The Oxford Observer October 2018

the Oxford Observer OCTOBER 2018 Issue 81

the Oxford & North Canterbury Newspaper

Published Monthly 4500 copies

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

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Charlotte Howard Conquers Mongolian Derby words by Cathy Dee

Charlotte Howard is no wimp when it comes to living life to the full. The intrepid traveller is fresh back from completing the 1000km Mongol Derby just out of Ulaanbaatar, finishing 5th equal despite having fractured two vertebrae when her horse slipped in a marmot hole (‘the place is full of them’) on day 3 of the 7-day race.

“I didn’t realise I had done anything because I was so hyped up, but I have to admit the last couple of days were agony!” She signed up for the derby soon after the death of her mother. “I just needed something to do to take my mind off that”. Her father had an adventure of his own, and was there to meet her at the finish line.

“The horses are semi-wild and the Mongolian people like to keep them that way. They are almost offended if you try to tame them, because to them the very wildness is the essence of the spirit of the animal, and they like to keep it that way”. This makes for an interesting ride.

Each morning the herd was brought in from the plains, ready to start the race at around 6.30 am. Every 40km, ridden mostly at a gallop, the horses are changed for fresh steeds. They are vetted in, and must be in good health with no injuries before you can take the next one.

Charlotte described the horses, which range in size from around 12hh to 15hh, to be in great condition considering they receive no extra feed, eating only the sparsegrazing on the steppes.

These horses survive harsh Mongolian winters, where temperatures can plummet to -40 degrees suffering none of the health problems that are so common among our domestic horses. She adds that she felt that the horses seemed a lot happier than many horses she sees here. Kept in large herds by nomadic tribes, with thousands of acres to roam, the horses are also incredibly fit, galloping, over Continued page 3

Oxford Community Health Centre

After Hours Urgent Medical Service Enrolled Patients Only We are fortunate to have a team of highly experienced and extensively trained Rural Nurse Specialists that provide an on-call after hours service for the Oxford Community

“Primary Health for the Community”

One Rural Nurse Specialist is on-call during these times

Phone (03) 312 4195 | 24hr Medical Service

If you require urgent care after hours please call (03) 312 4195 Your call will be answered by a triage nurse who will - ask you questions - give you advice - and /or arrange for a Rural Nurse Specialist to see you or a family member if urgently required.

Under the Governance of the Oxford Health Charitable Trust

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

Weeknights 5:00pm - 8:30am Weekends Friday 5:00pm to Monday 8:30am

There will be a charge for afterhours services unless you are under the age of 13

If your situation is life threatening please always dial 111 first Book an appointment or request a repeat prescription online at : www.oxfordhealth.nz

2 | the Oxford Observer

OCTOBER 2018

October 2018 We hope you have all been enjoying some of the lovely spring weather we are having.

Make sure you head down to Spring into Oxford on Sunday the 7th October - there is plenty to see and do for the whole family.

Big news for the Oxford Community this month with $10,000,000 in funding for new buildings and renovations at the Oxford Area School.

This is great news for everyone in the Community.

Exciting times ahead!

Congratulations to the winner of the Cat in the Hat Show tickets Anette Sunderland, and the new Lesley Pearse book donated by Emma’s at Oxford - Natalie Heaven.

We are excited to have a copy of Oxford local Jenny Somervell’s new book ‘Uncle Allen’s Stinky Leg’ to give away. Check out page 6 for all the details on the book.

Come in and See our great selection of scarfs & Hats for Spring - Summer.

Also check out our beautiful Christmas House Decorations now in store

INVITATION

HELEN BROWN

the New York Times best selling author of Cleo returns to Oxford with a new book , Bono!

Bono

Thursday 11 October 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start At the Oxford Club, 160 High Street Tickets $10 each, available only from Emma’s at Oxford, 53 Main Street, Oxford (includes a welcome drink) Tickets are strictly limited.

A percentage of the proceeds from ticket and book sales will go the rescue cat to the Cancer Society Canterbury ( West Coast division) helped me who Check out new reads for Spring home my way great find some

Email us on competitions@oxfordobserver.co.nz if you would like to go in the draw to win this awesome new book.

We really appreciate everyone who contacts us with stories and information of what is going on in the Community.

Please contact us on news@oxfordobserver.co.nz if you have something you think we might be interested in.

Bruce and Emily Chapman.

The Fire Stallion come s with an auto grahed bookplate ins ide

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

OCTOBER Book reviews A Keeper by Graham Norton Reviewed by Emma Gillard

And yes, it is THE Graham Norton with his second fiction novel which is every bit as enjoyable as his first - if not more. It’s hard to peg the genre of this book, thriller, mystery, drama, love story even?

If you are a fan of Graham’s and watch him on TV, then when you read this I swear you will hear him reading this to you in your head.

A highly recommended “bloody good read”.

This is one you will want to own, and share with friends, and probably re-read and enjoy all over again yourself.

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik Spinning Silver is a retelling, based loosely on the the fairytale Rumplestilskin, told from the perspective of three women, Miryem, Irina and Wanda. All of these women have to take charge of their own destiny to ensure their survival in what is a harsh time for women. They challenge the typical roles expected of them in many ways - “I am not your subject or your servant, and if you want a cowering mouse for a wife, go find someone else who can turn silver to gold for you.” (Miryem). The book is an exciting, magical read from start to finish, with many unexpected turns.

Scrublands by Chris Hammer Journalist Martin Scarsden is trying to save his career and is sent to Riversend, a town in Australia where a brutal murder took place a year ago. The local Priest gunned down five community members, from the front steps of the Church. Once Martin starts to find out some of the other views of what has gone on, he realises that there is much more to this story than meets the eye. The book has many layers of the story going on, and it is only as it comes to a conclusion that you realise how everything ties together. A fantastic read; engaging and not at all predictable. If you enjoy Jane Harper’s novels ‘The Dry’ and ‘Force of Nature’ this will be a good choice for you.

the Oxford Observer | 3

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Charlotte Howard - One tough Cookie Continued.. this vast rough landscape for miles without stopping, some even faster than the track thoroughbreds Charlotte has ridden in the past.

Sometimes they were trailed and even chased by wild dogs “which are scary”, and wolves who are the main predators of the horses.

She saw no equine injuries despite quite a few of them tripping up on the marmot holes. However of the 44 people lined up at the start of this gruelling race, 10 riders were forced to drop out due to injury. One small problem for Charlotte, was the meat and dairy based Mongolian diet. She is a vegetarian so survived on sachets of energy gel and chocolate bars.

The Mongolians also have a lot of rituals and blessings during which they drink fermented mares’ milk (Airag), an alcoholic drink which “tastes a bit like sour yoghurt, only runny, with lumps.” “You kind of have to drink it – it would be rude not to”. Charlotte said she went straight to her osteopath when she returned home, expecting to be bent back into place. “He took one look and marched me off to get x-rays and here I am, not even allowed to ride my own horses for a while.”

She is determined to be healed in time for her next big adventure over the New Year, a motorbike race over the Atlas Mountains in Morocco!

January 2019 edition of

the Oxford Observer Dear Readers & Advertisers Previously the Oxford Observer has not been produced in the month of January.

However we want to provide the community with a year round publication including January 2019.

For those who advertise with us please let us know if you do not want your advertisement in the January edition so we can plan accordingly.

Thankyou for your ongoing support.

We really appreciate it.

Bruce & Emily

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SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER 2018

10AM - 4PM RIBBLESDALE GARDENS

www.OxfordFete.co.nz

Wander through a stunning garden setting with 100 quality stalls, children’s entertainment including Fairies and face painting, delicious food & more!

Advertising in the

Oxford Observer

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

0800 627 378 37

advertise@oxfordobserver.co.nz

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4 | the Oxford Observer

the

OCTOBER 2018

LifeStyler Words and Photos by Cathy Dee

Keeping Pheasants

Most of us are used to seeing the occasional sighting of the Common, or Ring Neck Pheasant, first released in New Zealand from 1842-1877 in order to provide ‘sport’ for European colonists.

A variety of breeds are now available in NZ and include Swinhoe, Reeves, Lady Amherst, Silver and the Golden. With more varieties being available, some beautiful hybrid birds are also appearing, as in these photographs. They can be kept in captivity, but need some space to roam and forage, along with shrubs and grass with shelter and perches.

A big problem with keeping them in cages is their propensity to take fright, where they head straight up at great speed to hit their heads on the aviary roof. Because of this, the aviary netting should be made of soft netting and not wire mesh. Keeping them free range, bringing them in at night is an option, but the young are heavily predated by hawks, and the males are easily lured away by wild pheasants.

