the Obser ver
fromthe Publishers
Welcome to the August issue of the Observer.
As we write this, we are currently shivering after having enjoyed a week of beautiful spring-like weather. Despite the sudden chill, the rain will be a relief after such a dry season.
In this issue, we catch up with Michelle from Re.clotheme. Previously one of Oxford's favourite shops, Re.clotheme, has moved to Rangiora! Check out Michelle's beautiful new space on page 4. Her shop continues to offer a fantastic selection of items, and the new location is just a short drive away.
For our foodie readers , we have another beautiful recipe from Louize on page 8. We receive fantastic feedback from those trying her recipes, and this one looks delicious as always.
Thank you, as always, for reading. We genuinely appreciate all of your support for our local magazine. Your enthusiasm keep us motivated to bring you the best of our community every month.
Enjoy the read and stay warm! See you in spring!
Bruce & Emily.
Schnurrbart Design and Publishing Limited
0800 627 378 37
www.schnurrbartdesignandpublishing.co.nz THE NEXT ISSUE - OUT SEPTEMBER 2024 ADVERTISING DEADLINE | AUGUST 20
All efforts are made to verify the correctness of information contained within this publication.
However Schnurrbart Design and Publishing accept no liability for the correctness or accuracy of any information contained within these pages.
Any views, information or opinions expressed within this publication are not necessarily the opinions or views of Schnurrbart Design and Publishing or any of its providers.
Experience Luxurious Hair Conditioning
Transform your hair with our premium conditioning treatments.
For a limited time, pay only for the product and receive a complimentary luxurious head massage. Indulge in the ultimate pampering session that will leave your hair silky smooth and revitalized.
**Top-quality products**
Carefully selected for their nourishing properties.
**Expert care**
Our expertise ensures your hair receives the best treatment.
**Relaxing experience** Enjoy a soothing head massage at no extra cost.
**Introductory Offer - Available til the end August**
Pay for the conditioning treatment, and get a luxurious head massage FREE!
Pricing ranges from $15 for this winter special.
You can add this to an existing appointment or on its own.
Please note, a dry off, blow wave or hot tools following your treatment is at extra cost. Book your appointment today and let us treat your hair to the care it deserves.
CHECK OUT OUR HAIR & BEAUTY BRANDS
Garlic Bread
Garlic Bread Garlic Bread
A New Location for Re.clothemeA New Chapter in Rangiora
Re.clotheme, a shop known for its curated selection of pre-loved items, has recently relocated from Oxford to Rangiora. This move marks a significant chapter in the shop's journey, driven by the need for a larger catchment area to serve its growing customer base from North Canterbury.
Michelle, the owner of Re.clotheme, says "I've really loved having my shop in Oxford and meeting so many regular customers and visitors. It took some time to make the decision to move into Rangiora.
However, I realised I had taken the business as far as I could in Oxford and needed to move it to an area that has a bigger catchment area. More and more of my customer base was coming from the wider North Canterbury area, and I trusted my Oxford regulars would also make the time to come and see me in Rangiora, and they have."
The move has proven to be a success, with a significant increase in daily foot traffic. Michelle says, "The amount of daily foot traffic has increased considerably, and I now have new customers coming into the shop regularly, as well as my original loyal followers."
Despite the new shop being smaller than the one in Oxford, Michelle is thrilled with the new layout. "Even though the shop is smaller than in Oxford, I am super happy with the layout, and the location is exactly what I was looking for," she says. The shop's new setting features a paved open street area, great parking options, and a high-traffic spot near businesses like a café, barber, and nail technician.
"Lots of people cut through from the High Street to New World, and with the café, barber, and nail technician just across from Re-clotheme, there's time for people to stop, look, and then pop in," Michelle adds.
The larger population in Rangiora also brings more opportunities to source unique items for the shop. "With a greater population comes lots more opportunity to source items to sell, and the flow has been steady with fabulous pieces continuing to come through the door," says Michelle.
Re.clotheme's opening hours have been slightly adjusted to accommodate the new location, now operating Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. "Currently, we are closed Sunday and Monday, but we will look to adjust that in the near future," Michelle mentions. Both the shop's Facebook page and website remain active and are great ways to stay updated with the latest news and arrivals.
Michelle looks forward to welcoming customers to the new location at 2A Good Street, Rangiora. "I look forward to seeing you all at 2A Good Street soon," she says, expressing her gratitude for the continued support and excitement for this new chapter.
