The Observer | February edition

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Oxford Health Charity Limited Board of Trustees Volunteer Director/Trustee

(up to 2 Positions)

Oxford Health Charity Limited is a charitable organisation that operates the Oxford Community Health Centre (OCHC).

OCHC provides primary health services to the Oxford and surrounding Waimakariri community in North Canterbury.

OCHC is a small community-based practice with a big heart and a strong emphasis on offering world class expertise. Our patient centric focus is reflected in our purpose that Oxford whānau are living healthy and well.

The OCHC team is made up of dedicated medical, nursing and administrative professionals who truly believe that our patients are our family and take pride in nurturing this special relationship.

The Oxford Health Charitable Trust was formed to govern our ongoing community health and wellbeing services and facilities. The Trust is made up of a volunteer Board of Trustees and Directors who recognise and value the need to provide targeted medical services to the local community.

The trust has delegated the day-to-day management of the health centre to the Practice Manager and clinical management to the Clinical Director. The trust is proactive in governance with strong financial controls and effective policy development. The Board is seeking to appoint up to two new directors to these voluntary roles, which may suit someone with prior governance experience, or looking for an entry-level governance role.

Ideally, you will possess the following skills and experience:

• The ability to think strategically as well as a solid under standing of business financials.

• Health sector experience is an advantage, but not essential.

• You don’t need to live in Oxford, although this is a strong preference. It is important you are committed to our local community and be able to offer your skills and experience, and your time, to support our wonderful team at the OCHC.

• The Trust is planning to undertake a significant growth project over the next two years, and so welcomes applicants with experience in:

o Marketing and promotions;

o Feasibility studies and/or funding applications; or

o Project management, facilities development and/or construction would be an asset to the Board.

A position description is available on request.

Please send your cover letter and CV to the Board Chair (email: sarah@ochc.co.nz) or phone +64 21 199 9980 for a confidential discussion about this position.

Applications close 5pm Monday 6 March 2023

Welcome to the February issue of the Observer.

We have been enjoying some incredible summer weather and that certainly makes the start of the year easier!

With Valentine's Day coming up, why not shop and eat locally. We have some options for you on page 7 for beautiful flowers and gifts, and eating out. While there is certainly some uncertainty out there, it is even more important to support our local businesses. If we all support each other, then we can minimise the impact of what is happening out there at the moment.

This month we chatted to Ron Ealam from Oxford LandSAR about some ways to keep safe out walking or tramping this summer. There are lots of beautiful walks in our district, and taking proper precautions can help to make these walks an enjoyable and safe experience.

While we are enjoying summer, Community Energy Action are offering options for some Oxford households to insulate their home. Check out their article on page 18 for more information and to see if you might be eligible for assistance.

Thank you for supporting us, and our advertisers. It is always appreciated!

Happy reading.

Intentional Shopping!

I think it would be fair to say that everyone is feeling the pinch in this current financial climate. We hear through the media constantly about rising prices, and we see through the supermarket aisle of how true this is. Not so much disposable income in the old budget, floating around. Which actually wraps in nicely with what I’ve been thinking about recently. Intentional Shopping. Now what does that mean?

Intentional shopping is the act of being mindful and purposeful with your spending. It's about making choices that reflect your values and needs, instead of letting emotions or outside influences dictate what you buy. Shopping intentionally also means taking your time and being fully present.

I love this! I have been banging on about intentional shopping for years. After seeing wardrobes full of clothing that are bought to try and fulfil an emotion or feeling but not hitting the mark. It shows that more is not more. It is not uncommon for the same item to have been bought three times!! There is no denying that the allure of getting something new gives you a high feeling. It isn’t a feeling that lasts very long once you have the item though.

Intentional shopping teaches you to buy an item that does give you that feeling for longer. This is why we have certain staples in our wardrobe that we always feel good in.

They are often items that can be worn time and time again and in many different ways. Don’t be suckered into campaigns of items that you have to have.

Companies spend millions on marketing geared to tap into that feeling you have that you need something. Spend the time on yourself to figure out what you actually need and what means you have to get it. That's where the real power is.

Currently my family and I have embraced shed life while we are building our new home. During this time I have fine tuned my wardrobe, as space has been at a minimum and I have to say it’s been really good for me.

Every item has been used at its’ maximum, and if it hasn’t, then it’s gone. No mucking around. It’s even flowed over to other areas of our living. We don’t need heaps. We need the right stuff to reflect who we are.