Being a sociable bird, it is best to buy a pair, or three to live together.

Ideally this should be one male and two females, all unrelated.

Males are territorial so having more than one male with females can lead to fights during the breeding season. Pheasants are omnivorous, feeding on foliage, seeds, grains, berries and invertebrates.

The chicks mainly munch on insects. Breeding starts at the end of September, and keeps going until just after Christmas. The young take around 16 weeks to reach maturity.

In the wild the pheasants are lucky to make it to 3 years. In captivity they have been known to make it 15 - 25 years! Hens lay around 12 (sometimes more) eggs with incubation lasting 23 days. They then take care of the chicks, with no help from Dad, until they learn to fly, sometimes these broody hens will even adopt lost or abandoned chicks. Pheasants are prone to the same diseases and parasites as poultry so caree should be taken to clean living quarters regularly, and inspect for red mites and lice, along with observing the birds for any changes in health and behaviour.

The Oxford House of Beauty Debbie Hawkins

by Appointment only

Advanced Facials, Peels & Skin Treatments.

Waxing, Eyelash & Brow Emphasis Eftpos & Oxipay repayment option available www.theoxfordhouseofbeauty.com

03 312 4294

021 024 19237

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

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the Oxford Observer

contact us advertise@oxfordobserver.co.nz

53a MAIN STREET OXFORD HOURS Tue - Wed -Thur 10am-7pm | Fri 10am-5pm | Sat 9am-1pm | Closed Sun & Mon

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Youth Leadership Recognised words by Emily Chapman Photo Supplied

Thomas Robson was recently awarded the Matt Doocey MP Supreme Youth Award for Waimakariri at the YMCA Canterbury Youth Awards.

Thomas was a member of the Waimakariri Youth Council for 5 years. The work of the Youth Council is all voluntary. They do a lot of consultation with the Council. They also organise events,such as a meet the candidates evening for the last General Election.

Thomas says that it has been an invaluable opportunity to be involved with the Youth Council. He said that the Waimakariri District Council are great at facilitating leadership opportunities, and there is lots of personal development. Of winning the award Thomas says “It was less about me, and more about everyone else.

It was cool to be at an event where young people are recognised for doing what is sometimes a thankless job.”

Matt Doocey says “Thomas makes a strong contribution to our community as a member of the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board, as well as giving up his time to serve and provide a fresh perspective to a number of community organisations, and has worked hard in youth development in Waimakariri.

Thomas has now been on the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board for 2 years, and is also the Chairperson of Oxford Community Trust.

Thomas has been involved with the Trust for many years, firstly as a young person attending youth events.

Thomas says that his goal in being involved in all of these things is to make sure that young people are represented at local body council level.

Photo from left: Waimakariri District Councillor Kirstyn Barnett; Zoe Loffhagen from Rangiora, who won the University of Canterbury Community Action Award; Thomas Robson, and Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey.

Summer Fashion instore Now. MASON’S

DRAPERY

2 McMillan Street, Darfield Phone: 03 318 8734

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

Oxford Community fund benefits Locals Oxford residents Peter and Kay Stewart had been unsuccessfully trying to access funding for a ‘Freewheel’ attachment for their son Ryder’s wheelchair. Access to parks, beaches and even gravel roads was extremely difficult for them and they were not able to do many family activities that are important to them, and to all families. After exhausting other avenues they found out about the Freshchoice Community Fund and put an application in.

Mike and Nicky were touched by the family’s story and were thrilled to be able to help the Stewart family through the Fund. Being able to purchase this attachment means that the Stewart’s are able to take their family to the beach, on walks and access areas and activities that have been out of the question for them.

Andy Womersley helped with modifications to fit the attachment and they have not looked back since.

Peter and Kay say “ We would like to say a very big and heartfelt thank you to Mike and Nicky for their generosity in funding Ryder’s “Freewheel” attachment for his wheelchair.

Their support went above and beyond our expectations and we felt an overwhelming sense of community spirit, one of the reasons we chose to live here in Oxford with Ryder and his brothers. We will now be able to not only go for local walks around Oxford more easily, but will also be able to enjoy taking our while family to the beach- something we have missed!”

The Freshchoice Community Fund was set up to support local communities, and they make regular charitable grants to community groups, schools, trusts and individuals who need assistance.

If you wish to apply please go to freshchoice.co.nz to find the Community Fund Application Form.

52 Main Street Oxford

Photo: Kay and Peter Stewart, Frasier, Jasper & Ryder.

Freshchoice Oxford owners Nicky and Mike Rutherford.

Opening Hours Mon - Sun 7am - 9pm

Phone 03 312 4305

6 | the Oxford Observer

OCTOBER 2018

A New Tale from the Farm

By Emily Chapman

Uncle Allan’s Stinky Leg, the 5th in the Tales from the Farm books, by sisters Jennifer Somervell and Margery Fern, is about to be released.

Their children’s books focus on rural and country culture, and are all based on true stories from Jenny and Margery’s childhood, and convey the family farm culture of the 1960s and 70s.

The creation of the books is a real family affair. Jenny is the writer, and Margery, who is the Principal of Waitetuna School in Raglan, is the illustrator. Margery’s daughter, Ezra, takes care of all the design work, and Jenny’s husband Ken also has a big part in the process. Jenny says that Ken is her first port of call with an idea and is ‘unfailingly honest’. He also does some of the editing and is great at the finer details at the end of the process.

Jenny has been writing for NZ Lifestyle Block (formerly Growing Today) since 2003.

She had been running a nursery for 16 years, when she was contacted by the Editor for Growing Today offering her writing work.

She had been recommended by a current columnist who had read Jenny’s Mail Order Catalogue for the nursery.

A major life event caused Jenny to reflect on her life, and what she might regret not doing, and she realised that there was something she had not pursued. This was writing a book. She knew that the process could be hard, but also knew that if she didn’t give it a go she would never know.

Jenny realised as her father was getting older, that he was the carrier of the family stories, and she asked him to recount the story told in ‘The Day Dad Blew Up The Cow Shed’, (which remains to this day her favourite book). Jenny says that when she reads this book that she can ‘hear her Father’s voice and his laugh’.

Jenny loves the work she does. She had stories sitting in a filing cabinet, and was having a conversation with her sister and asked her if she would like to illustrate a children’s book.

Margery’s response was ‘what took you so long to ask?’

They self published their first book in 2012, which is now on to their 4th reprint and it has sold over 4000 copies.

A big factor in the success of the books has been winning First Place Awards in the United States based, Purple Dragonfly Book Awards.

All four current books have won first place awards. Jenny travels, and presents their books at schools, talking about the process of writing and publishing books.

Jenny encourages children that if they have a passion, to just go for it.

She asks the students ‘What have you got to lose?

If you don’t knock on that door you will never know.’

Uncle Allan’s Stinky Leg features a new look design and Jenny and Margery are excited to launch the book at the Oxford Town Hall, A&P Room on October 6th at 3pm.

For the first time the whole team will be together at this launch.

Jenny says “these books are our legacy, our family’s stories”.

The Tales from the Farm books are available at Emma’s at Oxford, and more information can be found on www.talesfromthefarm.co.nz.

For fans of these books, there are more stories to be told…..

Ezra, Margory and Jenny

oxfordobserver.co.nz

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Girl’s Rugby on Show

By Janette Griffiths

On Saturday 8th September there were “girls galore” at Mandeville Sports Ground. They were there for the All Girls Rugby Festival organised by Simon Griffiths of Oxford, along with Fiona Fulton from Ohoka Rugby Club, Sally White from Woodend Rugby Club, and a helping hand from Ketaki Khare and the team at CRFU. Twenty five teams from across Canterbury came along to the event, and the place was buzzing with excited girls ready to play rugby.

Simon has coached under 6’s/7’s Rippa Rugby in Oxford for the last 6 years, but when they reach under 8’s it becomes tackle so the girls generally quit. In all those years of coaching only one girl continued beyond Rippa. The girls are fantastic players, so he wanted to create an alternative avenue for them to keep playing rugby.

In Oxford the starting point was four girls from the U6’s and 5 from the U7’s mixed team from the season. A large number were interested but every week at training more and more girls came along. It was so popular that more coaches were required. The Oxford Coaches were Kathryn Hunter (U10’s), Paige Hunter (U10’s Red), Hap & Mils Wilson (U8/9’s), Marcus Cooper & Gavin Newick (U6/7’s Fantails), Jeremy Roberts (U6/7’s Cust/West Eyreton) & Simon Griffiths (U6/7’s Reds).