Properties over 2ha
Only burn dry vegetation, paper and cardboard. No rubbish or inorganic material.
Always check Fire and Emergency NZ restrictions at checkitsalright.nz Visit ecan.govt.nz/outdoorburning Any questions? Email us: ecinfo@ecan.govt.nz
Properties under 2ha
You can’t burn outdoors - alternatives include composting, mulching, or taking it to a transfer station.
Cosy up with Amy's Winter Reads
There’s just one month of our 2024 winter left, and while that certainly doesn't mean just one month of fires roaring (we are sure to drop below zero at least once in the height of summer!), it does mean that these long dark evenings deserve the company of a good book. And now that the kids are finally back to school, you might actually have a minute or two to yourself to read.
Any Human Heart - William Boyd
Logan Mountstuart is 85 years old, an Englishman, who was born at the turn of the 20th century, and died close to the end of it. Logan is a writer, lover, soldier, spy, navigating his way through the 20th century with haphazard candour and an absence of hindsight. Told through journal entries from his early childhood all the way to his dying days, the book is deeply personal and heartfelt. It is not a continuous narrative, but rather, broken down into journals covering significant periods in his life, his boyhood days at school, then Oxford University, his years in London as a writer and journalist, his wartime effort in naval intelligence during WW2, art dealing in New York Citing and then teaching in Africa, before his final journal, written during retirement in France.
Eighty-five years on this earth, and Logan experienced enough for several lifetimes. He was well-educated, well-travelled, and by the end of it all, well-versed in human emotion, conflict, and fallibility. His paths in life take him all over the world, to places both wondrous and dangerous. During his travels, Logan meets Hemingway in Paris, and Virginia Woolf in London, he rubs shoulders with some of the most famous and notorious names of the century, although he never becomes one himself. The compilation of Logan’s raw and candid journals span from before he left school in the 1920s, until just before his death aged 85. He seeks love, happiness, and fulfilment. He sometimes succeeds, he often fails, and this is a journey deep into a very human heart.
Mary and the Birth of Frankenstein - Anne Eekhout
It is 1816, and 18 year old Mary Shelly is staying on the shores of Lake Geneva. She is tormented by her marriage, haunted by infidelities and the death of her daughter. She spends rainy wine-soaked evenings around the fireplace, exchanging ghost stories with her wild and artistic friends, and one evening, as storms rage outside and laudanum stirs their imaginations, Lord Byron challenges everyone to write a ghost-story, and something fierce awakes in Mary.
Memories surface, and the story flits between 1816 and 1812, when Mary is 14 years old, and spends a long, strange summer in Scotland with the Baxters. There, she once found herself falling in love, with the wild and enigmatic Isabella Baxter. She learns tales of witches and spirits and mythical beasts, and she discovers that real monsters do exist, only they live far closer to home. Out of a memory, Frankenstein is born. The veil between beauty and horror grows thin, and the gothic classic is reimagined at its inception.
Grief or desire? Or both? Mary explores it all, and the timelines flash back and forward as the lightning in the window does.
The Dictionary People - Sarah Ogilvie
In writing one of the most famous books in the world, its creators required the insights of archaeologists and astronomers, and the words of three murderers, the daughter of Karl Marx, a president of Yale, a radical suffragette and a female anti-slavery activist in Philadelphia, an inventor of the first American subway, and a vegetarian vicar who was later found dead in the cupboard of his chapel. The Oxford English Dictionary, which has long been associated with the Victorian men who lay claim to it, but in this modern and sprawling account, lexicographer Sarah Ogilvie explores the people behind the words. The Dictionary People is a literary detective story that, for the first time, unravels the mystery of the endlessly fascinating contributors the world over who, for over seventy years, helped to codify the way we read and write and speak. A celebration of words, language, and people, whose eccentricities and obsessions, triumphs, and failures enriched the English language, the novel is a reminder that language does not just belong to the experts. It is created by everyday people, who live both ordinary and extraordinary lives, all of them bound by their permanence, all of them recorded in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Recipe of the month.
with Louize Juniper
THAI STYLE STEAMED MUSSELS
This recipe uses approximately 2kg of mussels, averaging 30 mussels. You will need one large pot with a well fitting lid.
