The Oxford Observer, November 2019. by oxfordobserver

Obser ver the Oxford

NOVEMBER

2019 Issue 94

Ox - Man event Coming to Oxford

Voyage on

the Endeavour

Notes from

The Ashley Gorge track

S ch nu

hin

Publis

Bee Month at the Oxford Farmers Market

rt rrba Design

November twenty 19 Welcome to our November issue We recently attended the Rangiora Promotions North Canterbury Expo. It was great to meet other businesses, and also lots of readers. We were excited to hear how far and wide the Observer is going and being enjoyed. We were asked recently whether you can recycle The Oxford Observer, because the paper is shiny. It is recyclable and as with all other paper can just be put in your recycling bin. The paper used for printing both the Observer and The Bulletin is FSC certified. FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council, and it means that the paper used for all of our publications comes from responsible sources. This month we have a new feature from students working on the Ashley Gorge Tracks. “Notes from the Track” by Emma Warwick. We hope our readers, of all ages, will enjoy this. If you are interested in advertising in the Christmas issue of the Oxford Observer, give us a call or email us on advertise@oxfordobserver.co.nz, and we can look at the best options for you. We hope you all have a great month ahead.

Bruce & Emily Chapman Schnurrbart Design & Publishing

COVER PHOTO ‘Spring is here’

Photographer

Bruce Chapman

Di Moreira

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Andrea Howlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Endeavour voyage

words by Emily Chapman - photos supplied

A lifelong interest in ships, maps and astronomy led to Andrea Howland applying to be voluntary crew on the replica Endeavour for Tuia 250. The Tuia - Encounters 250 are commemorating 250 years since the first onshore encounters between Maori and Pakeha, and 1000 years of Polynesian voyaging in the Pacific. Andrea says her favourite Grandad, sailed to New Zealand just after World War 1, from the Isle of Man and she has always loved hearing about this. Andrea was on the first leg of the journey, which sailed into Turanganui-a-Kiwa/Poverty Bay on the 8th of October, which was 250 years to the day, since Lieutenant James Cook sailed in on the HMS Endeavour. With no sailing experience, and in fact never having really been on boats at all, Andrea spent 6 nights on the boat and was part

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of the crew sailing the ship, which has a huge 10,000 feet of sails. There are 16 permanent crew on the ship, which is a training vessel, normally based in Sydney. There were 27 voluntary crew on the ship including Andrea. She said the ship is absolutely beautiful, and is a very true replica, with the additions of GPS, a kitchen, and an engine for when there is no wind. The crew sleep in hammocks and when asked how she got in and out of the hammock, Andrea replied “very slowly and carefully”. A highlight of the voyage for Andrea was climbing the rigging up to the crow’s nest - a moment she describes as exhilarating. She said the moment she made it to the top she was ecstatic, but shaking from the fear factor. Three nights in to the trip, while on the 12 - 4am watch, there was a storm, and although full on, Andrea says the crew weren’t scared, so apart from being ill, she felt safe. Coming into Gisborne was a little nerve wracking for the group, because there had been some tension and protests surrounding the event. Andrea says she had to really examine herself as to why she wanted to be part of the commemoration. She says “it was the energy of feeling like you are part of something bigger, maybe changing the way people look at things.” She believes it is important to listen to each other’s stories. While there were people from all walks of life, Andrea felt that the group were really engaged, and there with the right intent. Being part of this event has begun another journey of learning and discovery for Andrea. When asked what’s next for her, she says that going on this trip has piqued her interest in Tangata Whenua, and the history of New Zealand, and she is keen to learn Te Reo and is looking for other learning opportunities.

photo credit - Jack Thatcher

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Award winning

Artist Kate Smith

words & photo by Cathy Dee

It was a beautiful detailed pastel by local artist Kate Smith that won the ‘Best in Show’ at the recent Pegasus Art Exhibition. A product of her great love for birds, (raptors in particular), the close-up portrait of the owl is so striking, it feels as though one might become his prey at any moment. Although she works from photographs, there is none of the ‘flatness’ that often accompanies this method. Kate has a rare understanding of all things light and shade, probably, she admits, gleaned from her father who was a keen amateur photographer. It is this understanding that allows her drawings to ‘pop’ from the page. Yet there is a lot more to Kate Smith than her art – as great as that is. Originally qualifying as a vet nurse, Kate had the chance to work with a herpetology, (reptiles and amphibians) research team in the Amazon Rainforest, to study the effect of ecotourism on biodiversity. She fell in love with the entire adventure, despite close encounters with an extremely poisonous snake, (the notorious Bushmaster), and a hairy encounter with an enormous tropical spider, who happened to land on her chest as she walked along a jungle path. As this arachnophobe recoils at the thought, Kate laughs. “It wasn’t that bad” she says, “I grew to really love them, having been scared of them before going to Peru”. We swap spider stories and she trumps me with the story of a huge pink toed tarantula who lived on the roof of the toilet. “Every day, you’d go in there and there she was, staring down at you, staring up at her”. Staring up at a spider the size of a small horse? That, I feel is the definition of true bravery. When a member of the research team managed to slash his leg open with a machete, it was Kate who had the dubious honour of stitching him up. “We had to clear some of the trails, hence the machetes and of course, this was the first day out and the poor guy had to cope with no anaesthetic, and a nurse who had no experience with

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patching up a human!”Being the only person remotely qualified in veterinarian work, she was also asked to do a health check on a huge anaconda at a local zoo. I had to ask. “Did you take his temperature?” Kate laughs. “No, nothing like that. How would you even do that? He was injured. I just had to assure them he was going to be OK”. Returning to the UK, Kate decided that she would love to go back (to Peru) but this time with Zoology qualifications. She was accepted into Nottingham University, (an achievement in itself), and later qualified with an honours degree. What makes this all the more astonishing, is that Kate has suffered with chronic fatigue and ME since her late teens. Intending to return to Peru to work in wildlife film making, this plan was vetoed when she met her husband – ‘a computer dude’. The couple decided instead to move to New Zealand. She took up vet nursing again but soon found that the stress of the job took a huge toll on her health, and the chronic fatigue kicked in. It was her husband who encouraged her to take up her art, which was something she could do in her own time, at home. A diagnosis of MS, though devastating at first, pushed Kate into seeking alternative treatments. I couldn’t sit back and accept this illness and in particular the medical profession’s view of the one-way decline”, she says. “I looked into everything I could about how to get myself better, including, a couple of serious diets designed for healing MS, which, although making me loose a lot of weight, didn’t really help with symptoms; being diets for life, I didn’t expect a quick fix, but I stopped due to the stress involved in doing the diet in the first place. Later, I realised that chronic stress is what actually causes disease, and so the strict diet was actually making that worse. Nutrition is only one aspect of looking after ourselves. There’s so much more that’s also important”. When a friend who had healed herself from a debilitating chronic illness, sent her a book entitled ‘The Lightning Process’, Kate’s interest was sparked. She enrolled on a 3 day intensive course to find out more. ‘This was an absolute game-changer’, she says.