In Oxford and Cust alone 6 Rippa Rugby teams were generated, which goes to show that if the girls are offered a form of rugby they want, they are happy to join in.

Once they realised it was non-contact, and just for girls they were excited to be part of it. Some of the girls Simon had coached 5 years ago, so it was great to see them playing rugby again. No longer were they brought along each Saturday to watch their brothers play rugby. This time the day was just for them. Some of the Oxford girls had played Rippa at the Oxford Rugby Club but the majority of girls were completely new to rugby.

It couldn’t have been done without the help from other clubs.

Fiona Fulton & Chris Snackers from Ohoka Rugby Club & Sally from Woodend Rugby Club in particular, were instrumental in getting the tournament organized. Fiona offered the use of the Ohoka Rugby Club and the large grounds were pretty much filled to capacity.

The tournament was the first of its kind in North Canterbury. It originally started with North Canterbury teams but ended up with teams from Metro (Christchurch) too. Kendra Cocksedge (NZRU Black fern) requested that tackle teams also be included. In the end there were 18 Rippa Rugby teams playing and 7 tackle teams all the way from Amberley to Waihora.

The day kicked off at 9:30 with Jimmy Sinclair (Coach Educator from CRFU), Ketaki Khare (Womens Rugby & School Officer) and other coaches running tackle skills with the tackle girls. Then at 10am the games commenced. The morning was filled with teams all playing three games each. It was quite a sight seeing all the girls playing rugby. There were even some pink socks, rips and hair!!

Top it off with a sausage sizzle, Mr Whippy, face painting and a play in the playground, it was a great family day out. One of the clubs that participated are hoping to have another festival in the not too distant future so watch this space!

The Oxford U6/7’s team were asked by CRFU to play a curtain raiser before the Womens Canterbury v Waikato (Farah Palmer Cup) game at Rugby Park.

The girls played the Belfast team and then formed a guard of honour for the women’s team to run through prior to their game. It was such a treat for them and an amazing experience for the girls and their families.

Classic & Vintage Car Entry Fee $5

Fundraiser for McIvors Oxford Community Mens Shed

Sunday 7th October

COME & JOIN THE FUN! 10am - 2pm, Pearson Park Oval Main Street, Oxford

FEATURING

Classic and Vintage Car Display Market Stalls Music Kids’ Entertainment and much more....

Cancellation on More FM and the Breeze Enquiries to oxfordcommunitymensshed@gmail.com

www.menzshed.org.nz/oxford

8 | the Oxford Observer

OCTOBER 2018

Keeping Healthy Di Moreira

With Tracie Miller

Sales Consultant

Hayfever

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

Hayfever is a term used to descibe an allergy, which may be either seasonal, such as in spring when there is plenty of pollen or new plant growth which causes the allergy; or perennial, when you are allergic to dust, pet hair or other irritant substances.

The severity and type of hayfever varies from person to person, but can make you miserable if not treated and the symptoms prevented.

When you have an allergy the body releases a substance called histamine, which is why the most common medicines used to treat allergies are called antihistamines.

These block the effect of histamine and will prevent any more histamine release, which should prevent the allergy getting worse.

Most hayfever sufferers complain of sneezing, itching and burning eyes and throat, and either blocked or running nose. Avoiding the substance that causes the condition is always better than taking medicine to treat the result of the exposure, but unfortunately this is not always possible.

Other treatments for the nasal blockage and congestion of hayfever usually involve a nasal drop or spray.

These include steroid based sprays, antihistamine sprays, saline rinses or sprays and decongestant drops or sprays.

A cough may occur from persistent nasal secretions running down and irritating the back of the throat. This is called postnasal drip, and may also be helped by antihistamines, as this should not be treated with medicines to stop coughing.

Talk to your community pharmacist about the right medicine to treat hayfever, and seek their advice about preventing as well as treating hayfever whether you suffer from this occasionally or every day.

Why Open Homes?

Are They Necessary?

It's a common question. It’s your home so it’s perfectly reasonable to have privacy and security concerns.

Before I discuss the marketing strategy behind open homes, let me reassure you: there are thousands of open homes all around New Zealand every week; problems are extremely rare.

Open home visitors are welcomed on arrival, asked to sign the visitor’s book and must exit through the same door they came in. If you have items of particular concern e.g. artwork or antiques, place these in storage prior to your home going on the market. It’s common sense to remove jewellery, keys and other valuables.

Now, the strategy. To achieve the best price, we need to attract as many buyers as possible to encourage competition.

As well as the highly motivated, active buyers, open homes attract passive buyers i.e. neighbours or people not serious about buying but who, on impulse, stop by and may fall in love with what turns out to be their dream home, the perfect investment or ideal accommodation for a family member.

Passive buyers only have one home in mind—yours. They will compete passionately and often stretch price boundaries higher than active buyers (who often have backup options) in order to achieve their dream.

Multiple interested parties at an open home also fuels momentum. FOMO (the fear of missing out) motivates people to act quickly. So yes, open homes are necessary. They are an important strategy to achieve the best result.

Want to hear other marketing strategies to help you achieve top dollar? Please call me anytime. I’d be delighted to help with free, no obligation advice or an estimate of how much your home is worth.

Fresh, real milk direct to you at the farm dispenser

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49B Main Street | Phone 312 4314

HOURS

56 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford

8.30am - 5.30pm

Phone 027 630 2230

9.30am - 12.30pm

2km off the Main Street

Hastings McLeod Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

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

Monday - Friday Saturday

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Celebrating 25 Years!

AUCTION

Soroptimist 25th Annual Fair

$5 per Adult Kids FREE

FREE parking Eftpos Available

Tuesday 1 6 October 10am - 4pm

Oxford 54A Burnett Street

Rangiora Showgrounds Ashley Street

Proceeds go to Oxford Community Trust, Budgeting Services NC & other local charities

Lucky number gate prize!

WILSON PRINT

2

2

1

Time to say goodbye ... and hand over the keys to the next owners of this charming 3049m² mini-lifestyle property who will enjoy all this property has to offer. You’ve got extra income and a land-bank opportunity - Owners health dictates a sale and their next property is under offer - A sale is a must!

Your local team advantage!

Linda Warren-Davey & Jessica Murphy 027 3000 145 | 027 948 3000 | 313 6158 linda.warren-davey@harcourts.co.nz teamlifestylelivingwithlinda.co.nz

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Your home for local property

Four Seasons Realty

Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd | Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Need a Pre-school ?

4

View online @ harcourtsfourseasons.co.nz/RG8590

1896

Over 80 stalls: crafts, raffles food &drinks

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 dancing for 3yrs to adult at the Pavilion in Oxford.

Ph. 021 049 1315 Miss Belinda 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

LEATHER & FASHION HANDBAGS

CHIMNEY SWEEP

Route 72 Cafe Bar Emporium, Cust.

Ph: 312 5595.

I’ll take care of your bookkeeping, so you can focus on your business.

Phone Tara 027 370 2885 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.

and wallets, possum/merino NZ gifts, jewellery, art and homewares.

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.

10 | the Oxford Observer

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

Moana, Lake Brunner Ph: 03 738 0158

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

OCTOBER 2018 Art Gallery Exhibitions Gift Shop Workshop

Arts in Oxford Gallery News

The Cutting Edge: Freeing Texiles, curated by Kate Mahoney, is a glimpse into the varied and eclectic world of very different artists from all over New Zealand currently working in the textile arena.

Coming up, Māua Tahi, is an exhibition by two esteemed senior Ngai Tahu weavers.

The Cutting Edge: Freeing Textiles,

closes Sunday 28 October

Gallery Events 14 October: Public talk by Patricia Took-Stevens, textile artist. Gold coin.

21 October: Eco-printing on wool & silk with Catherine Wright. All day Workshop, $35.

Contact gallery for more info. Bookings essential.

Supported by Creative Communities Waimakariri

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 – for Commercial Earthworks – for 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

Māua Tahi : Ranui Ngarimu and Paula Rigby The mutual respect of two weavers exploring and sharing ideas, concepts, skills and techniques from Te Whare Pora (the house of weaving).

Exhibition from 3 November to 9 December

✓ Driveways ✓ Site Preparation Preparation ✓ Driveways ✓ Site Entranceways ✓ Retaining Walls ✓ Driveways ✓ Site 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 &Pits ✓ Entranceways Asphalting Kerb 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.

Browse our Gift Shop featuring quality New Zealand artworks including ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, paintings and prints.

