The Observer - December 2024 by oxfordobserver

the Obser ver

from the Publishers

Welcome to the December issue of the Observer. The festive season is upon us, and there are plenty of events in Oxford to help you get into the spirit.

On reflection the year has not been an easy one for those in business, and people dealing with the cost of living. We can help each other out by supporting our local businesses for our Christmas shopping and entertainment. The Late Night Shopping on December 12th is a good way to kick start your shopping if you haven't already, and you can also pop round to the Christmas Wonderland in the A&P Sheds that opens on the 11th.

This month we welcome our new permanent Police OfficerSenior Constable Jono Stagg who has accepted the role in Oxford. He has been filling in for some time, so many of you will know him already, but make sure you say hi if you see him out and about.

We are farewelling Beka Hunt who has been writing for us for four years. She has been at broadcasting school and has secured an internship at Media Works for next year. We have loved having her as part of the team, and even with her heavy workload she still continued to write for us. I'm sure she will pop in every now and then with an update. Good luck Beka!

Thank you so much for reading this year, and thank you to our wonderful advertisers who make The Observer possible. We appreciate you all so much.

Our very festive cover photo was taken by the very talented Tammy Pfahlert.

Merry Christmas - see you in 2025.

PUBLISHER

Schnurrbart Design and Publishing Limited

EDITOR

Emily Chapman

ENQUIRIES

info@oxfordobserver.co.nz 0800 627 378 37

www.schnurrbartdesignandpublishing.co.nz THE NEXT ISSUE - OUT JANUARY 2025 ADVERTISING DEADLINE | DECEMBER 20

All efforts are made to verify the correctness of information contained within this publication.

However Schnurrbart Design and Publishing accept no liability for the correctness or accuracy of any information contained within these pages.

Bruce & Emily.

CHRISTMAS HOURS

Main Street, Oxford | Phone 312 4314

Any views, information or opinions expressed within this publication are not necessarily the opinions or views of Schnurrbart Design and Publishing or any of its providers. Thank you for your support in 2024. Wishing you a joyful and prosperous new year.

Ashley Gorge Reserve: A Dream Turned Reality for Mobility-Challenged Visitors

The Ashley Gorge community recently gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the much-anticipated lookout track, a project that embodies collaboration, dedication, and community spirit. The newly constructed track offers beautiful views of the Gorge, while ensuring accessibility for all, including mobility-challenged visitors.

Robert Judson, Chair of the Ashley Gorge Advisory Group (AGAG), expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the project. “Thank you to the Waimakariri District Council; they have been with us every step of the way, supporting us previously with the Reynolds Pavilion and the BBQs. You can see where your funds have gone, and we can be very proud of this,” he said. He then emphasised that funds raised during this year’s Gala Day played a significant role in bringing the track to fruition. The ceremonial first walk was undertaken by Janette Wells and Jan Shelton on her mobility scooter.

Building the track required significant effort, including countless hours of volunteer labour to clear the area. Lay Excavate & Ashphalt took on the construction of the track. Thomas Robson, a representative of the company and long-time advocate for the Ashley Gorge area, expressed his pride in the project. “Lay Excavate & Asphalt was very pleased to be involved in the creation of the new lookout track, as it is such a great asset to the community in such a beautiful setting. Having spent many hours at the river in my youth and being part of the AGAG, it’s incredibly satisfying to see this area upgraded to such a high standard,” he said.

Jean-Pierre Derveaux owner/operator of The Ashley-Rakahuri Gorge Holiday park reflected on the journey saying:-

“It’s hard to believe that just a year ago, the Ashley Gorge Advisory Group sat down with Mike Kwant from the Waimakariri District Council to discuss the feasibility of a track designed for mobility-challenged individuals. What started as an ambitious vision has now blossomed into a stunning reality, offering an inclusive way for families and individuals of all abilities to experience the beauty of the Ashley Gorge Reserve. The project’s brief was simple yet inspiring: the track needed to showcase as many of the reserve’s unique features as possible. After carefully scanning the entire reserve and consulting with a landscape architect, the team identified Birches Flat as the perfect starting point. This location allowed the track to highlight key attributes such as towering trees and a breathtaking lookout over the gorge. Recognising that the track needed to cater to families, the group brought in renowned craftsman Dave Shelton, celebrated for his imaginative and intricately designed fairy houses. These delightful additions have already enchanted visitors, adding a magical touch to the experience. Along the way, five interpretive signs provide fascinating insights into the reserve’s rich birdlife, further enhancing the educational and immersive aspects of the track. Funding such a significant project was no small feat. The Advisory Group organised a gala day and reached out to local and Canterbury businesses, rallying extraordinary community support.

