Thames (NZ): Historic Kopu Bridge Society Members' Day 20 October 2019

Who are the Historic Kopu Bridge Society?

A group of people who have recognised the importance of the 'old' Kopu Bridge and are working to have it open for all to enjoy. Whether you want to wander, admire the view, include the crossing as part of the Hauraki Bike Trail, or maybe hold an event on the site. The options are endless!

"On 18th March 2018, NZTA signed an agreement giving ownership of the Historic Kopu Bridge to the Kopu Bridge and Community Trust. As kaitiaki (guardians), we intend to restore and re-open the bridge as a public walkway and cycleway." Source: Save Kopu Bridge facebook site

The Historic Kopu Bridge Community Trust are the ownership group and the Historic Kopu Bridge Society are responsible for the management (this latter group is the one that people may join for $20 a year).

Sunday 20 October 2019: Members' Day

After the miserable weather of late, it was a delight to wander and sit on the bridge. Enjoy a beautiful afternoon tea with refreshments - courtesy of the hardworking committee.

We took the opportunity to showcase a 'pop-up-poster' display on the 250th Commemorations of Lieutenant James Cook's visit and exploration of the Waihou River. 

(Courtesy of Carolyn & Althea)

View from the bike trail towards the Kopu Bridges.

***** Thanks to the team for the food and refreshments.*****

  

A highlight, when a family travelled under the bridge on a jet ski...there we had our re-enactment of James Cook and colleagues travelling up the Waihou 20 November 1769!

Are you a member of the Historic Kopu Bridge Society???

For just $20 you can help support the group, even if you can not spare the time to be involved with open days and volunteer rosters...your support would be appreciated.

For details on the Trust and membership details checkout the webpage.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

1.  As part of the "Steampunk the Thames" Programme, there is an event on at the bridge

SATURDAY 9 November 2019

4 to 5 pm

"Costume Convergence" on the Historic Kopu Bridge

...Help set a world record....

"Trace the tracks of horse drawn carts, bicycles and early Model-Ts as we gather the largest number of Steampunkers on a single lane bridge. Converge on the concourse at the cul de sac (east side) of the historic Kopu Bridge before promenading on to this quarter of a mile long 90 year old beauty, a relic from the post Victorian era – the age of daring engineering enterprises and stupendous innovation. Official photos of crowd taken at 4.30pm." No Weapons on the bridge.
A fundraiser for the Historic Kopu Bridge Restoration. Koha         

Further details and full programme at the Steampunk The Thames official website.      

2.  AGM. Saturday 2 November at 2pm St George's Church Hall.

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Then & Now 1926 & 2019

Left: The Hauraki Bridge under construction, Right the old Kopu (Hauraki) Bridge today.

Source:  Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19261014-45-3