The Oxford Observer December 2019 by oxfordobserver

Obser ver the Oxf ord

DECEMBER

2019 Issue 95

Christmas Wonderland in Oxford

Check out what is happening for Christmas in the Waimakariri

New

Station Manager for Oxford St John

Schnurrbart

Design & Publishing

December twenty 19 Welcome to our December issue It really is so hard to believe that this is our last issue for 2019. The year has absolutely flown by. We have met some amazing people over the past year, and we always love hearing what people in our communities are doing. The people of North Canterbury are innovative, creative and supportive of their community and it is our privilege to showcase them and their work or hobbies. We want to wish everyone a restful and peaceful Christmas with their families and friends. We appreciate your support more than we can say. There are some exciting Christmas events coming up. The Oxford Christmas Wonderland is on December 17th-24th at the Oxford Town Hall (check out the ad on page 7). The Oxford & Districts Lions Christmas Parade is on the 15th of December, (ad on page 5). Carols in the Park (ad on page 9) and the Rangiora Santa Parade is on the 8th of December. (ad on page 6 ). See you all in January 2020!

Bruce & Emily Chapman

Schnurrbart

december

GIVEAWAY

Design & Publishing

We have an exciting giveaway this month. Jim Cillinaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new book. Email emily@oxfordobserver.co.nz to be in with a chance to win this.

LIMITED EDITION CLOUD NINE - THE ALCHEMY COLLECTION - HAIR STRAIGHTENERS*

*Gift with purchase valued at $89.00.

Check out our great selection of Christmas gifts

03 312 3311 53a MAIN STREET . OXFORD

HOURS Tue - Wed -Thur 10am-7pm ~ Fri 10am-5pm ~ Sat 9am-1pm ~ Closed Sun & Mon ~

Advertising The next issue is due out in early January 2020. The advertising deadline for the next issue is Friday 20th December

Please contact us for any enquiries 0800 627 378 37 E. advertise@oxfordobserver.co.nz www.schnurrbartdandp.co.nz

Exciting fundraiser

for OCHC

by Emily Chapman

The Oxford Community Health Centre has been working on an exciting new fundraiser and is excited to release their recipe book in time for Christmas. When discussing fundraising options Elinor Percival came up with the idea of bringing together recipes both from the staff, and from members of the community. Practice Manager Richelle Jorgensen says, “food is a big part of our culture, and we have a lot of morning teas here. The food is always delicious”. The staff have lots of lovely patients who spoil them with baking and treats, and they are happy to be able to use the recipes of these community members, to show their appreciation of their support for them. The book contains 50-60 recipes and they were blown away by the amount of recipes that were submitted for the book. Richelle says about the book that, “the great thing about the recipes is that they are all tried and tasted. A book of favourites from the Community so there will be a high rate of success” The staff have been trying out recipes, and bringing them in to share, as they all love testing food. Elinor says there is a big range of food, with family favourites and comfort food, and that there are plenty of recipes for the children as well.

One of the recipes submitted by Lyn Thompson is a well known recipe in her family for pork bones, and Elinor says they are thrilled to have some really old recipes like this in the book. The number of books sold will determine what the fundraising money is used for, but Richelle says it will be something that is of direct benefit to patients and the community. As the Centre is run by a Charitable Trust, any such fundraising is always extremely useful. The books are $10.00 each and available to purchase at the Medical Centre, and would make a great Christmas gift.

$10 We are excited to share our fundraising cookbook filled with recipes from staff and locals. A PERFECT STOCKING STUFFER Available now at the Health Centre reception.

“Primary Health for the Community” Under the Governance of the Oxford Health Charitable Trust

Phone (03) 312 4195 | 24hr Medical Service. Phone operates 24 hours / 7 days per week 39 Park Avenue Oxford. HOURS Mon & Tue 7.30am - 7.00pm, Wed - Thu - Fri 7.30am - 5.00pm

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New Venture

for former OAS Head Student

Bonnie Howland has achieved a lot in the business world in her 23 years, but has come to the realisation, that what is of the greatest importance is happiness, and it is this desire for happiness that drives her decisions in all areas of her life.

words by Emily Chapman - photos supplied

Bonnie grew up in Oxford, and attended Oxford Area School where she describes herself as an average student. A decision in Year 11 to push herself out of her comfort zone, led her to start saying yes to different opportunities, and in Year 13 she was Head Girl. She says by this time she had no idea what she wanted to do after she left school, but when she thought about what she loved, which was music festivals, she decided to go to university and study event management, making her the first member of her family to go to university. While she enjoyed her first year, over the summer break she came up with the idea for her first business, Indigo and Iris, and headed to Wellington to do a business course. This led her to leave Uni, move to Wellington, and dive headlong into starting her business venture. Indigo and Iris is a beauty business, and their first product was the Levitate mascara. Not only is this a beautiful, cruelty-free product, but half of the proceeds of all profits from the mascara, are donated to the Fred Hollows Foundation to help cure avoidable blindness. Bonnie says she was so inspired by the work that the Foundation does, because it is very simple. They provide health care if you want it, and are not trying to fix what they perceive people’s issues to be. So far because of Indigo and Iris, three hundred people have had their eyesight restored. Up next for Indigo and Iris, are lipsticks, with donations from profits, being made to the Dress for Success, whose goal is “to empower women to achieve economic independence, by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.” Although Bonnie is proud of everything she has achieved with Indigo and Iris, she has stepped away from the day-to-day running of the Company, and has launched a new venture - Beauty and the Wind.

BER M TIONS E C O

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thu 1 x FrEe DeSsert with any Gourmet or Deluxe Pizza purchased Dine in Hour 5-7pm FRI Locals Any Gourmet Pizza $20 Any 330ml Craft Beer $7 Any 150ml white wine $7 Red

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kids dine for free Dine in only Kids under 10 dine free with any gourmet pizza purchased. Limit 2 kids per purchase.

*Terms & C onditions Apply

If any community clubs, groups or organisations would like to use Black Beech as a venue, it's free and we'd be more than happy to help! Just give us a call or email....blackbeechbar@gmail.com 312 3338 .Monday -TUESDAY - wednesday closed. .thursday 4pm - 8pm. .friday & saturday 4pm - 10pm. .sunday 4pm - 8pm.

four

OXFORD & DISTRICTS LIONS

h C ristm i w i K SANta PARaDE

SUNDAY 15th DECEMBER

Starts 12:30pm from Burnett Street Oxford

PRIZES FOR BEST FLOATS This new venture is creating garden art with her partner Todd. Living in the windiest city has inspired Bonnie to make garden art that moves with the wind. Bonnie provides the creative side of the business, while Todd is an engineer and figures out how to make the pieces spin in the wind, Todd manages the business side of things. They are working on their first two products currently, and the couple has big plans and dreams for Beauty and the Wind. Bonnie said her change of direction meant she came up against resistance from some people, but says “I trust myself to know what I need to do”. Check out Beauty and the Wind on Facebook or their website www.beautyandthewind.com

1st $300 - 2nd $200 - 3rd $150 *Floats will be judged mid parade*

PRIZES FOR FANCY DRESS Girls 1st $30 - 2nd $20 - 3rd $10 BOYS & GIRLS Boys 1st $30 - 2nd $20 - 3rd $10 with or without a bike *Judging for Fancy Dress & Bikes commences at 12:00pm*

FREE BOUNCY CASTLE & FACE PAINTING LIONS FOOD CARAVAN For further information contact Russ on 027 496 1042 or email enquiries to : secretary.odlc@outlook.com

AS A LIONS PROJECT WE RESERVE THE RIGHT OF ENTRY Lions welcome volunteers to assist with this community event

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Christmas Wonderland in Oxford words by Emily Chapman

Rangiora Toyota

This year the Oxford Community Trust are once again running their Christmas Wonderland, but in an exciting new venue; The Oxford Town Hall. The event was first run in 2011 and took place for 4 years, in a shed in the A&P Show Grounds.

Sunday 8 December

Party in the Park 12-5.30pm

Santa Parade 2pm IN PARTY K R THE PA

www.rangiorapromotions.co.nz

This year with a new committee led by Oxford Community Trust Board member Sabine Chartschenko, the Wonderland is back with a theme of ‘Past, Present, Future’. Business and community groups have always supported the Wonderland well, and again are getting behind it and creating displays and decorating trees. Trust Manager Jo Ealam says, “it really shows what Oxford can do when we come together”. The event is an opportunity for families to come out together, to experience something ‘Christmassy’ at a very low cost (gold coin entry), and the event is also a great way to showcase Oxford to the wider district. Christmas can be a stressful time, so people can come and soak up the atmosphere, and get in the Christmas Spirit. Santa will be visiting - check out the adjacent page for times. The new dedicated committee are keen to develop the event again, and moving forward, if there is anyone passionate about Christmas who would like to join the group, they would be most welcome. Sabine says she is happy to be part of the event because she loves Christmas, but as someone from the Northern Hemisphere, it is sometimes hard to get in the Christmas Spirit in summer. All proceeds from the Wonderland will go to the Oxford Community Trust, to continue the work that they do supporting families in the area. The Trust would like to say a big thank you to Frews Transport for assisting with transportion of some rather large decorations for the event.