The response was nothing short of remarkable,with sponsors and donors stepping up generously to turn the dream into reality. One year on from that pivotal meeting, the results speak for themselves. The track has become a magnet for families, with glowing smiles and heartfelt feedback as they explore the reserve’s treasures. Many visitors have praised the inclusive design, which ensures everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of the Ashley Gorge.The Ashley Gorge Advisory Group extends its deepest gratitude to all who contributed to this incredible achievement. Your support has left an indelible mark, creating a legacy of accessibility, education, and joy for generations to come. Come and experience the magic for yourself—you won’t be disappointed!”

DECEMBER 11TH - 24TH

2PM-8PM WEEKDAYS | 10AM-8PM WEEKENDS

Sunday 15th December

12.30PM

Starts at the Town Hall & ﬁnishes at the A&P Showgrounds

FLOAT THEME

“A Fairy Tale Christmas” Those with ﬂoats arrive at 12pm and assemble on Burnett Street for a 12.30pm start.

. Float Judging . Kids Fancy Dress Judging . Face Painting . Santa’s Grotto . Games . Ice Creams . Brass Band . Bouncy Castle . Lions Food Caravan CONTACT BRIAN PILBROW 022 850 1913

Recipe of the month.

with Louize Juniper

SAVOURY CHRISTMAS ROULADE

8 eggs, separated

250g frozen spinach

1 clove garlic crushed

½ tsp nutmeg

100g grated parmesan

Salt and pepper

FILLING

250g ricotta

zest of one lemon, grated

2 tbsp chopped chives

Sprig of fresh basil, chopped

½ cup chopped sundried tomatoes

½ cup chopped roasted red peppers

½ cup toasted pinenuts

Ground black pepper

Chilli oil

Baking Tray 30cmx40cm lined with baking paper

Preheat oven to180oC

METHOD

• Defrost spinach, squeeze out excess water through a sieve.

• Saute spinach with garlic in a pan, add salt and pepper and cook till nice and dry.

• Separate eggs, Put whites in a large bowl for whisking, add yolks to spinach mix.

• Put spinach and egg yolks into a blender and whizz up.

• Whisk egg whites until fluffy and stiff.

• Gently fold egg mix into the egg whites taking care not to over mix. Pour onto the baking sheet pushing the mix evenly around.

• Sprinkle with grated parmesan.

• Place into preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the cheese has started to go golden.

• As soon as you take it out of the oven, place a damp tea towel over the top whilst still in tray. Leave to cool.

• Prepare filling by mixing the ricotta with lemon zest, black pepper and chives mix well.

• Flip roulade upside down with damp tea towel on to bench in landscape position.

• Peel off baking paper, trim the short edges and spread on ricotta mix.

• Sprinkle on chopped sundried tomatoes, roasted red Peppers sliced chopped basil leaves, pine nuts, drizzle with chilli oil.

• Begin to roll by easing the long edge and gently rolling.

• Once rolled, lay onto cling wrap or baking paper and tightly wrap to refrigerate.

•Once ready to eat, slice with a sharp serrated knife. Arrange as desired.

OTHER FILLING SUGGESTION.

• Beetroot hummus, this makes a fabulous colour.

• Cream cheese and hot smoked salmon.

• Cream cheese and garlic mushrooms.

• Chilli tuna and hummus.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and fun filled New Year.

If a move is on your horizon for 2025, don’t hesitate to contact us for an obligation free appraisal of your residential, lifestyle or rural property.

