From Murray’s Desk With summer on its way I read of Canterbury farmers preparing for another drought. A bit like the uncertainty around Covid, we know it is there, but we’re not sure how much it will affect us. I note that some members are happy to access this publication electronically and do not require it posted to them. We are happy to accommodate that, but ask that before we cancel the hard copy, you check that your neighbours in your group are happy with that and can access it online themselves. Some may prefer to read a hard copy and passing the magazine around is an opportunity to visit or make contact with each other. Please contact our office if you wish to change how you receive this book. Thank you to all that have contributed articles to this edition, including: from the Police, Inspector Natasha Rodley, the Canterbury Road Policing manager, and Senior Sergeant Vaughn Lapslie, the officer in charge of Highway Patrol and the Serious Crash Unit - both have some pertinent warnings for road users. We have included photographs showing driving transgressions, and shortcomings with rear view visibility. From Senior Sergeant Roy Appley, the Community Services manager, the message is simple: by working together we can make our communities safer.
Articles from Keep Christchurch Beautiful, Chorus, Oak Development Trust, Community Patrols, Volunteering Canterbury and Victim Support outline the roles they play in making our community a better place to live and work in. To all of you who support our organisation, whether through volunteering, funding, sponsoring, or advertising in this book, thank you very much! A special thank you to my work colleagues Elissa and Barbara who again shone through as we faced more challenges from outside the organisation. Sadly, it is time to farewell Barbara. She has retired after four years with Canterbury Neighbourhood Support. Barbara has meticulously managed the administrative side of the organisation. Her level of integrity is something that many strive to achieve. We wish her all the best for the future and a long and happy retirement.
Senior Constable Brad Hagerty, a school community officer, writes of his role working with children in schools. Currently Brad is on secondment, working in a Managed Isolation Facility. Deb Smalley is back, this time it is the dog that causes her angst! A reprieve for “the bloke”, maybe?
Have a safe and happy festive season, and best wishes for the New Year. Murray Page 9
