The Oxford Observer December 2018. by oxfordobserver

the Oxford Observer DECEMBER 2018 Issue 83

Published Monthly 4500 copies

the Oxford & North Canterbury Newspaper

Published and delivered at the beginning of each month to Oxford, Cust, Bennetts, Waddington, Sheﬃeld, West Eyreton, Eyrewell, Swannanoa, Fernside, Summerhill, Ashley Gorge, Okuku, Glentui, Lees Valley, Carleton, Horrellville, Springbank, View Hill. Copies are available at the Oxford, Rangiora & Darﬁeld Libraries, Emma’s at Oxford, Cust PO Boxes & Cafes throughout the district.

www.oxfordobserver.co.nz

Schnurrbart Design & Publishing Limited

Lost Medal back where it belongs words by Jacky Kirk photos by Victoria Caseley

After a lengthy search, the descendant of a WW1 soldier, who was awarded a medal for sacrificing his life, has been tracked down. Judy Challis found a bronze medal wrapped in newspaper in the hot water cupboard of a New Brighton house she moved into in 1963. For more than fifty years she cherished it, before handing it over to her sister, Angela Lyons, after reading a newspaper article about a family being reunited with their lost medal. Angela, a member of Oxford RSA, took the medal to an RSA meeting, where Rhonda Graham-van Rooden took up the challenge of finding its owner.Measuring 120 mm in diameter and engraved with the name Robert Joseph Crossen, the item was identified as a Memorial Plaque. Also known as a ‘Dead Man’s Penny’, Memorial Plaques were issued after the First World War to the next-of-kin of all British Empire personnel who were killed as a result of the war. It is a sobering thought that 1,355,000 plaques were issued. Rhonda carried out initial research into the Crossen name and appealed for information via local newspapers. Ian Martyn at Medals Reunited NZ and members of the Crossen family in Canterbury unearthed a wealth of information about Robert Joseph Crossen.Robert Joseph Crossen was born in Canterbury in 1890 to parents Thomas and Ellen Crossen. Of their ten children, the three youngest sons of Thomas and Ellen joined up to fight in WW1. Robert enlisted with the Canterbury Infantry Regiment and was deployed to Ypres, Belgium.

After spending around ten weeks in the field, twenty-seven-year-old Private Robert Joseph Crossen was killed in action on 3 December 1917. Battlefield conditions were so brutal that Robert Crossen’s body, along with many others, was never recovered. In 1923 Ellen Crossen received the Memorial Plaque to commemorate the death of her son. Robert’s name is also included on the Buttes New British (New Zealand) Memorial in Belgium, which

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 whanua

Ann and David Crossen & Rhonda Graham-van Rooden

commemorates 378 men of the New Zealand Division, who died in the vicinity between September 1917 and May 1918 and have no known graves. The highpoint of the search was tracking down a direct descendant of Private Robert Crossen. David Crossen, the grandson of Robert Crossen’s brother, was handed the Memorial Plaque during the Oxford Armistice Day Memorial Service on 11 November. continued on page 3

REPEAT MEDICATIONS Pre Christmas Check

~ Please check you have enough medications over Christmas and New Year's in advance. ~ If you usually see your Health Provider every three months please make an appointment prior to Christmas. ~ Request a repeat prescription – online through our website www.oxfordhealth.co.nz ~ Call into the Health Centre and fill in a Repeat Prescription Request form ~ We have will have a small team covering the practice from (only 2 GP's) from 24th December to 07th January - so please get in early!!

The Health Centre is closed

Christmas Day (Tuesday 25th) ~ Boxing Day (Wednesday 26th) 2018 New Year’s Day (Tuesday 1st) ~ Day after New Year’s (Wednesday 2nd) 2019 for routine appointments.

If your situation is life threatening please always dial 111 ﬁrst

2 | the Oxford Observer

DECEMBER 2018

DECEMBER 2018 Welcome to the December issue of the Oxford Observer. Congratulations to the winners of our two November giveaways - Marita Lundy who won the two VIP tickets to the Wham Bam Author Jam and Patsy West who received a $30.00 gift voucher to Emma’s at Oxford. Thank you to Emma, who is sponsoring our book reviews with a $30.00 voucher for each month - email us at competitions@oxfordobserver.co.nz to be in for a chance to win this. We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to our advertisers. We have enjoyed meeting so many of you over the past few months. We appreciate working with all of you, and look forward to continuing next year. We also want to say thank you to the community for all of the positive feedback and encouragement we have received from you. It means so much to us that you enjoy the content of the paper and we really hope that it helps to connect you to your community. Wishing all of our readers and advertisers a wonderful Christmas season.

Bruce and Emily Chapman.

DECEMBER Book reviews

Book Reviews sponsored by

Photos of You

by Tammy Robinson.

November Road by Lou Berney

November Road is set at the time immediately following the assassination of JFK. It tells the story of Charlotte Roy and Frank Guidry who are from completely different worlds, but whose paths cross. Frank is a mobster who has had a small part in the mechanics behind the assassination, and now knows that he will be a loose end that will need to be tidied up. Charlotte has married young and ended up in a marriage with an addict and is desperate for a different life. They come together in a road trip across the country. I loved this fast paced thriller that painted a vivid picture of the 1960s. Highly recommended.

New Zealand author Tammy Robinson writes about cancer with great understanding and empathy. Ava is 28 years old and the cancer she thought she had beaten has returned. This time however, it is terminal. She has always dreamed of a wedding, and so with the help of her family and

On the day Ava Green turns 28 she is told her cancer has come back, is now terminal, and she will not live to see another birthday. But please… keep reading because this is not a depressing book about dying. It’s a really wonderful heart warming book about living,; living your life to the fullest and I loved everything about it. If you or anyone close has been through cancer then you will relate so well to this book and it’s

Advertising in the

friends she starts to plan her dream day, even though there is no groom. Although this is a lighter look at cancer and how this affects families and friends, it does not lack depth or emotion and is a thoughtful story on a very difficult subject.

Emma’s At Oxford Be in to WIN a $30 Emma’s voucher Email us at competitions@ oxfordobserver.co.nz

Review by Emily Chapman

writing as Tammy just “gets” it. She gets cancer, the emotions and thought processes so well, that if you are lucky enough to have not experienced it, this may well help you understand better. Yes, you will no doubt have tears but hey, who didn’t have tears when they read Jo Jo Moyes’ Me Before You? I implore you to read this book. It will stay with you for long after you have finished the last page. Review by Emma Gillard

Mystery Book Last month we trialled a new concept of a MYSTERY BOOK. We wrapped it in brown paper, and wrote simply this on the front. It quickly, (and surprisingly) came our biggest selling book of the month, and now we are getting such lovely favourable comments from people who have read and LOVED it. Do you trust me too?

Oxford Observer

The next issue of the Oxford Observer will be delivered in Early January The deadline for Advertising is Thursday 20th December. Please contact us for any enquiries

0800 627 378 37

advertise@oxfordobserver.co.nz

Schnurrbart Design & Publishing Limited

oxfordobserver.co.nz

Lost Medal back where it belongs continued

Ninety-five years after Ellen Crossen received it, the Memorial Plaque which honours the sacrifice made by a WW1 soldier has now been returned to where it belongs. Before presenting the Plaque to the family, Rhonda Graham-van Rooden of the of the Oxford RSA shared Robert Crossen’s Memorial Notice (Published in The Press “by his loving mother, sisters, and brothers” in 1918):

Somewhere in France – no matter where. He was just as near to Heaven, As though he had lain on his bed at home, When the signal to ‘cease’ was given. He has borne his Cross, he has gained his Crown, Though he lies in a far off grave, And we think of his life, a duty done, Manly, unselfish, and brave.

Your One Stop Christmas Gift Shop

The perfect Gift Beautifully Illustrated throughout

NZ Native Art work from $49 NEW ZEALANDS LEADING MOBILE VET NURSE SERVICE IS NOW AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA. We provide in-home preventative health care for cats and dogs delivered by our experienced and qualified vet nurses -

meaning less stress for you AND your pet!

www.themobilevetnurse.co.nz

Ph.027 479 5005 E: info@themobilevetnurse.co.nz

NEW SEASONS

Aertex shirts in store now!

Pop in and take a look at the new colours. MASON’S

DRAPERY

2 McMillan Street, Darfield Phone: 03 318 8734

HOURS : Monday ~ Friday 9am ~ 5pm & Saturday 9.30am ~12.30

Emma’s Late Night Christmas Shopping Evenings

~ Sunday December 2nd ~ Sunday December 9th ~ ~ Friday December 14th ~ Thursday 20th December ~

OPEN

until 9pm

Now available in-store & online

OPEN 7 DAYS | 10am-5pm | 53 Main Street, Oxford Ph: 312 3432 |www.emmasatoxford.myshopify.com for all the most up to date news and arrivals follow us on

4 | the Oxford Observer

DECEMBER 2018

Trip of a Lifetime

words by Emily Chapman Earlier this year Constable Aaron Campbell was awarded the Sir Woolf Fisher Police Fellowship. This Fellowship was established in 2017 to recognise police who have showed “sustained excellence and dedication to the New Zealand Police”. The award recognises both the work and achievements of the recipient, and also the support and sacrifices made by the families of Police Officers, and incorporates both study time, and a holiday for the family. Aaron chose to spend the study portion of the fellowship with the Hope (Hawaii’s Opportunity with Probation Enforcement) Programme in Hawaii. The goal of this was to observe the process and learn about it to see if it is something that could potentially be implemented in New Zealand. The programme holds offenders to account for breaches of sanctions or probation. Corrective action is made immediately, which ensures that offenders are cognisant of the fact that the consequence is related directly to their offence. Currently in New Zealand breaches for drugs and alcohol, or non association orders are noted and offenders are warned, or they appear in court at a later date. There is no immediate deterrent, which for someone struggling with addiction issues can be hard. At the Hope programme those who breach sanctions or probation end up in custody immediately, for a period of between 1-30 days. It is an immediate disruption to their lives which means they cannot carry on with their normal life, or gain access to alcohol and/or drugs. Their research has shown, that although initially there was a large increase of those in custody, as the Programme has gone on there has been an 80% reduction in recidivism and much more compliance. People on the programme are more likely to keep their appointments with their probation officers and comply with the the terms of their probation. As well as the consequences enforced by the programme, there is a lot of support for participants to help them to recover and move on.Aaron said it was a real eye opener for him about what can be done to help people. He said, “some things are put in the too hard basket and people can be left to their own devices. This forces people to get the treatment they need”. The goal of the Fellowship is to bring back ideas. Aaron is now completing a report to go to his leadership team and then it will go into the Evidence Based Policing Centre ,and they look at what changes could be made in the New Zealand system. Aaron feels that Canterbury could potentially pilot a ‘Hope type’ programme as the new Justice building contains all departments including the courts and probation. Aaron was also keen to do a ride along while he was in the States and was able to do this while he was in Honolulu. The trip was a great time for the family enabling them to tick off some bucket list items. Particular favourites for them were Pearl Harbour, the Grand Canyon and Alcatraz in San Francisco.