Client Focussed, Results Driven

Mark Terry 027 572 2559

Karen Hennessy 027 967 0186

from the Presidents Desk with Oxford Club President Kyle Scott

Welcome to the Christmas edition of From the President’s Desk for the Oxford Club.

The 2024 year seems to have passed quickly with a busy year to look back on at the Oxford Club. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have supported our Club during the last 12 months. Members, community groups, families and visitors alike have all contributed to our Club which has enabled us to grow and improve our position.

I would also like to express my appreciation to our staff who are the public face of the Club for their efforts over the last 12 months, led by Club Manager Donna Hughes. They have done an outstanding job in operating the Club, going above and beyond “the call of duty”. I would also like to thank my Vice President Lin Fagan for her tireless efforts and the Committee and Trustees for their role over the last 12 months.

By the time you read this newsletter the High Street frontage beautification project should be nearly completed. This includes an improved Patio area with a pergola giving our members the option of outdoor socialising in the summer months which will also enhance the frontage of the Club on High Street. Thank you for your patience.

In December our popular Spin to Win is back on Saturday evenings, along with the ever-popular Ham Raffles. On December 8th a Sunday afternoon at 2pm, we have Kiwi music icon Brendan Dugan performing fresh from his successful NZ Highway Men tour. Don’t miss this wonderful show, tickets are only $15 and are available from the bar.

New Years Eve will be celebrated at the Club this year with Live Music, Prizes and loads of fun. We hope to see you all there on what will be a great night.

As always, please read our weekly email blast to keep up to date as its full of useful information on what’s coming up next at the Oxford Club.

I hope you all have a super Christmas and festive season with family and friends over the holiday period and hope to see you very soon at your Community Hub, the Oxford Club.

Warmest regards and season’s greetings.

Looking forward to chatting to you at our Club very soon.

Best regards

Kyle Scott

Oxford Club President

Oxford

Community Trust

Social Services

COMMUNITY CAMERA MEETING

Meeting to discuss security cameras for the community. Representatives from Council, local Police & Police CCTV Supervisers will be in attendance.

Wednesday 18th December, 7pm at the Oxford Fire Station - all welcome.

Closing dates

The Office will be closing on Friday 20th December and will be reopening on January 13th 2025.

Phone messages will be cleared regularly.

We hope you all have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year , and we look forward to continuing to support the community in 2025.

Thank you to our fab 4 funders

• Rata Foundation

• COGS

• Lottery Foundation

• Waimakariri District Council

Oxford Community Trust

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

Merry Christmas / Meri Kirihimete

We wish you and your whanau a peaceful, healthy, and joyful holiday season.

We appreciate your support and thank you for trusting us with your healthcare throughout the year.

Staﬀ Updates

Our GP Registrars, Dr. Annthea Lee and Dr. Ben Green will be ﬁnishing their time with us in January 2025. We greatly appreciate their contribution and look forward to welcoming more GP Registrars next year.

We’re pleased to announce that Dr. Merope Grifﬁn will join us from February 2025, offering clinics four days a week.

We also welcome Erin Mitchell, Nikki Mason, and Sue Dalley to our District Nursing team. Sue will continue working in the practice on Monday, and Erin will be working in the practice on Tuesday and Thursday.

Appointments

Appointment slots are 15 minutes. This is enough time for one or two issues. If you have multiple issues, please book two appointments (additional fees apply).

We ask that you show patience to our dedicated and hardworking reception staff when you can’t get an appointment with your preferred provider. They are doing their best to assist everyone and appreciate your understanding.

We’re open over the Christmas and New Year period – except for statutory holidays.

After-Hours Care:

Ka Ora Telecare: Mon-Fri 5pm-8am, 24hrs on weekends. Call 0800 252 672 or visit kaora.co.nz

Practice Plus: Mon-Fri 5pm-10pm, weekends and public holidays 8am-8pm. Call 0800 7722 7587 or visit www.practiceplus.nz. Please note prepayment is required prior to consultation.

Healthline: Available 24/7. Call 0800 611 116.

Seasons Greetings

Merry Christmas, Meri Kirihimete!

As the festive season draws near, I wish you all a safe and happy holiday, surrounded by those who matter most.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the simple joys of being together with family and friends.