Never would I wish a financial crisis on anyone but if there has to be a silver lining, then intentional shopping would be it.

with Stylist - Kerri Booth

Bar Development

WHATS HAPPENING AT THE OXFORD CLUB! Sections

The Main Bar and Lounge Bar Taps are being replaced on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th February along with upgrades in our keg room. While we will not have tap beer available during this time, we will have a temporary bar set up for bottle service. Check out our new “Mystery Tap” from Thursday 9th February –buy a Handle, pint or Jug and guess the beer –first one to guess the beer wins a prize and then the tap is revealed!

Restaurant

NEW HOURS for a-la-carte Dining and Chef Jimmi has a new menu with seasonal specials. Vegan and Gluten Free options available. Thursday – Open 5pm for Dinner

Friday, Saturday & Sunday open 12pm for lunch... and dinner menu available from 5pm Sunday Night Buffet – Jimmi’s Fabulous Sunday night Buffet from 5pm $35 per adult, $15 Kids 6-13 years and 5 & under eat FREE. Evening Closing times will be dependent on customer demand.

EVENTS

Tuesday 14th February

Valentine’s Day

$20 Pizza’s available from 5pm with a complimentary Pint or glass of Wine* Pool Tables open for FREE

SUPER RUGBY 2023

Watch all Super Rugby Live on Sky Sport with Happy hours during Crusaders Games .

Friday 24th Feb 7.05pm Crusaders vs Chiefs.

SUZIE’S SUPER RUGBY PICKS COMPETITION $5 per week with weekly winner and loser prizes,

Cash prizes for Comp/Season winner’s 1st, 2nd & 3rd and a Finals night function. (18 weeks total including round robin and finals) Get your picks in by 5pm Friday 24th February for First Round

Saturday 4th March 7.30pm

Elvis & The Beatles Tribute Show

Bought you by Paul Madsen Promotions

Get your tickets now for a rocking great night out with Paul and the band as they perform some of the classic songs from Elvis and the Beatles.

SHOW TICKETS $30 EACH

Show Ticket & Pre-show Buffet Meal Deal $60pp

(Show tickets on sale now at the bar, sorry no holds for this one, Buffet available from 5pm booking essential).

FISHING SECTION MEETING

Wednesday 8th February 7pm

Meeting of the Fishing section, New members welcome Enquiries contact Michael 0274360709

AGM’S

OPEN TO ALL CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE SECTION

Darts – Tuesday 7th Feb 6.30pm

Travel Tuesday 14th Feb 7pm

Golf Monday 20th Feb 7pm

Wednesday’s Hump day Happy Hour**

FROM 5.30PM TO 6.30PM

Raffles from 6pm til Gone $2 PER TICKET 40 TICKETS.

1st prize $25 Meat Tray, 2nd & 3rd Prize $15 Meat Tray

Thursday’s Quiz Night

FREE Weekly quiz

Register your team of 4-6 players ready for a 7pm start

Thursday 16th February

Cupid’s Quiz Night Loved up or looking for Love. Get your best Valentines or anti Valentines Day outfit on. Bonus prizes for best dressed team! Come as a single and join a team. FREE pool All tables open for FREE & $20 Pizza’s available.

Friday Nights

SECTION RAFFLES FROM 6PM 10th & 17th Cards Section, 24th Vintage Section FREE Juke Box *200ml

OXFORD CLUB - YOUR SOCIAL HUB

Baking on Valentine’s Day for Romantic beginners without an apron to their name

by Amy Riach

For some of us Valentine’s Day is a much anticipated holiday, an anniversary of romance and love; for an unnumbered few it’s a reminder of the Roman patron Saint Valentine; and for the rest of us, Valentine’s Day amounts to little more than a colour scheme and an excuse to break out 'Love Actually' well before Christmas. And either way, baking is the key to having a great day on February 14.

VALENTINE’S BROWNIES

Unfortunately it is possible, even likely, to be both a hopeless romantic and totally hopeless in the kitchen, and if that’s the case then these are a great solution.

Any standard brownie recipe will do the trick, but these call for 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 cup cocoa powder, as well as a pinch of salt. Chocolate chips and seasonally coloured M&Ms will make them perfect and fudgey, but chocolate should always be measured by the heart, and never by what’s in a recipe.

Simply whisk together the melted butter and sugar. It’s this which gives the brownies that crackly top everyone loves!

Then, stir in the eggs and vanilla, before adding the dry ingredients until everything is combined. Fold in the chocolate chips before turning the batter into a baking pan, and top the brownies with M&M’s before baking.

