lucky that we are where we are and we do a lot of things on the spur of the moment when help is needed,” she told The Profile.
Thieves broke into the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park and Museum overnight on October 11 and stripped irreplaceable pieces from two boats Ariana and Norita. The vessels were seriously damaged after portholes, steering wheels, railings, controls, dials and other fittings were taken.
It led Angela, who is also a musician, to organise the Save the Historical Boats Fundraiser – a day of music and songs, that will kick off outside the Paeroa Museum on November 18. Angela, who lives in a villa in Te Aroha known as The Living Museum, said the idea was to team up with the Paeroa Museum and show support for the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park and Museum.
“I want to represent Te Aroha, the mountain of love, and share the love that we have to help another town close to us.”
The fundraiser will kick off in the forecourt outside the Paeroa Museum from 10am, where Angela will be joined by musicians from Paeroa Country Music Club, Hauraki Country Music Club, Matamata opera singer Jazz Videmo and a Morrinsville ukulele group.
DETAILS: Concert Fundraiser for the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park and Museum on November 18 from 10am, held at the Paeroa Museum, 37 Belmont Rd, Paeroa.
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