In the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, take a moment to pause, reflect, and soak in the precious memories you’re making with those around you. Be kind to yourself — this season is as much about self-care and taking a break as it is about giving and sharing.

If you’re looking to spread some holiday cheer, consider supporting local businesses. Your choice to shop locally helps our Waimakariri community thrive and ensures the spirit of connection stays strong right here at home.

Thank you to our emergency services, medical teams and all those working to keep us safe over the holiday period.

On behalf of the Council, I hope this season is filled with love, celebrations, and togetherness for you all.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Wish you all a safe and enjoyable festive season with friends and family.

We look forward to continuing to serve our community through 2025.

For a full list of Council Service holiday hours, including our libraries, pools and kerbside collections visit the Council website.

waimakariri.govt.nz

Thomas, Sarah, Mark, Ray, Pete, Michelle, Tim and Niki of the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board

Dan Gordon Mayor

Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School

Rau Whetū - Shining together!

Last month we celebrated our 2024 Years 11-13 Prizegiving with special guests Councillor Niki Mealings, NZ Police Representative Jonathan Stagg, and Beka Hunt 2020 student leader who spoke of her experiences since leaving school.

During the evening we acknowledged a very special group of our Year 13 students - Abby Taylor, Callum Riach, Ella Luscombe, Rico Shelley, Ariana Froud, Nicholas Slemint, Tyler Sutton, Abigail Denley, and Oliver Sillars. They have all been at Oxford Area School for 13 years and have now joined the elite to have achieved this significant milestone.

We took the opportunity to thank our 2024 Student leaders Bella Eginton-Abbott, Nikayla Beer, Oliver Sillars, and Isabella Duncan. Thank you for your leadership this year, you have all developed into strong young leaders, worked incredibly well as a team and are fine ambassadors for Oxford Area School embracing our school values. On behalf of Oxford Area School, we wish you the best for the bright futures that await you.

We announced our 2025 student leadership team. Selecting these positions continues to be highly competitive.

The 2025 Student Leadership team consists of:

Alyssa East, Cooper Stagg, Daniel Lovatt, Devon Cross, and Sophie Minchin.

Other special award recipients included:

Dux - Ariana Froud

Proxime Accessit - Emma Shore

Oxford Lions Emerging Achievers Award:

Alyssa East and Matthew Rose

Sportsperson of the Year - Abby Taylor Runner up to the Sportsperson of the Year - Alice McLachlan and Scarlett Hart

The White Ribbon Campaign at OAS: Promoting Respect and Gender Equality.

Last month OAS' Student Council partnered with Violence Free North Canterbury to raise awareness of the White Ribbon Campaign whose focus is preventing violence toward women. Violence Free North Canterbury brought along information, fliers, people for students to speak to, and best of all a free sausage sizzle for the Year 7-10 students.

Overall the day was a success with 250 sausages going out to our students along with the message of not condoning violence towards women. It was great to see the students engaging with members of Violence Free North Canterbury and sharing the message.

Mike Hart

Principal - Oxford Area School

Prize giving photos by Gemma Regan

Oxford Area School Boys' and Girls' Agriculture Club

On Friday 25th October we held our annual Ag Club for the Years 1-8 students.

The sun was shining as the students and their pets gathered for our annual Ag Club. There is a big build-up to this day with the students having completed a project about their animal which was judged on Wednesday night. Leading has been practiced and the animals have all been given a good wash so they look their best for the judges.

There are 4 sections on which the students are judged: project, knowledge, care and attention and leading.

A big thank you to the judges: Andy and Marshall Stokes, Annette Slemint, Mel Brooker and David Topham for giving up their time.

Each year we are very fortunate to have BA Murray Contracting sponsor the tops we wear. We thank you for your continued support of this very special day.

This year after the prize giving we separated into teams and participated in some farming modules that the Year 9/10 Future Farmers had organised.

The tamariki showed their farming knowledge in a farming quiz, creating an Ag Club logo, gumboot throw and putting an electric fence up.

A special mention to Gus Johnstone, Will Glassford, Taylor Rutherford, Taylor Roberts and Amelia Bay for their help.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the day and showed their pets to the judges and the school with great pride.