Support and enjoy your local Market

Every Sunday 9am - 12pm

Main Street, Oxford Upcoming Events

Come in and see our Christmas Gift packs

53a MAIN STREET, OXFORD HOURS

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

EFT Ava POS ilabl e

~ 2nd & 9th December ~ Car Boot Sale ~ 16th December ~ Kids Face Painting for Christmas Parade ~ 23rd December ~ Gala Christmas Market

www.oxfordfarmersmarket.co.nz

the Oxford Observer | 5

oxfordobserver.co.nz

The War Horse

words & photo by Cathy Dee

It is a sickening statistic that over 8 million horses and countless mules and donkeys lost their lives in World War 1. Along with the inevitable bullets and shell fire, bad weather, terrible living conditions and poisonous gas all took their toll. An integral part of the war, horses were used both in the cavalry and for transporting weapons.More than 10,000 of these incredible animals accompanied the New Zealand Expeditionary Force between 1914 and 1916. Of these, only four returned home. The rest were either killed or sold off to local Egyptians, with some retained for further use by the British army. This was further heart-break for many of the men who had become very close to their equine companions who had been through so much with them. Many other animals were also used in the war; horses, donkeys, mules and camels carried food, water, ammunition and medical supplies to men at the front; messages were relayed by dogs and pigeons, canaries used to detect poisonous gas while cats (and dogs) were brought to the trenches to hunt rats who were attracted by leftover food and the bodies of the men who had been left behind. WW1 was the last global conflict in which horses played a major part. This was mostly due to the use of trench warfare and barbed wire rolls along the ground, which made it impossible for the horses.

It was also realised how fruitless an attack by mounted cavalry was against tanks and machine guns. However, in comparison to their limited usefulness on the Western Front, “cavalry was literally indispensable” on the Eastern front and in the Middle East. Unfortunately, horses, mules and donkeys are still used, mostly by third world countries in battle today. Horses were even used by America’s Special Operations forces in their response to 9/11 during the first stages of the Afghanistan war in their initial defeat of the Taliban. To pay tribute to the NZ war horses, the Birch Hill Station Trust and the Waimakariri District Council hosted the first local community ‘War Horse Ride and Walk’ in 2015. This year, to commemorate the 100 years since the end of WW1, the station again hosted a community ‘War Horse Ride and Walk’ which was attended by over 165 horses.

MAIN STREET BAKERY & CAFE

, as Cakes Christm s Mince a m Christ Gift Baskets, Pies, Gift more yummy & vouchers store for those treats in minute last as gifts Christm lies p p su & Can’t with ong go wrmy home r yum baking fo stylede perfect th ift! G

We to th would lik customanks all of e suppo ers for all our r wish t t over 2018their h a Merr y em all a ver nd y Chris t a m nd Ne OUR CHRISTMAS w Yea as r & NEW YEAR Keep an hours are as follows eye on our Facebook Monday 24th - 27th December Closed page... Open 28th - 31st Dec Closed 1st - 3rd January Open everyday from 4th January onwards

78 Main Street Oxford

03 312 4397

sales@sheffieldpieshop.co.nz www.sheffieldpieshop.co.nz Monday - Friday 6:30am - 4:00pm Saturday & Sunday 7:00am - 4:00pm

Come & Join us at the Freshchoice

Christmas party!

Wednesday 5th December Santa instore 3.00pm -5.00pm Savings, prizes, giveaways, tastings, demonstrations & BBQ

Great fun for the whole family! your Local Supermarket

OXFORD 52 Main Street Oxford Opening Hours Mon - Sun 7am - 9pm Phone 03 312 4305

6 | the Oxford Observer

DECEMBER 2018

Waimakariri Focus on becoming an “Age-Friendly Community.” The Waimakariri District Council has received a grant to assist in developing a plan, in partnership with older persons, to help us become a more “age friendly” District. The framework of “age friendly communities “ was developed in recent years by the World Health Organisation and addresses eight essential features of an age friendly community. These include outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, respect and social inclusion, housing, communication and information. The World Health Organisation states that “an age-friendly world enables people of all ages to actively participate in community activities and treats everyone with respect, regardless of their age. It is a place that makes it easy for older people to stay connected to people that are important to them. And it helps people stay healthy and active even at the oldest ages and provides appropriate support to those who can no longer look after themselves”. Currently Council staff and elected members are involved with a range of key networks, stakeholders and community initiatives across the District, that are working to support healthy ageing, social inclusion and participation, informing and connecting and increasing access to services. All of these are aimed at enhancing community support and quality of life for older persons. An intentional engagement with older people is the top priority to help the group to clearly understand the barriers and gaps that prevent them from participating, as fully as they would wish in community life and a Waimakariri Community Age-Friendly Steering Group has been formed to work on this project. There is a consultation meeting in the A&P Room at the Oxford Town Hall 10.00 - 11.30am. To register your interest please email age-friendly@wmk. govt.nz. (See ad on this page). More information available from Madeleine Burdon, Community Development Advisor, Waimakariri District Council Community Team, 0800 965 468 or email madeleine.burdon@wmk.govt.nz.

OXFORD & DISTRICTS LIONS

OXFORD

CHRISTMAS PARADE This year’s theme

SUNDAY 16th 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 BOYS & GIRLS

Girls 1st $30 -2nd $20 - 3rd $10 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 Lyndsay 027 419 0242 For ﬂoat enquiries email lyndsay.ﬂetcher@xtra.co.nz AS A LIONS PROJECT WE RESERVE THE RIGHT OF ENTRY

Lions welcome volunteers to assist with this community event

We’ll be chatting about the things that are important to ensure our district supports everyone to live well and have a voice in the community. Tuesday 4 December 2018 Oxford Town Hall 10am –11.30am

n io at po rt ns

Civic participation and employment

Join us for morning tea and share your ideas in our interactive workshop as we develop an Age-friendly plan for the Waimakariri.

O u an tdo d or bu s ild pa in ce gs s

Age Friendly Waimakariri

Housing

Tr a

A thriving district gives all residents a voice and an opportunity to live their life to their best - regardless of their age.

C an om d mu he n al ity th s se upp rv o ic rt es

Social participation

What does an ‘Age-friendly’ Waimakariri look like?

Communication and information

So Res ci pe al c In t a cl nd us io n

Register your interest - age-friendly@wmk.govt.nz by 12pm Monday 3 December. For help with transport phone 021 480 851 by 5pm. A joint project by the Waimakariri Community Age-friendly Steering Group and the Waimakariri District Council.

Black Beech DECEMBER PROMOTIONS Wednesday - Ladies Night

Complimentary breads Platter or Pizza bread with any Bottle of wine purchased

thursday locals hour 5-7pm

Any Gourmet Pizza $20 Any 330ml Craft Beer $7 Any 150ml white wine $7 Red $9.50

friday - ace of hearts !

5.30pm 7.30pm. Be in to win ! starts at $150 going up $50 each week until won! Follow us on Facebook for updated price pool!

saturday - bucket of beers $40 Weekly selection of Craft Beer 2 x Pilsener 2 x IPA 2 x APA

SUnday - kids dine free

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

live music TAMMY D'ath Sunday 2nd December 6:30pm - 8pm chris firkin Saturday 15th December 6:30pm - 8pm

ions

ndit o C & Terms Apply

If any community clubs, groups or organisations would like to use Black Beech as a venue, it's free and we'd be more than happy to help! Just give us a call or email....blackbeechbar@gmail.com 312 3338

CLOSED 24th - 26th December CLOSED 31st - 2nd January

Monday & TUESDAY closed wednesday & thursday 4pm - 8pm friday & saturday 4pm - 10pm sunday 4pm - 8pm

8 | the Oxford Observer

DECEMBER 2018

Ashley Gorge Pavilion Honours Local Resident words by Jacky Kirk

Following the demolition of a derelict log cabin, the Ashley Gorge Reserve Advisory Group (AGRAG) decided to construct a building to honour the name and services provided by Mrs Reynolds, who lived and ran a small business in the Reserve. Mrs Reynolds was born Rose Annie Browning in Hampshire, England in 1865. Her parents, Frank and Anna had five children. The couple were born and brought up in Hampshire, and their children were born there. Frank was a bricklayer and carpenter, but took on the role of landlord in 1871 when he took over The Wheel public house in Hordle, Hampshire. For a family who had spent most of their life in one place, the decision to emigrate to New Zealand was a brave move and in 1876 they disembarked from the Otaki at Lyttelton to begin their new lives.In 1888 Rose Annie married William Reynolds in Leeston. William, a blacksmith, was twenty-four and Rose Annie was twenty-three. The couple went on to have two children.When Mrs Reynolds moved to Oxford around 1910 the Ashley Gorge Reserve was already well established as a local beauty spot. In 1889 the Oxford and Cust Observer reported that during the Carleton Farmer’s picnic which took place at ‘that justly renowned picturesque spot the Ashley Gorge’, ‘the usual cricketing, flirting, singing and gossiping filled up the afternoon’. Six years later, the picnic spot appears to have been just as popular: In Oxford there are many beautiful places and the Ashley Gorge is one of the most beautiful. Thick forests of young birch and other forest trees grow far up the slopes of the lofty Ashley hills, which rise in the background, and the cool deep valleys are sheltered with beautiful vegetation, and the stream of sparkling water in the Ashley river makes a pleasant sound as it flows over the stones and makes its way to the sea. Needless to say the Ashley Gorge is much used as a picnic resort. On arriving there a beautiful spectacle meets the gaze that makes the beholder admire its beauty. At the river a variety of rock is to be seen, and on descending the Ashley hills, a waterfall comes into view. (The Oxford and Cust Observer November 1895)In 1915 a well-attended Christmas picnic held at the Reserve to honour invalided soldiers who had returned from WW1 battlefields was a resounding success: The panorama of gorge, riverbed and hillside stretched artistically below, and what was better still, the blue smoke of a camp-fire rose

Mrs Reynolds in her Ashley Gorge Garden

through the trees and the round top of a big luncheon tent peeped over the hillside. A band, the Oxford Brass Band, played and it was the determination of everybody at the gorge to make the visitors feel at home. A short walk brought in sight a marquee, under which men laboured with carvers over the remains of sucking pigs, legs of ham and other delicacies, while women piled plates with meat and salads. The soldiers squatted on the shady riverbank, eating and washing their luncheon down with draughts of tea or icy ginger beer.Nobody was overlooked, and when jellies and such-like delicacies had been finished with there were cakes and tarts and creamy confections, and after that fruit, and then cigarettes and milk chocolate and what not. Luncheon was followed by a rounding up of the soldiers for group photographs on the river bank, and finally the whole company, some five or six hundred or more, were photographed together. (Star 17 January 1916)It seems that Mrs Reynolds fell under the spell of the Ashley Gorge Reserve. In the early 1920s she had a cottage built there and ran a small weekend store for the convenience of picnickers and campers. She stocked the premises with chocolate, biscuits, cigarettes, tobacco, tinned fruit and men’s and women’s bathing suits were on sale for five shillings and sixpence each. Thirsty visitors could purchase hot water which was boiled on site in a copper. Continued over page

OXFORD CLUB

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

CLUB HOURS BAR & BOTTLESTORE

Open from 11am every day

TAKEAWAYS Sun - Thu 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Fri & Sat 5:00 - 9:00pm BISTRO Fri - Sat - Sun from 5:30pm

CLUB NEWS ~Oxford Club Open Day ~ Smiling faces, happy kids & sizzling snarlers was the order of the day at our inaugural Club Open Day. Oxford Club was thrilled with the public support from Oxford and it wasn’t even dampened with the ﬁckle weather which turned on a spot of rain in the afternoon. The Clubs many sporting and activity based sections created a lot of interest with the Line Dancers executing some skilful dance moves and the Outdoor Bowls showing folks how to have a ‘Roll Up’ on our outdoor bowling rink. A special thanks to everyone who partook in our Open Day and joined in on the fun and welcome to all our new members.