BER M IONS T OVEMO

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The Lightning Process is about the interplay between the brain and the body (psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems). Using a combination of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), self-hypnosis, mindfulness, osteopathy and life coaching, the process rewires the brain and body to enable a much better functioning and overall health. Experiencing the three-day training program; Kate maintains that having gone in with fatigue, along with other issues of MS, she came out of it bouncing off the walls, and having dramatically reduced her symptoms, stopped her pain, and was even able to let go of her food allergies. “I had energy and confidence (something that had eluded me since my teens), back in spades!” Although the meticulous attention to detail in Kate’s drawings are a meditation in itself, she has added mindful meditation by Dr Joe Dispenza, to her list of tools to stay well and focussed. “Developing MS has actually been the biggest blessing in terms of learning so much about self-awareness. It is such a journey and I hope I can inspire others who have similar issues, to never give up!”

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Gary Ferguson wins

Master cyclist

World title

words & photo by Shaz Davis

Sheffield farmer and Master cyclist, Gary Ferguson, recently returned from Poland with a World Title in the individual cycling time trials for his age group. The humble gold medal winner was quick to downplay his success, saying it was his first time competing in the 70 – 75-year age bracket, which made him one of the younger competitors in the group. “I played average rugby most of my life and turned to multisport at 50,” says Gary, who failed to admit to being better than average at that, even though he was. “At 60, my body broke down, and I went cycling. It’s ten years I’ve been at it. Apparently, it takes ten years to get good at cycling. “Masters cycling is mainly made up of broken-down runners. Being non-jarring, cycling is easier on everything,” says Gary. He has won 11 New Zealand titles for time trials, which qualifies him for entry into the UCI World Championships. Gary has been aiming at a World Title win for five years. One year he became ill just before his trials, and another year he suffered knee damage from a tussle with a sheep, leaving him unable to compete. “When you’re old, it’s hard to turn up to the start line healthy. If you can turn up, you’re in with a chance of a win,” says Gary. He trains five days a week, with a long ride on Saturday, and other cycling-specific efforts during the week for a total of around 6 hours. But, Gary believes being active five days a week on his farm, now run by his son Tom, gives him a competitive advantage, whereas “others have to do a lot of biking to make up for an inactive lifestyle.” Gary prefers time trails. “You go out on your own, 30 seconds apart, and at the end, they figure out who took the least time over the 18-odd-km course. It’s a race of truth; you can’t slipstream or take it easy. “Working on a hill country farm, I’m always fit anyway. But when I train, I’m serious about it. You’ve really got to hurt yourself if you want to improve,’ says Gary who admits that both he and son Tom are sports lunatics.

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Gary Ferguson showing off his rainbow jersey and gold medal won at the UCI World Championship in Poznan, Poland at the end of August 2019.

As a farmer, Gary has learnt to endure hardship, working in all conditions. “When it comes to the crunch I’ve got the ability to suffer more than most, and winning sometimes comes down to who is prepared to suffer the most”, says Gary. Gary’s wife, Pat, is his manager and an essential part of the team. Gary also had his brother from Australia as support for the World Championships in Poland. All going well, Gary plans to defend his title in Canada next year. As the reigning champion, he automatically qualifies. “If I’m still alive, I’ll go – but I’m only one smack in the knee from a sheep, away from retiring,” says the unassuming champion.

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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 nine

North Canterbury Wearable Arts winner finds inspiration in everyday items The cosmetic world of beauty and hair dressing is a thin veneer indeed, compared to the gentle self-effacing beauty, that radiates from Amy Roberts when we sit down to talk. Having won the Overall Supreme Adult Award in the recent North Canterbury Wearable Arts show, with a dress that can only be described as spectacular, she could be excused if she bragged a little about that win, but she doesn’t. “That I could possibly win the competition had not even occurred to me” she says. “In fact, I was so shocked when they called the names out, that I kept looking around to make sure it was me, and not someone else with the same name”. Having just finished the dress a couple of hours before the competition, this perfectionist was still finding imperfections in the design – “the sort of stuff no one would notice, but I knew they were there”. The dress, named ‘The Sky is the Limit’, is made from around 10,000 pieces of jig saw puzzles, meticulously pieced together with jewellery wire and glue, and was originally inspired by a necklace. It is surprising to learn that although Amy had made a couple of outfits in the past for hair competitions, she is not actually trained in dressmaking and in fact, according to her, she ‘can only actually sew basic lines’. Amazingly, just a couple of weeks after the Wearable Arts Competition, Amy entered the NZ Art Couture, with another spectacular dress; this time made from the inner tubes of bike tyres, resplendent with a head dress fashioned from a piece of blown out truck tyre, she picked up from the side of the road. “It’s called The Phoenix Dress, because I wanted to make something for a friend who was going through a hard time and then I decided that this could be for all women who have gone through stuff, to represent a new beginning”. There is no lip service here. One gets the feeling that Amy has a huge heart and really does care a great deal about other people. The section she entered was called ‘Here we go Again’ and the costume had to be made of at least 70% recycled materials. The tyre tubes were cut up to resemble individual feathers, with each

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piece spray painted in various fiery shades of orange, red and yellow. Meticulous time-consuming work which had to fit around the running of her business Cedar Heights Hair Studio. Despite these wins, Amy said she has had some ‘epic failures’ and it is from these that she has learned the most. For instance, her puzzle dress had to be made in two parts as it was simply too heavy to be one dress. The first skirt she made, she confesses, ended up looking like a large balloon. It also weighed about a ton and no model was going to be able to gracefully stride down the runway in that! She stared at it for about a month before finally ‘chucking it on the burner heap and starting all over again’. Inspiration comes in many forms and for Amy this is no exception. “I’m quite inspired by the growth of mushrooms at the moment – you know those videos you see in time-lapse photography”. And with that, I imagine a ‘fungi’ dress with a wee hand pump, to pump it up as the model struts the runway, billowing into an enormous balloon that somehow explodes in a cascade of fluff, as the model pauses at the end of the walk. I would not put it past this amazing woman to create something like this and make it too, look spectacular. Visit our collaborative co-working office. Casual, permanent desks and meeting room for hire. Book online! Level 1, 210 High Street, Rangiora

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Dog Sledding with Stephanie Hunter Usually, when one thinks of dog sledding, they have in mind a team of huskies racing through the snow. However due to a distinct lack of snow in most areas of New Zealand, another strategy for this growing sport had to be deployed; Dryland Sledding. Pursued over forest and 4-wheel drive tracks, sledding can be done by anyone with a suitable dog. By suitable, that means a medium sized dog, who loves to run. There is no need to have an arctic breed to compete in this sport, and although Huskies, Malamutes and Samoyeds do compete, there are also plenty of other breeds and cross-breeds loving this sport. Stephanie Hunter’s dog Timothy, recently qualified as a NZ Sled Dog Champion. This was made more astonishing by the fact that it wasn’t so long ago that Timothy was badly injured, with a tear to his caudal cruciate ligament. It is a very rare injury and little is known about what to do in these cases, but with some phenomenal veterinary surgery combined with intensive physiotherapy, Timothy was not only to continue his racing career but attained his championship status! He and his running pooch partner, Dream, will run this season in the two dog scooter. Stephanie has a few dogs working, including two English Pointer pups, (fathered by Timothy), in training for the 2020 season and her personal challenge – a German Shepherd cross, and a rescue dog from Furever Homes, who look to be enjoying themselves immensely with their new careers. Stephanie says safety and health comes first, for both humans and dogs, and all distance races have vets on site. “If the race marshal is concerned about either you, or your dogs he will not allow you to race. We all carry first aid kits for our dogs, and use booties if it is icy or very stony”. She explains that it is crucial that the dogs do not overheat, hence races are held in the winter. Any temperature over 13 degrees is too hot for the dogs to run at this pace and distance,

words & photos by Cathy Dee

and if they overheat and dehydrate you can cause permanent damage. Dogs don’t start racing until they are fully grown (around 18 months to 2 years), although you can start their training earlier, teaching them the basic commands and how to move in front, on bungy cords attached to your belt. It is very important to be careful not to overwork the dogs, especially while their joints are still forming.

