Couple leaving for Waverly —but will return

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 32, 27 January 1987, Page 5

Couple leaving for Waverly —but will return

Donna and Mark Watchman are leaving Ohakune and when they do, the blackboard at Cedar Service Station will never be the same again! Donna was born in Raetihi and has lived in the area all her life, only briefly living in Wanganui while at College and one year away at University. Local people will remember Donna working for Dalgety Crown or more recently at Cedar Service Station in Ohakune. Mark was originally from Upper Hutt and moved to Ohakune in 1981 ontransfer with Carter Holt. He was branch manager of Bell Block Mill in Ohakune until production stopped just six months ago and the Mill closed down. Mark's workforce dwindled rapidly from 20 men to a one man operation of just himself. Mark will officiate at the Mill until the last of the stock is cleared — hopefully before mid-Februar'y which is when they hope to leave. Donna and Mark met because of a mutual love of rugby. Donna was a regular supporter of local rugby while Mark played for the area's senior reserve team. They married in 1984 in Raetihi. Donna and Mark are set to move to Waverley and say they are very sad to leave

behind Donna's family and their many friends. The couple own 9 acres of land in Raetihi where Mark hopes eventually to build their own home. The move is necessary for Mark to further his career in the timber industry as he will be taking on a three year saw doctor's apprenticeship. "At least 1 don't have to take a cut in wages," he said. Donna said she has looked at a few jobs but is keeping her options open. Their company house in Waverley is ideally situated for Mark to carry on playing rugby and continue hunting. "Our new house even has a Kent fire but it's a bit late — it was while we lived here that we really needed one," said Donna.

When asked what were some of their memorable moments while in Ohakune, Donna remembers the time she put regular petrol into a diesel truck and the consequences of this mistake ... Donna featured in the Bulletin last year on her birthday. The 'Cedar blackboard1 proclaimed that she would give away free kisses while her lips lasted! "ITn not looking forward to leaving Cedar," she said. "1've been threatened with a cold water bath when 1 do." She said her highlight of the year was winning the ugly face competition on New Year's Eve (she was wearing make-up)! Thip may be the reason why her workmates suggested she

wear a paper sack on her head for the Bulletin photo! Their menagerie of animals — golden laborador 'Clu1 and two cats, including the former Dalgety Crown shop cat will be making the move with them. They would both like to return to the area during the ski season to put into practic their newly developed skiing skills from several lessons in a ski academy last year. Donna and Mark are both keen to sample the waters around the coast, just a V2 hour from their home. Both are keen water skiers and windsurfers.