What’s on at The

OXFORD CLUB

- Raﬄes every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 6pm - Happy Hour every Wednesday & Saturday - Lucky Member Door Draw every Monday & Wednesday - Saturday 8th December – Live Band End Game - Monday 17th December – Christmas At The Club – Final Spin 2 Win, Bottle Store Stereo draw & Raﬄes * Check out our Events Calendar on our website to keep up to date *

BECOME A MEMBER

The OXFORD CLUB - YOUR SOCIAL HUB

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

LOTS of sections to join – Cards, Claybirds, Darts, Fishing, Golf, Indoor Bowls, Line Dancing, Outdoor Bowls, Pool, Racing, Travel & Vintage.

oxfordobserver.co.nz

Mrs Reynolds Cottage in the 1920’s on the site of the new Pavilion

Mrs Reynolds designed and planted a magnificent garden and won prizes for the roses she grew. The lime trees and a magnificent rhododendron she planted are still standing today. The rhododendron, which could be as old as ninety years, puts on a magnificent display of cerise flowers each year. It is fitting that there is a plaque to commemorate Mrs Reynold’s contribution to the Reserve attached to a horse chestnut tree.It is also fitting that on the very spot occupied by Mrs Reynolds’ log cabin there now stands The Reynolds Heritage Pavilion. Due to financial help from Waimakariri District Council and fundraising events organised by AGRAG a new building to enhance the experience of picnickers and campers is now complete. Information boards depicting the history of Mrs Reynolds and the Reserve will be on display and although already open to the public, there will be an official opening of the pavilion on 2 March 2019. It is hoped that descendants of Mrs Reynolds will attend the opening in March. AGRAG would like to pass on grateful thanks to Bayphil Construction for working tirelessly over the winter months to produce such a high-quality local landmark. Baydon Phillips of Bayphil Construction has fond memories of swimming and picnicking at Ashley Gorge in his younger days and was keen to undertake the project which will be of benefit to the community.

FREE EVENT

the Oxford Observer | 9

New Ashley Gorge Pavilion constructed by Bayphil Construction

Early Picnic at Ashley Gorge

Monday 24 December Christmas Eve

Fully Licensed Open 6 Days Tuesday ~ Sunday

Pearson Park Village Green, Main Street, Oxford 7pm to 9pm  Good old fashioned family Christmas Sing-A-Long  Music provided by local talent  Free Sausage sizzle or bring a picnic  Giveaways  Santa Sponsored by Oxford Butchery, Alpineair

and Oxford Promotions Action Committee Inc. If wet in Oxford Town Hall www.oxfordnewzealand.co.nz

Lunch ~ 11:30am - 2:00pm Dinner ~ 5:00pm - 9:00pm

03 423 3587

76 Main Street, Oxford Waimakariri. Delivery available ( charges apply)

LUNCH SPECIAL* Any curry from Lunch Menu, Plain Basmati rice, Plain Naan *No Seafood

10 | the Oxford Observer the

LifeStyler

words and illustration by Cathy Dee

Buffalo Bill

Six years ago Bill Toomey says he saw bison in a paddock in Eyrewell and fell in love with them. He bought a pair, who were fairly small at the time, but quickly realised his fencing would need some reinforcing. Bison have no respect for fences and are so strong they can, if they want to, go through pretty much anything – “they can even jump a deer fence if they are scared enough”. He tells me that his lot have managed to escape a couple of times. The first time, they were discovered wandering aimlessly around the neighbour’s front lawn. “We were able to coax them back home and they were like ‘YAY, we didn’t actually know what

DECEMBER 2018 to do out there’”. The second time, the big bull bison took the gate off the hinges and was discovered strolling casually towards Rangiora. Fortunately, the police were able to herd him back. Having learned the hard way, Bill now has his gate hinges fortified so nothing can lift them off. Incredibly agile, despite their cumbersome appearance, Bill rearranged his lounge so that the family could sit and watch the herd at play. He has placed large logs, tyres and even a road cone (a favourite with the big bull) in the paddock, all of which they love to push around. That same bison has managed to demolish a builders’ shed, along with a set of yards and is often busy trying to push the (full) water tank about. “They even chase each other at full gallop sometimes” - hard to believe seeing the herd peacefully standing around snoozing in the heat today. Bison have extremely fast acceleration, approaching speeds of 64km

per hour – as fast as a horse. “This is something I always bear in mind. You have to realise they are still very much wild animals, and need to be treated with utmost respect as they can be extremely dangerous, whether trying to play with you or in seeing you as a threat, so if I have to go into the paddock for some reason, I never ever take my eye off them”. It’s not until you get up close to one of these magnificent animals that you realise just how enormous they are. Bill is very fond of his small herd but says that he is wanting to change direction so if anyone is interested in buying, he might be persuaded to part with them – but only if they are kept as a herd – “they are not going to be sold to game hunters” he said, having turned down an enquiry for just this. So, I have to ask; ‘any tips for prospective bison owners?’ “Fences, seriously strong fences and fortify all the gate hinges”.

FOR ALL YOUR GRASS SOLUTIONS BALAGE ~ HAY ~ SILAGE all bale sizes, tube & individual wrapped bales

new service

“mchale fusion combi baler wrapper” for fast efﬁcient individual round bales

FOR ANY ENQUIRIES CONTACT

operations manager - NIGEL 021 275 2432

managing director - STEVE 021 825 552

YARD 106 HAREWOOD ROAD OXFORD

Oxf o

ts sen

C h t u s i r c t h p a Pre B rd

Sunday 23rd December 11:00am - 12:30pm ~ Bring your family to experience all that a night in Bethlehem has to offer ~ A bustling marketplace ~ Wisemen ~ Shepherds ~ Centurions ~ Angels It will be an amazing interactive event for all ages. Lots of fun activities for families to be involved in Face painting ~ Balloon animals ~ Free lunch for everyone ~ Photo booth Please Register and get your Free tickets via the church website https://www.oxfordbaptist.org.nz/events

Oxford

Community Trust

End of year update with Manager Jo

“Bringing the community together...”

Ealam

As 2018 draws to a close I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the work the Trust has done in the last year. It has been another busy year working in the community with families and community groups. In May we held a Gym-a-Thon to raise money and awareness in the area of Family Violence. We were heartened by the response to this event from the Community and we are looking to make it an annual event. As always Suicide Prevention is a focus for the Trust and the wider community. We have been working with Wai Life Suicide Prevention Group to offer opportunities to get support and talk about the struggles that many people and their families face around mental health. We have enjoyed working alongside our Migrant community and in July we held a multicultural dinner which was a fantastic evening of food, entertainment and socialising, with 17 countries represented. The U-Drive Youth mentor progamme continues to prosper with 42 young people gaining their restricted licence. We are grateful for our volunteer mentors who give of their time to help the youth of the community.

YOUTH EVENTS

1st December Family Roller Disco at GP Hall 6pm -8pm $10.00each Food & Drinks available on the night 14th December Fishing trip to Quail Island 8 years old & Up $20.00 per person. Please book at the Trust or with Julia 021 995 942.

WAIMAK KIDS OSCAR HOLIDAY PROGRAMME 5~13 Years $28 per day 8:30am - 3:00pm WINZ subsidies available ~Friday 14th December ~ Fishing Trip to Quail Island Monday 17th - Friday 21st December

2019 Dates

21st - 25th & 28th - 29th January to book please contact Julia 03 312 3006 or 021 995 942 The Trust will be closed from Friday December 21st until Monday January 7th. White Ribbon Day for Family Violence was on November 19 for Oxford and the Trust once again took up the challenge of making 1700 biscuits to be distributed throughout North Canterbury High Schools, with discussion by the Police and local agencies around healthy relationships. The Trust is incredibly fortunate to have a wide range of volunteers giving of their time to support the work we do. This includes medical driving, reception work, holiday programme, youth work and family support. It would not be possible for myself, Julia and Emily to do the jobs we do without their tireless work and support. Thank you to you all. We work closely with many groups and agencies and businesses in the Waimakariri. The support we receive from local police, Oxford Area School and the Oxford Community Health Centre is invaluable and we appreciate all they do in the Community and the relationship we have with them. Of course the Trust could not operate without the financial input from our Funders. We would like to thank Rata Foundation, COGS, Lotteries, Waimakariri District Council, United Way, Southern Trust, Pub Charity, Oxford-Ohoka Community Board, Oxford and Districts Lions, Oxford Craft Market and Fresh Choice Oxford. As we head into the festive season, please take time to relax and enjoy time with friends and family. The I’ve Got your Back message is always at the forefront of everything we do. Being there for others can be as simple as calling for a chat, stopping by for a quick hello, or getting together for a catch up. th

Keep In Touch

Look Out For Each Other

That’s What Mates Are For

Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Christmas.

Jo Ealam Manager

~ Christmas gifts ~ The Trust will be collecting new, wrapped gifts for families. If you would like to donate a gift, please bring it in and put it under the Tree. Please mark on it what age it would be suitable for.

Thank you to our Fab ﬁve Funders....

• NZ Lottery Grant Board • The Rata Foundation • United Way • Waimakariri District Council • Community Organisation Grant Scheme

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.

Got a community activity that brings people together? Call the Oxford Community Trust to list your activity here...

(03) 312 3006 37 Main St, Oxford

9.00am - 3.00pm

Mon - Fri

the Oxford Observer | 13

oxfordobserver.co.nz

BE IN TO WIN AT

OXFORD

Win a Bar Fridge full of Goodies for Christmas All Shop and Food Purchases over $25* go in the Draw to win. *1 entry per purchase

Starts November 1st 2018 Winner to be drawn December 24th at 5pm

OXFORD 102 Main Street, Oxford - (03) 312 4509

THEBROKER.co.nz

The

ONE - STOP SHOP

Annie Smith Licensee Salesperson M 027 202 8155 E annie.smith@raywhite.com Licensed (REAA 2008)

Lorinda Harrington Registered Financial Advisor M 027 242 3211 E Lorinda@thebroker.co.nz THEBROKER.co.nz

for your Real Estate Needs.