You’ll know the brownies are done when the edges start to pull away from the pan, and the centre looks fudgy and cooked. And because M&Ms don’t melt, the tops of your brownies will stay pink and red and perfectly Valentine’s themed.

CHOCOLATE DIPPED SUGAR COOKIES

These chocolate dipped hearts start with a sugar cookie base, but if you’re not a fan of baking, or like me you actually don't own an apron and don’t particularly want to do the dishes, you can just as easily buy cookies premade and stick to just adding the chocolate dip. If you do feel like baking from scratch, you’ll need 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 3 cups all-purpose flour. In a large bowl, or in the bowl of a mixer, cream the butter and the sugar until smooth and fluffy.

Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla and a pinch of salt, then slowly mix in the flour until thoroughly combined. Chill the dough for at least an hour, or for up to 1 day before you plan to bake your cookies. Roll out your dough, and cut your cookies into heart shapes before baking for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the edges are just barely turning brown. Once they’re totally cool, the decorating begins. Yes, you will want to dip and eat them hot. Yes, they will be better if you wait. Melt your chocolate, in a double boiler over the stove, or more simply in the microwave; and dip half of each cookie into the chocolate, tapping against the bowl to remove the excess. Place the cookies on a sheet of baking paper, and quickly add your sprinkles onto the wet chocolate. Let them set completely before storing (or eating!) Pink and red sprinkles will add enormously to what is admittedly a very colour-dependent holiday, but anything at all is fine, unless you’re planning to make them just to look at.

FILLED SHORTBREAD HEARTS

These jam filled shortbread hearts are easy to make, and they look like they aren’t, which is always a bonus. Whether you’re baking for one or for two it doesn’t matter, you’ll find that although they keep well they won’t last long. Make your shortbread dough using 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup icing sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of seedless jam; or even seeded jam if it takes your fancy. It won’t look so smooth but it will taste just as good. First beat butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy; by hand works just fine, but a mixer will cut down on the time spent at the bench. Beat in the vanilla, and then the flour, until the dough is just blended.

Half the dough and refrigerate until firm, for at least 2 hours or overnight. Then with a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out your cookies.

Store bought or handmade from cardboard strips, it makes no difference!

Cut out the centres of half the cookies, and remove the heart-shaped scraps, before baking the shortbread. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and allow them to cool before starting on the fun part.

Sift icing sugar over all the hearts with a missing centre, and add a teaspoon of jam to all the hearts left uncut.

Then match one sugar topped cookie to one jam topped counterpart, and make shortbread sandwiches! Human soulmates may or may not be real, but all of your biscuits at Valentine’s should have a perfect “other half”.

Safety in the Outdoors

There is no shortage of beautiful tramps and walks in our part of the country, and it’s the perfect time of year to head out and try some of them, so we had a chat to Ron Ealam from Oxford LandSAR about the best ways to keep yourself safe and enjoy your experience.

There are lots of simple common sense steps you can take to ensure you get home safely.

The first thing is gear for your walk or tramp. Clothing is extremely important, and includes appropriate footwear, and warmer clothes in case the weather turns. Our weather can be extremely unpredictable, so this is vital. Along with clothing, it is important to take food and water, and a communication device such as apersonal locator beacon, GPS or cell phone.

Ron says that while cell phones don’t have reception everywhere, Police are able to ping cell phones to find a location.Before you leave home, check the weather forecast, and let someone know what walk you intend to do, and what time you estimate you will return.

Early notification is key in a search, so if you don’t return at the time you have said, and you haven’t made contact, then that person can make a call to put the search in motion. While you are on the track, fill out intention books, log books at cabins etc. to leave a paper trail record of where you are going.

Ron says it is very important to stick with your intentions and not change course part way through. He goes on to say “Stay in your comfort zone. Don’t go anywhere that you are not comfortable, or is not in your ability”.

If you go out with a group, do not split up, stay together at all times. While some people like to tramp solo, Ron says it is not advisable to do this in case of a medical emergency.

If you do get lost, have a medical event, or sustain an injury, stay put unless you are in danger. Keep calm and don’t panic, as this is often when dangerous decisions are made.

Try and make contact calling 111 should always be your first call. There is always a SAR Duty Officer available for when a search arises. Keep warm and try to get comfortable for the time you are waiting.

words by Emily Chapman- photos supplied

Recently Oxford LandSar had a successful search. Ron says the thing that helped on this search, was that the lost parties were able to take a photo of their location and send it through, and this helped pinpoint where the search should be carried out. Giving as much information as possible is helpful for people searching.