INGREDIENTS
2kg mussels
One red onion thinly sliced
Three cloves garlic
Two tbsp grated ginger
One chilli deseeded and sliced
One tbsp chopped lemongrass
Four keffir lime leaves thinly sliced
One carrot thinly sliced
½ red capsicum thinly sliced
½ bunch of coriander chopped
One tin coconut cream
One tbsp fish sauce
METHOD
• Put prepped mussels in the large saucepan, add 1 tbsp of grated ginger, 2 keffir lime leaves, 1 tbsp of chopped lemongrass or 1 whole stick.
• Pour over 2 cups of water, cover with lid and leave whilst preparing sauce.
• In smaller saucepan or wok, fry the onions and then the garlic, carrots, ginger and chilli. Stir fry over medium heat. Once soft, add cabbage, toss it altogether put to one side
• Put mussel pan on a high heat, bring to boil, turn down to a simmer and cook for eight minutes or until all mussels have opened up.
• Remove from heat and drain, remembering to collect the mussel water.
• Put the stir fried veggies back to heat add coconut cream, fish sauce and half cup of mussel cooking water.
• Add mussels back to large saucepan, pour over stir fried veggies and coconut milk.
• Pop lid back on and give pot a good shake, transfer mussels to serving dish.
• Serve with crusty bread and enjoy.
IS YOUR ORGANISATION ON TRACK?
Communicate your community organisation’s purpose well! This workshop will cover knowing your audience, content creation, what makes a successful news article and more!
Marketing 101 Workshop Friday 20 September, 9.30am – 3pm Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre
To register, visit bit.ly/HumanitixCommunityTeam or contact Aimee Claassens 03 311 8963
$20 per society (two participants) | Registration essential
What's on at the Oxford Club
How cheering it is to see the early spring flowers and to know we are nearing the end of what has been a dull, damp winter. There has been a lot of sickness in the community so I do hope those affected are all on the mend.
We have been having a busy time at the Club, your social hub, with a lot of work and family celebrations being catered for. Our bar meals are proving very popular as is the Takeaway. Check out the menu for both, there is plenty to choose from. I would like to say a special thank you to all who have donated books to the Library. Our selection has expanded considerably and it is gradually being updated. This facility is being well used which is pleasing. The Library is now open at all times so please pop in and check it out. Another area that is popular is the children’s play area in the lounge with its books and blocks and colouring in to keep young ones amused.
New to town?
The Club is the place to meet people with the many sections to join or just to chat. We look forward to meeting you.
MADE YOUR OWN WILL.
Used a will kit? or Online will service?
Yes, it’s probably legally valid... Check your (signed) will now— before it’s too late.
You upload a copy, pay just $39 online, and we email to tell you whether it’s signed, witnessed, and worded the way the law requires.
Cheryl Simes Kiwilaw lawyer/director
021 701 838 https://kiwilaw.co.nz/wills
Warts are they contagious?
Warts are caused by a virus that affects the cells of the surface of the skin and causes rough lumps to grow either out of or into the skin and tissue underneath the site of infection. There are several different types of wart.
A plantar wart or verruca is found on the feet and is usually transferred from person to person in places such as changing rooms and showers. They can cause considerable pain and discomfort when standing or walking. Common warts may occur anywhere and often develop into clusters over time. Usually common warts are found on fingers, knees and the back of the hands, and they form small raised lumps that can develop into cauliflower-like growths.
Most warts are easily treated with preparations available from your pharmacy. Wart treatments available from your pharmacy are either sprays which freeze the wart, or lotions that you apply onto the wart to burn it off over a period of time. Successful removal of warts requires repeated treatment as the wart viruses are difficult to treat so be prepared to persevere to prevent the wart growing back.
Your friendly pharmacist can advise you of the most suitable treatment to remove warts effectively and can advise you about protecting the skin around treated warts to prevent any damage to the skin.
MEDICAL TRANSPORT
We have volunteer drivers available to take you to your medical appointments in Rangiora or Christchurch. $45.00 to Christchurch, $25.00 to Rangiora.
Thank you to all of our volunteer drivers who give so much of their time to provide transport for those needing it. We could not run this service without you all.
OXBOX YOUTH
17th August - Taiora QEII and McDonalds $15 for pools & transport, bring extra for McDonalds
30th August - Mall Trip
$5.00 for transport
To book contact Nicky on 022 171 8637
Events are for school years 7-13.
Thank you!
Thank you to Fonterra for their generous donation of food parcels for the community.
Thank you also to The Malvern Farmers’ Veterinary Club Charitable Trust for their donation to the Trust Food Bank.