A better way to commute

Direct commuter buses from Rangiora and Kaiapoi to central Christchurch are proposed for when the Christchurch Northern Corridor opens next year. The buses would be complemented by new Park & Ride locations, meaning that anyone in the Waimakariri district can use them as part of their journey, helping to reduce single-occupancy traffic on the motorway. Let us know what you think. Head to ConnectCanterbury.co.nz or call 03 366 8855 to learn more.

Consultation is open until Sunday 8 December. six

Connect Canterbury Public Transport

d r o f Ox ISTMAS WONDERLA N R e n s e t r F P D u H t t s u a r e C P

December 17th - 24th

OXFORD TOWN HALL

Opening Hours

Tues 17th December 6pm - 8pm Wed 18th - Fri 20th December 2pm - 8pm Sat 21st - Sun 22nd December 11am - 2pm & 4pm - 9pm Mon 23rd - Tues 24th December 2pm - 8pm

Meeting Santa

Fri 20th December 4pm - 6pm Sat 21st & Sun 22nd December 12pm -2pm & 4pm - 6pm

Gold coin donation entry

All funds raised go back to the community via the work of the Oxford Community Trust seven

Local business provides

sustainable service words & photo by Cathy Dee

When Tracy Sayer was made redundant from her job of 12 years earlier this year, the possibility of applying for another full-time job was out of the question as she is caring for her daughter Erin, who is in her second year of treatment for Leukaemia. This led to her starting an online business selling, (and delivering) cleaning products in refillable glass bottles. Tracey and her husband, Andy are both passionate about the environment, and deeply concerned about the use of plastic, and its effect on ecosystems everywhere. She explains “I saw this concept overseas and thought it was an amazing way to reduce single use plastics in New Zealand! I have always had an interest in being environmentally friendly and our family re-use and recycle as much as possible. I decided it would be worth a try over here, especially with the resurgence in the milk bottle refills, and the increasing awareness of plastic waste in this country. I love the fact that the glass bottles can be filled and refilled in a closed loop!” Being a qualified Finance Manager Tracy worked out the costs involved, sourced the most competitive New Zealand supplier for the bottles, and decided that using ‘New Zealand environmentally friendly trusted brands’, Ecostore & EcoGreen would be the way to go. She says she had no idea if she would either be accepted for a wholesale account, or be able to afford the minimum orders, but that luckily worked out. “I have purchased a little 1000cc Daihatsu van to deliver my orders. It runs on very little petrol, but I am hoping to be able to go electric at some point”. The business has only been running for a couple of weeks, but is already starting to look very promising. Orders are coming in and Tracy is hoping to set up a stall at local farmer’s markets, where customers can come and swap their empties for a full bottle, or simply refill their own bottles.  She has a drop-off/pick up point in Rangiora, and is currently looking for other like-minded businesses to add to the list about

the region. In the mean time for orders over $20, she delivers free, in an area that encompasses anywhere from Coopers Creek, Darfield, Rolleston, Christchurch, Rangiora and back to Oxford. The products on offer cover a range of cleaning products from window cleaner to toilet cleaner, detergents, fabric softener and also shampoo and conditioner along with fully compostable wooden scrubbers with vegetable fibre bristles, glass spray bottles and stainless steel pegs. She is looking to add beeswax wrapper, bamboo toothbrushes and stainless steel straws, along with eco-friendly toiletries. “We all need to play our part in reducing the use of plastic in our lives. According to plastics New Zealand the frightening statistics are that each New Zealander uses approximately 31kgs of plastic packaging each year and only recycles 5.58kgs. Plastic accounts for around 8% of New Zealand’s waste by weight, but as it’s so light it fills up as much as 20% of our landfill space,

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Pearson Park Village Green, Main Street, Oxford 7pm to 9pm ď&#x201A;ˇ Good old fashioned family Christmas Sing-A-Long ď&#x201A;ˇ Music provided by local talent Free Sausage sizzle or bring a picnic ď&#x201A;ˇ Giveaways Santa

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Walking The Old Ghost Road Despite one write-up describing the Old Ghost Road (OGR) as a poor cousin to the Heaphy Track, I rate the newer OGR track as one of the best, if not the best, tramping track I’ve done so far. Yes, that includes the Heaphy Track, walked one way and then back again, as a cash-strapped tramper’s solution to the 463km car transfer or shuttle issue from start to finish. So apart from the fact that the OGR, at 85km, is 7km longer than the Heaphy Track, and the road distance between track ends considerably shorter and therefore cheaper to travel, what does a tramp on the OGR involve? Starting in Lyell, the OGR follows an old mining track with a gradual but steady incline. Where that petered out, the trail was purpose-built for mountain biking and maintains a gentle gradient throughout. Having puffed my way up the local foothills with a pack for training, it was a pleasant and relatively easy 18km forestlined walk to reach Lyell Saddle Hut. There are old mining relics and items of interest along this section. I don’t recommend exploring the tracks to Gibbstown and similar, as anything of interest is a long way off route. The fallen-down hut at Eight Mile Creek is a quick scramble off the track and worth a quick look-see or rest stop. At The Big Slips (and other sections later on too) track workers blasted and dug a route through. Marvelling at the engineering to build the track is one of the highlights of the trip. Day two is short in distance, but nothing short of spectacular in the scenery department. The 12km-day starts with a zig-zag through forest heading up Bald Hill. For the uber-fit or the rush-ahead-andbook-your-bunk type, the gentle gradient and zig-zags might be a tad frustrating, but it is easy tramping, and you are rewarded with amazing views once you emerge from the treeline. Top Camp Shelter is a great place to stop for lunch in bad weather. It was a glorious day on our trip, so we delayed lunch for better views. The second half of the walk has a lot of near ridgeline walking – did I mention the views? Heaven’s Door is a highlight stop, but this whole day is a stunning section to hike.

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words by Shaz Davis - photos by Mirjam Horsberg

There’s a short forest-like section before you reach Ghost Lake Hut, which also boasts postcard panoramas. From Ghost Lake Hut you can see day three’s route zig-zagging down the side. It disappears into the forest and emerges much lower, and zigs and zags some more up to the Skyline Ridge. It looks intimidating, but we were on the ridge quickly enough. From there it’s 300 handmade wooden stairs down, and a gentle downhill through the forest to reach Stern Valley Hut at the Stern River. Day four is the big day – 25km, but there a lot to see. You start in the Earnest Valley passing Lake Grim and Lake Cheerful, and then wind up a large slip called The Boneyard. Keep your eyes peeled for fossils. We saw quite a few. You top out at Solemn Saddle then wind down through forest and into river valleys, across swing bridges, and following river courses, passing two smaller huts en route to Mokihinui Forks Hut with views over the Mokihinui River. I had expected the last day to be an anti-climax, but it wasn’t. The forest and river views continued to surprise for most of the final 17km. For most of the last kilometre, (there are kilometre markers on the trail), I was wondering if I’d slipped into The Neverending Story… until we finally arrived at the Rough and Tumble Lodge at the track end. Overall the scenery far surpasses that of the Heaphy Track. While the OGR lacks the beach leg, and doesn’t quite match the Goblin forest at Gouland Downs on the Heaphy, it has mining relics, fossils, a resurgence, magnificent forests and rivers and 360 panoramas. Another plus is huts with gas, pots, pans, bowls, mugs, and kettles, which means less weight to carry. The worst part about walking the track – apart from hungry sandflies and curious wekas (who also bite) – was returning to civilization and suffering a case of post-tramp blues.

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Starting a Herb garden words & photos by Cathy Dee Herbs were among the first plants to be cultivated, and considered so important that they are even depicted in French cave paintings that date back to between 13 – 25 thousand years B.C. When you look at their multitude of uses, one can see why. ,

It is believed that people began making healing ointments out of fragrant plants, combined with olive and sesame oil, as early as 7000 B.C. Hippocrates, known as the ‘Father of medicine’ catalogued about 400 herbs in common use to treat disease.

Life with

the

styl

Cath

y De

‘A herb is something that flavours food, whereas a vegetable is a plant that can be eaten as a main ingredient’. There is nothing quite like a well-established herb garden – deliciously scented, the textures, colours and sheer variety of herbs is astonishing and best of all, it is actually very easy to create a beautiful herb garden to enjoy. All you need is either a well-drained patch of dirt that gets around 6 (or more) hours of sun a day. You can also use containers. Some herbs take up a lot of room – Rosemary, Sage, Mints and Oregano being in this family. Basils, Thyme, Tarragon take up less room with smaller herbs like Cilantro, Chives, Dill and Parsley being perfect for pots. Although compost is a necessary thing to add, it is best not to use composted manures in the herb garden as they are typically high in nitrogen, which will make the herbs grow quickly but will reduce their flavour. Keep your herbs watered but do not over-water. In a few months you will have a garden that is beautiful, filled with delicious scents, great for the bees and will add amazing taste to your cooking. Pictured are snippets from the inspirational herb garden tended by Bruce and Rosalind Anderson from Oxford

Visit our collaborative co-working office. Casual, permanent desks and meeting room for hire. Book online! Level 1, 210 High Street, Rangiora

They are not a particular type of plant, but rather ‘any plant whose leaves, seeds or flowers can be used for flavouring, food, medicine or perfume’. The banana plant, for example, is the world’s largest herb. So the difference between a vegetable and a herb?