Oxford LandSAR has a team of 49 volunteers. They are also fortunate to have a dog team with Ron Ealam and his dog Skyla.

The team averages 12 callouts a year.

To get involved with LandSAR there is a process which includes an interview to ascertain availability and also suitability.

The next step is an overnight induction course to see what capabilities candidates have and their suitability for the team. Monthly training covers such things as First Aid, rope work, stretcher work, tracking skills, survival skills, river crossings,and helicoptertraining.

Ron says the Oxford group has a particularly strong group at the moment with a good range of medical and outdoor skills covered by members of the team.

If you would like to get involved you can contact James Davidson (Chairman) James.Davidson@oxfordlandsar.co.nz or Steve Pooley (Training Officer)

steve.g.pooley@gmail.com for more information.

Back List Summer Reads for long evenings

by Amy Riach

In the heat of February, evenings spent reading by the fire have been abandoned entirely, replaced in favour of evenings spent reading outside. Of course reading outside is often better in theory than in practice, and it only takes one flying bug too many to send me right back indoors. But inside or out, these are some of the best books to add to your list for February 2023.

THE DANTE CLUB by

Mathew Pearl

You don’t need to have read Michelangelo's 300 sonnets in order to appreciate the beauty of David, and in much the same way, you don’t need to read Dante’s ‘Inferno’ to enjoy ‘The Dante Club’. Feel free to make like I did and skip those 9 layers of hell in favour of Pearl’s version, inspired by ‘The Divine Comedy’, but easier to get through in one afternoon. ‘The Dante Club’ is Pearl’s debut novel, a murder mystery in the vein of Dan Brown; age old and populated by Harverd Professors and literary poets, all of them sporting names like Longfellow or Holmes. It is Boston, 1865, and the literary geniuses of the Dante Club are completing at last, America's first translation of ‘The Divine Comedy’ and are preparing to unveil Dante's remarkable visions to the New World. When a series of violent murders breaks out across Boston and Cambridge, it is the Dante Club alone who realise that gruesome killings are modelled on scenes from ‘Inferno’. With the police of Boston in the dark, and Dante’s literary future at stake, The Dante Club must shed its' sheltered literary existence to find an erudite killer.

ON CHESIL BEACH by Ian McEwan

‘On Chesil Beach’ is deceptively small, a novella of only 200 pages, which contains unflinching multitudes. Written by Ian McEwan, author of the brilliant and introspective novel ‘Atonement’, ‘On Chesil Beach’ is governed by the internal monologues of our beguiling protagonists; Edward and Florence, young innocents married that morning in July 1962. We first meet the beautiful, promising young couple the evening of their wedding, and through McEwan’s omniscient narrator, we are also privy to glimpses of their childhoods. A complicated tangle of emotions and backgrounds is slowly exposed, and the disastrous tone which dominates the beginning of the novel becomes increasingly evident. Ian McEwan has captured with understanding and nuance the deep innocence of Edward and Florence, at a time when marriage was presumed to be the one outward sign of maturity and independence.

A quiet soul and talented musician, Florence dreams of a career on the concert stage and of the perfect life she will create with Edward, an earnest young history student at University College of London, who quite unexpectedly won her heart. Newlyweds, Edward and Florence arrive at a hotel on the Dorset Coast, and privately, though next to each other, they each struggle to suppress their silent fears about the wedding night to come. While Edward frets over Florence’s response to his advances, and nurses his private fear of failure, Florence’s anxieties run deeper. And as their wedding night unfolds, and the years to come begin, we are offered a window to two souls; who are above all else, remarkably, unforgivably human.

BIG LITTLE LIES by Liane Moriarty

It’s a lesser known fact that all the best murder mysteries begin at PTA Quiz Nights. At Pirriwee Public’s annual school Trivia Night, the ordinary, suburban lives of Moriarty’s ordinary, suburban characters are torn apart; when a parent ends up dead, and in a room full of people it seems nobody saw anything at all.

