A name from history for lodge

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 441, 23 June 1992, Page 8

A name from history for lodge

The Sunbeam Lodge and Restaurant are back under the control of David, Lesley and Bill Peach. Over the summer months Ian Hays and Michael Barker ably

managed the unit and it has been decided the Lodge will remain open each summer for both accommodation and restaurant and bar. Over the summer big

changes also occurred with the addition of a large canopy so that guests can now drive in out of the weather when they come to dine or book in. Much landscaping has taken place associated with this and in particular a considerable lessening of the traffic congestion has been achieved. Finishing touches ,yet to be done include signage but this is subject to a resource consent and town planning approval. Everybody who has viewed the completed project agree that they are indeed a great improvement and add a 'Touch of Class'. To enhance this the restaurant is to trial the use of a Commissionaire at the doorway to greet guests on Saturday evenings when they come to dine or book in and also keep an eye on the safety of their vehicles. Coupled with the new work is a new entrance to the bar which means that patrons using this facility do not have to walk through the dining room. Much more lighting has been added but at the same time the landscaped gardens, trees etc have been retained as far as possible to enhance the completed look. With the up-marketing of the premises the Peach's decided to seek suggestions for a new name for their restaurant and bar. After much deliberation they came up with the name Blyth's. This commemorates Joe Blyth who pioneered much of the track work on the mountain. Joe Blyth was the Headmaster of Ohakune School for many years and many of his pupils were introduced to the joys of the mountain through his

tireless efforts in promoting both climbing and tramping. Even today his name is commemorated on the mountain with the Blyth Track leading to Blyth Hut. Mr Harry Cast, Principal of Ruapehu College, said that pupils of the Ruapehu College are running a competition to come up with short stories on Mr Blyth so that these can be printed on serviettes and inform patrons of Mr Blyth's huge involvement with the mountain. They will also chronicle the early mountain history. The decor to is to be enhanced by the display of old-time tramping, climbing and skiing equipment and the public are being asked to consider lending their memorabillia (they can be sure they will be taken good care of and fully insured). If you have any skis, climbing gear, ice axes, crampons that could be of use to the restaurant phone 3858-470. In this way too you will add to the understanding of visitors of what Joe Blyth meant to the Mountain and indeed the

early days of its history. With the opening of Blyth's, new chefs Mark Oliver and Lynne Aitchison will be pampering the taste buds of Blyth's restaurant's patrons. Mark and Lynne hail from Scotland (Mark was born in Blyth) and no doubt the Scottish influence will show through in their choices of dishes to tempt your palate. Blyth's will still continue to cater for the medium-priced menu and this year will be offering guests the right to bring their own wine.

All the staff are committed to making your night out a most memorable one and not memorable from the point of view of the cost to your pocket. Wines, spirits and beers the latter of which is on tap, will also be priced at the lower end of the Ohakune price scale. Value for money and service will continue to be the motto of the restaurant and bar. Sunbeam has always enjoyed a great patronage from locals and wishes to continue »this but pamper our mountain guests as well.

The Peach's have outlaid a considerable investment but believe that such change is necessary to give visitors a change of scenery and ensure that the facilities they enjoy are as good as are available in the city. In the meantime the restaurant and bar will continue in its present form and an official opening hopefully by a member of the Blyth family will be held when the finishing touches to the project are completed.