Di Moreira

Living, loving, selling Oxford M 027 848 8020 E di@pb.co.nz

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twelve

P.Y.O. TREES: Come and choose your own special tree this Christmas, at your local Tree Farm. 1275 Tram Rd. Open December Weekends 9am - 6pm. Weekdays 3pm - 5pm. Other Sales Locations: lst - 23rd December, 7 days a week Eastgate Mall: Main car park behind Countdown. 9am till 6pm. St Andrews College: Cricket Club, 347 Papanui Road. Located inside the playing ﬁeld. CH-8533974AA

Entry off Papanui Road foot path. 10am - 6pm

EST 2001 CH-8533974AA

Call Andrew on: 027

324 7372

w w w. n e e d l e f r e s h . c o . n z

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Plumbing & Drainage ltd Certifying Plumber & Drainlayer Lucky

> Plumbing maintenance & new installation > Blocked drains and Septic tanks - We can help >Lifestyle block plumbing, drainage and the planning of. > Site Scrapes & trenching > Backﬂow installation & testing

Call Malcolm 021 54 28 54 or Craig 021 077 3588 Oxford based e : ofﬁcemalsplumbing@gmail.com

thirteen

New Children’s Book

by Jim Cullinane words & photo by Cathy Dee

Local writer Jim Cullinane is no ordinary story teller. When a self-described ‘mid-life crisis’ directed him towards becoming a primary school teacher, he realised he had a ‘captive audience’ for the hilarious musical tales that he had originally written for his own children. With a background in film, TV and writing advertisements, he was soon learning Digital DIY skills to convert his stories into interactive media, that could be played on a large screen so children could join in with the sound effects and songs. “Even the most reluctant reader cannot resist being a part of it”.

‘Kahuna Kidsongs’ is the combination of Jim and his daughter Ishbel, who sings on many of the tracks. The two of them often perform at various kid’s festivals and events up and down the country. Handmade puppets perform both in his shows and also as the stars of some of his videos and books. His first song featured the priceless finger puppet, ‘Horsey Horse’ and his band (including the Punk Panther); ‘He can swim and he can float, he’d like to neigh but he’s got a sore throat cause he’s a little hoarsey horse”. Mr Bling (the King of the Latest Thing) and star of ‘a cautionary tale for the conspicuous consumer in all of us’, is dragged away from the shopping channel to meet me. Balding, with a fetching pigtail and wearing gear that was possibly once worn by Kanye West, Mr Bling was very obliging once he realised he would be photographed posing alongside Jim. I am also introduced to the charming and slightly more reserved Vince the Vegetarian Vege Grower; much more down to earth than Mr Bling, Vince stars in various gardening related videos and the popular Little Bumblebee song. I fall in love with both puppets. “I have an old sewing machine which has two speeds – stop and full bore, so when I was learning to sew making these puppets, I very nearly stitched my own fingers to them on more than one occasion”. Captain Snowdrop the pirate is told using his children’s old toys. He just wants to be a dancer, but was too embarrassed to be seen practicing in front of his shipmates, and had me guffawing out loud. I was amazed that the music accompanying this tall tale is truly good! It’s not often I can listen to music written for kids without cringing. However the music accompanying the dancing pirate had me tapping my toes and willing myself not to dance and sing along with him. I tell Jim I am most impressed by the music, which is far from the banal stuff usually dished up for the edification of children.

You’re invited to our

3pm – 5pm Wednesday 4th December Santa in-store, red hot specials, prizes, give-aways, tastings, demonstrations & BBQ. Great fun for the whole family!

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H E R E

oxford

03 312 4305

FreshChoiceNZ

OWNED & OPERATED BY LOCALS

WDL-1325

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52 Main Street, Oxford. Open 7am – 9pm, 7 days.

“Ah, well,” he says, “It’s like this, I wouldn’t want to read something I didn’t enjoy myself and nor would I want to listen over and over to something that I didn’t like”. I for one, could not agree more. Jim has recently published his 20th story; “The Strange Story of Marcus McGee”, as a paperback book with illustrator ex-Oxford local, Susie McKinstry. It’s a sweet and funny modern fairy tale filled with pirates, princesses and pogo sticks, and suggests maybe there’s no place like home… As always, there’s a catchy song, and this, along with the rest of his stories are available as downloadable eBooks for iPads via iTunes, with interactive features including very entertaining read and singalong videos. *If you’d like a great Christmas gift for a child in your life, Jim’s books can be purchased locally at Emma’s at Oxford or via his website www.kahunakidsongs.com/

•

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•

2171 Clintons Road www.theoaksofdarﬁeld.co.nz

THANK YOU FROM THE GATEWAY PROGRAMME The Tertiary Education Commission funded Gateway Programme here at Oxford Area School creates a pathway from school to the world of work by placing students in a chosen workplace for one day each week throughout the school year. This gives students a wonderful opportunity to gain practical work skills, try out potential careers and build relationships with employers. Students also complete a workplace First Aid Course and work on industry-based unit standards which earn them credits towards NCEA, and may help them with future employment / training. The Oxford Community has been very supportive of the Gateway Programme and most of our students this year have been placed with local employers. I would like to thank the following employers for their time, patience and willingness to impart knowledge. Their support has been vital to the ongoing success of the Gateway Programme at Oxford Area School. * GNPlumbing (Gavin) * DesLines (Aviation) * Woolomee Dairies (TeAwa family) * KaradeanCourt

* Vetlife Oxford * Café51 * Boyle River Outdoor Education Center * Winston Gartery (Farming)

Lynne Kerr Gateway Coordinator - Oxford Area School fifteen

words & photo by Chapman Cathy Dee Meet the new Station Manager at St John words Oxford by Emily Chapman - Photo Bruce

When a fall off her horse resulted in a fractured pelvis, and a helicopter ride courtesy Air Ambulance, Emma Corr, recently appointed the new Station Manager for the Oxford Ambulance Service, met someone who would change the course of her life. Rod the medic on duty that day, kept her calm by talking to her through the entire flight, suggesting at one stage that she become a volunteer for St John Ambulance. This stuck with Emma and 6 months into her recovery she was feeling fit enough to start her training; an ‘induction’ course followed by a First Responder Course which led her further onto a National Diploma in Ambulance Practice. A move to Auckland, (following her husband who is a paramedic), to work in Ambulance Service full time was a big learning curve. “Auckland has a lot of people who are not so good at looking after themselves – actually it has a lot more of just everything” One of her first call outs resulted in her being chased out of a bar with her colleague, after responding to a patient who was ‘having a seizure’. He chased them a way back down the road and the incident left Emma physically shaking. Her colleague, she says, having become used to these incidents was ‘not so bothered’. Adventures like this did not fortunately, put her off, and she continued her studies, gaining a Batchelor of Health Science in Paramedicine. If you have ever been in the unfortunate position to have had a ride to the hospital in an ambulance, the thing that strikes you is how kind, calm and caring the crew are. I ask Emma if they deliberately choose people like this. “No”, she says, “we’re just ordinary people who love people, doing a very cool job”.   A huge part of her job satisfaction is the people she works with. “They are amazing, I just love them”. The teams are very supportive of all the crew, especially after a major trauma where they come together to debrief. “St John has incredible support for all staff”. The most common call outs are for chest pains and shortness of breath. They also have their fair share of quad bike accidents and falls from horses. Volunteering can lead to incredible career opportunities, as Emma can attest to. She stresses that the job is interesting, exciting and rewarding.

PROVIDING INTEGRATED VETERINARY SERVICES

Integrated Functional Veterinary Diagnostics and Medicine TCVM (Acupuncture, Herbs, Food Therapy/Nutrition) ABM (Manual hands on therapy, rehabilitative programmes for horses) Reiki

Bach Flower Remedies and Homeopathy

Lillian Bonner ~ DVM CVA ABMgrad.dip. RMT

If you are interested in looking at volunteering for the St John Ambulance service, Emma would love to meet you at the station, or you can go online at www.stjohn.org.nz to find out more.

021 951 059

LillianBonnerDVM@gmail.com

Lillian Bonner DVM Balanced Beings Integrated & Functional Veterinary Medicine

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Navigating the Insurance minefield Insurance. It’s a word many of us cringe at when we hear it. A necessary evil. For some it’s almost like pouring money down the toilet. Forever costing more. Every year the premiums seem to go up. And, when we need it most, it seems like a “bun-fight” to get any claims across the line. Or worse, the fear of not getting paid what we expect and need! However, for some of us, it has been a god-send at a time when we need it most; especially for us here in Canterbury during the earthquake era. We all know and understand the importance of insuring our biggest and most valuable assets. Our House. That which goes in our house- contents. Our car or cars as the case may be. And our most valued and prized possessions. But, is our house our most valuable asset? Here’s something to contemplate. In our society today, we still look to the magic age of 65 as the age to retire. We work long and hard to become financially independent, planning all the things we want to do when we eventually have the time to do them all. We may not actually retire, but we look forward to having the choice. Here’s the thing. If I’m 45 and earning $100,000 a year and looking to 65 as my retirement, that means I have an earning potential of …. HOW MUCH?? Yep, you’re right, $2,000,000!! Is that an asset? Hard to argue it’s not. Is it our biggest asset? Probably. Should we insure it. Again, hard to argue not to. Then how do we do that? There are many forms of what we call personal risk insurances in the market available to protect us against losing our biggest asset. Various forms of disability insurances. Various forms of medical, or health, insurances. Even life insurance has a number of variances that may or may not suit our needs or circumstances. They can all be very confusing. This is why we need to take advice from someone who knows. My name is Hank van Keulen and I specialise in the area of giving advice on Health, Life and Disability Insurances, as well as advice on ACC Structure for the self employed and small business owners, particularly in the rural sector. Over the next few issues of the Oxford Observer, I’ll be writing about the various insurance covers that are in the marketplace, relating to protecting your biggest asset, the ability to earn. Whether that directly relates to the “bread-winner” or the support crew at home. I intend to simplify what can often be anything but simple! This is what we do at PPNZL (Portfolio Partners NZ Ltd). We’re a small boutique insurance advisory business with five specialist advisers, based in Canterbury and one in Southland, specialising very much on the rural sector. We also have support staff that keep us advisers in line. If you’re reading this and your immediate thoughts are “do I have the right cover in place?”. Or, “am I going to get what I think I’m going to get when I need to make a claim?”. Or, even how do I make a claim? Then, you need to talk to us!! If you have any questions, concerns or need to review your insurance policies, then feel free to contact us and one of our team can come and have a chat. You can either email me directly at hank@ppnzl.co.nz or call me on 021 357 062 or email our office at admin@ppnzl.co.nz Anyone of us would be more than happy to talk to you. Afterall, it is what we do!