‘Big Little Lies’ is at once a scathing and compassionate account, telling of ex-husbands and their second wives, of mothers and daughters, schoolyard scandal, and the little lies that can become lethal. The children of Pirriwee Public are second only to their parents in petty gossip and flitting alliances, but they are keeping just as many secrets as their mothers. New to town, single mom Jane is so young that she is mistaken for the nanny, and she is sure there is something that her son won’t tell her. She comes hand in glove with a shrouded past, and a sadness that seems far beyond her years. Her newest friend and biggest protector, Madeline is a force to be reckoned with. She’s funny, biting, wildly disorganised and wildly passionate; she remembers everything and forgives no one. At her side, Celeste is the kind of beautiful woman who makes the world stop and stare, but she is paying a great price for cultivated perfection. These three women are at three very different crossroads, but they will all wind up in the same heart-stopping place.

PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER

General Obedience & Marker training. Currently 20 years experience with Land Search and Rescue as an assessor trainer for dogs. Successfully trained 4 Search and Rescue Dogs. All enquiries welcome. Happy to discuss your requirements for your Dog.

The Malvern Farmers Vet Club Charitable Trust (MFVCCT) would like to invite individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for grants from our organisation. The MFVCCT purpose is to advance the welfare of our rural community and the individuals connected to the community.

This involves distributing grants that meet the following criteria:

• The strengthening of charitable community and voluntary organisations involved in the relief of poverty.

• The advancement of education.

• The provision of financial support for specific community projects that advance charitable purposes.

• The strengthening of charitable community and voluntary organisations.

• The provision of financial and other support in anticipation of or in response to emergencies or adverse events.

• The enhancement and retention of essential services that advance charitable purposes.

To apply for grants please visit: mfvc.org.nz for more information on the application process. All applications to be received by the 31st March 2023.

with Dan Gordon

I hope you all had a wonderful summer break, enjoying time with your family and friends.

Just like many others, I have enjoyed spending summer right here in the Waimakariri District, getting to the local beaches and parks and most of all spending time in my own garden. I have a well-established garden and have been enjoying adding and removing plants this summer. In particular, I have enjoyed adding some vibrant new colours in the mix.

For us as a Council, we have a busy programme this year and will continue to work to achieve our communities’ expectations.

We will be working through our budgets and, given this current difficult economic climate, a key factor for us will be around rates affordability. We are committed to providing the highest quality service to our residents while keeping rates as low as possible.

Another thing to look forward to is a chance to engage with you and hear your feedback on various issues. We will be holding hearings on submissions to the proposed District Plan throughout the year and we will be consulting on the proposed cycleways in the District as a result of the new funding allocations.

I will continue to work with my fellow Mayors to ensure a Three Waters model is brought in that respects community property rights and voice. A key aspect of that work will be influencing the Opposition on the detail of its reform model, given that Three Waters reform is shaping up to be a key issue of the October General Election.

We will be working with other Canterbury Councils, where there is a lot of work being done within various forums to attract funding to our region.

We will also be navigating our way through a raft of other proposed Local Government reforms, including the Resource Management Act, and providing our feedback on the Future for Local Government report.

Our first Council meeting for the year will be on 7 February and I am very much looking forward to getting started on what is set to be a busy, but exciting year ahead.

I welcome contact from anyone who needs assistance or has an issue that you may want to discuss. Email me at dan.gordon@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021906437.

I’m here to help.

Mike Hart

Tumuaki|Principal update

Tēnā koutou katoa,

We trust everybody had a lovely break over Christmas and have recharged for the new year.

At Oxford Area School we are looking forward to the year ahead. It is exciting that we are able to put the last few disruptive years behind us and focus on the future.

Our vision for our learners remains the same: Kāhui Whetū | Tātai Whetū | Rau WhetūAs a community, we align our learning and skills, showing how extraordinary we are.

This year we look forward to our new administration and teaching block rising up from the ground following the demolition of the site over the Christmas break. It is promising to see some action!

We have a full calendar of learning experiences and activities to ensure our students have engaging, authentic, and relevant developmental opportunities. This includes ‘deep learning’ where we continue to grow our six global competencies of character, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, citizenship, and communication.

Homestays required for Oxford Area School International Students

As New Zealand's borders open up to International students, we are looking for suitable host families in the Oxford township or on the school bus route.We are currently seeking homestays with horses for next year and beyond.

· We require caring, kind and inclusive host families who can provide a safe, warm home. Horse stays provide students with an interest in horses to ride, work with and generally be around horses/ponies.