All of these donations are so appreciated, and help many people in Oxford. 49B Main Street, Oxford Phone 312 4314
Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm
9.30am - 12.30pm
Thank you to our fab 4 funders
• Rata Foundation
• COGS
• Lottery Foundation
• Waimakariri District Council
Oxford Community Trust
Responsive to the physical, social, emotional,and financial needs of individuals, families and groups of people within the community of Oxford and Districts.
Arthur Burke Ltd: Embracing Old-Fashioned Country Service
by Beka Hunt
Arthur Burke Ltd has been a household name since 1935, and an authorised Suzuki Motorcycle and ATV dealer for 35 years. Based in Amberley, the company caters to the rural and wider communities. It offers the full range of Suzuki ATVs and Motorcycles, genuine Suzuki parts directly from Suzuki NZ and a whole range of accessory/after-market components. Arthur Burke also offers a comprehensive On-Farm Motorcycle and ATV service with its own dedicated service vehicle.
John Veale, Sales Manager, says On-Farm servicing is designed to help those strapped for time, who value efficiency. “We basically want to do everything we can to make our farmers lives’ easier. This way we can meet the customer and appraise the vehicle, before completing any required servicing or assessing the vehicle for trade in.” Being rurally based, Arthur Burke Suzuki values its ability to provide ‘old-fashioned country service’. Staff have the capability to collect quads and motorcycles that require servicing or repairs, and will do their best to keep everything running as smoothly as possible. A 2-wheeler and a quad bike are available for loan in the case of larger, more involved workshop work.
For customers who are able to travel into Amberley, Arthur Burke Suzuki also operates a fully equipped Suzuki Motorcycle and ATV service centre. The company can oversee a wide range of tyre services such as puncture repairs and replacement through its BridgestoneTyre Centre.
Tools and hardware are available in the Arthur Burke Hammer Hardware store, so North Canterbury’s needs are well covered. A business doesn’t last for very long without great results and a respect for clients. Suzuki brand ATVs and Motorcycles are a Kiwi farm staple and Arthur Burke Suzuki hopes toensure longevity is possible within the wider North Canterbury community.
Kia ora koutou,
Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School
Broadening Horizons: Embracing the Riches of Japan
I am delighted to share with you the exciting outcomes of our recent international student exchange program to Hamasaka, Japan. This experience, starting in 1996, has not only enriched the lives of our students but has also deepened our cultural understanding and global perspective here at Oxford Area School.
The trip to Japan was nothing short of transformative for 10 students from Years 12 and 13. They immersed themselves in Japan's rich culture, encountering its awe-inspiring traditions, warm-hearted people, and tantalizing cuisine. Through this journey, our students didn't just visit a foreign land; they delved into a tapestry of experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Japan's cultural tapestry is as vibrant as it is diverse. Our students had the privilege of exploring ancient temples and serene gardens, steeped in centuries of history and tradition. They marvelled at the graceful art of tea ceremony, learning the meticulous rituals that embody Japanese hospitality and respect. Visits to museums and cultural centres provided them with insights into Japan's artistic heritage.
The warmth and kindness of the Japanese people left an indelible mark on our students. They had the opportunity to engage in meaningful exchanges with local families and students, fostering friendships that transcended language barriers. These connections not only enhanced their cultural immersion but also reinforced the universal values of friendship and mutual respect.
Food is a universal language that unites people across borders. Our students savoured the flavours of Japan, from delicate sushi and sashimi to hearty bowls of ramen and comforting plates of tempura. They learned about the art of Japanese culinary craftsmanship and the importance of food in Japanese culture, having the opportunity to make Moshi (a sweet Japanese dessert).
Beyond the cultural enrichment, this exchange program provided invaluable educational benefits. Our students gained a deeper appreciation for global perspectives and developed skills in cross-cultural communication and adaptability. These experiences are integral to preparing our students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
As Principal of Oxford Area School, I am immensely proud of our students for embracing this opportunity with open hearts and minds. I am grateful to Ms Charlotte Davis (International Director) who accompanied me on this trip and the generous support of our community, whose commitment to global education has made this transformative experience possible.
This recent student exchange to Japan has not only broadened the horizons of our students but has also strengthened our school community's commitment to fostering global citizenship and understanding. I encourage our students to share their experiences with you, our community, as we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the rich tapestry of cultures that make our world so extraordinary. We will return to Hamasaka, Japan in 2026!
Years 9-10 Students connect with the United Nations.