October 2018 Congratulations to Oxford’s Thomas Robson for winning the Matt Doocey Supreme Youth Award for Waimakariri, at the Canterbury Youth Awards.

Thomas is a member of the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board and also provides a valuable, fresh perspective to a number of our community organisations, as well as having worked hard around youth development. It was an easy decision for me to get behind the awards again in recognition of how much young people like Thomas give back to their communities.

Oxford commuters would have noticed progress on the three-laning of the Waimakariri Motorway Bridge.

I successfully petitioned NZTA for a third southbound lane to address the morning bottleneck up to Tram Road and ensure we enjoy the full benefits of the Western Belfast Bypass. It’s always been my priority to have the voice of the Waimakariri heard and I will continue to fight for infrastructure solutions to match our growth. I am disappointed Government has let down our North Canterbury residents by not committing to the Belfast to Pegasus motorway extension, including the Woodend Bypass. Last year, National announced this project under the second generation of Roads of National Significance. Government’s reduction in state highway funding to pay for Auckland public transport projects has resulted in this project being dropped. Token, small-scale improvements won’t improve congestion or make residents feel safer when trying to cross over or access SH1.

I enjoyed speaking to Oxford Area School students on why they should apply to be my Youth MP. As local MP, it’s important to me to spend time with our young people and hear what they have to say, and I look forward to engaging with them with my new Youth MP.

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

MP for Waimakariri Kaiapoi • 156B Williams St 03 327 0514 • kaiapoi@parliament.govt.nz

Quality First Arts in Oxford Quality First Art Gallery Exhibitions Gift Shop Workshop Quality First Ph 03 313-1670 Baydon 027First 405 9910 A non-profit Charitable Trust run by volunteers Quality Ph 03 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 : info@bayphil.co.nz Supported by: Rata Foundation and Quality First Ph 03 Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 1734627 Email : info@bayphil.co.nz 1734627 Ph 03 Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 Waimakariri District Council : info@bayphil.co.nz 1734627 Ph 03Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 4051734627 9910 72 Main St, Oxford 03 312 1639 : info@bayphil.co.nz 1734627

With Matt Doocey MP for Waimakariri

Matt Doocey Bowls by Brian Gartside, abstract geographical designs in glaze

Email : info@bayphil.co.nz

In Touch

https://artsinoxford.com

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

Rangiora • Level 1 Conway Lane 03 310 7468 • waimakariri@parliament.govt.nz mattdoocey.co.nz MattDoocey.Waimakariri

Funded by the Parliamentary Service.

Authorised by Matt Doocey, 156B Williams St, Kaiapoi.

the Oxford Observer | 11

oxfordobserver.co.nz

“bringing the community together...”

MEDICAL TRANSPORT

Waimakariri Gorge Golf Club On a windy day on 16th September, 22 women attended a” SHE LOVES GOLF” event at the Waimakariri Gorge Golf Club.

Kevin Hughes, our professional coach provided equipment, gave a brief talk and shared some expertise on how to hold, and generally how to address the ball.

He spent time with each person, giving them advice and encouragement.

Most participants had never held a club, so when they received a club and several balls

it was all GIVE GOLF A GO.

The women hit approximately 70 balls, and after nearly 2 hours there were several sore bodies, and no doubt more the next day.

At a cup of tea afterwards, there was a lot of chatter and laughter. The day seemed to be enjoyed by all and the women are now waiting for the next event .

We provide transport to hospital and medical appointments in Christchurch or Rangiora.

We provide a door to door service and can support you at appointments. $30.00 to Christchurch $15.00 to Rangiora.

ACC APPROVED Please book as early as possible.

Call the Trust 312 3006

SHOPPERS’ BUS Travelling to Rangiora every Tuesday.

Leaves Oxford at 10am - Cost $7.00 Phone the Trust to book 312 3006 or pop into the office at 37 Main Street.

SOROPTOMIST FAIR The Trust is grateful to be chosen to receive some funding from the Soroptomists.

They are having a fair on Tuesday 16th October, 10-4pm, at Rangiora Showgrounds.

Pop down for a good day out.

Thank you to our Fab five Funders....

SHE LOVES GOLF will continue at the Waimakariri Gorge Golf Club every 2nd Sunday of the month commencing 14TH OCTOBER . 10am - 12 moon.

Coordinated by Noeline Weavers and Karen Battersby.

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

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

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

12 | the Oxford Observer

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2018

Aquaviva Alpacas Fernside

HERD REDUCTION SALE

Females and Males Choice of Colours Breeding Stock and Pets Reliable genetics Well looked after Halter trained

Spring specials continue..

Magnolias Crab-apples Flowering cherries Maples Dogwoods Plus many more gorgeous trees!

Open Sundays 10am-3.30pm

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 10am – 3pm

(please call first)

( closed October 1st and 2nd )

Visit our Facebook & Website to meet our animals.

Please contact us for an appointment.

027 417 2167

www.aquaviva.co.nz

aquaviva@scorch.co.nz

The Gorge Nursery 479 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford

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

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

Guy Cater – Hypnotist & Comedian

Saturday 20th October 8pm

The only NZ Entertainer to have headlined in Las Vegas this century!

Tickets $20 available at the Club Bar Now.

CLUB NEWS

WHATS ON AT THE CLUB

Money or the Bag is wrapping up and the premium prize of the TV is still up for grabs and with limited bags left there’s a great chance it will go in the next few weeks. We’ve just had our first Bingo afternoon which was enjoyed by all. It’s **Free ** so whether it’s your 100th time or first, it’s a fun game of chance for everyone!

We also have our Open Day on 28th October from 11am to 3pm so come on down and check out the Club and Sections. There’s something here for the kids as well so plenty of fun and games for all ages. Everyone Welcome.

BINGO every Wednesday at 1pm RAFFLES every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 6pm HAPPY HOUR every Wednesday & Saturday MONEY OR THE BAG – Every Saturday 7pm LUCKY MEMBER DOOR DRAW every Monday & Wednesday Saturday, 20th October - GUY CATER HYPNOTIST & COMEDIAN -Tickets $20 at bar Sunday, 28th October – CLUB OPEN DAY FRIDAY Friday 9th November – JO’S KARAOKE * 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.

Oxford Ag (formerly Mehrtens Ag est. 1981), has a new name, a new look, a new location and a strong passion for providing a high quality service, in a timely manner to the agricultural community.

The company is owned by Steve and Casey Macaulay. Steve has a long history with the company, first starting work 18 years ago in his summer holidays when he was at University studying towards his Geology Degree. After his time as a Machine Operator Steve become Operations Manager, going into 50% partnership with Kevin and Jeanette Mehrtens in 2010. In 2017, Steve and Casey went on to buy the remaining shares of the company.

Steve’s family has a strong history of farming in Oxford, and he and Casey continue this tradition with a diverse business of their own running sheep, cattle and deer. This passion for agriculture gives them an understanding of their clients’ businesses and needs.

They are building a new purpose built yard on Harewood Road, central to their operating area, and close to the township. The site includes more machinery storage, onsite mechanical and engineering workshops, and staff and office facilities.

Oxford Ag provides 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. Fine chop silage service from paddock to pit, including grass, direct cut cereal and maize. Cultivation services provided with more than 10 cultivators including, ploughs, disc, levelling, tyne and roller style machines ranging in size from 3 - 6 metres. Drilling services for both direct and cultivated ground are carried out with 10 seed drills from tyne and triple disc direct drills, to 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.

A full grain harvest service is provided from paddock to silo. They cater for their own trucking needs with silage, baling and grain harvest, rural at deck and bulk transport. Other services provided are muck spreading, pivot rut filling, post driving, and tele handler with multi purpose grab.

Having local employees is a focus for the business, and at present they have 18 full time employees, with a seasonal team of 35. ( Pictured on the job - Adam Green, Jake Vargo, Steve Macaulay and Nigel Kirk)

Management Team Nigel Kirk Operations Manager 021 275 2432 Jake Vargo Business Manager 021 466 713 Adam Green Silage and Drilling 027 374 6357 Aaron Ross Transport Manager 021 766 384 Steve Macaulay Managing Director 021 825 552

Nigel and Adam have been working in the business for 10 years, both having spent time in the dairy industry.

Jake has a commercial background, coming from Vodafone to join us 5 years ago as Business Manager. After working closely with the business for many years, and having extensive experience in the transport industry, Aaron is joining us as Trucking Manager.