Prizes were awarded to:

Junior Lamb: Zac Gillespie

Senior Lamb: Ryan Sagar

Junior Beef Calf: Freya Rumary

Senior Beef Calf: Logan Birch

Senior Dairy Calf: Millie Smith

Pig: Thomas Bay

Chickens: Ronia Sinclair

Overall Animal Husbandry: Ella Harvey

To support Ag Day our Years 1-6 students are involved with a series of activities in their classrooms and were then able to support the Agricultural Club by watching the participants showcase their animals. These students had presented projects and information about their pets earlier in the day.

Oxford Area School Pushcart Grand Prix design and construction with the environment in mind.

The Year 9/10 Pushcart Grand Prix returns to captivate crowds of excited spectators from all year groups.

Students contributed to a carnival-like atmosphere as they looked on from the margins of the racetrack and cheered on their house race-teams.

Accompanied by a race-themed soundtrack and colourful bunting along the circuit, the teams paraded their carts around the track before embarking on 4 races of pure adrenalin and competitive spirit. As with the first Pushcart Grand Prix, the carts appeared to go much faster than during testing in the weeks leading up to the event, resulting in some high-speed action. The stakes were raised even higher during the feature race, when the students were joined by Mr Thompson and Mr Kean racing their bespoke number “0” cart, resulting in a near photo finish for first place…

www.facebook.com/oxfordarea

although they may have had a jump start. A photo finish for 2nd place!

This event was the culmination of the mahi that the Y9/10 Design and Pushcart students undertook to showcase their hard work over the past semester.

The course centered around Kaitiakitanga (environmental responsibility to reuse not waste) and Manaakitanga (learning to collaborate with others) to develop competencies in Citizenship, problemsolving, resilience and innovation.

These amazing young Technologists developed their race-carts over 2 terms, beginning with investigations in design concepts, 3D CAD modeling and prototyping in order to build their own unique designs!

Thrills and a fair few spills!

The enthusiasm and commitment exhibited by each student was inspiring. A huge well done to the 9/10 Pushcart crew for putting on a great show and making their teacher incredibly proud.

This course would not have been possible without the generous help from John Cookson from the Oxford Menzshed for lending his time, expertise and advice to help the students complete their carts.

Thank you John! I would also like to acknowledge Peter Hildyard for all of the help he has given to both akonga and myself to help make this course a success.

Finally, a big thanks for the financial contribution made by Mitre10 to fund some of the materials we needed.

Amazing Mahi! Ka pai!

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

MACHINERY

• Dozers

• Graders

• Dump Trucks and Trucks

• Rollers

• Diggers with Power Clamp

• Mole Ploughing

• Land Clearing/Development

TYPE OF WORK

• Subdivision Earthworks

• Ponds and Dams

• Root Raking • Tree Felling • Stump Removal

• Tracks and Driveways

Water Race Cleaning

GRAVEL SUPPLIES

• AP20 • AP40 • AP60

• Boulders

• Silage Pits etc

• Rotten Rock

• Dairy & Silage pad capping

Dave Burrows Rings School Bell on 85th Birthday at Oxford Area School

Dave Burrows celebrated his 85th birthday on Wednesday the 30th of October by walking through the gates of Oxford Area School and a journey down the corridors of time as he reminisced about the time when as a five-year-old new boy he was accompanied to class by older sisters Alison and Barbara.

Warmly welcomed by the school’s Principal, Mike Hart, Mr Burrows was given a tour of the new school and shown a number of treasured school artifacts that he was familiar with including a grandfather clock that takes pride of place in the office foyer.

Mr Burrows acknowledged that there have been many changes to the school since he attended eight decades ago, but that the grounds hold many happy memories for him.

An Oxford resident, Mr Burrows last attended the school in 2022 when, accompanied with his three sisters, all in their 80s, he attended the school’s 150th Jubilee.

But it was on the occasion of his birthday that Mr Burrows was given the opportunity to ring the school bell, another piece of the school’s esteemed history.

Richard Loader

Meet Oxford ’s New Police Officer

We sat down with Senior Constable Jonathan (Jono) Stagg for Oxford to learn more about his career, experiences, and plans for the community.