Community Resource Standing in Your Corner

50 Main Street, Oxford T 03 424 1414

Free Service Specialising in 1st Home buyers

Something for Everyone this Christmas

Phone 312 4314

at Oxford Pharmacy

Great Speaker for the Boat too!

49B Main Street, Hours: Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm / Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm

14 | the Oxford Observer

Second hand

Style

with Kerri Booth

Who has a list as long as Santa Claus’ list, but instead of children’s names on it, there are things to do, purchase, take, cook, make, gift wrap and give that are on it? Ummm I do! If mine is this long then imagine Santa’s. I wonder if he sources his stocking gifts second hand? Imagine if he did. That would really help with re-use, re-cycle, re-gift, make the most of what we have policy. If anyone out there does know Santa then let him in on the secret. I’m sure Mrs Claus would absolutely love a new outfit that has been picked from sustainable shopping and had thought put into the purchase. Just a wee thought that I had. Along with Christmas comes summer which is my favourite time of the year. Colour comes back into clothing. There have been comments of the gorgeous colours on the racks at Polkadotcom lately as all the summer clothing is out. We seem to be happy to try bolder colours more in the summer than we do in the bleak of winter. So what is your summer Wardrobe looking like? Are you inspired and excited to wear what you have, or do you just feel a little bit lost? If you are feeling a little bit lost then come and talk to me. We can book in Wardrobe Consultation to work with what you have, or come into Polkadotcom and you can have a play with what is on the racks, and we can create a look from what Polkadotcom has. A few pieces that you can mix and match is less confusing and frustrating then 50 pieces that are random. The amount of time and head space that is saved when you have a seasonal wardrobe sorted is invaluable. Look at Santa! He has his Christmas outfit sorted. Doesn’t have to think about what boots go with that belt. It’s all done (mind you I do have a few ideas on how he could mix it up). He has it sorted for Christmas every year! I do hope you all have a fabulous festive season, and want to thank all of you who read about, visit often and shop always at Polkadotcom. Not only have you supported a local business but you have done your bit to making the best kind of beautiful that we have. Merry Christmas from Polkadotcom.

DECEMBER 2018

for Oxford Pioneers Christmas Food

Before the popularity of informal barbecues, Christmas food for Oxford pioneers was a more formal and traditional affair. Although more suited to the winters of their homelands, their festive food was reminiscent of their former lives in Europe. On 21 December 1889 the Oxford and Cust Observer published recipes which would have appealed to the many of its readers and encouraged in them a sense of nostalgia.

Superior stuffing for turkeys Half a pound each of finely shredded beef suet and of lightly grated bread crumbs, a spoonful of chopped parsley, a sprig or two of thyme, a little grated lemon rind, a finely chopped eschalot, one egg and a little milk. Mix all these well with the milk then pound it well in a mortar with a small piece of butter. Boiled turkey is to be cooked in a cloth to make it white and a fine oyster sauce made rich with butter, a little cream and a spoonful of soy is to be poured over the bird. A turkey cock is best for roasting, a ham for boiling.

To roast a turkey The sinews of the leg should be drawn which ever way it is dressed. The head should be twisted under the wing, taking care not to tear the liver nor to let the gall touch it. Put in a stuffing of sausage meat or use the recipe given above. A strip of paper should be put on the breast bone to prevent scorching. Baste well and froth it up. Serve with gravy in the dish and plenty of bread sauce in the sauce tureen.

Plum pudding

Take one pound each of flour, raisins, currants, beef suet and eggs, the grated peel of one large lemon and half a nutmeg, half an ounce of candied peel, half a pound of brown sugar, one glass of brandy and a teacupful of cream. Mix well and boil for seven hours. Before serving strew grated sugar loaf over it.

Sauce

Half a pint of white wine, three tablespoons or water, three or four tablespoons of pounded loaf sugar and one ounce of butter stirred till boiling hot and plain melted butter sweetened with sugar. Brown sugar and currant wine may be used instead of loaf sugar and brandy. Whilst some Christmas traditions have changed, others remain unchanged almost one hundred and thirty years later. It seems our tendency to over indulge during the festive season was as likely then as it is now. The following week after publishing the above recipes, the Oxford and Cust Observer printed the following advice: ~ Antidote for turkey poisoning ~ blue pill and black draught with three days fast. ~ Antidote for goose poisoning ~ very large dose of salts and senna with a bread and water diet. ~Plum pudding & plum cake poisoning ~ Epsom salts in large doses or emetics of mustard or ipecacuanha (a plant with emetic properties). (Oxford and Cust Observer 28 December 1889)

Oxford Village Motels Extended Family coming to Stay? 10% discount for locals

~ Only online at Oxfordmotels.co.nz ~ Use Promotional code Oxford10 ~ Terms and conditions apply

12 MODERN SPACIOUS GROUND FLOOR UNITS

~ Studio Units ~ 1 & 2 Bedroom Family Units ~ Executive Spa Units ~ 2 accessible units

v + 64 3 312 3111

www.oxfordmotels.co.nz

v bookings@oxfordmotels.co.nz

57 Main Street, Oxford New Zealand

the Oxford Observer | 15

oxfordobserver.co.nz

post + timber supplies

// Engineered to perform under all conditions Made with the best & toughest materials Lean-to, gable, american barn, or your own design Easy to read, engineer certified & council compliant shed plans Quality construction guaranteed South Island wide delivery

0800 887 474

www.heartlandsheds.co.nz

Special rates on bundle lots of posts & pack lots of timber

// For all your building supplies Timber Hardware Paints Fencing products Fixings & Fixtures Landscaping materials Site delivery

03 318 7474

Engineered to perform under all conditions

www.itmdarfield.co.nz

WASTE WATER SERVICING & SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

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

24 HOUR 7 DAY RESPONSE

0800 HYDROVAC 03 366 9187

CANTERBURY OWNED & OPERATED

www.hydrovac.co.nz

Principal / Tumuaki Update with Mike Hart Term 4 is flying by fast!Since the last newsletter, we have held our senior prize giving which is an event that highlights the successes of our students through their grit and determination. The successes of the students are born out of a partnership between our school, and their family’s commitment to education. During the prize giving, I alluded to the future of learning. Education is in the process of transformation as we move from the past into the future. We know the government have undertaken the Education Conversation where most of what we do is being reviewed and more excitingly reimagined. The more we discover about the future of work, the better prepared we are to educating our young people to be successful. Predicting the future is difficult. One story springs to mind. In an 1899 annual report of the Patents Office, the following sentence appeared - “Everything that can be invented has been invented”. In 1899! We can’t predict the future but we know the importance of people being adaptable, relational and creative. These are uncertain times and require great courage. As our students learn so too are we. From prizegiving, I would like to make a special mention of our school Dux Samara Wyllie and Proxime Accessit (runner-up to the Dux) Casey Riley. Both have shown what dedication and hard work can do. Congratulations to our sportsperson of the year Rebecca Jones for showing us what setting a goal and achieving it looks like. And finally to our 2019 student leadership team of Ellie Tizzard (head student), Rebecca Jones (head student), Kitty ten Hove (deputy head), Damon Galbraith (deputy head), Hayden Rowe and Amanda Kilgour. The remainder of the term is action-packed. Look out for the upcoming events such as our activity days on the 5th & 6th December, and on the 7th December we are holding a community hāngi from 12.30pm, Santa is visiting the junior school and the two junior prizegivings on the 11th December. This all culminates in the last day Thursday 13th December where we will finish at 12 pm (buses running at that time). Enjoy the rest of the term. Ngā mihi, Mike Hart ~ Principal / Tumuaki

Board of Trustees Update with Matt Riley (BOT Chairperson) Oxford Area School Senior Prize giving was a testament to the hard work put in by our Year 11-13 students who accomplished some amazing achievements and successes. The Board would once again like to congratulate all the students on some outstanding awards presented on this celebratory evening. We would also like to acknowledge all of our senior students who have set personal goals and have achieved successes during the year.In my welcome at the Prize giving evening I spoke about the importance of Togetherness. How together students grow, work and learn. How together our senior leadership team, teachers, staff, PTA, fellow board members, and families and businesses that sponsor, donate or give their time when required; all in some way are together helping our students achieve those personal goals, successes and achievements. And how together all of us, parents, caregivers, whaunu, staff, students, and our whole community; can together continue to ensure Oxford Area School be a great place for learning, where a top quality education can be obtained and enjoyment is had during this time. Mother Teresa once said- “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things”. Together as the Oxford community we can do great things for our school and our students! Oxford Area School students are very fortunate to have the chance be able to participate in many different learning opportunities. There are far too many to name but they include things within the school environment, excursions, camps, a wide range of sporting opportunities and even overseas trips.As a parent, board member and great believer in how great this school is, I am overwhelmed with pride and how our students from Oxford Area School can compete against much bigger schools and come out victorious. Huge congratulations to the Dragon Boating Team on their recent win, a well deserved result for your efforts. Together they worked as a team, set goals, trained hard, achieved targets and had fun while doing it. This is just one example of the many great things we are doing here at Oxford Area School. Together we can do a lot more! Ngā mihi, Matt Riley ~ Board of Trustees Chairperson

Start dates for Next Year *Tuesday 29th January 2019 ~ Course confirmation Year 11-13 (12.30pm ~ Year 11) (1.30pm ~ Year 12) (2.30pm Year 13) *Wednesday 30th January 2019 All Students (Year 1-13) 9am Start Mihi Whakatau (Welcome) 11.20am GP Hall Buses will run from Wednesday 30th January 2019

2019 Key Dates

Term 1, Wednesday 30th Jan to Friday 12th April Term 2 Monday 29th April to Friday 5th July Term 3 Monday 22nd July to Friday 27th September Term 4 Monday 14th October to Wednesday 11th December

52 Bay Road Oxford

03 312 4197

info@oxford.school.nz

Wairarapa War Camp memorial unveiled

Dragon Boating By Megan Lowen On Sunday the 11th of November the Mighty Oxford Dragons participated in the Aoraki Dragons Inaugural Dragon Boating School Challenge. It is no lie to say that this fine team 5 weeks ago did not even know what Dragon Boating was! Watching them grow and develop the skills required to enter the race was one thing, but to see them accomplish two firsts and a second in their heats; against strong developed teams such as St Margarets and Marion Red; leading them to win the Schools Challenge, was absolutely astounding. The determination and positivity in working hard to achieve precise timing and speed on the water paid off. Coach Mike Robinson commented “The grand final race was out of this world. As coaches there are aspects that we can’t teach teams. The admiration and respect Oxford had for the other teams; and the heart they had for themselves. In every aspect of the word the Mighty Oxford Dragons are a team. They have proved that, and shown the dragon boat community, we are here and be prepared to race hard. Well done OAS. You’ve done me proud as well as the school”. Thank you so much to the families and friends who supported us during the last 5 weeks, especially the huge turn out on race day. The fun, relaxed (and noisiest!) atmosphere was contagious. This team will now look at entering the up and coming season with the aim of South Island Championships in March. If other students are interested in joining us to form a 20 crew boat, please contact the manager of the team by emailing megan@oxford.school.nz.