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Steph’s pups learning how to move in front off the bungy cord

Canicross is also included within the Canterbury Sled Dog Club races. There is no bike or sled involved in this. It is simply cross country running with your dog attached to you by a long lead on his harness. It is a fantastic way to enjoy being with your dog and staying fit. As in Bikejoring, the dog is taught to run well in front, with the runner directing the dog from behind with voice commands. Scootering is done with a 2 wheel scooter – the front wheel often being larger than the back. One or two dogs tow the driver, (known as a ‘Musher’) around a course which is anything from 3 – 7 km. Rig Racing involves teams of up to 8 dogs pulling a 3 or 4 wheeled cart over a distance of anything from 7 – 15km. These teams can move at speeds of over 40km an hour, and as such, is only done by experienced racers. There are around seven basic commands the dogs must learn – from going right or left, to moving forward, ignoring an interesting smell or person, to go faster, slow down and stand facing forward. The Canterbury Sled Dog Club is a very friendly club which welcomes new members. You can even turn up, (with your dog on a leash), on club days and have a go. Stephanie advises, “don’t feed your dog before you come as it is not safe or comfortable for the dog to run on a full tummy.”

There are various forms of sledding Bikejoring is an ideal way to get to experience the sport. All you need is a dog, a harness and a mountain bike. The dog is attached to the bike by a “gangline” fitted with a bungy, to help absorb the shock when pulling the bike. The biker is permitted to pedal, but the dog must always stay in front.

If you’d like to stay fit and have serious fun with your dog, contact the Canterbury Sled Dog Club - http://www.canterburysleddogclub.co.nz or on their facebook page www.facebook.com/CanterburySledDogClub and come along and check it out. There is something for everyone.

The Saturday Clinic

ed s lo C ic er in l If you require urgent care after hours please call (03) 312 4195 C unurse mm Your call will be answered by a triage who will y a S - ask you questions give you advice and /or rdto seethe arrange for a Rural Nurse Specialist you or a family member if urgently required. u Thereat will be a charge for afterhours services S under unless you are ftheorage of 14 years and enrolled with us. The Oxford Community Health Centre is now Open on Saturdays from 8.00am - 12.00pm for routine appointments* *Standard consult plus $30 surcharge

Book an appointment or request a repeat prescription online at : www.oxfordhealth.nz

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

Phone (03) 312 4195 | 24hr Medical Service telephone operates 24 hours / 7 days per week

39 Park Avenue Oxford

extended hours Monday & Tuesday from 7:30am - 7:00pm and Wednesday | Thursday & Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm

www.oxfordhealth.nz

Hauora tuatahi mo te Iwi Whanau

IF YOUR SITUATION IS LIFE THREATENING PLEASE ALWAYS DIAL 111 FIRST thirteen

Oxford Community Trust celebrates 25 years

h C r istm i w i K OXFORD & DISTRICTS LIONS

The Oxford Community Trust celebrated their 25th Anniversary recently at their AGM held at the Oxford Town Hall. Former Trust member Helen Dunn was there to cut the cake, along with past and present board members and volunteers.

SANta PARaDE SUNDAY 15th DECEMBER

Starts 12:30pm from Burnett Street Oxford

PRIZES FOR BEST FLOATS 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

Schnurrbart Design &

fourteen

MASSIVE SPRING SALE CONTINUES 20 - 60% off hundreds of trees! Red beech, Golden totara, Golden elms, Maples, Dogwoods, Claret ash, Flowering cherries, Cercis forest pansy, Ash, Magnolias, Portuguese laurel standards, to name just a few

OPEN Monday-Friday 10am-4pm Sunday 10th November 10am - 4pm Weekends by arrangement

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Phone 027 283 7279 | www.thegorgenursery.co.nz

Budget Boutique more than an Op - Shop words & photo by Shaz Davis If you pop down to Budget Boutique, nestled into the District Union Church Hall at 85 Main Street in Oxford, on a Tuesday to Friday afternoon, between 1 pm and 4 pm, you’re likely to see a steady stream of regular and one-off shoppers, stopping by to browse for bargains and have a chat. “ The second-hand clothing store has run at various locations in Oxford, for close to 25 years”, says Hilda Bradley, current President of the volunteer committee. A 20-to-25-member volunteer team help out at the shop, displaying new seasonal clothing, shoes, kitchenware, bric-a-brac and chatting to customers. The money generated goes directly back to the Oxford community, supporting the provision of food parcels, firewood, shoes, school fees and medical vouchers distributed via the Oxford Community Trust. Clothing donations come from friends and family of the volunteers or members of the community. “You never know what will be in the shop,” says Hilda, a long-standing Oxford resident, who began as a volunteer many years ago as a way to give back to the community. Volunteer, Evelyn Ball, has been living in Oxford since the earthquakes and works at the boutique every second and fourth Friday of the month. “I wanted to do something to meet people, and this is a good place,” says Evelyn, adding that she enjoys her time at the boutique, which is well supported. “I come in here heaps,” says regular Budget Boutique shopper and local school teacher Colleen Williamson. “I get so many things for the children, for classes and our dress-up day at school. It also helps to teach children about recycling. I think it is lovely. One also comes across so many people here, so it serves a social function too.” If you have some free time in the afternoons, why not pop in for a look around. There really is something for everyone with books, hats, fascinators, handbags, shoes, pictures and artwork, jewellery, decorations, kitchenware and men’s clothing too.

The Budget Boutique is Open Tues – Fri 1pm – 4pm.