Second hand

Style with Kerri Booth

Tis the season to be jolly, merry and festive. Since we are being jolly, merry and festive, I wanted to say a huge thanks to all the support I have received from my customers over the year. All of you contribute to making Polkadotcom what it is. I could write a book on the antics, laughs, and ‘hit the nail on the head’ moments that happen here. Conversations on how we are going to save the world, how we are going to make the best version of us, how to be creative and how to implement more sustainable practices into our way of life, are what give Polkadotcom the essence of what it is. I’ve decided that Mrs Claus doesn’t get to do anywhere as much fun stuff as what Mrs Polkadotcom does, so I will stick with the title for a while longer. As we head into the summer season, it is a great idea to line up all your summer clothing in your wardrobe. Hang everything with the coat-hangers facing one way, and as you wear, wash and re-hang the items, flip the coat-hanger around. By the end of the season you will have a visual of what you have actually worn, and what you haven’t. By the time autumn comes around, it will be so much easier to see what to keep and what to pass on. I find this a very effective and easy way on helping to head towards a capsule wardrobe that has pieces that integrate easily into outfits (and we all like easy don’t we!). Summer time oozes the good things of life and you want your wardrobe to reflect this. My next piece of advice is - you do you! Stay true to what you love. Just because it’s on trend this summer, does not mean you won’t be a head turner if you aren’t wearing it. If summer dresses aren’t you, then look at more of a two piece option. There are some fabulous pants options out there at the moment and well worth a look at. Most of all, take time to enjoy the holiday season, spend time with family and friends and enjoy everything the summer has to offer.

Kerri Booth 021 059 0984

seventeen

A week of shining toegether - Rau Whetū by Mike Hart Nau mai, haere mai, greetings family and friends of Oxford Area School Last month we had the absolute privilege to hold our annual Senior Prizegiving in the Oxford Town Hall. This is an opportunity for students to be honoured for their tenacity and hard work throughout the year and to be recognised for these efforts. We congratulate all students, not just the prize winners, for their efforts this year. During the evening we heard from Bonnie Howland, 2013 Oxford Area School Head Student (incidentally Thomas Robson also 2013 Head Student was in attendance in his role on the Oxford/Ohoka Community Board). Bonnie’s messages to the students were very clear - simply put, ensure what you do makes you happy and that it is difficult to fill someone else’s heart until your own heart is full. This mantra has led Bonnie down many paths that have proven successful for her while keeping her happy. Bonnie, we are all very proud of you. From our special awards of the event we would like to congratulate the following students: Dux, Top Scholar: Ellie Tizzard Proxime Accessit, Runner up to Dux: Rebecca Jones Prime Minister’s Vocational Pathways Scholarship: Tia Warwick Sportsperson: Rebecca Jones Runner up to the sportsperson: Ashley Riley 2020 Student Leadership Team Head Students: Beka Hunt and Ella Taylor Deputy Head Students: Flynn Harris and Zoe Newton Lions Emerging Achievers Scholarship: Rebekah Buxton and Kahn Pike Congratulations to all Ngā mihi Mike Hart - Principal, Oxford Area School

Oxford winners at Canterbury Sport Lawn bowls Tournament by Lesley Inch

Prize giving photos - Kelly Pearce

52 Bay Road Oxford

03 312 4197

Oxford Area School Y7/8 students displayed their dominance once again by taking out first, second and third place in the recent Lawn Bowls competition. Congratulations to: Jacob Inch and Jonty Glassford 1st, 6 straight wins Indi Ward and Isabella Duncan 2nd, 4 straight wins Mils Wilson and Kade Hansen 3rd, 2 wins and 2 draws Well done guys on having a go and representing Oxford Area School with a wonderful day of fun, great attitudes and solid sportsmanship.

info@oxford.school.nz

BOT News with Matt Riley Kia ora koutou katoa. Oxford Area School opts in the School Donations scheme for 2020. As you are probably well aware the Government introduced a Budget 19 initiative that will see Decile 1-7 state and state-integrated Boards of Trustees able to choose to receive a $150 per student, per year payment instead of seeking donations from parents. The Ministry believes that although donations to schools are voluntary, families can feel under pressure to pay them and this can place pressure on household budgets. This initiative is designed to alleviate that pressure and expectation. It also recognises that Decile 1-7 schools can find it difficult to raise funds from their communities. The initiative will see schools receive their additional funding in January 2020, alongside their regular operational funding, if the Boards agree not to ask parents and caregivers to pay donations. Exemptions to the new scheme and areas the school can ask for donations include• Camps and overnight trips. • Voluntarily purchasing goods and services such as uniforms or stationery items from the school. • Take home components to subjects such as hard materials technology. • Photocopying costs for personal, non-curricular use. • or sports activities. Costs of voluntary extra-curricular activities such as ski trips, or voluntary tuition such as weekend and after school music lessons. At our last Board meeting, we approved the decision that Oxford Area School chooses to opt-in to the Ministry Donation Scheme for 2020. This decision came with a lot of discussions and was not made easy as here at Oxford Area School we have been very fortunate with school donations over the years and although $150 per student does sound like a lot of money we may see ourselves worse off and regrettably tapping into other funds to run our programmes. We have a lot of amazing learning opportunities available to our students that we are proud of and we will endeavour to continue to extend these opportunities. We found ourselves morally obligated to give this new scheme a go and hope that it does benefit our students learning for 2020. This decision to opt-in will be on an annual basis so we will be watching this closely over the next year. Donations/Koha will still be greatly accepted now and in the future but will not be asked for over the 2020 year. For more information on this donations scheme and what the school can or cannot ask for donations please visit the Ministry of Education website or our school reception. Ngā mihi - Matt Riley (BOT Chairperson)

Kids for Kids Choir by Kendra Ward Monday 4th November saw 24 Year 5-8 students participate in the Kids for Kids Choir at Horncastle Arena. Our children participated in the mass choir on the Monday evening show at the Horncastle Arena. We had an excellent morning rehearsal where the songs were practised together and actions learnt, followed by the exciting evening show. The choirs were lead by two dynamic hosts, Nathan King and Jacqui Clarke. The songs were a selection by New Zealand artists, some young and some old. It was a fantastic show and the kids loved their experience.

NZ Defence force visit

Lieutenant Luke Godsell and his crew from the Air Force and Navy flew in and gave our students an opportunity to ask questions and explore the helicopters up close. Luke is an ex Oxford Area School student and we were thrilled that he was able to come back and visit us. This was a wonderful experience for our lucky students today.

Christchurch Music Festival Choir by Kendra Ward 10 Year 5 & 6 students participated in the Christchurch Music Festival Choir on Thursday 7th of November. The children went into the CHCH Town Hall on the morning to once again rehearse with the other schools involved and the musical directors. The Town Hall was quite an experience for the children who loved how fancy it was! The evening performance was wonderful. All of the children enjoyed listening to the special choirs perform and getting to sing for an audience with an array of musical instruments there to accompany them. It was also special for them to see the selected children’s concert band and orchestra in action made up of children their own age. They did an excellent job and represented OAS with pride.

www.facebook.com/oxfordarea

http://www.oxford.school.nz/

OXFORD CLUB

OXFORD CLUB EST - 1887

160 High Street Oxford | Phone 312 4411 | www.oxfordclub.co.nz Members, Guests and Aﬃliates welcome

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EUCHRE CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT Wednesday 11th December 7.30pm $5 entry

NEW YEARS EVE JUKEBOX Check out our Events Calendar on our website to keep up to date

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Responsive to the physical, social, emotional,and financial needs of individuals, families and groups of people within the community of Oxford and Districts.