· Options to host students short term (1 week to a month) or long term (one term to a year or more)

· Students must have their own room and a place to study

· There is a generous weekly payment (reflecting the additional equine aspect)

· Hosts should be active and willing, on occasion, to take students out for local sight-seeing or other activities

· We do our best to match the students’ hobbies, interests and riding ability to the host family and horse

· Police vetting is mandatory for anyone in the home over 18 and other conditions may apply

If you are interested or have any questions please contact: International Homestay Coordinator international@oxford.school.nz

In the first half of this year, a significant number of our staff will complete the Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori course while we continue our growth in Te Ao Māori. This knowledge helps us to support our students at school on their path to being successful citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ngā mihi, Mike Hart

Tumuaki | Principal Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School

Building update

With the demolition of the Admin block to make way for the upcoming build, it was timely to look back into the archives.

This is an excerpt from the Reflections magazine (1997) published in 1997 to commemorate 125 years of Oxford Schools.

With the introduction of the Area School in 1978 the buildings were upgraded to meet the Area Schools Building Code. Coupled with this as the school roll has increased, and as the school has offered students a greater number of subject options so has grown the need for either the provision of more specialist rooms, or the upgrading of existing rooms.

The last twenty-five years in the life of the school have been the “building boom” years where staff and students have learnt to live with the sound of concrete trucks, circular saws, and hammers banging as yet another extension, or remodelling job is undertaken.

There have been four different library buildings. Each one being bigger than the last until now we have the Grigor library opened in 1991. This library is fully computerised, and is complete with Internet.

We have been well served by a number of librarians including Mrs R Paget, Mrs G Lysaght , Mrs S Boocock and Mrs R McKeown.

(And in more recent times, Sarina Barron who left in 2016, and our current amazing Library Manager Mrs Rose Parmee).

The Science Laboratory has had two overhauls.

The first remodelling was in 1985, and it was again remodelled in 1995 when the two laboratories were established to provide more room for the greater number of classes, and the wider variety of Science being offered. Remodelling was done in the Home Economics area also in 1985. Whilst this was being done classes were taught in a small room belonging to the Oxford Agricultural and Pastoral Association.

It was a challenge to all with the limited facilities available - namely one stove and one sink for twenty-plus students!

Until 1995 there were no special facilities for the teaching of Clothing. This class had to be taught in the Home Economics Room.

A Clothing Room has been built beside the Home Economics Room and it contains up to date technology.

1985 also saw the construction of a music suite and an adjacent classroom. This suite actively encouraged students to participate to a greater extent in music. Itinerant teachers of music visited the school, and continue to do so, to instruct in such instruments as the piano, violin, flute and the guitar.

Until 1985 Art was taught in a converted prefab. In this year an Art Room was built and facilities in here continue to be altered to meet the demands of the curriculum. A photographic darkroom has been installed, and in 1997 the room is again being remodelled to cater for the needs in Art and Photography.

A new staffroom was opened in 1985, and revamped offices provided for the Senior Teaching and Office Staff. With the increase in Staff numbers rooms are again inadequate, and will require further extension. In 1991 a Gallery and Teachers’ Workroom were built alongside the Staffroom, and the Audio Visual Room established adjacent to the Library. To allow for these extensions the northern block of open air classrooms were removed and are now to be found at Ashley Gorge Camping Ground.

The old School Hall - a local landmark - was removed to a farm on Bay Road in 1984. A General Purpose Hall was opened that year.

It was built in co operation with the Oxford Agricultural and Pastoral Association, being built on land belonging to them and the school. An additional bay was built to allow for a greater variety of sports to be played. It was a joint financial venture between the Canterbury Education Board and the Oxford County Council, and is both a school and a community facility.

TERM DATES 2023

Term 1 Monday 30 January to Thursday 6th April (94 half days)

Waitangi Day - Monday 6th February

Easter - Friday 7th April

Term 2 Monday 24th April to Friday 30th June (100 half days)

Anzac Day - Tuesday 25th April

King’s Birthday - Monday 5th June

Term 3 Monday 17th July to Friday 22nd September (100 half days)

Term 4 Monday 9th October to Wednesday 13th December (92 half days)

Labour Day - Monday 23rd October

Show Day - Friday 17th November

Teacher Only Days

Tipu Māia Hui Friday 10th March

Teacher Only Day Monday 24th April

The hall incorporated a tuck shop and stationery shop where students could purchase lunches and school stationery. While the hall was being built an Agricultural and Pastoral Association shed was used as the gymnasium. This became known as the “ Tinnasium.” It caught fire in 1981, and was no longer useable. An adventure playground was established behind the Junior School.