Sunday 1st December 2019

The le devil Man estival F e Craft gain for th ka r is bac

10am - 3pm

a th Ye

Oxford residents and boutique volunteers, Evelyn Ball and Hilda Bradley, in front of something of the clothing and other items available at Budget Boutique.

ing

Runn

Mandeville Sports Grounds

Adults $5 (Cash entry at gate)

Children FREE Carparking FREE

A celebration of local artisan food, art, craft and music This popular family event has something for everyone and is a fantastic opportunity to do your Christmas shopping! The festival features a wide range of top quality arts and crafts, stalls, scrumptious food sites, live music, and loads of parking. Experience the relaxed ambience and convivial atmosphere of a country fete in our own backyard only a short drive from Christchurch and located in the sheltered and peaceful grounds of the Mandeville Sports Club! Revel in the array of stalls, find the ones you love or discover new favourites, all at great prices. Fresh baking, organic produce, plants, clothing, original artworks, jewellery, pet accessories, furniture, giftware plus much more. Make a day of it, bring the Whole Family , or get a group of friends together for an enjoyable day out, and get some of your Christmas shopping done too! AN OHOKA RUGBY CLUB FUNDRAISER EVENT

For more information go to our website or email organiser@mandevillecraftfestival.co.nz www.mandevillecraftfestival.co.nz fifteen

November is National Bee month It’s a chance to highlight how important bees are to, not only the national economy, but to home gardens in general. Bees pollinate up to 70% of the nearly 100 food crops that the world rely on for food. Some of the plant species you might find in your garden that rely on bee pollination are onions, tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, beans, apples, kiwi fruit, grapes, oranges, pears, and all the berry fruits we love in summer. Also relying on bee pollination is clover, and although not desirable in home gardens, needed greatly by agriculture for nitrogen fixing in the soil. For those food species that need to be planted from seed, without pollination, there would be no seed stock. Bumblebees (along with honey bees) are important pollinators also. These bees nest in the ground, and live for only one year; queen’s winter over and repopulate the coming spring. New Zealand also has 28 species of native bees. These bees pollinate our native species of flowering plants like beech, and we have great beech forests in New Zealand. It is getting to the stage that bees are unable to maintain populations in sufficient numbers in the wild, to pollinate all the crops needed. They are almost on the point of extinction, unbelievable as it sounds. This has huge ramifications as most of the world’s food chains are reliant on bees, but we can do something to help. Maintain some flowering species of plants in your garden, and set aside a small patch as a wild flower sanctuary. Try to have plants to flower at different times of the year to ensure there is plenty of food available. Consider planting native flowering plants, hebe’s are small for small gardens, bees like Koromiko but that takes a bit more space.

words by Kathi Knowler

At the end of the growing season, rather than pulling out vegetables, let them flower first. Research is beginning to show that bees are susceptible to common weed killers, especially those with glysophate, so consider carefully what you spray. Bees like Dandelions and clover, along with many other “weeds” that inhabit lawns, so maybe consider leaving them to flower before spraying, or even consider them a new aspect to your lawn. November 19th (Sunday) we are celebrating bees. Come and see a working hive, ask some questions, and learn a little about how important bees are to us all.

Every Sunday 9am - 12noon Main Street, Oxford

BEE WEEK SUNDAY NOV 19

Come and see a working beehive Every spend over $10 at the Market gets a voucher for some bee friendly plants (while stocks last) Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with upcoming events Email: info@oxfordfarmersmarket.co.nz

www.oxfordfarmersmarket.co.nz

Second hand

Style with Kerri Booth

I have a dirty little secret that I can’t hold onto any longer. Ummmmm, so it has been known that I hate shopping. Malls in particular are my pet hate! Shop after shop that looks exactly the same, and, if the trend is something that doesn’t suit my shape or colour. then it’s shop after shop of items that are no good to me. I think malls are created to suck the goodness out of your soul, and dull any creativity that you might have had before you walked in. That whole fast fashion, greedy little monster on display, with no regard to who it swallows up, but will spit you out looking the same as everyone else. Little extreme maybe, but it’s so good to get that off my chest! This opinion might lead you to think ‘Hey Kerri, maybe you need to think about a new profession if that’s how you feel!’. It’s not normal to hear a stylist say that she hates shopping. Let me tell you how I became a stylist, from someone who hates shopping. My biggest light bulb moment was discovering that the mall isn’t going to find what is perfect for me. I had to learn who, how and what I am, so that I will use the mall to find what is perfect for me, not the other way around. Learning bodyshape, colour and personality, along with tips and tricks to create what I want, was the winning answer. I have tuned my eyes into what I want for me, and now it’s so much easier to shop, because I already know what I’m looking for. Shopping is epic when you pick up pieces that intermingle already with what you have, and you feel great in them. I love that moment when I hang pieces in my wardrobe and I’m already picturing where, and how I’m going to wear them. One of my biggest thrills is meeting people that feel about shopping the way I used to, and then introducing them to this new way of shopping. It’s like a whole new world opens up. So to all my shopping grinches, don’t lose hope. If a stylist who hates shopping can make a living out of it, then there is hope for us all!

Kerri Booth 021 059 0984

sixteen

Ox- Man

new race event for Oxford words by Emily Chapman - Photo Bruce Chapman

Oxford is going to be host to an exciting new race event, on Sunday 15th December, run by Canterbury Triathlon.

in the agricultural industry, because it is a good way to connect with others Geoff says “now more than ever it is important to be fit and strong. Everything functions better when you take time out”. He believes that the farming industry needs to look after themselves, and this is a way to take time out for exercise as well as supporting and being supported by others. Jake Vargo of Oxford Ag, is organising training sessions, meeting every Monday 6.00 at the Oxford Workingmen’s Club. Jake says “it doesn’t matter what your fitness levels are like. Come along to run or bike with others”. They say these races will be great for those training for the Coast to Coast, to give competitors an indication of their fitness levels. Check out the website oxman.co.nz for all of the race details and to enter, or contact Geoff 021 229 3546 or Jake 021 766 384 if you would like more information.

The event will include a half Ironman, a long course triathlon/ duathlon/aquabike (swim/bike), a Mini OxMan, a Junior OxMan for 10-16 year olds, and run only options over 21km and 7km distances. The irrigation lake at Geoff Sparks’ farm on South Eyre Road will be used for the swim portion of the events. Geoff says “I like the idea of using this water for public good”. With the majority of the athletes who will compete being urban, organisers feel it is a good way to connect the rural and urban communities. There is a race for everyone in this event. There are lots of shorter options, and teams, as well as individuals, are welcome. They are hoping to get lots of entries from local farmers, vets, farm contractors, or anyone involved.

Geoff Sparks, Lucie Stanley large animal vet, Theo Sneak, Mike Smith - Dairy farmers, Jake Vargo - Business Manager Oxford Ag, William Gard, Darcy Bishop - Dairy farmers, Alistair Bird sheep and beef farmer.

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Principals Report

by Mike Hart

At the beginning of the year, I lay down a wero/challenge to our students. At Oxford Area School we will open doors of opportunity and encourage you to take it - all you have to do is have the courage to step through that door, experience new learning and to grow from it. As the year has progressed we have seen these opportunities presented and many of our students jumping at the chance to take them. In Term 3 we had a focus on the value of being responsible - kia haepapa. We have seen many examples of our students & staff showing responsibility - for belongings, our environment, ourselves and others. This term we plan to round the year out with a focus on being positive - kia manahau. Essentially with this value, we will see it through us trying our best, never giving up, looking for the best in others and celebrating our successes be it big or small. I would like to take this opportunity to wish our senior students all the best as they prepare for the end of year examinations. Practice makes perfect - I know they have put in the mahi/work all year. Now is the time to refine and prepare for those exams, for them to listen to their teachers, and take their advice as they help prepare them. At this time of year we prepare our staffing for 2020, and with that have had a number of resignations and changes, as we go into the end of the year. We have received resignations from Dave Woodcock, Melissa Johansson, Charlotte Dougan and Wendy Wiseman. We have appreciated all of the efforts and service these staff members have provided for the students and community of Oxford Area School. We wish them all the best for their future endeavours. We can confirm the appointment of Nura Gilpin to a permanent role as a teacher of English and History. Nura has been working this year in a fixed term capacity, so we are glad we can offer her the opportunity to continue into next year what she has started this year. Also, Mary Chisnall will become a Learning Support Coordinator - a newly created role to support students, their whānau and their teachers with learning support needs at our school. Mary will also work with a network of Learning Support Coordinators across Tipu Māia, our community of schools. In order for Mary to take on this role, we will now be seeking a Syndicate Leader of Year 5/6 which is currently being advertised, along with a teacher of technology and a year 1/2 teacher. We look forward to the appointment process of securing the best teachers we can for Oxford Area School. Ngā mihi Mike Hart -Principal, Oxford Area School