In the Year 9-10 United Nations meets Geography of the World class, students have recently engaged in a Model UN activity at school and had the opportunity to connect with professionals from New Zealand working at the United Nations in New York through a video call.
This experience allowed students to simulate real-world diplomatic scenarios and gain insights into the workings of the United Nations.
By participating in Model UN, students develop critical skills such as public speaking, negotiation, and research. Interacting with professionals from the UN provided them with a first hand look at the importance of international cooperation and diplomacy in addressing global challenges.
Such experiences not only enhance students' understanding of global issues but also inspire them to become informed global citizens who are capable of making a positive impact on the world around them.
International Update
We are excited to share that Oxford Area School is hosting students from Japan and Germany currently.
The students are really enjoying the more relaxed school environment, the beautiful scenery around Oxford, the huge night sky and the opportunity to meet New Zealanders and stay in our homes.
Are you interested in hosting a student? Would you like to learn more?
Please contact Mary our International Homestay Coordinator homestay@oxford.school.nz
Adventure Based Management
Mt Somers Tramp
We were lucky enough to experience some great weather and the diversity that Mt Somers offers on our recent ABM Trip to Mt Somers.
Here are some student snippets of our trip: On the 19th of June the two ABM classes headed to Mt Somers for our multi day tramp to Woolshed Creek and Pinnacles Hut.
On the first day we walked for around 3 hours in the rain. Although this lowered moods it was a great motivation to get to the hut more quickly. We woke to snow on the tops for the second day and everything was frozen. It was a tough walk through the snow to get to the saddle, but the views of the snow dusted hills were definitely worth it!
After lunch at the saddle, we began to descend down to Pinnacles Hut. On the way we got to see some amazing scenery, walking under waterfalls and witnessing the sheer size of the pinnacles of Mt Somers. We finally arrived at the hut at around 2:30 pm where we began to unpack and play many intense games of UNO to pass time before bed. We woke to clear skies for our last day and began to pack our things and tidy up the hut for our departure. The walk out took us through the beech forest and along the river. I think the last was the hardest as we had to climb steep hills holding onto chains and tree roots. Seeing the vans at the end of the day was a welcoming sight!
Abi Denley
The Year 12 and 13 ABM tramp to Mt Somers was a very good experience. The first day was very wet and it rained a lot, however the weather worked in our favor and was clear for the remaining two days. The views were incredible, especially from the Pinnacles Hut. The tramp was quite steep in parts however the views were well worth it.
Sophie Minchin
Australian Netball Tour
Over the School Holidays, two Year 9-13 Netball teams travelled to the Gold Coast to compete against some Australian school and Netball Academy's.
They played against some of the top schools in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, including Canterbury College, Helensvale State High School, Foxwell State Secondary College, Robina State High School, and St Paul's School. The trip was an excellent opportunity to develop and strengthen the team's netball skills, whilst competing in the competitive Australian Netball scene.
This journey offered the team members an enriching experience that extends beyond the boundaries of the sport, shaping their character and fostering lifelong memories and connections.
New Zealand Area Schools Tournament
Congratulations to Liam O’Carroll, Abby Taylor, and Abigail Rei who competed in the recent NZ Area Schools Tournament in Te Awamutu, representing the Top of the South Island (TOSI). Liam played exceptionally well against students a lot older than himself and gained a special mention from the coach. Abby Taylor was named in the New Zealand team for football and basketball at the NZAS Tournament and Abi Rei was named in the New Zealand Area Schools Tournament South Island team for Ki o Rahi. Well done!
Boutique Secondhand Booksellers
Compass FM North Canterbury's Local Radio Station
Compass FM, North Canterbury’s local community radio station has been on air for 13 years now. We are heavily involved in our local community and we play a wide variety of popular hits from the 60’s all the way to some of the latest hits that the kids of all ages enjoy!
We transmit from Mt Grey on 104.9fm and our signal is very strong; reaching as far south as Ashburton, to Banks Peninsula, all of Christchurch metropolitan area as well as the entirety of the Waimakariri District. In the Hurunui District on 103.7fm, the signal is strong in all the towns including Waiau, Rotheram, Culverden, Hawarden, Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura. We stream our signal on our web page www.compass.fm and we are very active on social media.
You may not be aware Compass FM is a charitable trust, governed by a board of trustees from the Waimakariri and Hurunui Districts. We are an independent, community radio station. Our involvement is legendary, advertising for local business's, events, schools and sports clubs.