Community Trust

Jo Ealam Manager

Julia Graham Youth Worker

Emily Chapman

Assistant co-ordinator

The end of the year is fast approaching, and here at the Oxford Community Trust, we have had a busy year again supporting so many clients and families in the area. We are proud of what we have achieved during the year in supporting our community, in a wide range of ways. We are happy to walk alongside people, and are always excited to see them take new steps in their lives. However, we are always happy to be available long term whenever the need arises. The work we do is complemented by the Oxford Police, Oxford Area School, Orange Tamariki, WINZ and the Oxford Medical Centre, Oxford A & P Association, local pre-schools, the Oxford Budget Boutique and the Waimakariri District Council Community Team. We appreciate them and the impact they make on both the Trust and the community. While we can assist in many areas, sometimes our clients need access to other other services whether it be financial, legal etc. and we can facilitate access to services that we ourselves are unable to provide. In the last year we have provided 178 medical transport trips. This is mainly trips to Christchurch to specialist or hospital appointments, but also Rangiora and local medical trips. We also run mini bus shopping trips to Rangiora, or further afield if people would like, and to special events. The vans are also available to hire by groups or people in the Community. We have been supporting the students from Oxford who are attending the North Canterbury Community College by providing transport to and from Cust every day to catch the school bus. It has been great to be able to support these young people to further their education, as transport can be a hindrance to this. Our young people have been well supported with holiday programmes for 5-13 year olds, youth events and the U-Drive programme. The holiday programme runs for 8 weeks a year and is a great support to families in the District. The Trust ran 21 youth events over the year with a large proportion of these being instigated by the young people themselves, with them taking a role in organising and running them as well. Some highlights for the year were a pool party, the junior formal and a halloween disco, all of which attracted big numbers of young people.

U-Drive continues to support young people to move from their Learnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Licence to their Restricted Licence, and this year 12 young people have been successful in gaining their Restricted Licence. This enables them to be able to access education, work, sporting and social activities and they gain the skills to go on and be safe drivers We continue to be involved with the North Canterbury Migrants and Newcomers NC, Violence Free North Canterbury, Wailife Suicide, and Social Services Waimakariri. This year the Trust celebrated 25 years. We are well established in the community for all the social service needs. We would not be able to do everything we do without our large pool of volunteers who give their time in different areas, reception work, medical driving, youth events, holiday programme, mini bus drivers and U-Drive mentors. Thank you to you all! Thank you also to our funders Rata Foundation, Lotteries, COGS, United Way, Waimakariri District Council along with the OB&I League, Southern Trust, Oxford Club, Main Street Bakery and Cafe. We also appreciate all the donations from individuals - it really does make a difference to us. If you would like to contribute to our work you can do so either by donating directly to us, or through our Give a little page. https://givealittle.co.nz/org/oxfordcommunitytrust. Come and join us at The Christmas Wonderland. We recognise that for some families the holiday season is not always easy, and it is nice to be able to provide a place where they can come together and get in the Christmas Spirit. It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t about how much money we spend at this time of year, but about spending time with family and friends and looking out for one another. Take care over the Christmas break. Look after yourselves and check on those around you. The Trust will be closing on December 23rd and will repoen on January 6th.

37 Main St, Oxford (03) 312 3006 9.00am - 3.00pm Monday - Friday twenty one

Experience of a lifetime

for OAS Students

words by Shaz Davis - photos by Tara Egerton

Ten Oxford Area School Year 10 pupils embarked on a six-day life-changing experience as part of the Tuia 250 commemorations organized by the Spirit of Adventure Trust. They sailed with a flotilla of ships, including the Spirit of New Zealand, from Whangarei to Opua in Northland’s Bay of Islands, with 30 other Year 10s from three different schools around New Zealand, sharing many new experiences, making friends, and meeting up with local Iwi. For some, it was the first time they had left South Island or their first trip in a plane, and only one student had some exposure to sailing and boating before this trip. The highlights of the trip include seeing pods of dolphin and a whale, learning to row a lifeboat as a team, climbing the rigging, games on Paradise Beach, visiting Poor Knights Island, taking part in a powhiri on Waitangi, and much more, including one brave person tasting a sea urchin. For Hugh ten Hove the best part was meeting people from different areas and cultures and making new friends, while Olive Auld really enjoyed rowing out to RikoRiko cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world. Everyone sang waiatas in the cave and jumped in to swim around. The cave was also a highlight for Trent Stewart, as well as rafting and the beaches. “I enjoyed being set a task and learning how to do something new,” says Toby James who also had a turn at steering the ship. “I liked pushing my limits and challenging myself, like the rope swing, where you jump into the sea. It was really high,” says Abbie Buxton. Jordy Galway says she enjoyed “having a go at everything – and meeting new people. They were all so cool.” Noemie Savry enjoyed having fun in the ocean and making new friends, although everyone agrees they were a little intimidated about sharing time, and cramped bunks, with strangers at first. “I don’t know if I can pick one thing. Perhaps learning more about Maori culture. I felt the whole experience was really special – and it is so beautiful up there,” says Bella Prior-Stockwin.

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ASHLEY INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LTD

Sawmill & Customised Timber Packaging | Selling Direct to the Public 8 Mill Road, Oxford | Hours: Mon to Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am - 12noon Timber Plywood MDF Posts Stakes & Pegs Bins Pallets Crates Sawdust Shredded Chip Timber Treatment Contract Milling

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Phone 03 312 3341 Email admin@ais.co.nz Website www.ashleyindustrial.co.nz

twenty three

Cultural evening at OELC

Kitten Season

The Oxford Early Learning Centre celebrated their cultural evening with a hangi and shared cultural dishes, family cultural dress and a few dances to top the evening off for over 150 people. The community families absolutely loved the evening, and have asked for it to be an annual event. The children in the Centre have been enjoying the lead up to the event with cultural sayings, flags, making cultural table cloths and sarongs. The children were able to watch the whole process of the hangi starting, being put into the ground, and being revealed nicely cooked. Â A special thanks to those who made the day possible.

Kitten season has started and that, unfortunately, means heartache for many cats and those who try to help them. Every year the number of cats needing help grows larger. Last year Cat Care Rangiora, took in over 300 kittens along with 38 adults. Betty Jones from Cat Care says it is vital to get your felines neutered or spayed, and with help through organisations such as the Catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Protection League, who have subsidised over 10,000 desexings in the last 5 years, in their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Feline Fixâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; program, there is no excuse to not have your cat desexed. â&#x20AC;¨ The cost through the Catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Protection is just $40 for a male and $60 for a female, if you have a Community Services Card.

words & photos by Cathy Dee

It is a myth to think a cat should have at least one litter of kittens. With female cats able to get pregnant from 16 weeks of age this could be extremely detrimental to her health. Male cats should be neutered not only to prevent them from impregnating females but also as it stops them from spraying around the house, and they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get into fights or run away to the extent that unneutered males do. It is a sad fact that many cats are dumped due to behaviour that is entirely the result of not being desexed. Cat Care recently took in two cats who had been dumped on the river bed in a plastic bag. One has been rehomed but the other (pictured) was so traumatised by his experience that it has taken weeks of intensive rehabilitation to get him to the stage where he can cope with a new home. He is now a very friendly perky little chap, ready for a loving home. Contact Cat Care if you have a quiet loving home you could give this very handsome young man.

John

The Centre staff would love to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The Centre is taking bookings now for 2020, reopening onÂ Friday the 17th Â of Jan.

Key Messages from Oxford and Surrounding Areas Health Services Development Group (OSHSDG) The Oxford and Surrounding area Health Services Development Group (OSHSDG) provides oversight to health service improvement and sustainability initiatives in oxford and its surrounding region. The group has the mandate to review current service activities for the Oxford and surrounds population with the intention of identifying areas and recommending where improvements can be made in the appropriate use of resources, improved patient outcomes, and/or service levels. KEY MESSAGES â&#x20AC;˘ OSHSDG have received the resignation of our chair, Kevin Felstead. â&#x20AC;˘ The group wish to acknowledge the enthusiasm and support Kevin has supplied over the last few years, and to wish him well. The group will now consider options to fill the role of chair for the remainder of our workplan. â&#x20AC;˘ The group continues to review progress on the recommendations in the Model of Care. Much of the work in our workplan is complete, and the priorities for the next few months are observation services in Oxford, restorative care services, and rural mental health services. â&#x20AC;˘ Pegasus Health has provided support for a new Partnership Care Worker at Oxford Health Centre. This role supports patients with their health and wellbeing needs. â&#x20AC;˘ A South Island wide project for the use of Telehealth for Specialist Services is now being driven by a South Island Alliance. This group will work across all DHBs in the South Island to engage hospital specialists and identity the priorities for early adoption (eg., to identify which specialist services will be available by telehealth first). Technology evolves rapidly and it is important we adopt hardware and software that ensures we get the service we require for the best price and longevity. To ensure continuity with the whole of Canterbury Health system, OSHSDG will take advice from the technology experts before advocating for a specific hardware/software option in Oxford. A possible option will be new software that can work on any computer or laptop, so expensive hardware will not be necessary. twenty four

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There are a variety of reasons that cats are dumped. One of the more common is from people in rental accommodation with landlords who will not allow cats. Betty says, for some reason, this became more of a problem after the earthquakes. So think very carefully before deciding to get a cat. They are a long-term commitment, living 15 – 20 years or more. They need yearly vaccinations and as they get older may need ongoing medical care. Kittens are extremely fragile and should never be left alone with small children, who do not have the co-ordination to pick them up safely. If you are able to take on an adult cat, ensure that they are kept inside for at least 3 weeks while they bond with you, before allowing them outside. In order to protect birdlife from your cat, keep them inside at night from dusk till just past dawn, as this is when cats tend to do most of their hunting. If you live near a busy road, consider keeping your cat indoors . This can be done by making a large netted outdoor run for them, attached to the house. It protects wildlife and also protects your cat. Cat Care Rangiora needs funding, in order to take care of the many cats and kittens that they take care of, and to that end they will be selling raffle tickets at the Celebrations on High St on Nov 22nd and also holding a plant and garage sale (with cat related items) on the 23rd Nov from 10am – 2pm at 156A White St. Please contact Cat Care at office@catcare.org.nz or ph: 03 313 3851 if you find an abandoned cat or would like to rehome a cat or kitten. Cats do bond very strongly with their ‘person’ but unlike dogs, you really do have to earn your place in a cat’s heart which is, I think what makes them such a very special animal to have around.