Board of Trustees

by Emily Chapman

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the governance of the School. It is made up of the Principal, a Student Trustee, a Staff Trustee, and Parent Trustees. Their role is a big picture role, so they are not involved in the day to day operations or running of the school, but rather are responsible for ensuring that the school is following the guidelines in their strategic plan, and everything that is done in the school aligns with this. Principal, Mike Hart, says his role is like that of a CEO on a board, and at each meeting he reports back on the strategic goals. He says “We have key areas within the school, health and safety, finance, and personnel, property , policies and procedures, and I report back on variances and strategies.” Then it is a time for strategic discussions and decisions. The Board of Trustees are the employers, so they employ all staff at the school. Mike says that it is the perfect system to get different perspectives, and this is when they form the ideas and initiatives that are implemented in the school. Lesley Inch has been the Staff Trustee on the board for the last 6 years. She says the role is representing the views of the staff, but that it is not a matter of canvassing all the staff for their opinions, but being trusted by them to represent them through her views. Lesley says, “Not only has it been good personal development for me, but it is great learning how the school operates and how it goes through the processes to put things in place”. She has found the hiring process interesting, and has learnt more each time they have gone through a new appointment. Also a board member for 6 years, Juddy Taylor is a Parent Trustee. The reason he put himself forward for the Board, is because he enjoys governance and seeing positive outcomes for students. He says his role as Parent Trustee is to be “a voice for the community, and to ensure the school is strategically and financially placed well for the future”. When asked what he has enjoyed in his time on the Board he says that it is the culture of excellence, which has seen all learners step up and take pride in their school and community.

52 Bay Road Oxford

From left to right - Back row, Matt Riley, Juddy Taylor, Aaron Campbell, Lesley Inch, Hayden Rowe, Mike Hart Front row - Journie Karaitiana, Lesley Morris, Katrina Graydon.

Hayden Rowe has been the Student Trustee for the last year. He recently finished his term, but has been co-opted by the Board to finish out the school year. They felt that as he had been involved in all of the work for the year, that it was important for him to have the opportunity to see the year out and be part of completing the work. Hayden has been a student at Oxford Area School for 13 years, and he has found it an interesting time to see what the purpose of the Board is and what they do. When he first started the Board were appointing a Deputy Principal. It has been a busy year for him with this appointment, the new strategic plan and the work that is going on behind the scenes for the rebuild. The new Student Trustee, who is elected by students and the Principal, is Journie Karaitiana. Hayden will be able to work with her to transition and understand what her role is. Journie put her name forward as she was interested, not only in how the school runs, but, also really wanted to have a say about the School from a students point of view. She says she is “over the moon” that the students trust her to represent them on the Board. She says it is her goal to be approachable for all students, so that they can let her know their views and concerns.

03 312 4197

info@oxford.school.nz

Years 12 & 13 ABL Mt Fyffe Tramp From Thursday the 26th to Saturday the 28th of September, nine ABL students circumnavigated Mount Fyffe in Kaikoura. Accompanied by Miss Lowen, Al Moore and Alec Christey, we drove three hours to Kaikoura and started walking up the Kowhai riverbed. It was very nice terrain and an easy walk. We had to do a lot of river crossing though. Around 4 pm we arrived at Kowhai hut. The evening was chilled out with food, fun and friends. We had to get up pretty early the next day, because we climbed up Kowhai Saddle, which took us 3-4 hours. It was pretty steep going and bushy for the last 30 minutes. We had a well deserved lunch break; proud that everybody made it there in a great time. On top of the saddle (1153m high) there was not a breath of wind from either side of the valleys, so we had a stunning lunch view. The way down to Hapuku hut started with huge scree slopes so we got to ‘rock surf’! It was easier to half walk/half run down the scree and go with the flow of the rocks falling. The rest of the walk was in beautiful native forest.

by Eva Schaefers -Year 11

around a big slip which added an extra hour to our tramp. We climbed 120 m vertically only to travel not even 300 m across! The rest of the way was very nice, and we got a beautiful view of the mountains and a glimpse of the sea while we walked through a big river bed. It was a very nice experience. We were very lucky to have the best weather we could wish for, after a night of snow in Oxford before we left. We had stunning views of New Zealand’s beautiful countryside and had a lot of fun while making new friends. We would also like to thank Miss Lowen for giving us this possibility and motivating us, Al for helping us so much and giving us interesting tips, facts and stories. Alec for pushing us up the big hills and helping us shuttle vans and a big thank you to all the ABL team for keeping motivated and never giving up, and making it a fun time.

We had another nice evening at Hapuku hut, with stunning views of the mountains around us and of the night sky. The last day consisted of a variety of bush and riverbed walking. Sadly we had to walk

English Speech Competitions 2019 by Joanna West The Senior and Junior Speech Competitions, held during the final week of Term 3, provided the perfect forum to showcase student talents in public speaking at OAS. The diversity of our learners was reflected in their chosen topics. All competitors can be commended on their creativity, their courage, and on their impressive presentation skills. Ka mau te wehi! Congratulations to our Senior competitors Rebecca Jones (1st), Journie KaraitianaMatthews (2nd), Ellie Tizzard (3rd), and Ashley Riley (Highly Commended). Congratulations also to our Junior competitors Bailey Pike (1st), Alexandra Eginton-Abbott (2nd), Amy Riach (3rd), and Shanae Wyllie (Highly Commended).

www.facebook.com/oxfordarea

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

Be a Mentor and

make a difference

Big Brothers Big Sisters North Canterbury Branch is looking for mentors in Oxford. Mentor Coordinator, Laura Biddlecombe says that people don’t have to have any special skills or abilities to be a mentor. All they need is themselves. She says that mentors are asked to commit one hour a week, over a year, to a young person who could benefit from having someone to spend time with. She says “it is just so easy. All you need is yourself”. Activities can be walking the dog, crafts, baking, farm work, outdoor activities and just every day jobs such as grocery shopping. Shakira and Roslyn pictured) were matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters and love to spend time baking and hanging out. Mentor Ros says, “I love it because we have a lot in common. It is so easy, and lots of fun”. To become a mentor there is a process that involves, police vetting, training and an interview, to assess matches. Once matched, the mentor coordinator will check in monthly to ensure that everything is going well. The mentor has support from the organisation and also the other mentors. Every year they have a Christmas BBQ where everyone gets together, and there are also activities during the year for the young people. Laura says “I love Big Brothers Big Sisters because 2 strangers come together and form a friendship, that often keeps going long after we have finished working with them. “ She also says that the mentors come into a supportive community, that includes both the organisation and other mentors.