Oxford Ag has a strong community focus and are dedicated to supporting the community that supports them. They are involved with many different groups including Oxford A&P Association, Young Farmers Club, Future Farmers. They also support many of the schools and sports clubs in the area. They have a longstanding relationship with local volunteer Tussock Rendell who they supply a van to, for community support in the weekends.

YARD 106 HAREWOOD ROAD OXFORD

14 | the Oxford Observer

Second hand

Style October 2018

with Kerri Booth

It’s all so inspiring around here at Polkadotcom at the moment. The spring air does good things to people. Colour sneaks its way onto the racks and people are drawn to it in a bigger way than in the winter time.

All this inspiration has created more photo shoots and Wardrobe Consultations for me!

The general feeling is that people are getting excited that summer will come again. I always find that October is a great month for re-looking at your wardrobe. The silly season hasn’t arrived quite yet, but isn’t too far away so having your wardrobe sorted and outfits ready to go certainly frees up a lot more headspace for the silly season. For any season actually.

This month I had the absolute pleasure of doing a Wardrobe Consultation, and also a photo shoot with my delightful model. All the outfits she is wearing we picked off the rack at Polkadotcom. Even the shoes! We played with clothing that she wouldn’t have necessarily picked for herself but was willing to give it a try and look at the result! Our mindsets dictate so many of our choices. I often open up people’s wardrobes and go ‘Wow look at your selection’ and they say yeah but…’that’s only for the office’ or ‘that’s my wedding outfits’ or ‘can’t wear that now because Im too old’. You will be amazed at how adding or taking away can completely change an outfit to fit the situation that you need it for. Once you start adding flats and a denim jacket to a ‘going out’ dress, you can make it more casual or go the other way and add a blazer, heels with some earrings and then a T-shirt and jeans can be suitable for a more dressy situation. My theory is that you already own these clothes and they are there to be worn. Especially if you love them, then they are there to be worn in many situations and not just one situation.

Enjoy October and play with the items you have is Polkadotcom’s advice for this month.

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the Oxford Observer | 15

oxfordobserver.co.nz

Volunteers Wanted to Improve Community Safety

by Jackie Kirk A recent meeting held at Oxford Town Hall, to update residents about community safety was well attended and informative.

Tracy Doe, Coordinator of North Canterbury Neighbourhood Support, believes that connected communities are safer communities, and encouraged residents to sign up with North Canterbury Gets Ready.

This innovative system sends automatic text and email warnings about crime, water quality, severe weather, fires, and other events. Locals signing up with Gets Ready can help out in two ways. Individuals can join to receive emergency messages from The Police, Civil Defence and Waimakariri District Council, and pass information on to others who don’t have the technology to receive emails and texts. Or individuals can have an active role in emergency management, being assigned specialist tasks and often working alongside professionals in cases of emergencies. First aiders and people with medical training are encouraged to register their skills. Owners of generators, chainsaws, trailers and other equipment useful in an emergency can include this information when signing up with Gets Ready.

For more information about the organisation, visit the website w w w.n o r t hc a nte rb u r y. g e t s re a dy. n e t or contact Tracy Doe 027 383 0166 Coordinator@ncns.org.nz Another organisation working hard for a safer community is Oxford Night Patrol.

Kevin Felstead, who has been involved with the Patrol for twenty years, explained that although there are forty-one active members, more volunteers are needed to patrol the town in their own vehicles on Friday and Saturday nights. Volunteers work closely with local Police, acting as their ‘eyes and ears’ and are reimbursed for their petrol costs. Kevin also passed on the news that the Council have allocated $30,000 to fund surveillance cameras in Oxford.

If you have some free time to support Oxford Night Patrol, please contact Kevin Felstead on 027 439 4603.

The resounding message of the meeting was that by working together, communities can be safer, supportive and more prepared.

A Man of Cheeses words and photo by Cathy Dee

Emilio Festa is a man of cheeses and what cheeses they are!

Moving from Brescia, Northern Italy to New Zealand to follow his passion for making cheese, became his dream after a holiday here in 2003. The family moved here in 2005. As a young man he studied Agricultural Science, part of which involved the food industry, which in Italy was mainly based around wine, oil and cheese. A recent estimate suggested that there are 450 types of cheese made in Italy alone. With a heritage of cheesemaking dating back around 2000 years, cheese is a very important part of the Italian diet. Emilio commented that in Italy it is a regarded as a complete meal.

Making a huge range of different types of cheeses, from divine fresh cheeses, Ricotta, Mozzarella, Crescenza and Stracchino to the delicious aged cheeses – Formaggella, Alpeggio, Provolone, Bosco and Grotto, he sources all his milk from local farmers. Sheep, goat and cow milk are all used depending on the cheese, and the rennet, which separates the curd and whey, is all plant based rather than from calves’ stomachs.

This makes it suitable for vegetarians.Emilio hands me a wee taster of a couple of the cheeses (photographed), and they were so delectable that it was to my great delight he handed me a couple of wedges to take back home with me. I can report that this cheese is so deliciously addictive that there wasn’t much left of either by the time I got home.“Cheesemaking is not just a job,” he says, “It is an art”. Emilio’s cheeses are at the Oxford Farmer’s Market every second Sunday.

Emilio explains that the passion and knowledge involved in the art of cheesemaking has been lost in the largescale dairy factories, and he is determined to recreate the taste and textural characteristics of the cheeses made by hand in Italy. “The climate here in North Canterbury is very similar to Northern Italy and as climate affects the cheese, this is the ideal place to set up”.

His cheeses are all made by hand; a laborious process that often starts at 3am.

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

Community Resource Standing in Your Corner

Support and enjoy your local market Every Sunday 9am to 12pm Main Street Oxford

SAVE THE DATE

EFTPOS AVAILABLE

The Oxford Farmer’s Market

Amateur Cheese Competition If you love cheese, then get your cheese recipes out and start practising.

Further information can be found on our Website or Facebook page

3 Best Cheeses will win $50 each

Competition Date : Sunday 21st October 2018 All judges go into the draw for $30 market vouchers.

GOLD COIN required to be a Judge on the day.

Email: info@oxfordfarmersmarket.co.nz

www.oxfordfarmersmarket.co.nz

The

ONE - STOP SHOP

for your Real Estate Needs.

50 Main Street, Oxford T 03 424 1414

THEBROKER.co.nz

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

Free Service Specialising in 1st Home buyers

Nau mai, haere mai, greetings.

NASA comes to Oxford! By Mike Hart

It has been a fantastic couple of weeks for Oxford Area School.

Last week was dominated by all things “Mars”. It was an opportunity to take the learning deeper, having passionate and knowledgeable experts on hand. Mars Missions, Rover and Landing Site studies, what is happening on the Mars 2020 programme.

Our students controlled a rover in the Sydney Museum, designed future colonies on Mars and took geology, biology, mapping and engineering to a relevant applied level. Our students were tested by the methods of delivery, pushing their concentration and ability to take on vast amounts of base knowledge. I personally would like to thank Sam and Haritina from NZAN, Mitch and Jen from NASA, Angelica from the University of Hong Kong and Lillian from the Hutt Valley Libraries.

Finally my thanks goes to the students and staff involved in the week. It was a week of challenges, both logistically and intellectually which we handled remarkably well.

During this same week it was announced that we would receive over $10 million as part of a significant building programme where we will see 11 replacement classrooms, a new administration and library space, an upgrade to our technology and gym spaces.

This is a significant redevelopment for our school and our community, meaning most of our learning spaces will be replaced with purpose built 21st century learning environments.

Also during this week we celebrated the Maori language with Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. The overarching theme or kaupapa for the week was kia kaha te reo Māori - lets make the Māori language strong! One of the whakatauki we shared during the week was: Ahakoa he iti he pounamu - Although it is small, it is greenstone This was quite fitting with the week we had.

Oxford maybe be a small place in respects to the world but we are precious, and that is certainly the feedback we got from our visiting scientist!

Last but not least, we would like to congratulate our Deputy Principal Mr Marcus Cooper for being appointed to the position of Principal at East Otago High School starting 2019. Whilst he will be sorely missed here, it is a fantastic opportunity for him and his family, and we wish him well. The appointment process for this role has begun and details will be published soon.

Nga mihi, Mike Hart Principal Te Kura o te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School

Kia ora koutou katoa

‘$10 million upgrade announced for Oxford Area School’ This is a news headline you don’t see every day! We are extremely excited about this announcement made by Education Minister, Chris Hipkins last Thursday. “This is a much needed investment in Oxford Area School. Many of the school’s buildings are old and in desperate need of some serious attention” Hipkins said. How did this come about many of you are probably asking? Well, earlier in the year the Ministry made an elaborate inspection of our school environment, coming up with some options to upgrade our dilapidated buildings.