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Tax Returns Payroll GST Returns Annual Accounts Rental Returns

Jeanette Graves Sharon Stewart

021 853 769 027 241 6345

www.smallbusinesssolutions.co.nz info@smallbusinesssolutions.co.nz

OXFORD

SHUTTLE SERVICE

& AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Phone: 312 1360

Mob:021 254 5261 E m a i l : r. j . e d w a r d s @ x t r a . c o . n z

Let us take the stress out of your travel We offer: • airport transfers - early morning/late evening 24/7 • door to door pick up & drop off service • seating for up to 7 passengers • the cheapest rates in North Canterbury

We are: • locally owned & operated • an ACC Accredited Provider • NZ Transport Agency Certiﬁed Time + Travel + Mileage + Convenience = Best Rates in North Canterbury

“cheaper than taking your own car”

Rural - Dairy New Housing Heating & Ventilation Service & Maintenance Commercial Refrigeration Solar Hotwater and PV twenty five

Farmers Market 4th

Annual Amateur Cheese Makers competition

By Andrea Gauland

On 27 October, Oxford Farmers Market hosted it’s 4th Annual Amateur Cheesemakers Competition. The wind was wild, but it didn’t stop intrepid home cheesemakers Honey Anderson and her granddaughter, 10-year-old Olive, from entering their cheeses, for the judging panel of the public to try, as well as local cheesemaker Pam Hamilton, who also teaches introductory cheese making classes from her home in rural Oxford. Olive’s fresh stracchino, an Italian style cheese which is perfect for highlighting the quality of the milk used, took first place on the day, with about 30 members of the public, as judges. Second place went to Pam Hamilton’s smoked camembert. Third place went to Honey Anderson. Making cheese at home is not that hard to do, and you don’t really need any special equipment apart from a properly calibrated thermometer. You don’t even need any cultures or rennet if making simple cheeses. If you have access to fresh milk, give it a go and enter next year! Finally, congratulations to Allan Ramsay, whose name was drawn as the winner of the judge’s draw on the day. Quite a coincidence, that, as Allan is a professional cheesemaker and sells his creations at the Oxford Farmers Market! Funds raised from the gold coin donations of the judges, goes to the Oxford Men’s Shed.

YOUR ONE STOP HARDWARE STORE

Support and enjoy your local Market

Every Sunday 9am - 12pm

Main Street, Oxford

EFT Ava POS ilabl e

FOOD ~ FUN &

AMBIENCE

You’ll Find it all at the Oxford Farmers Market

www.oxfordfarmersmarket.co.nz

YES, IN OXFORD 100’s of products for the

Handyman or Handywoman Potting Mix, Yates Sprays, Yates Seeds, Seed Potatoes, & Products Garden Tools • LPG Reﬁlls Fencing Requirements • Power Tools Nuts, Bolts & Nails • Lawn Mower Parts

OPEN MON - FRID 7.00AM TIL 5.30PM SATURDAY 9.00AM TIL 1.00PM (Please Note: No LPG reﬁlls on Saturdays)

Ph: 03 312 4521

82 HIGH STREET, OXFORD Email: admin@womersleys.co.nz

www.womersleys.co.nz

Suri Fino Alpacas Breeding Luxury Fine Fibre

Oxford Butchery

Farm Fresh Flavour Fresh to your Plate

Retail Quality Meat & Smallgoods Award Winning Old Fashioned Dry-cured Bacon & Ham. From Paddock to Freezer - we can homekill & process your stock ready for the freezer. Bookings essential

Oxford Butchery Ltd 4th Generation Family Butchers

44 Main Street - Oxford

Ph 03 312 4205 | A/H : Ph Shane 03 312 4709 MPI APPROVED

twenty six

Specialist coloured Suri Breeder Alpacas for Sale Pets, Fibre Growers Females, Stud Males Herd packages

Services

Complete Pre & After Sales Service Buy Back Fleece Scheme Stud Male Servicing Halter Training for owners

Husbandry Services

Toe Clipping, Health Checks & Injections Pre and Post Natal Cria Care Halter Training Alpaca

Education & Fibre Classes Refer to our website www.suriﬁno.co.nz or phone

027 212 3877

for more information

HORSE RIDING

• Lessons and trekking

• Over 80 well-schooled horses available or BYO • Preparation for certificates • Dressage, Show Jumping & Cross Country • Weekend courses • School holiday courses • Full livery service available “We now offer Payment Plans through Ezypay that allow you to make small regular payments for your horse riding”

Kowhai Residential School of Riding Ltd 711 Island Road, Oxford Ph: 03 312 4309 www.kowhai.co.nz

Alpacas in the Attic Stockists of

Suri Fino Alpaca Yarn Huacaya Alpaca Yarn

For Craft Felters & Spinners

Carded Suri & Huacaya Fibre Blended & Dyed Alpaca & Merino Fibre

Handcrafted Alpaca products Knitwear Feltwear Felted Home Decor Felted Fibre Art

Phone for hours & enquiries

027 212 3877

1029 Two Chain Road Swannanoa, North Canterbury Check out our new website & online shop

www.alpacasintheattic.co.nz

The Golf section of The Oxford Club The Golf Section of the club was formed by a small group in 1979 when they went to the inaugural Nationals competition in Blenheim. The group now has around 25 members and during the season has a monthly round of golf, normally played at Waimakariri Gorge Golf Club. Once a year they play at other clubs, such as Clearwater, Terrace Downs, Pegasus and Russell Golf Clubs, as well as travelling further afield to Greymouth for a few games. To join the Section you have to be a member of the Oxford Club and pay a sub of $10.00. Each game members pay $5.00, with $3.00 going in to a fund to pay for games at other golf clubs. Next year South Island Tournament will be held in Gore, with 2021 being a big event for the Section as they are holding the competition at the Waimakariri Gorge Golf Club. Section member Brian Thompson says “The beauty of golf is that you can find your own competitive level. You can be competitive if you play to your handicap.” Most members of the Section are members of a golf club and have a handicap. But anyone is welcome to join the Section, regardless of their ability, and it is a supportive environment for people to learn and go on to gain a handicap. If you would like any more information about the section you can contact Chris Roe on 027 274 6063.

GREAT PEOPLE + GREAT PEOPLE GREAT PEOPLE ++ GREAT PEOPLE + GREAT PEOPLE SKILLS =+= GREAT GREAT SKILLS = GREAT SKILLS GREAT SKILLS SKILLS = RESULTS! GREAT = RESULTS! GREAT RESULTS! GREAT RESULTS! Earthworks Earthworks –– for for Commercial Commercial --

words by Emily Chapman - photo supplied

OXFORD

CLUB

EST - 18

OXFORD PHARMACY Phone 312 4314

49B Main Street, Oxford

Hours

Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.30am -12.30pm

GREAT RESULTS! Earthworksand for Commercial Residential lifestyle blocks Earthworks – –for Commercial - -

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Quality First Quality First Quality First Ph 03 313-1670 Baydon 027First 405 9910 Quality Ph 03 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 Email : info@bayphil.co.nz Quality First Ph 03 Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 1734627 : info@bayphil.co.nz 1734627 Ph 03 Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 : info@bayphil.co.nz 9910 1734627 Ph 03Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 4051734627 9910 : info@bayphil.co.nz

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• Septic & Waste Water Servicing • Grease Trap Servicing • Water Tank Cleaning • Drain Unblocking • Culvert Clearing • Vacuum Trucks • CCTV Inspections

24 HOUR 7 DAY RESPONSE

0800 HYDROVAC 03 366 9187

CANTERBURY OWNED & OPERATED

www.hydrovac.co.nz twenty seven

Fresh, real milk direct to you at the farm dispenser HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE

CHRISTMAS

And yes, we are open on Public holidays

Self Service

OPEN 7 DAYS 7am - 9pm

Arts in Oxford Gallery News

Meri Kirihimete! Merry Christmas! Thank you for supporting our non-proﬁt organisation this past year. We wish you all a colourful and creative festive season.

Current Exhibition

Summer Show #5: 20 + Artists

30 November 2019 – 26 January 2020

56 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford 2km off the Main Street

Phone 027 630 2230 Real milk. For a naturally better life. www.facebook.com/CavanFarmFreshMilk

Agape Dance Academy

Beautiful ballet, fun Jazz & Contemporary and Tap Dance for 3yrs to Adult in Oxford. Phone Miss Belinda: 021 049 1315 or Facebook: Agape Dance Academy NZ

Waiting for the Tide by Grahame Harris

Arts in Oxford presents our biggest annual exhibition for your enjoyment over the summer break with 20+Artists from Canterbury and NZ.

Bowen Therapy A Gentle therapy for every body and any age. Contact Johanna Lettink, registered practitioner for 20 years Ph. 312 1316 or 021 269 0371 www.bowtech.com

Chimney Sweep Winters Coming!! Rotary Brush Technology From $70 single story - Book now before the rush 0800-SWEEP ME or 021-0277-1927

Leather & Fashion Handbags and wallets, possum/merino NZ gifts, jewellery, art and homewares. Route 72 Cafe Bar Emporium, Cust. Ph: 312 5595.