Tell us a little bit about your career in NZ Police.

I’ve been with the New Zealand Police for 18 years, beginning my career in Wellington City. In 2012, I relocated to Christchurch and then transferred to Rangiora in 2016. My work has predominantly been in uniform frontline roles, but I’ve also spent time in specialised areas such as strategic traffic, burglary squad, District Court, tactical crime, and CIB. However, I’ve always gravitated back to the frontline—it’s where I feel I can make the most impact.

How long have you been working in Oxford?

I’ve been covering for Mitch since February 2024 while he’s been recovering from an injury.

What made you want the permanent job here?

There are two main reasons. Firstly, I’ve owned a lifestyle property in the area for 14 years and have always wanted to work locally. Secondly, and most importantly, I’ve truly enjoyed my time in Oxford so far. It’s been a rewarding experience engaging more closely with the community and being in a position to help with any issues that arise.

What are you looking forward to in your role in Oxford?

I’m eager to build strong partnerships and create better outcomes for our community. The trust and autonomy I’ve gained in my career mean I’m well-equipped to make decisions that effectively resolve situations.

Do you have any specific focuses for your work?

While I’d love to say there’s nothing specific to focus on, the reality is some areas need attention—like seatbelt use, stopping at signs, and addressing alcohol-related driving issues. These are key factors in fatal crashes, so improving road safety is a priority. I’m also keen to ensure local staff participate in community events. Visibility and approachability are essential for building trust. I’ve started walking around the Main Street and will continue making that effort.Another focus is prevention. Simple steps like locking valuables away, installing good lighting or CCTV, and reporting anything suspicious can go a long way in deterring crime. I’d also encourage people to use the online and phone reporting options through 105. Leaving a message for an officer to call back often ensures quicker follow-up than waiting to see someone at the station.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’d love to say I’m out fishing, golfing, or hiking with the dog, but the truth is, I have a lifestyle block to manage! My free time is spent cutting grass, tending to gardens, and keeping the trees in check. That said, I do enjoy going to the gym, watching my son play football, and staying active when I can.

I would like the community to know I’m here to help. The opportunity to be more community-focused here in Oxford is something I’m excited about. Let’s work together to keep our town safe and connected. If you see me around, feel free to say hi!

Oxford Community Revives Night

Patrol and Explores Crime-Prevention Cameras

The Oxford community is reviving its Community Night Patrol which has not been operating for a few years, and exploring the implementation of a camera network for crime prevention.

At a recent meeting, it was clear that the community would support this endeavour, and Pam Donnelly, has been appointed to lead the initiative. Pam was involved with a similar group in Papanui and is looking forward to getting it up and running in Oxford. She says “We already have 27 volunteers and hope to have them out on patrol in the first week of December”. The Night Patrol will operate as a purely community-driven effort with guidance from the police, using a building adjacent to the police station as its base.

Another key topic of discussion was the potential introduction of a community-owned camera network to enhance crime prevention. Meeting attendees were very supportive of this idea, and a follow-up meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, 18th December, at 7:00 PM at the Oxford Fire Station

This will be attended by representatives from the Council, local police, and Police CCTV supervisors, who will explain how the camera system would function.

The proposed camera network would be strategically placed based on local crime statistics, and would include coverage of district entry and exit roads to capture vehicle registration details. This would help when, for instance, someone comes into town, offends and then leaves again.

The cameras will not be monitored for surveillance purposes. Instead, they will act as a community-owned resource available to the police for specific investigations. This approach ensures privacy while giving Police another tool to assist in solving crimes.

Once plans for the camera network are finalised, the community will begin fundraising to cover the costs. While the project will require financial backing, police believe the goal is highly achievable with collective effort.

Jo Ealam, Manager of the Oxford Community Trust, says, “The Trust is really supportive of this important initiative and wants to ensure people feel safe in their homes, and that we reduce crime for businesses, residents and our farming community”.

These measures offer the community an opportunity to take an active role in crime prevention, ensuring a safer environment for all residents. Whether through participation in the Night Patrol, attending the next meeting, or contributing to fundraising efforts, the Oxford community is encouraged to get behind these initiatives.