The findings and options were then taken to a review panel which leads us to the decision of a major new revamp of $10 million.

The redevelopment will see us get 11 replacement classrooms, a rebuilt library and administration block and the gym and technology block will also get upgraded. Add our recently new building, Aotahi, and we are virtually looking at a brand new school. How amazing is that!

We have a fair idea of what current buildings may be removed, but are yet to have consultation with the Ministry regarding how the replacement buildings may look, timelines, how the school operates during construction, and all those other questions that need to be answered. We will keep you informed on progress and will definitely be looking for community input into this and how you see our school for the future. This amazing opportunity gives us the chance to build in the things we feel are missing in our current physical environment and create something that will give us flexible and creative learning spaces that fit our character and our students at Oxford Area School. Look forward to reporting more on this soon!If you haven’t already done so, please take the time to answer our consultation on ‘Planning for the future of Oxford Area School’. It won’t take up much of your time, and you are helping us and the school to prepare a new Strategic Plan that fits today and our future.

Ngā mihi

Matt Riley (BOT Chairperson)

National Secondary Schools Swimming Championships

Slam Poetry Comes to OAS This term, OAS writing enthusiasts had the opportunity to work with one of the world’s leading slam poets, Carrie Rudzinski. Carrie performed her pieces to the Year 7-13 students in a Slam assembly, 34 of whom then experienced a writing workshop where creative minds were engaged through an..

52 Bay Road Oxford

exploration of writing prompts. Each student had the unique opportunity to create a slam poem under the guidance of Carrie.

Eight students then went on to attend an evening Slam/Showcase Performance at the Rangiora Library, hosted by Carrie with musical accompaniment by Doc Drumheller.

Oxford were very proudly represented in this event with six students showcasing their work in front of a live audience. It was outstanding to see the students step outside their comfort zone and present their personal and inspiring poetry. Thank you to the Rangiora Library for hosting us and providing such delicious snacks, to Carrie Rudzinski and Jason Clements for promoting the opportunity, and to the talented student writers of Oxford!

Miss West & Beka Hunt

03 312 4197

Jordy and Noémie take to the pool! Oxford Area School is extremely proud of Jordan Galway and Noémie Savry who recently represented us at the National Secondary School Swimming Championships. Both students did remarkably well, with many personal bests. Noemi had her first under 30s time in the 50 free-style which is quite a milestone!

Once again we congratulate both students on their fine efforts and the support from their families in a sport that requires plenty of it!

info@oxford.school.nz

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18 | the Oxford Observer

Baptist Church

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

ENQUIRIES: Waimakariri Parish Ph: 03 313 6285

BOUTIQUE CATTERY 10 units

REGULAR SUNDAY MASS: 8.30am

Heated for winter.

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

Sunday Service & Children’s Church 10am at 166 High Street

All with own private outdoor area with lots of fresh air and climbing trees.

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

ALL WELCOME | Call Josie 022 089 8331

2228 South Eyre Road Eyrewell.

PH: 03 310 2290

COMMUNITY FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Phone 03 312 4499 www.oxfordbaptistchurch.org.nz email: office@oxfordbaptist.org.nz YOUTH GROUP Years 9 to 13 at 7.30pm on Fridays at the Auditorium.

ICONZ ADVENTURE FOR BOYS & GIRLS Years 2 to 3 Boys, Friday night: 6.15pm - 7.15pm 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 MUSIC & MOVEMENT (0 TO 5YRS) 10am - Open Sessions for all ages

UNION (METHODIST & PRESBYTERIAN)

SERVICES FOR OCTOBER 2018 All Services are at the Oxford Union Church

85 Main Street Oxford Sunday 7th ~ Communion Service 9:30am Sunday 14th ~ Service 9:30am

with AGM to follow.

Sunday 21st ~ Service 9:30am

Email: office@eyrewellpark.co.nz Web Bookings: www.eyrewellpark.co.nz

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

52 Church Street, Oxford

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

www.angelcats.biz

Salvation Army Service 6:00pm Sunday 28th ~ Service 9:30am

ALL WELCOME “Sunday Sparks” caters for preschool children to 14 years, and runs in conjunction with our Sunday services.

UNION PARISH MINISTER: Rev. Laurence Ennor PH: 03 357 4475 (Home) or 027 233 4687 (Mob) PARISH CLERK: Anne Croft Ph: 03 312 5513

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

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE Open 8.30am to 3.30pm for ages 6 months to 5yrs.

CLOTHING & CHRIST Tuesdays at the Oxford Baptist Church, 12.30pm - 3.30pm.

OXFORD MUMS Every 2nd & 4th Wednesdays in the Church Lounge, 10am - 12 noon.

TWELVE BASKETS FOODBANK We offer care packages for individuals and families who are going through a difficult time.

We are always here to help anyone in need..

‘FOOD TOGETHER’ Fruit & Vege Co-op Tuesdays at Oxford Baptist Church, 12.30pm-3.30pm Come on down for your fruit and veges.

10am - Volunteers packing - would you like to help?

11.45-12.30pm Free community lunch, all welcome 1.00pm - 1.30pm Alpha Express For all enquiries contact the co-ordinator, Tamar on 027 303 4084.

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

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

Physio Direct Rural Physio at YOUR doorstep

• Work and sports • Surgical related injuries rehabilitation • Muscle and joint • Neck and back pain pain • Massage • ACC accredited For an appointment call

0800 55 55 123 1 Redwood Place, Oxford

dipl. NSF , CCNM/NZSE, RMT-MNZ

Marina Vermaat 64 High Street Oxford 7430

03 312 4731

027 311 1140

the Oxford Observer | 19

oxfordobserver.co.nz

Community 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.

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

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

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Great exercise. No partners required.

Tuesdays, ph: Judi on 312 4291.

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

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.

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

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

OXFORD WOMEN’S FORUM Meets on the first Thursday of every second month, March-Nov with guest speakers, ph: Margaret on 03 312 4478.

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

OXFORD MUSEUM Open every Sunday:11am-4pm, Friday: 1-3.30pm, Wednesday & Saturday: 1-3.30pm.

Main St, Oxford.

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

WAIMAKARIRI BRIDGE CLUB Meets every Thursday 7.30pm at the Waimakariri Golf Club rooms.

LINE DANCING Come and join the fun! Oxford Club, 160 High St. For days and times, ph. Vicki 027 388 8929 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.

CAKE DECORATING FONDANT MODELING CLUB Learn the art of cake decorating - any experience welcome Ph Patsy 021 022 01656 OXFORD SQUASH CLUB Have Fun! Get Fit! For all ages, casual or competition. Club nights Wednesdays, 6pm, ph: Shelley 0279201738

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

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.

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

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.

OXFORD DOGS WALKING GROUP Meets 10:00am Mondays at the big tree parking area beside the Service Centre.

Contact Lee Leonard on 312 1536.

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

OXFORD GARDEN CLUB Outing to Darfield , Bring a picnic lunch. Meet at Town Hall 10am , October 16th 2018 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 PLUNKET -COFFEE & CHAT Wednesday 5th September Story teller 9:15- 11:15 am

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

LAWN MOWERS FOR SALE

LAWN MASTER TWIN DRIVE

27 Inch wide roller. 10 years old in very good condition. Makes an excellent job and never fails to start. Large catcher.

Offers over $600.(new ones cost over $2,000)

HAYTER HOBBY 41 ROTARY

Not used this season yet. Older Model.

Goes well. 13 inch roller size.

Make an offer.

Phone 03 312 3047

Sewing Repairs & Alterations Zips, hems, buttons, rips & patches.

Overlocking sheets, towels etc.

Over 30 years ex�erience.

Phone Ly� 03 312 4941

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Handmade Soaps - Bars- Cake Soaps Cupcake Soaps- Gifts - Bath Bombs & More COME IN & SEE US AT 2 McMillan Street Darfield

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Relaxation massage -Pregnancy massage - Neuromuscular Therapy - Indian Head massage - Sports massageManual Lymphatic Drainage Migraine treatment with cold stones (and or other) - Pain management

dipl. NSF , CCNM/NZSE, RMT-MNZ The benefits of massage Marina Vermaat

Tones muscles, 64 skinHigh and Street organs Oxford - Improves circulation of blood and 7430 lymph to the area massage - Muscles and joints become more movable - Stiffness and soreness is relieved - Helps prevent and relieve muscle cramps and spasms - Effective management for many conditions, 03 312 4731 in pain027 311 1140 like headaches, sciatica, OOS, whiplash - Injuries heal faster and stronger - Promotes self awareness - Relaxes body and mind - NurturingMassage generally lowers blood pressure When visiting a massage therapist ask if they are a registered member of Massage New Zealand

Marina Vermatt dipl. NSF, CCNM/NZSE, RMT - MNZ 64 HighStreet Oxford | 03 312 4731 or 027 311 1140

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Mineral Pro SPF 30+ OR Tinted Mineral Pro SPF 30+ is a daily moisturiser that provides broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection.