Get ready for summer reading! OAS Library invites families who are returning to our School in 2019 to join our Summer Reading Programme. You can register as an individual or a family. It is free. Up to 10 books per person can be borrowed during the last week of this term. Permission slips will be available from Tuesday 27th Nov. To register simply return a slip, completed by an adult, giving an assurance that any lost or damaged books will be paid for upon return next term. Any students with current outstanding or overdue books will not be able to take books for summer unless these books are returned first. Return the completed slip to the Library and, once checked, you and your family can choose your summer reading and collect the books during the last week of term. When collecting the books please bring a strong recyclable bag.

Two of our students, Brandon & Harry Lee recently travelled to Featherston to be part of the opening of the memorial sculpture for the 100 year Armistice ending WW1 and Remembrance Sunday. The WW1 Memorial is at the Featherston Military Camp, which trained 60,0000 men for service in World War One. What an amazing experience

Oxford Area School are looking for suitable homes in the township or on the school bus route to place our incoming International Students.

• We require the home to be a safe and warm environment with a welcoming, kind, caring and active family - with or without children • There is an option to host students for short term up to two weeks or long term for the school year. We are particularly looking for 6mth or 1 yr horsestays for 2019/2020 and short stays 1 or 2 weeks for Feb 2019 • Students must have their own room with a place to study • Police vetting of hosts is mandatory • A generous weekly payment will be made • We may pay extra for home stays that have horses to ride • We do our best to match the students’ hobbies, interests and personalities to that of the host family. If you are interested or have any questions please contact: International Accommodation Coordinator and Administrator Lynley McDougall Ph 027 248 2177

www.facebook.com/oxfordarea

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

18 | the Oxford Observer

DECEMBER 2018 St Peter Chanel Catholic Parish Sacred Heart Church, Oxford

ENQUIRIES: Waimakariri Parish Ph: 03 313 6285

REGULAR SUNDAY MASS: 8.30am

Sunday Service & Children’s Church

10AM

166 High Street

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

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

ALL WELCOME | Call Josie 022 089 8331

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

YOUTH GROUP

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

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

UNION (METHODIST & PRESBYTERIAN)

• Sunday 16th ~ Service at 9:30am Salvation Army Service at 6:00pm

• TUESDAY 25th

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE at 9:00am • Sunday 30th ~ Service at 9:30am

ALL WELCOME

~ Wednesday 5th December ~ Christmas Singing and Play, ‘The Annunciation.’ 2pm at the Oxford Union Church. Afternoon Tea to follow. All Welcome UNION PARISH MINISTER: Rev. Laurence Ennor PH: 03 357 4475 (Home) or 027 233 4687 (Mob) PARISH CLERK: Anne Croft Ph: 03 312 5513

Marina Vermaat 64 High Street Oxford 7430

03 312 4731

027 311 1140

Physio Direct Rural Physio at YOUR doorstep

Physio Direct wishes you a Safe and Happy Festive Season.

For an appointment call

0800 55 55 123

BODY & SOUL, CLOTHING & CHRIST

1 Redwood Place, Oxford

Tuesdays at the Oxford Baptist Church, 10.15am - 12.30pm & 1.00pm - 3.00pm.

Angel Cats Boarding Cattery & Pet Supplies (ukmax on Trade Me)

OXFORD MUMS

Tuesdays at Oxford Baptist Church. 10.15am -12.30pm Tuesday Community Lunch. 12.30pm - 1.30pm Fresh Produce Weekly

dipl. NSF , CCNM/NZSE, RMT-MNZ

We are closed from Friday 21st December & Returning Monday 7th January

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

‘FOOD TOGETHER’ Fruit & Vege Co-op

021 024 19237

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

• Sunday 2nd ~ Communion Service 9:30am • Sunday 9th ~ Service at 9:30am

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

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

Eftpos & Oxipay repayment option available

All Services are at the Oxford Union Church 85 Main Street Oxford

Mondays 10am - Open Sessions for all ages

TWELVE BASKETS FOODBANK

Advanced Facials, Peels & Skin Treatments. Waxing, Eyelash & Brow Emphasis

SERVICES FOR DECEMBER 2018

MUSIC & MOVEMENT (0 TO 5YRS)

Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday(s) in the Church Lounge, 10am - 12 noon.

by Appointment only

03 312 4294

• Sunday 23rd ~ Service at 9:30am

ICONZ ADVENTURE FOR BOYS & GIRLS

Debbie Hawkins

www.theoxfordhouseofbeauty.com

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

Phone 03 312 4499

The Oxford House of Beauty

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

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

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

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

www.oxfordobserver.co.nz

Moana, Lake Brunner Ph: 03 738 0158

the Oxford Observer | 19

oxfordobserver.co.nz

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

Directory

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

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

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

Meets every 1st & 3rd Tuesday 10am-3pm at the Cust Community Centre. All welcome.

Raptor rehabilitation specialists at 77 Sales Road , Oxford

CUST BOWLING CLUB

CUST CRAFT GROUP

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 9.3010.30am at Cust Community Centre.

DARFIELD LINE DANCERS

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

ISRAELI FOLK DANCING

Every Thursday in Oxford. Easy, enjoyable, suits all levels of fitness. Enquiries to Colleen, ph: 03 928 3733 or 027 428 5824

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.

OXFORD BIRD RESCUE ph: 021 292 7861

OXFORD COMMUNITY GARDENS

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

OXFORD COMMUNITY MEN’S SHED

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 CRAFT MARKET

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

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 GARDEN CLUB Christmas Outing December 11th 6pm Bring a plate & gift under $5 Meet at Town Hall

OXFORD LINE DANCING

4:30pm - at the Oxford Club. Every Thursday at 160 high street. No Partner needed! Great Exercise, good Music, Excellent company. Other classes Tuesday & Thursday. Come and enjoy the Fun! Enquiries contact Vicky 027 388 8929 or gvhamilton@gmail.com

OXFORD MUSEUM

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

OXFORD SENIOR CITIZENS

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

OXFORD SPINNING GROUP

Meets 10am-2pm alternate Wednesdays and one Monday/month. Social woolcrafting group, beginners welcome, ph: 312 3345

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 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 7.30pm 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.

20 | the Oxford Observer

DECEMBER 2018

Toot For Tucker - Our Story by Bev Wright

Following the earthquakes in 2011 it soon became apparent that the food stocks that were held in Waimakariri for our needy folk were severely depleted as there was a greater need in Christchurch. I heard about this and so with the permission of my manager here at Property Brokers we organized a charity food drive around the streets of Rangiora in the first week of December.Little did we know that 8 years on we would be organizing a District Wide collection and that some 250 – 300 people would be out and about collecting from all over the Districts townships on the first Tuesday of December. The food is distributed to your local community and is needed not just by those who receive Government assistance but also by families who are often working more than 2 jobs and struggle to cope when an unexpected bill for dental work or camp costs or the car requires work before it can get a warrant comes about. For those on a limited income that often comes at the cost of food on the table and so that is where the Oxford Community Trust step up to help.Please know that your donation will be so much appreciated and often by members of your own community so, on their behalf of those recipients - I say thank you – Thank you very much. Toot for Tucker is on Tuesday December 4th, bags will be delivered to letterboxes. If yours doesn’t get collected it can be dropped at the Oxford Community Trust, 37 Main Street, Oxford.

Senior Chef Classes in Oxford! We are often told that the younger generation don’t know how to cook. It is not just the younger generation however, who lack the skills or motivation to cook for themselves; in fact research shows that as we age, we become less likely to prepare our own meals. So why is cooking for ourselves so important? We know that life expectancy is increasing but have you heard of “health expectancy?” This factors in life “quality” as well as quantity, in other words, how many years of life expectancy are spent in good health. A huge component of good health is how well we eat and the best way to eat well is to cook for ourselves. If you struggle with cooking or you have lost motivation to cook, have you considered taking a cooking class? If yes, then Senior Chef, organised by Pegasus Health, could be the answer. Senior Chef consists of 8 x three hour sessions. The free classes cover nutrition topics such as eating for healthy ageing, menu planning, budgeting and more. You also get to cook a meal and sit down together to enjoy it. The social aspect as much as the cooking skills are what graduates report enjoying the most! All recipes are provided in your free cookbook including the following delicious soup recipe, a popular choice from the course. Curried Kumara Soup 4 serves Ingredients: 1 teaspoon of oil, 2 medium onions; peeled and chopped. 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon curry powder. 2 medium orange kumara; peeled and chopped 4 cups chicken stock, 2/ 3 cup evaporated milk Method: 1.Heat oil in a large saucepan. 2.Add the onion and stir over medium heat until onion softens. 3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. 4. Add the curry powder and cook for a further 1-2 minutes while stirring. 5.Add kumara and chicken stock and simmer for 10 minutes or until the kumara is soft. 6.Puree the mixture, add the evaporated milk and heat through without bringing to the boil.

Enrol: Senior Chef is being held in Oxford starting early February (Dates, time and venue to be confirmed). If you are; • 6o + • Live alone or with one other person • Find you are struggling to cook or have lost motivation to cook Please contact us on 374 1639 for a chat to see if Senior Chef is right for you. You must be enrolled to attend a course.

Need a Pre-school ?

Oxford Early Learning Centre Monday to Friday 8.30am - 3.30pm

Nursery for 6 months onwards Interactive area for 2-3 year olds School readiness classroom for 4-6 year olds Great teacher/child ratios with passionate staff Community focused team supporting our families/whanau for over 29 years

166 High Street | Ph: 03 312 4757 (Behind Baptist Church)

oxfordearlylearning@xtra.co.nz

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

Gentle bodywork for any age and any condition. Nutritional tonics and stress management can be used to aid the healing process. Ring your professional practitioner, Johanna Lettink on 312 1316.

BETTER BOOKKEEPING

I’ll take care of your bookkeeping, so you can focus on your business. Phone Tara 027 370 2885

CHIMNEY SWEEP

Fast, Friendly Service *$70 single Story* 021 0277 1927 or 0800SWEEPME Travel rates may apply if outside local area.

FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL Burgers, Fries, and Beer $20. Lots of choices. Dine in or takeaway. Breakfast and lunch available Tuesday to Sunday at Route 72, Cust. Ph: 312 5595 or visit: www.route72.co.nz.

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.