words by Emily Chapman - photo supplied

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OXFORD CLUB

OXFORD CLUB EST - 1887

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

BAR & BOTTLESTORE 11am - 10pm Sunday - Thursday 11am - 11pm Friday - Saturday

TAKEAWAYS Sunday - Thursday 5:30pm - 8:00pm Friday & Saturday 5:30 - 9:00pm

OSCAR’S Friday - Saturday - Sunday from 5:30pm

November at OXFORD CLub Spin to win starts 4th November

Vague As brothers 9th November - 7.30pm

Cup day at the Oxford club Tuesday 12th November Tickets $30pp

Section Prize Giving 29th November - 7.30pm

What’s On at Oxford Club Raffles every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 6pm

Happy Hour

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Lucky Member Door Draw every Monday & Wednesday

Friends of the oxford hospital BINGO Sunday 3rd November

Check out our Events Calendar on our website to keep up to date

>>>> Coming in DECEMBER

LIKE us on Facebook to keep updated on the latest events

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If you are thinking about becoming a member, come on down and check us out. It’s easy to become a member, just sign up at the bar. Discounts for Juniors & Seniors

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10 good reasons

to join the Cust Toy Library

The Cust Toy Library has been operating since 1994, and provides local families with a wide selection of toys which can be borrowed for a fortnight at a time. The library is aimed at children from birth to 10 years old and includes baby toys, dress ups, play kitchens, cake tins, musical instruments, board games, puzzles, duplo, construction and train sets, playdough equipment, dolls accessories, as well as outside toys such as sports equipment, sand pit toys, slides, bikes and scooters. The Library is run by a volunteer committee and they operate on funding received through a series of grants and donations. They recently received a grant from the Oxford Fresh Choice Community Fund which was used to buy new toys. Membership fees are reasonable being $30 for a year for parents, and $10 for grandparents. Hire fees for toys are $1 or $2 with many that do not cost anything to loan, including all board games and puzzles. All the money from the fees goes toward buying more toys and maintaining the library. Here are ten good reasons to join a toy library (adapted from the Toy Library Federation of NZ facebook page/website): 1. Access to quality toys for a minimal annual fee and hire charge. 2. Age appropriate toys always available. 3. Reduce the clutter in your home by hiring rather than buying. 4. Get to hire the really big toys (and then return them so you don’t have to store them!). 5. Try before you buy. 6. Throw the best birthday parties by getting toys out from the library. 7. Stop additional rubbish ending up in the landfill by hiring rather than buying. 8. Get some ‘me’ time while the kids play with their new toys (it’s like Christmas every time you take the kids to the toy library!) 9. An opportunity to meet other families. 10. Because they are local and part of your community.

The Library is situated next to the community hall and Cust West Eyreton Playcentre on Mill Road. Opening hours are Monday 9.00 am to 10.30 am, and Saturday 10.00 am to 11.30 am. If you are interested in joining you can contact the Cust Toy Library via facebook, email (custtoylibrary@gmail.com) or pop down to the library when they are open. President Kate Sutcliffe, can also be contacted on 02102 359 406.

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Running to relax words & photo by Shaz Davis Maggie Chorley, a former multi-sport athlete, returned to running about five years ago. “A girlfriend wanted to run a marathon and asked me to train with her. Fast forward a few months, and there I was suddenly back competing again.” For 2019, the part-time hairstylist at The Sunroom, and Woodend resident, competed in track and cross country. Maggie runs in the Masters (over 35) age group and won the Canterbury title for the 800m, 1500m, 3000m and 5000m, as well as the National title for the 800m and 1500m events. For the cross country championships in winter, she won the Canterbury and South Island Championships, but missed going to the Nationals due to injuries. Two years of racing non-stop caught up with Maggie, and she’s just back into training again after an eight-week break. While highlighting some of this year’s results, Maggie has been winning gold and silver medals and setting new records for a good couple of years. She trains twice a day, morning and evenings, six days a week. Her weekly distance is a total of around 100 to 120km a week, and she cross-trains with cycling, mountain biking and has recently added swimming. “I can’t handle not training. I get really grumpy. Running is the time when I can relax, but I can’t just run with no goal. I love competition,” says Maggie. Her husband, Ben, is a fireman. He also represents New Zealand for Masters hockey, so it is often a question of priorities to see which events Maggie can attend, and this year their son Romah is off to Africa, so competition finances are fiercely debated. Maggie’s training is focused on the New Zealand Masters Track and Field Championship, in Hastings, at the end of February 2020, and she will be running in her first overseas competition in July, where she will be competing at the World Masters Athletics in Toronto, Canada, in the over 50 age group. Maggie, who hails from the West Coast, is still deciding which distances she plans to run in Canada. She prefers the 800m and 1500m, but is also considering entering the 5km and 10km – partly because she wants to make the most of the 10-day competition, but also because her

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running times could be more competitive in the longer distances. She says the competition will be tough and that the field includes former Olympic-level winners.

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Voting time for Bird of the Year words & photo by Cathy Dee It’s that time of year again – time to vote in Forest & Bird’s ‘Bird of the Year’, and Scotty Bowman from the Oxford Bird Rescue is hoping you will join his campaign and vote for his beloved Harrier Hawks. The Bird of the Year is about celebrating our unique bird life and educating people about these amazing animals. Two thirds of our birds are threatened with extinction, (a very frightening statistic), so it is vital that we do everything we can to protect what we have left. Scott, together with his wife Tracey, have devoted their lives to rescuing and rehabilitating raptors and the bird most commonly brought to them is the Harrier Hawk. The Hawks face many problems; nesting in the middle of the hay field, being hit by cars while feeding on carrion, and being poisoned by ingesting lead, and while Scott says he is very grateful to see a huge awareness around Oxford with people stopping to pick up the dead animals to place them to the side of the road, there is a growing problem with lead poisoning. A lot of hunters who shoot use lead bullets then leave their kill for the hawks to feed on. “Often they think they are being kind to the hawks by leaving them something to eat”, but Scott explains that “if they use lead bullets, the birds get poisoned so please, retrieve the bullets if you want to leave the rabbit”. Interestingly, birds who have been poisoned can have a good chance at recovery with the help of Chelation Therapy which ‘pulls the lead out of the blood but only works if it is caught early enough’. If you find a bird who has been hit by a car or can’t fly for some reason, Scott asks that you place a towel over it and bring it in to the rescue or a vet for evaluation. It is a sad fact that the majority of these birds will need to be euthanized, but this is far kinder than leaving the bird to a cruel death from starvation. “It can take weeks for an injured bird to die and it is a horrible, horrible death”. Harrier hawks are beautiful birds, and our interview is temporarily halted at the sight of a pair of hawks, high up in the sky, slowly circling one another in a courtship dance, above a thermal.

Hawks are a highly intelligent bird, and Scott goes on to describe a female he sees who has learned to flush starlings from the hedgerows by swooping low along the top, and picking the starlings off as they startle upwards. “I have never seen any other hawks do this, so it is a learned behaviour”.They get an undeserved bad rap, despite the fact that they are excellent at cleaning up rabbits, starlings and blackbirds. “Crop farmers love them for this reason, however, sheep farmers are not keen on them, although to be honest, it is very unlikely that these birds would ever attack a healthy lamb. They may sometimes eat dead lambs and afterbirth. There are reports of them attacking chickens, however this is not common unless they are very hungry”. We get on to the subject of photographing hawks. It is next to impossible to get close to them, requiring either an enormous lens or a huge amount of stealth on behalf of the photographer. Scott chuckles, “If there was an award for taking photographs of ‘Where a Bird Has Just Been’, I would win it”

•

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Voting opens at 9am Monday 28th October and you can choose up to five birds to vote for. https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz has all the birds entered with photographs which you can click on to find out more about each one. This is a great way to learn more about our native birds and just what makes them so very special.