Manuka Honey

Complemented by new, original items made by artists and sold in our gift shop

Volunteers Needed Volunteers Needed

Can you spare 3 hours? You will learn about projects, sales and will help artists in Canterbury & NZ.

Please contact the Gallery

and other New Zealand-made skincare ranges for men and women. Homeopathic remedies for the whole family. Also Kings Seeds. Route 72 Cafe Bar Emporium, Cust. Ph: 312 5595. Email: route72@clear.net.nz.

Wanted To Buy

Old gas pumps / petrol bowsers, porcelain / enamel signs & oil / petrol memorabilia. ph. Chris 027 516 0669

CRAIG’S

Carpet Clean & Pest Control Spiders & Flies - Approved handler Also supplier of Enviroshield Insecticide

Free Quote Txt 027 363 6325

Ph 312 4772 Oxford

twenty eight

In Touch

With Matt Doocey MP for Waimakariri December 2019 It was good to see so many residents at my public meeting in the Oxford Town Hall on Water & Rural Issues with National’s Agriculture Spokesperson and Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller in October. Todd was speaking around New Zealand to help our communities understand new targets under Government’s emissions and freshwater policies, and I invited him to Waimakariri to give our residents an opportunity to hear more and ask questions. Todd told the meeting we need sustainable rural communities and better environmental outcomes — and with the right support our rural sector can produce both. However, a comprehensive roll-out of farm plans is vital to support farmers in gathering on-farm data to manage agricultural emissions. I’ve received good feedback from both urban and ruralbased residents that they appreciated this opportunity and the number of interesting questions made it difficult to close the meeting on time. Our continuing growth as a district is being reflected in expanding school rolls as more new families choose to call Waimakariri home. Rural areas can sometimes struggle to attract teachers in competition with urban schools against a nationwide shortage of teachers. Quality early childhood education is especially important to ensure our children succeed through the education system. That’s why National is proposing scholarships to attract new early childhood teachers as part of the proposals in our Education Discussion Document. If you’d like to contribute your views, please go to www.national.org.nz/education It’s hard to believe this is the last issue of the year. I am looking forward to participating in the Oxford Santa Parade and hope to see you there. From my family to yours, I wish you a healthy and happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Funded by Parlimentary Services and authorised by Matt Doocey, Level 1 Conway Lane, Rangiora

NEW OPEN HOURS Tues - Thu 11am - 2pm Fri -Sat 10am - 4pm Closed Mon & Public Holidays

ARTS IN OXFORD

Matt Doocey

MP for Waimakariri Kaiapoi • 156B Williams St 03 327 0514 • kaiapoi@parliament.govt.nz Rangiora • Level 1 Conway Lane 03 310 7468 • waimakariri@parliament.govt.nz mattdoocey.co.nz MattDoocey.Waimakariri

. Art Gallery . Gift Shop . Workshops

A non- profit Charitable trust run by volunteers, Supported by : Rata Foundation and Waimakariri District Council

72 Main Street | Oxford | 03 312 1639

Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Matt Doocey, 156B Williams St, Kaiapoi.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Here for Life

with Oxford Constable

Mitch Alatalo It has been yet another busy month in the Oxford and surrounding areas. I hate to say it, but the holiday season is fast approaching, which means plenty of entertaining and attending the varied and numerous community events. If you are going to drink be safe and sensible about it, and nominate a sober driver. I must say I was very impressed with the turnout for Halloween. It put a smile on my face to see all of the families that came out and braved the heat, to make it such a successful event. I really enjoyed being a part of the event, and not in a police capacity. A big thanks goes out to Matthew Punter and all the hard work he put in to make it such a great event. Small communities coming together and enjoying each other’s company is what it is all about. This is a great time of the year to get to know your neighbours, if you haven’t already. It is a great way to make new friends, and to keep an eye out for each other. I know there will be a lot of people going away on holiday, so let your family, friends and neighbours know, so they can keep an eye out on your property while you are away. Which brings me to my next subject. Yes Christmas is fast approaching and there is an increase in packages being sent via the mail. I am already hearing of an increase in mail thefts, in and around the area so please be aware of any packages that are being sent to you, and be vigilant when checking your mail. If you do see anything or anyone out of the ordinary, please let someone know. On that note be safe out there and hopefully the weather will play the game soon and settle down. Thanks again for reading. Be safe. Feel safe.

with Area St John Station Manager

Emma Corr

In the month of October, the team were called out to 41 incidents within the area, bringing the total number of calls for the year to 419. The Oxford Community are very lucky to have such a brilliant emergency service, not only Ambulance, but Police and Fire. We often work closely together at both medical and accident scenes. It is very important that we all have some understanding of each other’s roles and what each team can achieve. Recently we were invited to attend a motor vehicle accident scenario with the team at Oxford Fire. These scenarios are not only important to allow maintenance of each team’s skill set at these types of situations, but it improves team work between the different services. It allows the teams to get to know each other. Being a part of a small community familiar faces can be helpful in difficult situations. I must pass on my thanks to Oxford Fire for inviting us to attend. My team and I benefited from this training exercise. This will be used as an example in further training nights. If you come across a motor vehicle accident there are a couple of things that are extremely important to remember. • Stay calm – panic does not help you or any injured patients. • Stay safe – do not put yourself in danger, always be on the lookout for hazards – downed powerlines, leaking fuel, fires. • If it is SAFE to do so, check how many people are involved. • Call 111 and tell them EXACTLY what you can see • It can be very helpful to carry first aid kits or small fire extinguishers in your cars/work vehicles.

POLICE - FIRE - AMBULANCE - DIAL 111

with Oxford Chief Fire Officer

Trevor Ealam

In October the Brigade was called nine times. Three calls were to controlled rubbish fires, where if the neighbours had been informed the brigade would probably not have been called. Three were to motor vehicle fires, one private fire alarm activation, one motor vehicle accident where the occupant sustained minor injuries and one to assist St John. This brings our total calls for the year to eighty one. The Brigade is currently keen to recruit more firefighters. This would suit persons that are mainly in the area during the day, or parents (with children at school) that can be available during school hours. If you think this could interest you please contact me in the first instance on 0272977564. This months message is; If you are intending to light any fires, it would be a great idea to have a garden hose available to cover the area. For farmers burning paddocks, slash etc, have water available rather than have the fires getting out of control that can destroy neighbouring properties. Remember Burn Responsibly. St John continued

• Take a first aid course – these can be booked online at www.stjohn.org.nz We are continually on the look out for members of the community who would like to give back to their community. If you would like to learn some new life saving skills please contact the station phone on: 033123516 or email emma.corr@stjohn.org.nz The ambulance station in Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day – if you require emergency assistance please call 111.

St Peter Chanel Catholic Parish Sacred Heart Church, Oxford

REGULAR SUNDAY MASS: 8.30am

Debbie Hawkins

EVENING MASS Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7pm

by Appointment only

ENQUIRIES: Waimakariri Parish Ph: 03 313 6285

Sunday Service & Children’s Church

10AM

166 High Street SENIOR PASTORS Greg & Joy Morris ASSOCIATE PASTORS Iain & Beth Froud CHILDRENS PASTOR Tamar Hylands

Phone 03 312 4499

www.oxfordbaptistchurch.org.nz email: ofﬁce@oxfordbaptist.org.nz

YOUTH GROUP

Years 9 to 13 at 7.30pm on Fridays at the Auditorium.

ICONZ ADVENTURE FOR BOYS & GIRLS Years 4 to 6 Girls Monday night: 6.30pm - 8pm Years 4 to 6 Boys Tuesday night: 6.30pm - 8pm Years 7 to 9 Girls Monday night 6.30pm - 8pm Years 7 to 9 Boys Wednesday 6.30pm - 8pm

The Oxford House of Beauty

Small Prayer & Reflection Groups Held every 2nd Monday at 7.30pm Oxford Church Centre

ALL WELCOME | Call Josie 022 089 8331

OXFORD DISTRICT

UNION PARISH

Sharing Christ in our Fellowship and Community

Advanced Facials, Peels & Skin Treatments. Waxing, Eyelash & Brow Emphasis Eftpos & Oxipay repayment option available

www.theoxfordhouseofbeauty.com

03 312 4294

021 024 19237

320 Kiri Kiri Road | Burnt Hill | Oxford | North Canterbury

UNION (METHODIST & PRESBYTERIAN) PARISH SERVICES FOR DECEMBER 2019 APART FROM CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAYS AT THE OXFORD UNION CHURCH, 85 MAIN STREET, OXFORD

1st Dec - Communion Service 9.30am 8th Dec - 9.30am Service 15th Dec - 9.30am Service (then final preparation for the Oxford Christmas Parade which begins at 12.30pm)

6.00pm: Salvation Army meet at the Union Church before going Carol Singing

22nd Dec - 9.30m Service WED 25th CHRISTMAS DAY Service at 9.30am 29th Dec - 10.30am Service

Followed by BBQ lunch at Ken & Sylvia Walker’s Home

ALL WELCOME

dipl. NSF , CCNM/NZSE, RMT-MNZ

Marina Vermaat 64 High Street Oxford 7430

03 312 4731

027 311 1140

UNION PARISH MINISTER: REV. LAURENCE ENNOR PH: 03 357 4475 (Home) or 027 233 4687 (Mob) PARISH CLERK: MRS ANNE CROFT Ph: 03 312 5513

MUSIC & MOVEMENT (0 TO 5YRS)

Mondays 10am - Open Sessions for all ages

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

Open Monday - Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm for ages 6 months to 5yrs.