ELMWOOD AG Oversowing, Direct & Cultivation Drilling Operating 5.5m Disc Drill GPS • Auto Steer • Seed & Fert 125mm Row Spacing Phone: Bill 027 485 8012 Email: oxfarm@hotmail.co.nz

Ringwood Village Unit for Sale The Ringwood Retirement Village, situated at the Corner of Park Avenue and Main Street in Oxford, has a single bedroom unit with an Occupation Right Agreement available for purchase (there is no garage available with this unit). The sale price is $165,000.00 This is a very sunny, north facing unit, with a modern kitchen and bathroom, the lounge receives all day sun and a view of the hills and is situated within walking distance of all amenities. For expressions of interest please contact either Kevin Felstead on 0274394603 or Colin Bush on 0274338215

North Loburn

Horse Float & Trailer Repairs & Maintenance

Grooming, WOF Repairs, Painting, Accessories, Welding & Rust Removal

PH: 022 631 4718

GREAT PEOPLE + GREAT PEOPLE GREAT PEOPLE ++ GREAT PEOPLE + GREAT PEOPLE SKILLS =+= GREAT GREAT SKILLS = GREAT SKILLS= GREAT SKILLS RESULTS! GREAT SKILLS = RESULTS! GREAT RESULTS! GREAT RESULTS! Earthworks Earthworks –– for for Commercial Commercial -GREAT RESULTS! Earthworksand for Commercial Residential lifestyle blocks Earthworks – –for Commercial - -

Residential blocks Earthworks and –and forlifestyle Commercial Residential lifestyle blocks Residential and lifestyle blocks

Residential and lifestyle blocks

✓ Driveways ✓ Site Preparation Preparation ✓ Driveways ✓ Site Entranceways Retaining Walls ✓ ✓ Site Driveways Preparation ✓ ✓ Entranceways Retaining Walls ✓ ✓ Driveways Site Preparation ✓ ✓ Driveways Site Preparation Asphalting Kerb & Channelling ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Entranceways Retaining Walls ✓ ✓ Asphalting Kerb & Channelling ✓ ✓ Entranceways Retaining Walls ✓ Retaining Walls ✓ ✓ ✓✓ Sewer Soak ✓ Entranceways Asphalting Kerb &Pits Channelling ✓ ✓ ✓ Kerb Sewer Soak Pits ✓ Asphalting Kerb & Channelling Asphalting & Channelling ✓ ✓ ✓✓ Sewer Soak everything from Farm Pits Tracks & Effluent ✓And everything from Farm Tracks & Effluent ✓ Sewer Soak Pits ✓ Sewer Soak Pits Finishes. ✓And Ponds to Construction & Interior And everything from Farm Tracks Effluent Ponds to Construction & Interior & Finishes. And everything Tracks &Finishes. Effluent 450 & 600from PostFarm Hole Augers And everything from Farm Tracks & Effluent Ponds to Construction & Interior Ponds & Interior Finishes. PondstotoConstruction Construction & Interior Finishes.

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

Email : info@bayphil.co.nz

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas & best wishes for the New Year! It’s business as usual for us over the Christmas and New Year period. Phone us for a chat about how we can help you achieve your property goals – whether buying or selling!

Your local team advantage!

Linda Warren Davey & Jessica Murphy 313 6158 | 027 3000 145 | 027 948 3000 linda.warren-davey@harcourts.co.nz teamlifestylelivingwithlinda.co.nz Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd | Licensed Agent REAA 2008

horseﬂoatandtrailerrepairs@gmail.com

Four Seasons Realty

1734627

22 | the Oxford Observer

A Most Useful Crocus

words & photos by Cathy Dee It was six years ago that a life altering stroke suffered by Jude Slater left her and her husband Geoff looking for a new way of life. After doing some intensive research on ways to make a lifestyle on 10 acres, Geoff discovered saffron. Saffron, a spice made from the stigmas of the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the “saffron crocus”, has a multitude of health benefits. There is ongoing research in Mexico into its cancer fighting properties, and in Japan it is encapsulated and used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, memory loss and inflammation. It is added to food to give a subtle flavour and aroma and as a dye, it was once used to produce saffron-yellow shoes worn by Persian kings.

DECEMBER 2018

GROW YOUR OWN

5 $2.7

SAFFRON Canterbury Saffron Ltd

From the end of November to December Saﬀron corms will be available for sale.

h eac GST des

Inclu s freight Plu

Very easy to grow at home in raised beds or put straight into the ground

Ph: 027 2248169 www.canterburysaffron.co.nz Email : office@canterburysaffron.co.nz Weight for weight, saffron is more valuable than gold, making it easily the world’s most expensive spice, due in large part to the huge amount of work involved in its production; with only 3 stigmas per flower a kilogram of flowers might yield just 12g of saffron. Jude has been experimenting with the food possibilities, even making variations of a saffron gelato which they say is delicious. Saffron infused feta cheese is on their list of things to make. Geoff says they bought their property based on it being the perfect place for cultivation with free draining soil and hot summers. Frosts are no problem for this hardy little plant.

He says they currently sell their saffron to a broker in Australia but he sells the saffron corms for anyone wanting to try growing some. The corms multiply rapidly each year, having bought 6,000 corms in their first year, they now have around 30,000 after just two years. Geoff is also experimenting with a couple of other crops – Kumara and Myoga (Japanese) Ginger. The flower buds and shoots are sought after for use in Asian cooking. PICTURE of Geoff with his elderly dog Crib who is clearly most unimpressed with the corms

I would like to say a VERY BIG THANK YOU to the people of Oxford and surrounds who have supported my business for the past eight years, it is very much appreciated. And also another BIG THANK YOU to Bernard, Moya, Diane, Ivan, Michelle, Janet, Tony, Maxine and Agnes for helping to pack up and to my Husband Ian. After almost six months my new shop is nearly ready and I hope to be open for business mid-November at Shop 3, Conway Lane, in Rangiora. Looking forward to seeing you all in the future. I would also like to wish all past & present clients a very Merry Christmas & Happy and prosperous New Year On behalf of Ian and myself Sincerely

Janet Dale

VILLAGE GREEN ANTIQUES AND GIFTWARE Follow Village Green on Face Book and at www.villagegreenantiques

Our Local History From the Archives

Christmas Day at Oxford 1897

The Clerk of the weather was kind. True it was a little too hot to suit some constitutions, obese and temperate living folks in particular, but the old identities prefer the heat to the cold and so were well content. Kind greetings were heard and old friends met and exchanged the compliments of the season and compared memories and pleasures of the past. The holiday was spent in various ways in accordance with individual tastes, some preferring to spend it at home in the old family circle style, and others visiting some shady forest nook to spend the day in feast and merry gossip and to sport with the children and hear the rocks echo with their merry laughter. The Ashley Gorge Reserve was well patronised on Christmas day, and all admired the silvery stream and bowery shades of that romantic spot. A real good old Xmas ghost tale, nicely related in the way that our grandmothers used to do it, would be very impressive on a still warm evening amid such surroundings as the Ashley Gorge presents. We recommend all our friends who prefer a good family outing to spend it at the Ashley Gorge. The distance is only seven miles from Oxford and the road, although capable of improvement, is fairly good. (Oxford and Cust Observer 2 January 1897)

A Trip to the Ashley Gorge

School Picnic, December 1891

It was a bright and sunny day, Books and slates were put away, We all went for a holiday, Up to the Ashley Gorge. We rattled along the stony road, And were indeed a merry load, And then it was the usual mode, To sing songs all the way. When down the terrace the dray did go,For fear of rolling out you know, I think most all jumped out to go, Walking pace down the steep. Walking pace, did I say; Well really I meant the other way, For we arrived before the dray,Which slowly came behind. Up the hillside we did climb. Where konini trees grow sublime, And here we spent a merry time,Eating berries ripe. When we had climbed the topmost hill, All for a moment stood quite still, And looked upon the little rill, which trickled down below.And now we reckon up our gains, and are well rewarded for our pains With the lovely view across the plains, and the music of the birds. Starvation Hills in the distance lie, the Ashleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s course we could descry, All seeming as if to ally, to make our pleasure sweet. And now upon the grass we lie, And feast awhile on apple pie, And other dainties which, oh my! At school treats always are. After that we (one and all)did climb to see a waterfall; The ferns were growing great and small, As clambering up we go. The fall was thirty feet in height, if I can but remember right, It truly was a lovely sight, to be remembered long. When tired of climbs and tired of play, we rest again once more that day; Then home again our picnic gay, Did jog along once more. Now all who like good picnics merry, In summer come to Canterbury;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find some sights are lovely, up at the Ashley Gorge. E M P Woodfield aged 13 years and 11 months 29 August 1892 Star

OXFORD CLUB Open Day 2018 A great day out was had by all showcasing what the Oxford Club has to Offer

YOUR SOCIAL HUB

The Oxford Club - Your Social Hub 160 High Street Oxford | Phone 312 4411 | www.oxfordclub.co.nz

24 | the Oxford Observer

DECEMBER 2018

WAYNE’S CLEANING SERVICES

We Strive To Be The Best ~ Canterbury Owned & Operated •Domestic & Commercial Weekly Cleaning •Builder’s Cleans •Rental & Moving House Cleans •Walls, Ceilings and Ovens •Domestic & Commercial Windows Ph: Wayne 021 0227 0006 Email: waynescleaningservices@xtra.co.nz

WEED SPRAYING

Godfrey Pest Management Limited

BEREAVED FAMILIES ARE BEING ‘RIPPED OFF’ Bereaved families are being charged ‘rip-off’ rates for probate applications or applications for letters of administration, according to an Oxford lawyer. Cheryl Simes (Kiwilaw) has been told of lawyers (outside Canterbury) who quote $1500, $2000, or ‘a minimum of $3000’ for probate or letters of administration for a loved one who has died. ‘This is routine legal work. It does not involve discretionary decisions or complex legal advice. It requires no knowledge of the family dynamics or complexity of the estate. In most cases it should be straight forward. It is distinct from the rest of the estate-administration work.’

Cheryl’s practice, Kiwilaw, will prepare the same probate documents for $400. Letters of administration can be slightly more. Online enquiry forms are on Kiwilaw’s website.

Registered Chemical Applicator R1550

Contact WAYNE GODFREY P: 027 232 6791 E: wayne@godfrey.net.nz

•

2171 Clintons Road www.theoaksofdarﬁeld.co.nz

Schnurrbart

esign

logos business cards flyers brochures posters magazine layout menu cards certificates press ads signage

for all your design requirements OXFORD

SHUTTLE SERVICE

& AIRPORT TRANSFERS

FARM PLANTING PROJECTS • Shed and laneway plantings • Shelter belts • Workers cottages

• Water ways & • Revegetation plantings

PLANT SUPPLY FROM $2.55 plus GST PER PLANT, THAT MEANS $2.85 plus GST PER SQUARE METRE RIGHT PLANTS

RIGHT PLACE

RIGHT PRICE

Call Dave Sligh on 03 318 0081 or 027 228 8867 Email: hamptonsligh@xtra.co.nz

“Canterbury Plains and High Country Farm Plantings a Speciality...”