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ink Ribbon Breakfast Cruisy Days Diner supports P by Emily Chapman

words by Emily Chapman - photo Bruce Chapman

Friday 11th October was the Pink Ribbon Breakfast in Oxford; this year hosted by Cruisy Days Diner. Owners Kimm and Bruce Moore say that “they have always believed the Diner creates an opportunity for us to give back into our awesome community, so when we were approached about supporting this important fundraiser, we didn’t hesitate”. Diners were able to choose from a specially created menu which included eggs benedict with pink hollandaise sauce, pink pancakes, french toast, and waffles. $10.00 from each meal went towards Cancer Research, and $270.00 was raised on the day, although Kimm and Bruce are already making plans on how to increase this next year. The whole team got involved in the day, dressing in pink, and they got to meet some more locals who hadn’t dined with them before. Kimm says “Being able to support this important event is close to my heart, far too many of us know someone who has faced breast cancer”. It has also given us an opportunity to create a special menu, that we can now offer to any group who need help fundraising. With $10 from every meal going towards fundraising, it feels great to give back into our community”. www.cruisydays.co.nz

WASTE WATER SERVICING & SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

Fresh, real milk direct to you at the farm dispenser

Real Milk from our happy, free-range, grass-fed cows..

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

Self Service OPEN 7 DAYS 7am - 9pm 56 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford

24 HOUR 7 DAY RESPONSE

0800 HYDROVAC

2km off the Main Street

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

03 366 9187

CANTERBURY OWNED & OPERATED

www.hydrovac.co.nz twenty five

Domestic pig rearing was a relatively inexpensive way for pioneers to provide a good supplyof pork and bacon to feed their families.

ie K irk In 1895 the Oxford and Cust Observer published the following advice about feeding pigs to improve the flavour of the meat: Boiled potatoes and barley meal makes the finest flavoured bacon. Pea fed pork is harder than that which is fed on maize. Milk fed pork is white, but hard and dry. The milk should be mixed with bran or wheat meal to avoid hardness of the lean meat. The meat of pigs fed on clover pasture through the summer, and fattened on mixed oats and peas for four weeks after leaving the pasture, will be found excellent in every way. It is distinctly streaky, having the fat and lean well mixed.

Logos Signs Flyers & Leaﬂets Business Cards large format posters Labels Ad Design Print & Bind Display cards Menu’s Stickers Brochures & Booklets from initial concept to ﬁnished product

CALL now

027 77 333 24 or 0800 627 378 37

This is the perfection of pork.

YOUR ONE STOP HARDWARE STORE

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.

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 lease ote: o L

re lls on Saturdays

4th Generation Family Butchers

44 Main Street - Oxford

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

Suri Fino Alpacas Breeding Luxury Fine Fibre 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

Ph: 03 312 4521 82 HIGH STREET, OXFORD Email: admin@womersleys.co.nz

www.womersleys.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

Phone for hours & enquiries

027 212 3877

Refer to our website www.surifino.co.nz or phone

Check out our new website & online shop

twenty six

• Over 80 well schooled horses availa le or O • reparation for certi cates • Dressage, Show umping Cross Country • Weekend courses • School holiday courses

“We now offer Payment Plans through Ezypay that allow you to make small regular payments for your horse riding”

owhai Residential School of Riding Ltd 711 sland Road, Oxford h: 03 312 4309 www.kowhai.co.nz Yoga w Qigong w Tai Chi and Fitness

work-out

Weekly classes: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

Gain Vitality and Flexibility Inner Relaxation / Reduce Stress Jaycee Hall & Town Hall, Oxford call/text Gabrielle 027 225 1646

info@taomotion.co.nz www.taomotion.co.nz

Knitwear Feltwear Felted Home Decor Felted Fibre Art

Education & Fibre Classes

for more information

• Lessons and trekking

Handcrafted Alpaca products

1029 Two Chain Road Swannanoa, North Canterbury

027 212 3877

HORSE R D

• Full livery service availa le

Bookings essential

Oxford Butchery Ltd

the A

w Jack ith

Creating custom built design & print packages to suit you

Oxford Butchery

F ro

rrbart chnuCreative

hives rc

Perfect pork.

www.alpacasintheattic.co.nz

Monday 11th November at 11am Armistice Day Oxford Service Oxford Cenotaph Gathering at 10.45am

All members of the Public welcome to attend

Notes from the Ashley Gorge Track The Fantail by Emma Warwick - photo by Dave Warwick Call sound: ‘cheet cheet!’ Conservation Status: North and South Island fantails aren’t threatened, but are at risk on Chatham Island. They are one of the most common native birds on the New Zealand mainland. Their chicks: The fantails chicks are fed every ten minutes, that’s about one hundred times every day! Because of predators only a few eggs and chicks (out of many) survive and grow up/hatch. Habitats: Originally a bird of open native forests and scrubs, the fantail is now also found in ‘exotic plantation forests’, orchards and even gardens! Altitude range: The fantail has an altitude range from sea levels to the snow lines. Enemies: The fantails enemies are cats, rats, stoats and mynas. The myna (a bird of the starling family), was introduced to New Zealand to get rid of pests; mainly rats. They eat the eggs and chicks of birds, including fantails. Reproducing ability: Fantails have the amazing ability to produce lots of young, so some chicks are guaranteed to escape predators. The fantail populations are able to bounce back very quickly after a decline in their numbers. Hunting: Fantails use their wide tails to change direction quickly while hunting for insects. They sometimes hop upside down on tree ferns to pick insects from the undersides of leaves. They seldom feed on the ground. Catching Insects: Fantails use three methods to catch insects. These are: Hawking: They use this method where the vegetation is open, and the fantails can see for long distances. The fantails use a perch to spot swarms of flying insects, and then fly at their prey, snapping up several insects at a time. Flushing: This method is used in much denser vegetation, and is called flushing. The fantails fly around to disturb the insects, flushing them out, before eating them. Feeding associations: This method is by far the cleverest of them all. Trampers are familiar with this method, where the fantails follow other animals to catch insects disturbed by their movements. Fantails often follow silvereyes, whiteheads, parakeets and saddlebacks, as well as people. Protecting their young: Although they are known as friendly creatures, they are still very protective of their young. If a fantail is dive-bombing you and chirping loudly, it means you are too close to its nest, so you need to move. Make sure to respect the fantails in the native shrub, as it is their home. Resources: Links: DOC’s website: https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/nativeanimals/birds/birds-a-z/fantail-piwakawaka/

Darfield Rugby Club Women’s Team 2020

We are calling out for all interested women’s rugby players. The Club is right behind Women’s rugby and we are forming a new team for the 2020 season. If you or someone you know would be interested and keen to join this exciting new team please contact Kathryn Hunter on 021 183 6694.