Building and remodelling Administration Block & Library

Oxford Area School 1997

Courgette & feta fritters with

beetroot and pomegranate dressing

FRITTERS - SERVES 4

3 Courgettes or grated 3 Cups

3 Spring onions finely chopped

150g crumbly Feta

¼ cup chopped Parsley

¼ cup fresh Mint chopped

1 tabsp dried Oregano

1 tsp Smoked Paprika

100g Plain Flour

Salt & Pepper

2 eggs

Olive Oil

METHOD

by Louize Juniper

Grate Courgettes with a course cheese grater, spread out on a clean tea towel, Leave to soak up any excess moisture whilst getting rest of ingredients together. In a large bowl add chopped spring onions, parsley, mint, crumbled feta, smoked paprika, oregano, pinch of salt and ground black pepper. Mix together with a fork. Sprinkle over the plain flour.

Beat eggs together with a Table Spoon of olive oil.

Slowly add to the above ingredients working together with the fork.

Squeeze out excess moisture from courgettes through the tea towel, then add to the mixture, work together with the fork. It will look lumpy and sort of dry but this is good.

Heat a heavy based skillet/frying pan or even on the flat plate of a BBQ. Use a good couple of spoons of olive oil to fry your fritters in.

Spoon out your desired size, ¼ cup measure is a good size then you can stack 3 together per serve, cook for approx. 3 mins each side. Stack together either with more Feta or grilled Halloumi.

I like them with super crispy streaky bacon or hot smoked salmon.

Yummy with tuna too!

Drizzle over the Fresh beetroot and pomegranate dressing

Pow the Colour!

FRESH BEETROOT & POMEGRANATE DRESSING

FOR BEST RESULTS USE A NUTRI BULLET.

200g Raw Peeled Beetroot

2 Tabsp Pomegranate Molasses

1 Tabsp Red wine vinegar

4 Tabsp Olive oil

Salt & Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Chop the beetroot in to thumb size chunks

Put all ingredients into the nutri bullet container and blitz until you have a thick and smooth mixture. Season to taste.

Keep in refrigerator for about a week.

A yummy addition to any Salads.

Try some in at your next BBQ or in a Burger!

Free insulation and in-home energy advice for Oxford

Even though it is still the middle of summer, now is the best time to prepare your house for winter if you live in Oxford.

Canterbury charity CEA Charitable Trust is offering free insulation to low-income owner-occupiers with a Community Services Card (CSC) and those living in eligible low-income Oxford areas. Free in-home energy advice sessions are also available to owner-occupiers with a CSC but they may only be available in the summer period.

“We know it can be tricky to get trades people to come to rural areas,” says Caroline Shone, Chief Executive of CEA and living in a rural area herself. “However, CEA Charitable Trust is a charity, and our aim is to make sure we help as many as we can to have a warm home no matter where they reside in Canterbury.”

Oxford can be a cold place in winter and a warm house is essential for good health.

With sufficient insulation, it is easier to heat up the house and you are likely to spend less on wood or power. Insulation also keeps the house cooler in summer.

Many homes have insulation, and you may think your insulation is OK.

However, CEA’s energy assessors have seen countless homes that have too little insulation to keep warm comfortably and the owners unaware. Not enough insulation means it takes longer to warm up the house and you end up paying more for heating than you need to.

Insulation can deteriorate over the years.

CEA assessors also discover insulation that was never installed properly, or which has been disturbed by tradesmen in the ceiling space or under the floor, meaning it is not very effective.

“We found out that the underfloor insulation that we did eight years ago was only partly done,” a customer told CEA after the assessor’s insulation check.

CEA installers rectified the insulation.

“Now we have proper underfloor insulation, which has made such a huge difference, it is much warmer in that area.”

For those who do not qualify for the free insulation, CEA can do a free, no-obligation insulation assessment and quote and CEA may be able to offer a discount.

An in-home energy advice session (‘Home Energy Check’, free for all Oxford owner-occupiers if they have a Community Services Card) includes an examination of insulation, heating, windows, curtains, lighting, hot water, and more.

CEA’s advisors will give you independent, objective and easy to understand advice which includes subsidies/discounts available. Doing a Home Energy Check in summer gives you time to follow up on the advice before winter.

A recent CEA survey has shown that the advice is very useful and over 95% homeowners find it very practical and easy to understand.

“It is interesting finding out things, you don't think about,” one customer commented.

For more information and to book an in-home advice session or an insulation assessment, call 0800 438 9276, email info@cea.co.nz or visit www.cea.co.nz.

