May 2025
2025 marks 100 years since Hugh Heber Cholmondeley founded our centre as a seaside sanctuary for children in need of care and respite. A century on, Cholmondeley remains a vital lifeline for Canterbury families. Now, our tamariki are giving back in ways that honour that legacy. From planting native trees to managing a trapline at Living Springs, the children are building a strong connection to the land, learning new skills, and discovering the impact they can have through these hands-on environmental projects.
This month's alumni profile features 13-year-old Alexis, who has recently aged out at Cholmondeley, and drew us a phenomenal comic strip showing her appreciation for her time here. I encourage you to have a read as what she says about her experience accords with the research on our respite care I’ve been immersing myself in lately in preparation for government reviews. She covers a lot of ground succinctly and authentically: safe, kindness, positive mindset, helping kids to be kids, and very importantly fun. I challenge anyone to consider her comments deeply without accumulating a bit of dust in the eye and a tear to match.
Term two is now underway, and with it comes a cherished tradition for tamariki staying with us for the first time with Jane, a longtime friend of Cholmondeley, and her support dog, Eve. More on this below. Jane’s contribution is emblematic of Cholmondeley’s support by our friend volunteers. National Volunteer Week is coming up soon and we’ve been reflecting on the range of volunteers that make Cholmondeley work and the reciprocal nature of what we do through the children, and actions like cleaning up the Cholmondeley family graves and supporting student placements.
We love welcoming visitors at Cholmondeley, and over the past few weeks we’ve had the pleasure of hosting some long-time supporters, including residents from retirement village Rhodes on Cashmere, 94-year-old Noel Hopgood, and a fantastic visit from Keely O'Grady, the 2024 Rose of Tralee, whose lively Irish dancing had the children up on their feet, eager to join in.
Tamariki Giving Back - Tree Planting and Trapping
Over the past few months, children staying at the centre have been involved in local environmental initiatives, making a meaningful contribution to the land and communities around us.
Thanks to the generous support of the DOC Motukārara Conservation Nursery, tamariki have repotted native seedlings, nurtured them in our on-site shade house, and recently planted them at Black Point near Church Bay.
Their efforts haven’t stopped there. The children have also been playing an active role in predator control at Living Springs. They’ve set up and maintained their own trapline along the gateway perimeter, acting as a first line of defence to help protect native species from predators like stoats, rats, mice, and possums.
Through hands-on learning, tamariki have gained skills in setting and checking traps, rebaiting, and recording their findings. It’s been incredible to see their pride and sense of responsibility grow as they see the tangible impact their mahi is having on local biodiversity.
This is just one of the many ways our kids are stepping up, getting involved and making a difference in their own way.
Special Visitors at Cholmondeley
We’ve been fortunate to welcome a number of long-time supporters to Cholmondeley recently – including a group of residents from the Rhodes on Cashmere retirement village and the one-and-only Noel Hopgood.
At 94 years young, Noel brought his signature spark and cheeky sense of humour during a cuppa and tour with our Fundraising and Events Support team member, Sarah Jamieson. A true community champion, Noel co-founded Halswell United Football Club in 1964 and remains a regular on the sidelines to this day. His support of Cholmondeley has been just as enduring — both personally and through his local mah-jong club, who are loyal donors.
Noel has promised to drop off some football manuals so we can teach our kids the good old way! We look forward to catching up again soon.
Our tamariki also had the pleasure of meeting Keely O'Grady, the 2024 Rose of Tralee. For background, the Rose of Tralee is an international festival held annually in Ireland that celebrates young women of Irish heritage from around the world, combining cultural events, interviews, and pageantry. Keely wowed the kids (and adults!) with her amazing Irish dancing. You can check out a video of that here.
Bedtime at Cholmondeley
As term two begins, we continue a special tradition for tamariki who are staying with us for the first time. The children arrive early in the morning and enjoy a full, fun day at Cholmondeley, with many staying overnight. In the evening, we welcome two very special guests — Jane and Eve. Jane helps guide the children through the bedtime routine, while Eve, her gentle and friendly support dog, provides comfort and reassurance. With her calm presence, Eve helps settle any nerves and makes the evening routine feel safe and familiar. Each child also receives a special pack to take home that they can bring for their next stay.
Alumni Support
It warmed our hearts when we received the following drawing from Alexis recently.
Alexis has recently aged out from Cholmondeley but it's comforting to know she holds such fond memories. In her own words:
Hey guys the last of my time has come. But I’m not going to have a bad mindset about it. I’m going to have a blast and enjoy myself. Like every child should. This note is short, but then the rest is a story for you all to share. It stars me and a cute bumble bee. All of you are in it 😊.
Just to let you know I’m quickly going to say something to the kids. If it’s your first time don’t be affraid! The staff is kind and bubbly. Staff thank you for making this a fun safe place. When I first ever walked throw those doors I couldn’t even think strait. But I sticked around my sister and I slowly made friends. Now every day I come I make friends in seconds.
You guys make us feel all safe. Thanks for helping us being kids. I love all the staff here.
Love you lots ♡ xxx Lexie (Alexis)
(Click the image above, or here to read Lexie’s story)
Upcoming Events
Join the Lyttelton Harbour Business Association on Friday, 20 June 2025 for a special evening celebrating Matariki and the people who help our community thrive.
The Matariki Taonga Awards will shine a light on the quiet champions of Whakaraupō — those who lead with dedication, humility, and heart. As we welcome the Māori New Year, we’ll come together to acknowledge their powerful contributions and the path they’ve helped shape for us all.
Where: Naval Point, Lyttelton
Doors Open: 5:30 PM | Ceremony Starts: 6:00 PM
Dinner Provided
Tickets: $50 (includes dinner). Only 40 tickets available and all proceeds will be donated to Cholmondeley.
Purchase your ticket(s) here.