From Murray’s Desk A couple of blasts of cold weather sweeping through Christchurch recently is certainly a good indication that winter is on its way. It is hard to believe that just over a year ago we were in lockdown. I recall standing at the end of my driveway, with my neighbours close by (three metres away), on the morning of Anzac Day 2020, listening to the dawn service on the radio. In the distance we could hear people playing the Last Post and Reveille on pipes and trumpets. A very poignant moment. This year it was great to join the throngs of people at the remembrance service which was just as moving.Thanks to the people and organisations that have contributed articles to this edition. Superintendent John Price writes of the team effort required to ensure the safety of our homes, roads and communities, and how this responsibility sits with us all. Victim Support cover some tips and advice on ways to protect your homes, they also write of the pain suffered as a result of a burglary. Approximately 10 percent of their work has been supporting people after burglaries and thefts. Articles from organisations including Age Concern, Aspire, Volunteering Canterbury, the council Graffiti Programme cover off some of the roles they play and the services they offer to society. Deb Smalley, a long-time contributor to this magazine, writes an amusing article on sleep deprivation – amusing to the reader, maybe not so much to the author! Special thanks to our funders, fundraisers, supporters, sponsors, and the businesses that advertise in this publication.
You all play a major role in making communities safer places to live and work in. Your contributions make it possible for us to invest resources and services free of charge to our schools and communities. On that note it is important to recognise the volunteers within our organisation, whether they be group contacts and members, those who organised street events (Summer with Your Neighbours barbeques/picnics), those who have kept an eye out for neighbours in need, and everyone else who has helped to make our communities safer. Finally, a special tribute to Elissa and Barbara. Elissa who, while being involved with the running of CNS, also co-ordinates the Junior Neighbourhood Support (JNS) programme that runs in primary and intermediate schools across the city. You can read more of her role with JNS in her article in this publication. Also, Barbara who manages the admin side of the organisation, dealing with queries, information for funders and the Charities Commission, accounts, payroll, and all those other things we take for granted, but are necessary to keep our organisation running. Take care, stay safe and warm, and keep a look out for your neighbours.
Regards, Murray Canterbury Neighbourhood Support Page 9