Phone: 312 1360

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

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

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

“cheaper than taking your own car”

the Oxford Observer | 25

oxfordobserver.co.nz Art Gallery Exhibitions Gift Shop Workshop

Oxford Butchery

Farm Fresh Flavour Fresh to your Plate

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

Oxford Butchery Ltd 4th Generation Family Butchers

44 Main Street - Oxford

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

Arts in Oxford Gallery News Summer Show #4

The team at Arts in Oxford wish you all a bountiful festive season with great art! Summer Show #4 presents a choice selection of original works for your enjoyment.

Summer Show #4

Exhibition from 15 December 2018 - 20 January 2019

te Power ConcALLreCONCRETE AND CONSTRUCTION WORK DARYL POWER 027 230 9401 concretepower@scorch.co.nz . Driveways, Patios & Paths . Bridges & Culverts . Floors and Foundations . Sheds & Buildings . Dairy Sheds,Herd homes . Silage pits & efﬂuent ponds . Retaining walls & landscaping . Swimming pools & ponds . Excavation and cartage . Precast concrete . Insulated panels . Placing & ﬁnishing Fresh, real milk direct to you at the farm dispenser

The Catch, Edition 3/12, an etching by Ruth Stanton McLeod

Do you like meeting visitors, or are interested in the arts or working collectively? Can you spare 3 hours per week, per fortnight, or per month? If Yes, our non-profit art gallery needs more helpers and would love to hear from you.

Gallery is closed for refurbishment 11-13 December. Open December & January as usual except public holidays

Job Vacancy Part time Administrator required. Up to 20 hours paid per month. Contact the Gallery for job description. Interviews in new year. Browse our Gift Shop featuring quality New Zealand artworks including ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, paintings and prints.

OPEN 7 DAYS 7am - 9pm 56 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford 2km off the Main Street

Phone 027 630 2230

Real milk. For a naturally better life. www.facebook.com/CavanFarmFreshMilk

Sales Consultant M 027 848 8020 P 03 313 8022 di@pb.co.nz

Adding “Wow” Factor BeforeHomes? You Sell Why Open

If you’re considering putting your house on the market soon, you’ll want to get the best price possible. To do this, you need to present it to the public looking its very best. AIt'ssmall investment big a common question. It’supfront your homecan so it’spay perfectly dividends the form a much higher sale reasonable to in have privacy and of security concerns. price. To start, inspect your home with the critical Before I discuss the marketing strategy behind open homes, let eye of a potential buyer. me reassure you: there are thousands of open homes all Complete any outstanding maintenance, clear around New Zealand every week; problems are extremely rare. away clutter and rubbish and make your home look welcoming and appealing. Open home visitors are welcomed on arrival, asked to sign the Then consider simple and cost-effective ways visitor’s book and must exit through the same door they came to increase its value. in. If you have items of particular concern e.g. artwork or For a place few these hundred a home professional antiques, in storagedollars, prior to your going on house wash will remove moss, lichen, road the market. It’s common sense to remove jewellery, keys and other valuables. grime and cobwebs. While you’re at it, have your fence, paths and driveway water blasted and your roof and gutNow, the strategy. To achieve the best price, we need to ters cleaned. attract as many buyers as possible to encourage competition. As well asdecks the highlyand motivated, active buyers, Timber concrete patiosopen willhomes benefit attract an passive buyers i.e. neighbours or people not serious from application of outdoor cleaning prodaboutto buying but who,moss, on impulse, stop by and and may fall in loveso uct remove mould mildew with what turns out to be their dream home, the perfect they’re safe and attractive. investment or ideal accommodation for a family member. Groom your garden by trimming overgrown foliage. Remove weeds and mow the lawn. Passive buyersconsider only have one home inpaving mind—yours. They will You might laying stones and compete passionately and often stretch price boundaries erecting a trellis wall to make a nice barbecue higher than active buyers (who often have backup options) in area. order to achieve their dream. A new layer of garden mulch and little potted colour always looks and smells fresh. Multiple interested parties at an open home also fuels To jazz up the inside, test pots are a cheap momentum. FOMO (the fear of missing out) motivates people and easy way to tidy up paint chips on walls to act quickly. So yes, open homes are necessary. They are an and joinery. important strategy to achieve the best result. If your carpets are stained and dirty, have them steam cleaned or replaced. The same Want to hear other marketing strategies to help you achieve goes for your curtains – have them profestop dollar? Please call me anytime. I’d be delighted to help with sionally cleaned ororinstall newof ones. free, no obligation advice an estimate how much your home is details worth. Small like broken light fittings, switches, taps and door handles can be a big turnoff; get them fixed. And if you don’t already have a dishwasher or range hood, installing these must-have appliances adds value too. . Ready to sell now, or in a few months’ time? If you’d like free, expert advice on how to prepare your home for sale, please give me a call.

Are They Necessary?

Proven Sales Ability, Local Knowledge, Great Results

I’d be delighted to help.

Celebrating 5 Years operating October 2018

Self Service

Di Moreira

Spoondants (recycled decorated spoon pendants) by Paula Thompson, $68 each including chain

Arts in Oxford

Art Gallery Exhibitions Gift Shop Workshop A non-profit Charitable Trust run by volunteers Supported by: Rata Foundation and Waimakariri District Council

72 Main St, Oxford 03 312 1639 https://artsinoxford.com

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

Hastings McLeod Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

26 | the Oxford Observer

YES, IN OXFORD 100’s of products for the

DECEMBER 2018

In Touch With Matt Doocey MP for Waimakariri

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

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

Ph: 03 312 4521

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

www.womersleys.co.nz

HORSE RIDING

• Lessons and trekking

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

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

Arts in Oxford PART TIME ADMINISTRATOR REQUIRED. Up to 20 hours paid per month. Interviews in the New Year. Email Arts in Oxford for a job description artsinoxfordgallery@gmail.com CAN YOU VOLUNTEER 3 HRS? Contact us ☺

WANTED

Spoiled Balage For composting

I received an impressive range of applications from young people around the electorate to be my Youth MP and it was difficult to pick only one to represent the Waimakariri at Youth Parliament next year. Oxford Area School student Ellie Tizzard convinced me she has what it takes with her mature outlook and great ideas around connecting with our young people. Well done, Ellie, and I look forward to working alongside you as we canvas the views of our young people. I was thrilled to hear Ellie has been elected head student next year when the announcement was made at Oxford School’s prizegiving. I’ve been enjoying attending prizegivings around the electorate and acknowledging the hard work of our students and teachers, and I’m sure parents are also relieved to be at the end of another busy school year.

Over November, I joined men around the country in raising awareness for men’s health by taking part in the Movember movement. While this is a fun way to create awareness, the underlying message that we need to make a difference for men’s health, in areas such as prostate and testicular cancer, and mental-health and suicide prevention, is very serious and it’s a good opportunity to raise money for this cause. Men are too frequently reluctant to see their GP and health is one area where a “she’ll be right” approach is not the right one. A reminder that my monthly Oxford community constituent clinic has moved to the Oxford Service Centre at 34 Main Street. It is still on the last Friday of the month. Please ring my offices to make an appointment and just feel free to drop in as well. From my family to yours, I wish you a wonderful holiday season and a new year of good health and wellbeing!

John Burton

021 023 92370 or 03 312 1623

With Tracie Miller

Feel THE BURN

The Christmas season is nearly upon us and with that comes the usual round of parties and overindulgence. If the idea of all those rich meals and the accompanying glasses of wine sends you reaching for your antacids, then you may need some help with your heartburn. Heartburn occurs when acids and other fluids that digest food leak up from the stomach into the oesophagus. So what causes heartburn? Well, some foods and drinks can stimulate acid production and/or relax the muscle that stops your stomach contents from moving upwards. These include spicy foods, fatty foods, alcohol, tomatoes, citrus fruits, caffeinated beverages, chocolate and carbonated beverages. What can you do to help relieve heartburn? If you only get mild heartburn infrequently, taking antacids helps relieve the pain and discomfort. If you think you are taking too many antacids too often then talk to your community pharmacist. Making changes to your lifestyle can also help. Avoid lying down or bending after eating. Steer clear of triggers like spicy or fatty foods, alcohol and chewing gum.Try not to overeat. Eat slowly. Avoid tight clothing, like tight belts. Don’t exercise on a full stomach. Go to bed with an empty stomach and raise the head of the bed by 10-15cm.Get enough rest and avoid physical and emotional stress. With most people heartburn is simply just acid reflux. But do consult your doctor if you have the following symptoms: Difficulty or pain when swallowing. Unexplained weight loss. Black bowel motions. Vomiting blood or dark granules. Symptoms associated with shortness of breath, sweating, chest, back or arm pain.

Funded by Parlimentary Services and authorised by Matt Doocey, Level 1 Conway Lane, Rangiora

Matt Doocey

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

49B Main Street | Phone 312 4314

HOURS Monday - Friday

8.30am - 5.30pm

Looking for any quantities

Please contact

Keeping Healthy

Saturday

9.30am - 12.30pm Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Matt Doocey, 156B Williams St, Kaiapoi.

the Oxford Observer | 27

oxfordobserver.co.nz

Emergency Services Police Report

with Aaron Campbell

OXFORD POLICE CONSTABLE

hugely reduces the risk of becoming a victim. On the same note, please be mindful of how much you share on social media and ensure your security settings are tight if you intend to share holiday photos. Offenders use what is publicly posted to work out where they are going to offend. Given this is the final release for the year I want to wish the entire Oxford community and the surrounding areas who receive this publication a very safe and merry Christmas. Be careful on the roads and plan your trips allowing for sufficient rest periods. If you intend to have any amount of alcohol, ensure you have a sober driver to take you home. We want you all here with us in 2019. I want to thank all the volunteers and partner agencies that have offered us, Oxford Police staff, assistance over the last year. I don’t have room to mention them all but would like to specifically mention and thank the volunteers who crew our St Johns ambulance, the Prime Response staff and the Oxford and Cust volunteer Fire Emergency New Zealand crews. All the members of the above agencies are often out on the roads responding to incidents both with and without us on top of their normal daily commitments. Thank you also to the Oxford Community Trust staff and all their volunteers – again, always available to help someone in crisis and support police in making the Oxford Community a safe place.