If you would like to volunteer for the Night Patrol you can contact Pam on oxfordcommunitywatch@gmail.com. or you can get in touch with the Oxford Community Trust on 03 312 3006.

Phone: 312 1360

Mob:021 254 5261

Email: r.j.edwards@xtra.co.nz

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Christmas at Church!

Community Carol Services:

Saturday Dec 14th, 4pm, St James-on-the-Cust

Sunday Dec 15th, 9.30am, St Andrew’s Oxford

Come along early to find a costume! Or dress up at home as one of the Christmas characters. We will read the Christmas story, and sing lots of familiar carols!

If you would like to join in the choir for this, please contact Rev Felicity on 021 1848756

Christmas Communion services: Christmas by Candlelight, Tuesday Dec 24th, 11pm, St Andrew’s Oxford.

Christmas Day Communion: Wednesday Dec 25th, 9am, St Jameson-the-Cust.

Mayoral Update with Dan Gordon

It is hard to believe that this will be my last column of the year. I feel like 2024 has raced by. But what a wonderful year it has been.

We delivered our Long-Term Plan 2024 to 2034 – which is our budget for the next 10 years. We set out what we plan to achieve over the next decade, and how it will be funded. I’m really proud of what were able to achieve there. We pushed out all non-essential projects to outlying years and focused on our most important services and projects. Getting the balancing act right is always difficult but I believe we got the balance right.

I have also loved sharing all the events, milestones, productions, prize giving and pivotal moments with you all around our District over the past 12 months.

We have the very best communities, and they are so well supported by our outstanding volunteers. It was an honour to celebrate some of these volunteers with our Community Service Awards this year. Always a highlight for me and my council colleagues.

I recently travelled to Belgium to mark the 107th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele and participate in Armistice Day observances.

I was joined by my good friend Mayor Marie Black from Hurunui and a 30 strong delegation from both districts, which included my fellow Councillors Robbie Brine, Tim Fulton, and Philip Redmond, as well as members from Amberley, Rangiora and Kaiapoi RSAs. We made the entirely self-funded trip to honour the soldiers who fought and died in the battle.

It was a deeply meaningful experience. Zonnebeke, Belgium is a place that is dear to my heart, and it was fantastic to share the experience with Mayor Marie, my Council colleagues, our RSA’s and the rest of the delegation.

I would like to thank to the editors of The Oxford Observer, Emily and Bruce. I feel very privileged to be included in this wonderful publication each month

To you all, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to catching up again in 2025!

As always, I welcome contact from anyone who needs assistance or has an issue that you might want to discuss.

Email me at dan.gordon@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021 906 437. I’m here to help.

Oxford Lions Celebrate Success of 4th Big Family Fun Day

It is time for the Oxford & Districts Lions to take a breath and reflect on our fourth Big Family Fun Day. To us, it was our best day yet.

The Lions are grateful to all the people who helped to make the day go so well. We had the food outlets that gave us such a great variety.

Then the fun and games for everyone is what we feel is most important. We had New Zealand’s longest bouncy castle, the wobbly bikes, mini jeeps, paddling boats just to name a few. Other points of interest were the blade shearing display, animal corner, Ken Turpin doing his thing with his sheepdog Jill.

Agility Dogs Display, Tug of War between kids against parents. The fire brigade put on 2 kitchen fire displays. St Johns also put on a very educational performance. For the price of a $5.00 wrist band your child could spend the day burning off surplus energy.

The Lion’s aim for the day is to make this day one for the family, and to cover costs.

We could not do this without the support of local businesses, Air Training Corps who have been a great help every year, the Rangiora Leos just to name a few.

It is time now for the Lions to reflect and consider how we can make this event bigger and better next year.

Phil Bay Coordinator.

Farewell to Beka

When I first started writing for the Observer, I had no idea what I was doing. I’ll always be incredibly grateful to Emily and Bruce for taking a chance on me when I was just a wide eyed student; I’m sure my writing was rough at the time. My first official Observer appearance was in August 2020, where I was formally introduced with a picture I still regret using (not my best look). If my Google Drive folder is accurate, I’ve written over 80 articles across the last four years.