CEA Charitable Trust’s energy assessor is discussing energy use with a customer during an in-home energy assessment.

CEA Charitable Trust’s energy assessors find many Canterbury homes have insufficient levels of ceiling insulation.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

ST JOHN update with Mel Brooker

One month down, and away we go again.

I hope everyone has survived the school holidays juggling kids and family commitments.

With the start of the new year, there will be an increase in children out and about in the mornings and in the afternoon.

I ask that you be vigilant around these periods. Kids can be unpredictable on the roads and around pedestrian crossings.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, as I have said numerous times, and it has not changed. Over the past months I have attended far too many crashes on gravel roads. Most of which can be attributed to speed.

The one answer I get from most of the drivers when I ask how fast were you going is: “About 100km/hr, I drive these roads all of the time, I know the road and my vehicle is built for the roads” Please slow down.

Gravel roads are forever changing, and all it takes is a build up of gravel in the lane or a gust of wind, and the outcome can be life changing!

Last but not least, a quick reminder. Report, report, report.

There is 111 for emergencies, 105 via the phone or internet for something that has already happened and the not so new Rural Lookout App. If you don’t have it on your phone download it. It’s a handy tool to have.

Thank you for your time. Until next month. Be safe. Feel safe.

As I sit and write this report, it is steadily drizzling outside. The weather certainly has been interesting so far this year.

We had a wonderful day at the Oxford Wheels With Wings. We were there recruiting new members. The day was exceptionally run, and had a fantastic country community vibe, which everyone was commenting on.

So far this year we have been very busy with a variety of call outs attended. Sunday night was one of the few nights in eighteen years that we haven’t been able to man the ambulance.

Personally I find this unacceptable for our Oxford community, but we just don’t have the volunteers. Our team is doing all they can, so this doesn’t happen and they do a fantastic job. But simply we need new members.

If you can help us, please call the station on 03 312 3516, leave your name and number, and our recruiting officer will be in touch.

There have been an unacceptable number of lives lost due to drowning this year. Please know your ability around/in water, and don’t get in if you don’t KNOW you can get out!

One last thing, please don’t hesitate to call the ambulance early, even if you are unsure. We don’t mind coming.

The ambulance station at Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day. If you require emergency assistance please call 111.

Stay well and safe.

FIRE RESCUE update with

Trevor Ealam

I hope you all have had a great start to the year and were able to enjoy some time off at some point.

In December the Brigade was called eight times.

Three of the calls were to assist the Cust Fire Brigade, one at a hedge fire, one to a shed fire and one to a gas explosion where there was a person injured.

In our area we were asked to setup a landing zone for a Westpac helicopter, attended a fire in a tractor, which was totally destroyed. This was caused by a bird's nest. A car shed fire where the shed, car and a mobility scooter were all destroyed, and two medical assists. This brings our total calls for the year to eighty eight, ten calls less than the previous year.

This months message is;

Before you go to bed or head off to work, make sure you turn off all non essential electrical appliances at the wall.

FOR ALL EMERGENCIES DIAL 111

POLICE update with Mitch Alatalo

Summerfield Fencing Ltd

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PHONE: 03 312 4747 MOBILE : 027 312 4747 www.summerfieldfencing.co.nz summerfieldfencing@xtra.co.nz

PUBLISHER Schnurrbart Design and Publishing Enquires to info@oxfordobserver.co.nz or 0800 627 387 37

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.

CleaningMel’sService

EXPERIENCED

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OXFORD DISTRICT UNION PARISH

Sharing Christ in our Fellowship and Community

UNION (METHODIST & PRESBYTERIAN)

ALL SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT 85 MAIN STREET ON SUNDAYS AT 9.30AM

Salvation Army Service at 6pm every 3rd Sunday

UNION PARISH MINISTER: REV. JULIA DE GROOT PH : 022 567 9914 EMAIL : jewelsdg@gmail.com

PARISH CLERK: KEN WALKER Ph: 03 312 1464

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For Beautifully Handcrafted Books

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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.’

St Peter Chanel Catholic Parish

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 98 Main Street, Oxford ENQUIRIES: Waimakariri Parish Ph: 03 313 6285

REGULAR SUNDAY MASS

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ADVERTISING Terms and Conditions

• All Advertising is to be paid by the 20th of the month the invoice is issued in.

• Accounts more than one month overdue will be passed on to our debt recovery team, advertising resuming once the account has been cleared.

• All fees and charges incurred due to non or late payment are fully recoverable from you, and will be added to your total debt.

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