Sunday 23 September 2012

Random from Inglewood

When my daughter announced she and her little family were moving to Inglewood I had images of murder.  For some reason I remembered cases of murder most foul occuring in Taranaki, in Inglewood in particular.  It's not as if we've never had bad things happen in the north but I had decided a long time ago I didn't like Inglewood, it was murder town in my mind, the psychopath centre of New Zealand.  

I first drove through the town in 1982 with news reports of a gruesome double murder fresh in my memory and I didn't like the energy of the place.  And I think I remembered every bad thing I heard about the town after that. The most recent was the perverted goings on amongst the local rugby team.

So I had a few prejudices to get over.  I know I went silent on the topic of my daughter's future, thinking it best to keep my dark thoughts to myself.  It takes me a while to sort out some thoughts and emotions but eventually I got over it and determined to look at the town through new glasses.

I like it's old buildings and how they have been cared for and restored.  This one is called the Shoe Store Building, a Category II heritage listing, so I guess that's what it was for many years.


It's a picturesque town with Mt Taranaki providing the backdrop.  I think the building on the right is the old hotel, maybe it is still an hotel, don't know.  The low building on it's right, can't remember it's name Mc something, is a very good cafe, good coffee, good food. 


I don't like the railway line cutting through the town, the level crossing putting the kink into SH3 as it passes through.  SH3A follows the lines to the crossing, turns right to cross it, on the other side meets SH3,  then turns left again as part of SH3 and follow it on the other side of the tracks.


You know me, I had to check out the churches.  I've already posted shots of two of the town's churches.  These are in the surrounding area.


This fellow was keeping the grass down around the back of the church.  I watched as he approached the electric fence, lifted his head, stretched his neck, then gingerly leaned down to nibble on the grass on the other side.   The grass is always greener?  Smart horses at Tarata.


 Holy Trinity Anglican Church, founded 1845, in New Plymouth

St Marks, Lepperton

The only unlocked churches I found were in Inglewood and the tiny church at Kaimata.  Whenever I come across a locked church I hold my camera up to a window so I can get a peek of the inside.  On future visits to Justine I must see if I can get into St Marks.  I thought it looked quite lovely despite the dust motes, or maybe because of them.  


Isn't this just the cutest little church?  It has a prominent position on SH45, otherwise known as the Surf Highway.  It is St John's at Omata and is registered with the NZ Historic Places Trust. 

15 comments:

  1. Some grand buildings here. The first looks like a cinema and the lych gate looks very Welsh.

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  2. A nice old place, a place to visit.

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  3. I don't know anything about the town, but it looks very scenic! Can't wait to visit it one day! x

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  4. Hello Pauline,

    I guess the bad people lived on the wrong side of the track in Inglewood.

    Lovely photo's of the Churches, especially liked the stone wall.

    Happy days.
    Bev.xoxo

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  5. What a lovely town! I love the churches & buildings and that snow covered mountain as a backdrop is beautiful!

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  6. The town may have problems but it sure is a quaint little place. I like the looks of the restored buildings.

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  7. You've captured some very beautiful buildings here Pauline. It's interesting how we perceive a place, I've done it myself.

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  8. Fifth deadly sin here I'm afraid Pauline. I'm really very envious.

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  9. always weary where cars cross the railway tracks.

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  10. Hi Pauline I just found your blog today...:O) I live in South Taranaki and know of another church not too far from Inglewood that is unlocked if you would care to visit it one day??? If you would like details just let me know...:O)

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  11. Hi Pauline I just found your blog today...:O) I live in South Taranaki and know of another church not too far from Inglewood that is unlocked if you would care to visit it one day??? If you would like details just let me know...:O)

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  12. Hi Pauline I just found your blog today...:O) I live in South Taranaki and know of another church not too far from Inglewood that is unlocked if you would care to visit it one day??? If you would like details just let me know...:O)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Pauline I just found your blog today...:O) I live in South Taranaki and know of another church not too far from Inglewood that is unlocked if you would care to visit it one day??? If you would like details just let me know...:O)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Pauline I just found your blog today...:O) I live in South Taranaki and know of another church not too far from Inglewood that is unlocked if you would care to visit it one day??? If you would like details just let me know...:O)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Pauline I just found your blog today...:O) I live in South Taranaki and know of another church not too far from Inglewood that is unlocked if you would care to visit it one day??? If you would like details just let me know...:O)

    ReplyDelete

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