It’s been an enjoyable month for me re-grounding myself and getting back into work within the community. As nice as it was having a holiday and being over in USA, it made me appreciate how lucky we are here in New Zealand. I came to realise how fortunate we are with the level of support we can access in times of need, something that didn’t seem available to those in need in the States. The overt level of poverty and homelessness on mainland USA was a huge eye opener for my family and me. Over the last month we have received a number of reports relating to shoplifting and commercial burglary, plus a rural residential burglary where a significant value of items was stolen including battery packs and inverters for solar panels. We have identified a number of offenders for the shoplifting incidents and are following strong lines of enquiry for other matters currently being investigated. If you have any information in relation to stolen property or crimes that have happened in our area please get in contact with us locally or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111. If you’re planning a Christmas holiday please ensure you arrange with someone to keep an eye on your property while you’re away. Have them clear your letter box and if possible, make the place look as if it’s lived in rather than sitting vacant. Each year we receive reports from holiday makers reporting their properties burgled whilst they were away on holiday. Having someone keep an eye on your property, or even better, house sit at your property

Have a Merry Christmas and a Safe New Year.

Aaron, Mitchel and Damian ~ Oxford Police members for 2018

Fire Service Report with Trevor Ealam OXFORD CHIEF FIRE OFFICER

The Brigade was called twice in October. One call was to a fatal farm accident and the other was to a chimney fire, which brings our total calls for the year to forty. This months message is; Fire is fast get out and stay out. Have no doubt of two ways out. A house fire can kill you in less than five minutes.

Trevor Ealam ~ Oxford Chief Fire Officer

DIAL 111 FOR POLICE - FIRE - AMBULANCE

~ November Key Messages ~

KEY MESSAGES

Oxford and Surrounding Area Health Services Development Group (OSHSDG).

The business case for the Telehealth equipment is underway. The first step is to get the cabling into the Hospital and Heath Centre. We are hoping to start using it in mid-2019. An implementation plan for the proposals has been developed and submitted for approval. The Model of Care has been updated to reflect the feedback from the local health providers and the community, and will be presented to the CCN Alliance Leadership Team in November, and the CDHB Board in early 2019. The Oxford and Surrounding Areas health Service Development Group would like to extend our thanks to members of the Oxford and surrounding area community for their feedback and enthusiastic support for the review and the new model of care.

The Oxford and Surrounding Area Health Services Development Group (OSHSDG) provides oversight to health service improvement and sustainability initiatives in Oxford and its surrounding region. The group has the mandate to review current service activities for Oxford and surrounding population, with the intention of identifying areas and recommending where improvements can be made in the appropriate use of resources, improved patient outcomes, and/or service levels.

28 | TRADES

DECEMBER 2018

Schnurrbart

Building Services

Brian Norton

250 Business cards Design and Print

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

$99 plus GST

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

Bruce at Schnurrbart Design on 027 773 3324

Decorating

RON EALAM BUILDER for all your Building

Darren Webb Painters Ltd

requirements

QUALIFIED PAINTER & DECORATOR

* Water Blasting * Stripping Weatherboards Wooden Doors & Windows * Jib Fixing & Plastering * Modiﬁed Plastering * FREE Scaﬀolding *Wallpapering & Tiling

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

Experienced Builder

027 242 4907

Phone 027 265 0349

Weʻll paint it any colour you like !

darren.webb@xtra.co.nz

www.darrenwebbpainters.co.nz

Plumbing DESIGN-CREATE-LIVE Local builders available for a wide variety of building projects, ranging from new builds & renovations to repairs & recladding.

For more information or advice about your next project, or for a no obligation quote get in touch with Sam on 021 158 3741

www.johnstonbuilders.co.nz FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS

sam@johnstonbuilders.co.nz

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

Tenancy Inspections

RURAL TENANCY INSPECTIONS

Call Rebecca on 027 313 2270 Email: rtil@xtra.co.nz

www.rtil.co.nz

Offering initial, routine & ﬁnal inspections on tenanted houses, taking the hassle out for you!

Fast, Friendly Service, All Work Guaranteed

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

www.4everplumbing.co.nz

GN Plumbing and Drainage Ltd

•

IDEAL FOR FARM ACCOMMODATION

Liquid Waste Removal F O R A L L YO U R L I Q U I D WA S T E R E M O VA L REQUIREMENTS

Ph: 03 312 4476 Mob: 027 4969 256 Septic Tanks, Grease Traps, Dairy Sumps, Blocked Drains Maintenance Reports Email: speechly@xtra.co.nz

Canvas Specialists

High Country Canvas Specialists in Canvas Manufacturing

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

TRADES | 29

oxfordobserver.co.nz

Mowing & Lawncare

Computer Services

Come and talk to the real experts

• Sales, servicing and repair of all major brands of computers • • Networking, etc. for home, farm and business • • Drop into our workshop or call us for a home/site visit • We won’t bafﬂe you with science, just plain simple honest advice 216 High Street, Rangiora

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

Email: rangiora@ipc.co.nz

Ph: 03 313 4567

www.ipc.co.nz

Glazier

Shelley’s Glass and Glazing One stop shop for your home and property maintenance.

Al - Mows starts giving you your life back. Don’t know where to start or how to do it?

Gardens & Lawns doing their own thing - not your thing?

Property and / or House Maintenance falling behind?

No time for life on a lifestyle block?

CALL IN THE EXPERT

Got a Broken Glass window ?

Insurance work . Pet Doors . Mirrors . Retro ﬁts Single / Double Glazing . Glass Showers . Fire Glass

Call your local Glazier Mark 03 312 3253 or 027 242 6368

35 years in the Glass Industry Operating in Oxford, Darfield, Rolleston, West Melton & surrounding areas

the Oxford Observer 0800 627 378 37

No job too big or small - Regular maintenance or one off work.

Call Al Today!

0212 499 495 |

www.oxfordobserver.co.nz

al@almows.co.nz

Electrical Services

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

Schnurrbart Design & Publishing Limited

Graham & Kim Ph: 03 312 4788

2016 LTD

Rubbish Collection Services

4trash@xtra.co.nz

www.4trash.co.nz

30 | TRADES

DECEMBER 2018

Hedge & Shelterbelt Trimming

Companion Services

WE OFFER:

Call me today to discuss all your hedge & tree trimming needs...

Nick McDonald

Ph: 027 206 1149 or 3125 313

• Shelterbelt & Hedge Tree Trimming • Large Farms, Orchards, & Lifestyle Blocks • Locally Owned & Operated • Servicing North Canterbury • Full Insurance Cover • Comprehensive Health & Safety Systems • Power Line Clearance Operator

Fencing

Roofing

K&N Rooﬁng Roof Repairs Water Blasting & Moss Treatment Roof Painting Gutter Cleaning & Replacement Repointing 027 516 6609 Free Quotes Difﬁcult trees a Speciality Full commercial Insurance 10+ years Experience Kandnroofing@hotmail.com Over 35 Years experience

Arborist

Difﬁcult trees a Specialty Full commercial Insurance Over 35 Years experience

Felling . Pruning . Topping . Shaping . Milling For free quotes and prompt service, call us today

Brian Clark 027 616 0192 lumberjackarboristservices@gmail.com

Property Services

Farm & Lifestyle Block Fencing Post & Rail - Postdriving - Stock Yards - Dairy Conversions

Tidy Fast and Reliable Service

Your Solution to Blocked Gutters.

Before

Our Gutter vacuuming service will remove all debris, mud and water from your gutters, valleys and downpipes.

NO MESS!

After

It Sucks gutters clean using a powerful wet & dry vacuum system

email: info@ruralfencing.co.nz www.ruralfencing.co.nz

Dave: 310 2320 / 021 101 5731

Please email,phone or Text Mike McCulloch for a free quote

Phone (03)310 7331 or 022 428 1582

e:canterburyguttercleaning@gmail.com | www.canterburyguttercleaning.co.nz

the Oxford Observer 0800 627 378 37

TRADES | 31

oxfordobserver.co.nz

Contracting

Agricultural Services

ELMWOOD AG

• Round Baling •

• Cultivation •

(Mowing through to Cartage)

(Full Culitvation Service)

Balage 1m - 1.5m Hay 1m - 1.6m

6m Roller Drill & 6m Direct Drill

Rut Short-shape white background Buster version for HIRE

Womersley’s

Short-shape PHONE: Bill 027 485 8012 ~ EMAIL: oxfarm@hotmail.co.nz dark background

Womersley’s

version

Hardware Supplies

Engineered for you

Let us help you with all your

Long-shape, white background version

engineering projects • Machinery Repairs • Welding • Lathe Work • Design Long-shape, dark background version • Crane Work • Hydraulic Hose Service

100’s of products plus a full range of Motor Oils & pipe fittings

COLOURS: ‘Womersley’s’=PMS 2695 Boarder around orange=PMS 2695 Orange=PMS Orange 021 ‘Engineered for you’=PMS 2695 on white background, white on dark background

NOTES: ‘Engineered for you!’ is a key element of this logo and must accompany the all aspects of this branding Variations of the above specifications should be consulted with the designer

Call us on 03 312 4521

Always leave ‘free-space’ around the entire logo when applying the logo to shapes, sign/advert spaces as shown Free-space is approximately 25% of the entire sign/advert shape. This allows the reader’s eye to focus more clearly onto the logo and all of it’s elements

Open Mon – Fri 7.00am til 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am til 1.00pm for hardware sales only

Logo designed by Paradox Strategic Management T: (03) 312 5563, M: (021) 243 5559, E: advice@ThinkFormChange.com

82 High Street, Oxford Email: admin@womersleys.co.nz

www.womersleys.co.nz

Driveways & Patios | Foundations & Slabs | Feedlot & Silage pads Agricultural effluent storage systems | New Homes & Rural Buildings Siteworks - Hole Boring - Shingle supplies | Compactor Hire

F MEHRTENS

CONSTRUCTION

Licensed Builders

OXFORD

Ph: FRAZER 021 027 78535

Winch & Towing Services

PROVIDING INNOVATIVE AND CUSTOMER FOCUSED

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

CULTIVATION

Cultivation services provided with more than 10 cultivators including, ploughs, disc, levelling, tyne and roller style machines ranging in size from 3 - 6 metres.

BALING

Providing end to end services in baling of hay, straw and balage with tube and individual wrapping of all bale shapes including rounds, medium, 4x3 and quadrant square bales.

HARVESTING A full grain harvest service is provided from paddock to silo.

DRILLING

Drilling services for both direct and cultivated ground are carried out with 10 seed drills from tyne, triple disc, cultivation combination drills, broadcast seeders and precision seeders for maize and fodder beet. Seed drills raise in width from 3 - 6 metres with fertiliser application available.

SILAGE

Fine chop silage service from paddock to pit, including grass, direct cut cereal and maize.

TRANSPORT

Catering for our own trucking needs with silage, baling and grain harvest, rural ﬂat deck and bulk transport.

&OtherFARM MAINTENANCE services provided are muck spreading, pivot rut ﬁlling, post driving, and tele handler with multi purpose grab.

FOR ANY ENQUIRIES CONTACT OPERATIONS MANAGER NIGEL KIRK 021 275 2432 SILAGE & DRILLING ADAM GREEN 027 374 6357

BUSINESS MANAGER TRANSPORT MANAGER

JAKE VARGO 021 466 713 AARON ROSS 021 766 384

YARD 106 HAREWOOD ROAD OXFORD