Compass FM’s strength is we are a true local station, not part of a network coming out of studios in the north island. This means we are able to support our local North Canterbury community, its people and businesses, schools and events in real time. Please contact us early in your planning for any community fundraiser as radio works best when we can mention your event on a regular basis leading up to and including the dates it will be on.
Furthermore, Compass FM plays more music and less commercials. This means we’re back to the music faster and also our advertisers are not lost in advertising clutter. (metropolitan radio stations can have between 13-18 minutes per hour)
We love being in North Canterbury and we sincerely hope that you are as proud of Compass FM as we are working here.
Kerry Treymane, Manager, Compass FM
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
IS YOUR ORGANISATION ON TRACK?
Hosted by Community Capacity Accounting facilitator Harald Breiding-Buss, this workshop will help you deepen your understanding of your committee’s role and responsibilities, financial reports, financial goal setting, and fraud prevention.
Financial Governance Workshop
To register, visit bit.ly/HumanitixCommunityTeam or contact Aimee Claassens 03 311 8963
$20 per society (two participants) | Registration essential
Thursday 29 August, 6 – 8.30pm or Friday 30 August, 9.30am – 12pm Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre Find
from the Presidents Desk
with Oxford Club president Kyle Scott
Hello there,
Welcome to the August Edition of From the President’s Desk at the Oxford Club.
Membership of our Club is renewed on an annual basis, with the current membership year expiring on the 31st of August 2024.
The new year runs from 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025. You can renew your membership at any time in August, and for those of you who may be thinking of joining our wonderful club the fees are:
Junior Members 16-18 years old $10.00
Ordinary members 18-64 years old $35.00
Senior Members 65 years plus $20 and our Life Members are free. We realise that your disposable income may be limited in these challenging times, however the Oxford Club believes that Membership of our Club is good value for the cost of a year’s membership.
Here are a few compelling reasons to renew your membership:
• The Oxford Club strives to be cost effective for our members offering affordable food, drink and entertainment.
• Exclusive opportunities: Membership prize draw for a 75inch Smart TV, to be drawn September 20th for financial members.
• Discounts and benefits ie: membership swipe card discounts and a weekly membership cash draw, presently at $1800.00.
• Enjoy a range of social, recreational and community based advantages ie: community and camaraderie giving a platform for you to interact with people from various backgrounds and professions.
• Tradition and Heritage: the Oxford Club has been a part of Oxford and District for 137 years and has a rich history and it is an important part of local tradition. Renewing your membership is a way to continue the very existence of the Oxford Club and its heritage.
• Voting Rights: As a member you have a say in our Clubs operations, you have voting rights and can influence our Clubs future direction.
Well, that’s all for this time, thanks for reading this article and I look forward to seeing you very soon at Your Club, the Oxford Club.
Best Regards
Kyle Scott Oxford Club President
Mayoral Update with Dan Gordon
I hope everyone had great July school holidays and are now enjoying settling back into term three of the school year – if you can quite believe that!
I know that some students from Oxford Area School had some exciting school holidays. Some partaking in the trip to Hamasaka in Japan.
What a fantastic sister relationship between Oxford Area School and Hamasaka School that has been established since 1996, providing so many wonderful cultural exchange opportunities for students over the years.
This was a particularly special trip for the students because it is the first time since 2019 that the exchange has taken place due to interruptions from Covid 19.
Congratulations also to the netball players from Oxford Area School that travelled to Australia and the students that took part in the New Zealand Area Schools tournament in Te Awamutu.
In particular Abby Taylor who was named in New Zealand teams for football and basketball and Abi Rei who was named in the South Island team for Ki o Rahi.
All around I would say a very exciting and successful school holidays for all those involved.
It was my pleasure to host the Belgian Ambassador, His Excellency Michel Goffin in the Waimakariri District recently.
We were also joined by the Honorary Belgian Consul to New Zealand Lieve Bierque well as members of the district’s RSA’s and the Waimakariri Passchendaele Advisory Group.
It was a wonderful occasion to acknowledge the twinning relationship, between Waimakariri and the Zonnebeke Municipal Council in Belgium.
At the end of the year a number of us from the Waimakariri District will be travelling on a personally funded trip to the province to mark Armistice Day. It will be my third trip to Zonnebeke and I am so looking forward to returning.
During the visit we celebrated the placement of the Elisabeth Plaques, which recognise the service of foreign women who had performed outstanding services, in aid of Belgian refugees, and the military during the Great War.