This lightweight fast absorbing formula dries to a sheer finish. It also contains antioxidant resveratrol a skin conditioning peptide and a delicious vanilla fragrance.

The broad spectrum SPF 30+ protection may assist to prevent solar keratoses and sunspots and reduce the risk of some skin cancers.

When used daily as directed this SPF 30+ sun cream can aid in the prevention of sun-induced premature skin aging thus preserving your skins youthfulness and radiance... and it smells yummy too!

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Late nights and Saturdays offer optimum appointment opportunities.

Gift Vouchers and Concession cards available.

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Advanced Facials, Peels & Skin Treatments.

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

22 | the Oxford Observer

Meet the New Posties words by Cathy Dee

Cathy Daltry and Chris Foley have taken on the daunting task of delivering the rural mail for the RD6 area, which has grown rapidly and now has more than 800 letterboxes.

Cathy and Chris moved to Loburn two years ago. Their previous experiences included living in Asia for 10 years, working as journalists in various media, and running a motel in Nelson.

The pair had been looking after Cathy’s mother who had dementia but when she recently had to move into care, they decided the time was right to seek a new business opportunity.

The life of a rural postie may seem idyllic, but as Cathy points out there is a lot of work involved with a 4am start to sort mail, parcels and papers for loading.

‘Our wonderful mail sorter, Trish, knows every letterbox and gets the boxes of mail ready. We made the decision to have two drivers on the road most days, so we either divide the run in half or the early driver will go just as far as the first ford in Two Chain Rd (about 170 letterboxes), and the second driver delivers the rest. We have taken on two relief drivers, Donna and Rory, so we are a road team of four in any given week’.

Cathy says there are so many truly lovely people on route, some of whom have welcomed them with anything from chocolates to duck eggs. ‘It’s overwhelming!’

The most challenging part of the job so far has been locating houses or safe places to leave parcels.

‘People have been outstandingly tolerant during our teething problems and we expect these creases to iron out as all four of us become more familiar with the route’. There are a couple of things that would really help she adds, All letterboxes being easily accessible and the arrival of summer!

OCTOBER 2018

Healthy Relationship Education at Oxford Area School words by Emily Chapman

Senior school students at Oxford Area School have taken part in a one day programme called Loves-Me-Not. The Sophie Elliot Foundation set up the programme as a partnership with Police, Schools and other non government agencies. In Oxford the course was run by Constable Ken Terry, Emma Don, Head of PE & Health at Oxford Area School, and Julia Graham, Youth Worker at Oxford Community Trust.

Sophie Elliot was killed by her former boyfriend, and neither she nor her mother Lesley had recognised the signs that she was in an abusive relationship. The family set up a foundation to work towards lowering levels of domestic violence through education.

Loves-Me-Not focuses on healthy (equal), relationships as opposed to unhealthy (controlling) ones.

Students learnt about what signs to look out for in their own relationships and others. The programme doesn’t only focus on romantic relationships, but any relationships that young people may find themselves in, such as friendships, familial relationships and intimate relationships. Not only do they talk about what to look out for, but they learn about the characteristics of what makes a good relationship. They learn to understand, and how to recognise early signs of abuse in relationships, consent and how to ‘take action for change’. They also learn about when and how to step in if they are concerned about someone else’s relationship.

Julia Graham says: “I like the programme, because it has been developed because of areal situation and that has an impact.

Emma Don, Constable Ken Terry and Julia Graham

New Housing & Alterations Pumps & Irrigation Insurance Work Heat Pumps Air Conditioning - HVAC Commercial Refrigeration On-Farm Services We Have been working in the area for over 20 years See our Website www.ncre.co.nz for current specials

It is really important for young people to see that, and to be able to give them some tools and insight into what a healthy relationship looks like”. Ken Terry says “In Loves-Me-Not they are learning how to identify characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships.

It is giving young people the tools to identify when things are not right in a relationship. It also teaches them how to step in when other relationships around them need help.”

More information on this programme can be found on sophieelliottfoundation.co.nz.

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

the Oxford Observer | 23

oxfordobserver.co.nz

Mars Mission words by Jackie Kirk

Pupils at Oxford Area School were treated to an out of this world experience, when normal lessons were replaced with a week-long Mars Mission.

All ages were involved in the Mars themed quest. Younger pupils could hardly contain their excitement as they stood in line to enter the darkness of an inflatable planetarium and view projected images.

Older pupils wearing NASA overalls carried out geology, mapping and engineering projects, whilst keeping in radio contact with ‘mission control’.

In the Virtual Mars Yard, a simulated Martian landscape was transmitted via a video link to Sydney Museum of Arts and Applied Sciences, and pupils had the unique opportunity of controlling a Mars Rover vehicle over the surface of the planet.

Pupils took part in space-based art projects and water rocket launches and also had a once in a lifetime opportunity of meeting two NASA Mars scientists, who gave presentations during the school’s extra special week.

There was an impressive scale model of the solar system made up of 3D printed ‘planets’ on display in the school.

Principal Mike Hart is delighted that the Mars Mission was so successful.

He is appreciative of everybody who was involved in planning what has been an amazing experience for local schoolchildren.

Since 2006 Oxford Area School has operated the Astronomical Observatory and organised many projects to inform locals and the wider community about the solar system.

ASHLEY INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LTD Sawmill & Customised Timber Packaging | Selling Direct to the Public 8 Mill Road, Oxford | Hours: Mon to Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am - 12noon

Timber Plywood MDF Posts Stakes & Pegs Bins Pallets Crates Sawdust Shredded Chip Timber Treatment Contract Milling

Annual Slab Firewood Special

Stock up for next Winter NOW! 1.8m3 bin $40.00+GST (max. order 6 X per person) or NEW for this year

6m3 Truckload $295.00+GST Delivered Prices apply to all orders recieved by 31 October 2018

Phone : 03 312 3341 Email: ashleyin@xtra.co.nz Website: www.ashleyindustrial.co.nz

24 | the Oxford Observer

Community Pantry Opens in Cust

by Jackie Kirk

When Cust Community Network appealed for help to build a stand for their new Community Pantry, Mitch Petheram of Rocky Mountain Landscape & Design offered his services. With timber donated from Bennetts Sawmill and a contribution of iron from Gavin Tisch, a stand was constructed for the Cust Hotel car park. Kirstyn Barnett, Chair of Cust Community Network says, ‘The idea of the stand is for people to drop off surplus food items, mainly fresh fruit and vegetables, which would otherwise go to waste. Anyone in the community can access the stand, and we have a group of volunteers who check the stand daily to make sure goods are fresh and tidy.’ The stand only accepts food items, other household items

OCTOBER 2018 can be donated to goodwill stores. Meat and fish are not permitted, but jams and baked goods are welcome if well sealed and dated.

The stand managers accept no responsibility for the safety of donated food so anybody collecting food should check the quality and freshness before eating.So far, contributions have included lemons, limes, eggs, spices and vegetable plants, but a wider selection is anticipated when the growing season gets underway.People are welcome to take what they need without having to swap or donate goods, but paying it forward is also recommended. Cust Community Network is discussing installing a shade cloth and positioning the stand out of the sun to preserve food freshness. New ideas or suggestions for improvements are welcome.

For more information, please call Kirstyn Barnett on 021 312 230.

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

PINK RIBBON FUNDRAISING 12TH & 13TH OCTOBER. Make 2018 our best year.

WEED SPRAYING

Godfrey Pest Management Limited

Please keep free Friday 12th and Saturday 13th October for our yearly Pink Ribbon Breakfast at Main Street Bakery & Cafe, from 7.30am - 10.30am Friday and 8.00am -11.00am Saturday. Breakfast $20.00, raffles available courtesy of Main Street Bakery & Cafe, 3 for $5.00. T-shirts available for $22.00. These will be available to wear in October.

Pa Payment to be made with orders before Friday 5th October.

Volunteers are needed for collection days on the Friday and Saturday.