Since day one, my achilles heel has been interviews. I’ve never been a social butterfly, and I tend to become anxious around strangers. Sometimes, it takes everything in my power to not send an email in place of a phone call, yet I’ve met the most incredible people that make it all worthwhile. I won’t forget the day I struggled to learn the ins and outs of professional ploughing competitions, or how stressed I was visiting New Zealand's oldest donkeys. I also won’t forget how proud I was to see those stories published.

In my opinion, the Observer has always been a positive news source for Oxford. While this does limit the variety of story topics, it quickly grew in me an appreciation for the people in our little town. There’s nothing better than watching someone's eyes light up when you ask about the thing they poured all their time and energy into. It means the world when a subject is excited to be interviewed, and has driven me to pursue a further career in journalism.

In 2023, I began studying journalism at the New Zealand Broadcasting School. I doubt it would have been on the table if not for my experience here- I even used my articles as a reference when I applied. I now know how to write the news for radio and TV. I’ve been to court, interviewed important people and hosted a radio show with my friend. Next year, I will be taking on a radio internship in Auckland, where I’ll attempt to enter the shrinking news industry.

I don’t have a favourite story from the past four years. Each time I write, I fall in love with the topic and the people involved. You are all so passionate, which is one of the best Oxford attributes.

Thank you for supporting the Observer, and in turn supporting me. Thank you for replying to my emails and my texts, for helping me reach my deadlines and politely pointing out my spelling mistakes. I am honoured to have been invited into your lives, one article at a time.

Until we meet again,

Beka Hunt

Update from The Oxford Club

I would like to start by wishing you all a very happy Christmas. Hard to believe it is that time again. We have had a busy year at Oxford club with some wonderful events and would like to thank all members for their support. The upgrade of the High Street entrance should be well underway at time of reading this issue and we look forward to enjoying the summer time out there.

We plan a good New year party at the Club this year so keep a lookout for the Club's advertising for all details.

All the best to you all. Lin Fagan -

Vice President

Emergency Services update

Oxford St John

with Mel Brooker

Well it is December already. Where has the year gone?

We have had an increase in call outs over the last month, and have had over 220 for the year at the time of writing. It was great to see so many people (especially children) having a go at CPR at the Lions Family Fun Day.

Thank you to all who have supported us with the Oxford’s First Responder’s plant sale. Get in touch, as there are still some native grasses and specimen trees left.

We are in the process of doing another recruitment drive for enthusiastic new recruits to join our amazing team. If this is something you have ever considered doing, now is the time to get in touch. The process is a little drawn out, but it is a very worthwhile and rewarding way to give back to our community.

Please ring the station on 03 312 3516, leave your name and number, and our recruiting officer will be in touch.

I guess there is only really one more thing left to say, and that is have a very merry safe Christmas and a happy prosperous New Year. From all of our volunteer team at the Oxford St John Station.

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

Oxford Fire Rescue

with Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ealam

Thankfully October was a reasonably quiet month for the Brigade, with only four calls. Three of the calls were to vegetation fires. Two of the calls were to the same property,in the same place sixteen days apart. The fire was started by slash fires fanned by strong north west winds which got into the surrounding scrub and plantations. We were assisted by the Cust, Sheffield, Hororata, Darfield, and Rangiora Brigades plus one helicopter. The other vegetation fire was a controlled slash fire with the owner in attendance and no action was required by the brigade. One call to a property where the bathroom fan / heater had a meltdown and the damage was contained in that small area. This brings our total calls for the year to eighty five.

This months message is; We are now entering what we call our fire season. I ask all those that are intending to light fires to make sure that they are out before the north west winds arrive and blow hot ash about. It can take days or even weeks for slash or rubbish fires to cool, also all fires should be out by night fall. Keep an eye on the weather forecast. If you are unsure about burning go to the FENZ website, checkitsalright.nz or alternatively ring SouthCom on 03 341 0266. Keep looking for birds nests in vehicle engines compartments.

The Brigade wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year, Thank you for all your support during the year.