It is fitting given our special relationship between Zonnebeke and Waimakariri that Rangiora RSA has been selected, to be the host for these Elisabeth Plaques.
I welcome contact from anyone who needs assistance or has an issue that you might want to discuss.
Email me at dan.gordon@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021 906 437.
I’m here to help.
Waimakariri Riding Club Hits One Year Anniversary
by Amy Riach
One year on from their very first competitions, the Waimakariri Riding Club is looking forward to even “bigger and brighter” things, according to newly instated chairperson, Gwen Gilmore.
The Club has just celebrated its very first birthday, and chair Gwen Gilmore, and new head coach Hess Vertogen, were both founding members back in 2023. Now, with a new committee and a new year ahead of them, the Riding Club has welcomed new memberships from all across the Waimakariri.
In rural Waimakariri, many people own and love horses, but not all of them have the confidence to ride, and that, Hess announces, “is what we’re here for!”. The Club’s inception last year “was really about education, and connection with other riders”, says Hess, and Gwen is particularly proud of the unique, noncompetition opportunities that the club hosts. There are monthly club dinners, and the club also hosts talented educational speakers, to inspire and support local, more inexperienced riders.
A big limitation for many, horse owners and horse lovers, is affordable coaching, and “that’s definitely become a bigger element of our role here”. The club’s expert speakers include a dressage judge, a horse dentist, an animal communicator, and a vet, “all sorts!” says Hess proudly, and the head coaches also focus on a wide variety of different disciples, from show jumping to dressage, to give everyone the best and the most opportunities possible.
The Waimakariri Riding Club is a community first, and a riding club second, and Gwen says, “mostly, it’s all about having fun!”. The Club is 45 members strong, and after just one year, they are already in the process of renewing memberships, and looking to reach even more keen local riders. Hess, who moved to Canterbury 3 years ago, is still finding new peers to seek advice from, something which the Waimakariri Riding Club is designed for, and the club takes pride in “creating a central group of people to talk to”. In fact, Gwen has become the de-facto babysitter for Hess’ sweet, 5 week old baby, while Hess has taken to babysitting Gwen’s horse! While Gwen entertains Hess’ future equestrian, Hess takes her horse out for a long ride and some exercise.
The Club helps like minded riders meet like minded riders, and Gwen, Hess, and all of the included head coaches have helped to foster an environment that supports riders of all abilities, and all ages. Many, like Hess, have “come to riding later in life”, and the club is an excellent place to start.
The Waimakariri Riding Club welcomes everyone, of any age, and any ability, and that is what Gwen calls their “greatest strength”.
The Club is proud to “know the strengths of the group. We are very diverse riders”, and there is something for everyone. The Waimak ‘Hacknics’ go out hacking once a month, and many riders take trail rides over long weekends. A non-riding membership is also an option for locals who can’t ride, but still want to be involved, and non-riders come to dinners and barbecues, watch the club rallies, and hear the guest speakers.
For riders who do want to compete, there are shows and competitions every year. Last year for the first time, the 2023 Christmas Ribbon Day was held at Oxford A and P grounds, and the Riding Club will be hosting it again on Saturday, December 14. The ribbon day was a real favourite of Gwen’s, who says, “people who wouldn’t normally go out and compete came to have a go, and it was fantastic to see”. Including a dress up competition, and lots of fun, low-pressure ways to participate, the Christmas show welcomed at least 60 entries, including two young girls, “who rode into the showgrounds on their ponies!” They couldn’t manage to drive all the way in, but they brought themselves, and their ponies, and as Gwen recounts, “it was just fantastic!”.
The Club’s newest event will be a dressage competition, and aspiring riders are invited to save the date on the 10th of November this year, for the upcoming Dressage Quest, the annual teams dressage challenge. The competition will also include the Marsden Freestyle, individual dressage tests to music, which welcomes riders anywhere from introductory to elementary. Andrea Marsden has written the freestyle, and donated “a fabulous trophy” for the winner, says Gwen. The competition is welcoming registrations, and will be held on Harrs Road, at the Eyreton Domain, hosting a maximum of 60 horses and riders.
For keen riders who want to get involved, the Waimakariri Riding Club has a Facebook page and a website available, and Gwen and Hess invite those interested to attend dinner and meet the team, or come along to hear a speaker, or watch a rally. The new year goal is to “emphasise the skills of the community”, says Gwen, and that community includes just about anyone who would like to be part of the local riding club.