BODY & SOUL, CLOTHING & CHRIST Tuesdays at the Oxford Baptist Church, 10.15am - 12.00pm & 12.30pm - 2.30pm.

TWELVE BASKETS FOODBANK

We offer Food parcels for individuals and families who are going through a difﬁcult time. We are always here to help anyone in need..

‘FOOD TOGETHER’ Fruit & Vege Co-op Tuesdays at Oxford Baptist Church. 10.15am - 12.00pm Tuesday Community Lunch. 12.00pm - 1.00pm Fresh Produce Weekly

STATIONHOUSE CAFE “Dining with a view” Lunch, brunch, morning or afternoon tea

Moana, Lake Brunner Ph: 03 738 0158

Online Will $69

Kiwilaw – www.kiwilaw.co.nz

‘Just do it!’

& Pet Supplies (ukmax on Trade Me)

52 Church Street, Oxford

Phone 312 1452 & 0210 424367 Email: angelcats@xtra.co.nz

www.angelcats.biz Hours: 8am-11am & 4pm-6pm

Phone: 03 312 5744 Mob: 027 457 4431 Email: Theresa@coolcats.nz “Time spent with cats is never wasted” 1891 South Eyre Rd

www.coolcats.nz

Probate application

- $690* including GST & High Court fee Kiwilaw – www.kiwilaw.co.nz

Cheryl Simes

021 701 838 / 03 312 1508 Oxford Local - Nationwide Service ‘Just because a lawyer holds the will, it doesn’t mean they hold the purse strings. Check their fees ﬁrst.’ thirty

Angel Cats Boarding Cattery

For Beautifully Handcrafted Books Tessa Warburton BOOKBINDER • Restoration • Repair • Private Tuition

Phone: 03 312 4399/027 419 6311 Email: tessawarburton@gmail.com

Community Agape Dance Academy

Beautiful ballet, fun Jazz & Contemporary and Tap Dance for 3yrs to Adult in Oxford. Phone Miss Belinda: 021 049 1315 or Facebook: Agape Dance Academy NZ

Cake Decorating Fondant Modeling Club

Learn the art of cake decorating - any experience welcome Ph Patsy 021 022 01656

Cust Bowling Club

Club days Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 1.30pm. Come along and have a go, ph: 312 5892.

Cust Craft Group

Meets every 1st & 3rd Tuesday 10am-2pm at the Cust Community Centre. New members always welcome. for details phone Beth 03 312 3191 or phone /text Ricki 021 264 6536

Cust | Oxford St John

Cadet Group and Ambulance Supporters Scheme Committee, ph: 3125839 or 3125538.

Cust Toy Library

Indoor and outdoor toys to borrow. Open Sat 10-11.30am & Mon 9.30-10.30am at Cust Community Centre.

Darfield Line Dancers

D irectory

JP Signing Centre

Oxford Library every Thursday. If you have any documents that need to be signed by a JP, there is a JP signing Centre at the Oxford Library every Thursday 11am until 1pm. Free session. Appointment not necessary. Just call in.

Line Dancing at Oxford

Pearson Park Pavilion Monday mornings 9.30-11.30 am Beginners & Improvers, Oxford Club Monday evening 5-8 pm All levels, no partners needed Variety of music, First timers please ring first. ph Jenny 0274 452 285 or 03 3124 896

Monday Cafe

Come along for a chat and morning tea at the St James-on-the-Cust hall every 4th Monday 10-11.30am. All ages welcome, ph Sandra on 03 310 2074.

New To Oxford?

Join us for coffee/tea and a chat at Cafe 51 on Main Street,10am every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month.

Oxford Alpine Taekwondo

Classes - Mondays & Wednesdays Oxford GP Hall Cubs: 5:00pm - 5:30pm Early Class : 5:00pm – 6:00pm Late Class : 6:00pm – 7:30pm Phone Matt 027 432 4249 or email info@OxfordTaekwondo.club First three classes are free.

Oxford Bird Rescue

Raptor rehabilitation specialists at 77 Sales Road , Oxford ph: 021 292 7861

Every Wednesday - 6:00pm - 8:30pm $7 per night Darfield Rec Centre. All levels - Two left feet OK. Great fun. Contact Jenny 03 312 4896 or 0274 452 285

Meets every Thursday 10am beside the Men’s Shed, Pearson Park. All welcome, ph: 312 1536.

Cust - West Eyreton Play Centre

Oxford Community Men’s Shed

behind the Cust Community Centre, Mill Road, Cust Open Tues - Wed - Thurs Mornings Phone 03 312 5654 for more information

Oxford Craft Market

1st Sunday of every month except January 10m - 2pm Oxford Town Hall

Oxford Promotions

Meets Third Monday of each Month February-November 7pm at Oxford Club Meeting Room New members welcome to help promote the Oxford area

Oxford Community Gardens

The Oval, Pearson Park. Tuesday 7pm 9pm Men and Women, Thursday 10am - 12.30 Men only, Thursday 7pm - 9pm Men only, Saturday 10am - 2pm

Oxford Cycle Group

Meets at Oxford Farmers Market carpark every Monday morning at 9.30, for a casual ride about 1 1/2 hours, then coffee. Ph Mary on 03 313 3259.

Oxford Museum

Open every Sunday:11am-4pm, Friday: 1-3.30pm, Wednesday & Saturday: 1-3.30pm. Main St, Oxford.

Oxford Play Centre

“Whānua tupu ngātahi - families growing together”

102A Main Street, Oxford, phone 0278087284 Open Times Tuesday-Friday 9am-12pm. Closed in the school holidays. Follow us on Facebook @ Oxford Play Centre

Oxford Dogs Walking Group

Meets 9.30am Mondays at the big tree parking area beside the Service Centre. Contact Lee Leonard on 312 1536.

Oxford Senior Citizens

Meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month 1:30pm at the OWMC. PH Carol on 3123019

Oxford Squash Club

Have Fun! Get Fit! For all ages, casual or competition. Club nights Wednesdays, 6pm, ph: Shelley 0279201738

Oxford Wednesday Walkers & Trampers.

Walks from 3 hours to day tramps. Over bush, farmland and roads - 9:15am Start

ph: Anne on 03 312 4375 or 027 298 7750.

Oxford Women’s Forum

Meets on the first Thursday of every second month, March-Nov with meal and guest speakers, ph: Margaret on 03 312 4478.

Scottish Country Dancing

Great exercise. No partners required. Tuesdays, ph: Judi on 312 4291.

Waimakariri Bridge Club

Meets every Thursday 7.15pm at the Waimakariri Golf Club rooms.

Yummy Mummy’s Oxford

A group that helps families with new babies with meals/baking. Volunteers always appreciated, ph: Amanda on 027 490 7052.

Oxford & Districts Lions Club Inc. the oxford Meet 4th Thursday of every month Enquiries to Secretary - 03 312 5351

Observer

Trade

Directory RON EALAM BUILDER for all your Building

requirements

the Plastic Welding

New Homes Additions & Alterations Farm Buildings Concrete Laying Painting & Paper hanging Experienced Builder

SPECIALISTS

Automotive Plastic repairs Fibreglass repairs Car Bumpers - Headlights Interior Trims & Modiﬁcations Motorbike Fairing - Kids Toys Campervans Anything Plastic

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027 242 4907

Brian Norton

Craftsman Builder - Over 25 Years Experience Ph 021 880037 or 03 312 4911 AH

Come and talk to the real experts

• Sales, servicing and repair of all major brands of computers • • Networking, etc. for home, farm and business • • Drop into our workshop or call us for a home/site visit • We won’t bafﬂe you with science, just plain simple honest advice

Architectural & Residential Builds - Farm Buildings - Own Build at 184 High Street

216 High Street, Rangiora

Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm, Sat 10am-2pm

Email: rangiora@ipc.co.nz

Ph: 03 313 4567

www.ipc.co.nz

GN Plumbing and Drainage Ltd

•

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS

Maintenance Plumbing • New Housing • Bathroom Alterations Logﬁres • Hot Water Cylinders • Spouting & Flashings Pump Replacement & Repair

Fast, Friendly Service, All Work Guaranteed

Aaron McCartney • Free Ph: 0508 44EVER • Ph: 03 310 2137 A/H: 027 3669 091 • Email: plumber_27@yahoo.co.nz

www.4everplumbing.co.nz

High Country Canvas Specialists in Canvas Manufacturing

New Work & Repairs Welcome. Don’t Pack & Store It All Away Get your Repairs Done Now & avoid the Spring Rush! Darrin Lord 03 312 5025 or 027 238 1624

thirty two

For Needs Forall allyour yourElectrical Electrical Wiring Needs New NewHousing Housing&&Alterations Alterations Sheds, Sheds,Barns Barns&&Farm Farm Maintenance Maintenance Lights, Lights,Plugs Plugs&& Spas Spas Phones Phones 027243 2436696 6696 027 FreeQuotes Quotes Free 3124990 4990 CompetitiveRates Rates Competitive 312

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