UY 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

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

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

To Rent

One Bedroom Unit to Rent in Cust, Phone Marianne 021 1394969

twenty seven

COUNCIL UPDATE with

Wendy Doody

Waimakariri Councillor

November 2019 Elections: New Councillors for the Oxford Ohoka Ward 2019 – 2022 Niki Meilings and Wendy Doody Community Board Members:

Arts in Oxford Gallery News A recent road trip to artist studios has resulted in new ceramics for our gift shop, checkout North Canterbury potters Jackie Saunders and Ruth McLeod. Clay figures by Rachel Harré accompany Paul Smith’s collages.

Current Exhibition Collective Works Paul Smith : Rachel Harré 19 October – 24 November 2019

Mark Brown, Thomas Robson and Shirley Farrell Ohoka Ward

Bringing the community together

WHITE RIBBON QUIZ NIGHT 24th November at the Oxford Workingmen’s Club 6.30 pm for a 7.00pm start $10.00 per person

OX BOX YOUTH

Doug Nichols, Ray Harpur, Sarah Barkle

Upcoming events

Council Portfolio Holders

Laser strike/flip out Ice tramps/Dudley Pool

Niki Meilings: The Blue Moon by Rachel Harré

Check out our facebook page for all of our events.

BUS TRIPS

Tuesdays - Shoppers Bus to Rangiora Friday 29th November

Wendy Doody: • Community Facilities: Including Aquatic Centres, Multi-use Sports Stadium, Libraries/Service Centres, Town Halls, Museums, Community Housing and Pensioner Housing. • Appoints Cr. Doody (Lead) and Cr. Atkinson (support) as Portfolio Holders of Community Development and Wellbeing. • Community and Recreation Committee • Utilities and Roading • Alcohol Licencing Committee Member (Commissioner)

Trust

We are raising funds for the work the Trust does supporting the Community and our families in the area of Family Violence.

Oxford Ward

• Climate Change and Sustainability • Appoints Cr. Barnett (Lead) and Cr. Mealings (support) as Portfolio Holders of District Planning and Development • Community & Recreation Committee • Land and Water Working Group • Greater Christchurch Partnership

Oxford Community

Harmony by Paul Smith

Upcoming Events Summer Show #5 Opens 30th November

Ohoka Market & Northlands Mall Leaving Oxford 9am - returning 3.30ish. $10.00 Call the Trust 312 3006 or pop in to the office to book your place.

The last exhibitionNeeded for the year. Volunteers

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

Please contact the Gallery

Friday 25th October Council Chambers: Inaugural Council Meeting with the Swearing In of elected members. 31st October Jaycees Room Oxford: Oxford Ohoka Inaugural Community Board Meeting with the Swearing In of elected members. Now that Elections are over I am pleased to be able to continue with my bi monthly report keeping you informed on Council activities. Kind Regards, Wendy

Thank you to our Fab five Funders • NZ Lottery Grant Board • The Rata Foundation • United Way • Waimakariri District Council • Community Organisation Grant Scheme Seen this ad? Tell us and go into a draw to win $10 pack of handmade paper for arts and crafts. Drawn end of month.

OPEN HOURS Tues - Sun 10am - 4pm Closed Mon & Public Holidays

ARTS IN OXFORD . 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 www.artsinoxford.com twenty eight

Oxford Community Trust

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

(03) 312 3006

37 Main St, Oxford 9.00am - 3.00pm

Monday - Friday

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Here for Life

with Oxford Constable

Mitch Alatalo I was just looking back on some previous articles, and what I had to say, and I laughed a little when I said that winter was behind us. It has been a changeable spring, hot one minute, then cold and rainy the next, so be mindful, and always drive to the conditions. I have been lucky, and have had an opportunity to get out and beat the tracks with the family. I couldn’t help but notice all of the animal signs about. I thought it would be appropriate to remind everyone about their, and everyone else’s, safety while out there enjoying what our beautiful district has to offer. In saying that, if you see someone where they should not be, Police would like to know. Unlawful hunters are out there. From a safety perspective more than anything, not knowing who else is in the block you are hunting, is a very real danger, so identify your target before anything else, and above all have fun out there. Which brings me to my next subject, gun buy back. I know whilst I have been perusing the internet ,there is an advertisement reminding me that the amnesty ends 20 December 2019. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to approach one of us. Otherwise, all the information including buy back sites can all be located on www.police.govt.nz , and click on the firearms and safety link. On a short but sweet note, if anyone is interested in the Oxford Community Patrol, they are always looking for keen new people to join the team. Make yourself known to myself or Aden, and we can point you in the right direction. You are the eyes and ears of the community. Thanks again for reading. Be safe. Feel safe.

with Area St John Station Manager

Emma Corr

In the month of September, the team were called out to 50 incidents within the area, bringing the total number of calls for the year to 378. Oxford Station has received a new piece of equipment this month, a Lifepack 15 defibrillator. This is a lifesaving piece of equipment with the staggering cost of this single piece of equipment being around $40,000. It also weighs over 10kg. The Lifepack 15 allows our crew to transmit the electro cardio graph (ECG) through to the hospital in the event of a heart attack, for a cardiologist to view prior to the patient arriving at the hospital, so they can prepare the best treatment for that patient in advance. We are now in the spring months. We want people to remain well as they hopefully have throughout the winter months. Tips for staying well are keeping hydrated, staying fit (30 minutes exercise a day), eating well and visiting your GP when you need to. Oxford is very lucky to have the addition of PRIME Doctors and Nurses who are available to respond to cardiac arrests and immediately life threating situations. The team and I very much appreciate this support. 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.

POLICE - FIRE - AMBULANCE - DIAL 111

with Oxford Chief Fire Officer

Trevor Ealam

In September the Brigade was called six times. One was to a supposedly controlled rubbish burn that got out of control, one to assist the Cust Brigade at a structure fire, one to assist the Sheffield Brigade at a fire on the south side of the Waimakariri river bed, one suspicious car fire in the Waimakariri river bed, one to a motor vehicle accident with minor injuries to the occupant and one assist St John with a cardiac arrest patient. This brings our total calls for the year to seventy two.

THIS MONTHS MESSAGE IS The birds are nesting at the moment, which means they nest in machinery, agricultural machines, cars, and trucks etc. Please keep checking underneath bonnets around hot areas, exhausts etc, before the engines are started.

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

The Oxford House of Beauty

Small rayer

Re ection roups

Held every 2nd Monday at 7.30pm Oxford Church Centre

ALL WELCOME | Call Josie 022 089 8331

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

OXFORD DISTRICT

UNION PARISH

Sharing Christ in our Fellowship and Community

www.theoxfordhouseofbeauty.com

03 312 4294

021 024 19237

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

UNION (METHODIST & PRESBYTERIAN) PARISH SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER 2019

ALL SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAYS AT 9.30AM IN THE OXFORD UNION CHURCH, 85 MAIN STREET, OXFORD

November 3rd - Communion Service

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 8 Girls Monday night 6.30pm - 8pm Years 7 to 9 Boys Wednesday 6.30pm - 8pm

November 10th - Service November 17th - Service Salvation Army Service at 6.00pm November 24th Service

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 - 2.30pm 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 essa War urton 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

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