Gwen, Hess, and the whole team are incredibly grateful to all their sponsors and supporters, including Fresh Choice and Challenge, who got involved in helping the club start out with a bang. The 2024 ring sponsorship, for the champion and stewards choice, was generously donated by Summerhill Feeds and Greenacres Stockfeeds, and Gwen also extends her heartfelt thanks to Sharney Downs, a talented Oxford fabric artist, who provided a valuable sponsorship “and provided children and a grandchild”, Gwen laughs.
Oxford Tennis Club Open Day Series
Coming back to tennis?
New to tennis?
Why not get into the swing of things in the season starting August 2024?
Your local, Oxford Tennis Club has some great facilities and is putting on some fabulous events to get your game going this season.
Starting on the 31st of August, we have a program to suit all ages and abilities.
We have a qualified and experienced coach who will help you through some basic technique, and get you up and running with some handy tips. In the afternoon, you can team up with our friendly Club members for some social doubles, to put some of the tips into practice!
Program details for August & September 2024:
Saturday, 31st August & Saturday, 7 September: 12:00 - 12:45: kids group coaching session
13:00 - 13:45: adults group coaching 13:45 onwards: adults social doubles
Sundays, 15th, 22nd and 29th September: adults social doubles
To register your interest, email oxford_tennis@hotmail.com. Introductory lessons are free.
We have a small number of kids sized racquets available for use during the sessions. Adults need to bring own racquets. Please wear appropriate clothes and non marking shoes. Bring a drink bottle!
Please note that children under 13 must have a parent present during coaching sessions.
Emergency Services update
Oxford St John with Mel
Brooker
July has been a very busy month for the local crews attending an increased amount of call outs in the Oxford area. We have the new recruits becoming first responders as they get their work books and emergency drives signed off. It is a privilege watching people gain new skills and confidence and becoming strong members of our team.
The Oxford team were lucky enough to get away for a social event in Christchurch last week where we had a turn in the go carts, played mini golf, and had a lovely meal out. I am pleased to say we drive our ambulances with better care and skills than some of us drove the go carts, but we all had a fantastic night out with lots of laughs and great company. With spring just around the corner it is a good reminder to keep yourself healthy with exercise and a good diet, including drinking plenty of water. This is a good time to remember to act fast if you experience chest pain, especially if there is jaw, or arm pain present. We would much rather have the opportunity to get you to hospital where specialist personnel and equipment are available to give you the best opportunity to have a positive outcome. Call 111 for an ambulance without delay.
We will be concentrating on another volunteer drive at the beginning of next year, so if you would like to give back to your community in an extremely positive way please be in touch via the number below.
Please call the station on 03 312 3516 leave your name and number and our recruiting officer will be in touch.
The ambulance station at Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day. If you require emergency assistance please call 111.
Oxford Police
with Mitch Alatalo
A big hello to all. I must say it has been great to see the sun, and dare I say a little bit of heat, but there is still plenty of weather to come. So with that in mind, take care out there. I hope every one had an enjoyable holiday with their children, and could not wait to see the new school term start.
Road Police is high on the list of priorities, and with the high profile just know that you can be breath tested anytime anywhere. There are still far too many drivers not wearing there seat belt or stopping at stop signs. These are very real issues, yet simple ones to address, and even more importantly save lives.
A change of topic: scammers. We are getting a regular stream of reports of people receiving calls, text messages and emails about a parcel not being paid for, an outstanding toll, the list goes on. If you do fall prey to these, or one of the many other schemes, please let us know. Your personal details are yours, and there is no reason why anyone should be asking for them via a text message or even a phone conversation.
Last but not least, be vigilant around the school and preschools with our little ones on the roads, they are unpredictable.
Once again thank you for your time.
Be safe. Feel safe.
Oxford Fire Rescue
with Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ealam
The Brigade received five calls in June. One call was to support the the Amberley Fire Brigade at a large vegetation and structure fire. One to investigate a fire in an area which we were unable to locate. One to a motor vehicle crash where the sole occupant got out without injury. One to assist St John, and one car fire. This brings our total calls for the year to forty six.
This months message is; Keep clothing, paper and your fire wood box a metre from your heater. I know very often clothing is put around the fire guard to dry, which in most cases will be too close and clothing on a clothes horse placed too close to the fire.
Please be careful and stay safe.
ADVERTISING Terms and
Conditions
•
•
•
•