For information, orders, or bookings for any of the above please contact:

Sherral Gregory Pink Ribbon Coordinator Oxford Area Phone 0220117353

Darfield Line Dancers

Registered Chemical Applicator R1550

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

OXFORD

SHUTTLE SERVICE

& AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Phone: 312 1360

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

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

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

“cheaper than taking your own car”

Every Wed 6:00 - 8:30 pm $7 night Darfield Rec Centre. Beginner & Improver classes

Two left feet ok. Great fun to good music with really good company.

Existing classes going well with people travelling from all over e.g. Ohoka, Oxford, Hororata Burnham & Kirwee.

Car pool for a fun night. Social, Travel & Exercise.

Contact Jenny: 03 312 4896 or 0274 452 285

the Oxford Observer | 25

oxfordobserver.co.nz

Local History

Oxford Butchery

By Jacky Kirk

Farm Fresh Flavour

The origins of local road names Schofield Road Oxford

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.

McJarrows Road Oxford

named after Henry Schofield

named after John McJarrow

Henry Schofield left England at the age of twenty one and arrived in Canterbury in February 1864.

Henry was the son of a farmer and soon began working for a Harewood farmer.

In 1866 he married Mary Hannah Cattermole of Kaiapoi.

Mary had sailed from England on the Lady Nugent with her parents and siblings, disembarking in Lyttelton shortly after the arrival of the first four ships.

After spending some time gold prospecting in Hokitika, the couple took up sixty acres of swamp land near Lake Ellesmere. Whether homesick, jaded or for other reasons, the couple boarded the White Rose in 1868 and returned to England via Australia.

Henry farmed in Yorkshire for five years before the family sailed back to New Zealand for good. He brought back gorse seed and hawthorn berries to plant for shelter and hedges.

The couple had ten children and lived in Kaiapoi, later taking up farm land in West Oxford.

Henry died aged eighty two and Mary died aged fifty nine.

Irishman John McJarrow, his Scottish wife Elizabeth and their young family boarded the ship Mersey in London on 29 May 1862.

John was thirty six, Elizabeth was thirty one and their three children were aged four, two and three months. John’s younger brother William and William’s wife Barbara were also on the ship.

Both brothers were experienced ploughmen and were part of the assisted immigration scheme. Under this scheme, passengers took out a small loan to kit out themselves or their families for what was required on the voyage.

The loan was later repaid to Canterbury Provincial Government.After a three month voyage from London to Lyttleton, the McJarrows settled in the Southbridge area.

John and Elizabeth had twelve children and took up farm land at Bennetts and later moved to Oxford.

John died in Oxford aged sixty six and Elizabeth died aged seventy four.

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

YES, IN OXFORD 100’s of products for the

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

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

Ph: 03 312 4521

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

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The Oxford Observer 0800 627 378 37 (0800 OBSERVER)

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Published by

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advertise@oxfordobserver.co.nz

The Oxford Observer Policy: The Oxford Observer reserves the right to edit any contribution submitted for print and acknowledges that all opinions of contributing columnists and writers are not necessarily those of the Oxford Observer, it’s publisher or staff.

26 | the Oxford Observer

OCTOBER 2018

Best of British Show Fathers’ Day at the Oxford Club It was a best of British musical stroll through the hits of the featured artists playing to a packed crowd at the Oxford Club on Fathers’ Day. The star of the show was top UK Rod Stewart tribute artist Rud Stewart, who has the ability to look and uncannily sound just like Rod in his prime. He sang all the hits with the large crowd joining in and singing along, while enjoying his spectacular gyrations with his microphone stand.

A few of the ex pats enjoying the show became a little misty eyed during Rud’s performance.

Colin James as Joe Cocker had a suitably croaky hoarse, Joe Cockerish voice, and had Joe Cockers unique stage style and arm movements off pat. The Cocker fans at the show loved Colin’s tribute to Joe. But for many, the undoubted real star of the show was Gary Brown as Austin Powers.

Energetically dancing and prancing around, spinning some outstanding humorous yarns, to meeting old girlfriends in the crowd, Austin never stopped. Austin also acted as the show MC and moved around the packed lounge talking, entertaining and radiating good natured bonhomie.

Austin was also a top vocalist, and had some unique lyrics for some classic crowd favorites.

A great afternoon of music at

the Oxford Club – your Social Hub.

Bellyful Waimakariri delivers free, frozen meals to families with newborn babies, and families with young children struggling with illness, where there is little, or no family or social support, and who need a helping hand.If you think Bellyful could help you or a family you know, please visit www.bellyful.org.nz for more information and to make a referral. You must have the families permission first.If you think you can help as a volunteer, please contact Linda McCarthy on 022 697 5459 or Carol Burdon on 022 021 7313.

Day

The Oxford Club is holding its first ever open day, and has planned a super day with activities and fun for everyone on Sunday 28th October between 11am and 3pm.

“We wanted to give everyone the chance to visit our club with all the family,” said President Brian Norton. It will be great to let people who haven’t been to the club before, come along and see for themselves what makes the Oxford Club such a super club to join, with all the benefits and activities we have to offer you. The club is part of our community, and we will have all our club sections present with displays and information on their varied activities.

Sections include outdoor bowls, line dancing, pool darts, travel, vintage, golf and many more. There will be displays of classic cars and motor cycles, with the bouncy castle, hay cart rides, treasure hunt, lolly scrambles for the children and much much more.

The barbie will be sizzling with complimentary snacks, and if you like what you see at the Club we will be offering discounted membership on the day only.

Everything is on us on the day… Free … and we would like to thank you, our community, for your support over the years. We look forward to seeing you all on our Open day, The Oxford Club - Your Social Hub.

Local raconteur and music fan John Manuel said the whole thing was great. He said “Austin Powers was incredibly funny and kept the whole show running, and the impersonators not only sounded like Rod Stewart and Joe Cocker but looked like them too.”

Also present and loving the show was local muso and musical alumni Murray Roper.

He said it was “a damn good 3 hours of fun, from the moment Austin Powers came on to the end of the show the place was full of laughter”. Murray also went on to say that he has seen Rod Stewart a few times and “you would swear it was actually him on stage

Oxford Club Open

Daffodil Day

Oxford Club President Brian Norton

On the 31st of August the Oxford Cancer Support Group were collecting for Daffodil Day. All proceeds from this day are for The Cancer Society, and go towards things such as accommodation, information, transport, taxis, welfare grants for those needing assistance and much more.

The Oxford Cancer Support group was formed around 1988 and in addition to raising money for Daffodil Day, does their own fundraising at events like the Oxford Show and the Garden Fete, to raise money for grocery vouchers, baking, firewood etc.

They have a volunteer driver service to help people to get to appointments.

They can also help support those people not eligible for Government Funding.

If you would like to get involved or are needing support yourself please phone Ans Fonteyn on 312 4741

the Oxford Observer | 27

oxfordobserver.co.nz

Emergency Services Police Report

with Aaron Campbell

OXFORD POLICE CONSTABLE During the past month we have had numerous burglaries occur in the greater Oxford area, and also a number of thefts from the public space. One of the thefts involved items being stolen from the back of a Ute parked on the road overnight, while other thefts over the same period involved the theft of money and product from honesty stands. The reported burglaries occurred in the rural sector for fuel, in a commercial premise in the town ship and also at a couple of residential properties. In one of the residential burglaries a vehicle was stolen, while firearms were stolen in another burglary. Investigations for three of these burglaries have identified that the offenders are not believed to be local to the Oxford area. It is believed that the commercial burglary and the residential burglary involving the motor vehicle theft, are related to the large number of burglaries occurring district wide where motor vehicles, specifically Toyota Hilux

were being stolen. These investigations have been consolidated with others and are now being investigated by our city counterparts.Although the prices of fuel are increasing, offenders are showing they have the means and are prepared to travel.

If they run low on fuel they are becoming quite brazen at helping themselves to fuel stored on farm properties. The recent fuel thefts have occurred on properties where fuel tanks are visible from the public space. If your fuel tanks are visible from the road and it is possible to relocate them elsewhere this may prevent you from becoming targeted. Consider putting up signs advising of CCTV and alarms so that the opportunist may be deterred. This may not deter the driven offender, but the more we can do to target harden, and make it harder for thefts to occur, the less offences will occur in our area.With the theft of firearms and the prevalence of firearms being found in the wrong hands,

I would ask all firearms license holders to look at your respective security standards.

If we all secure our firearms and ensure bolts are removed and hidden away from the main body of the firearm every time we have them out, we will surely reduce the occurrence of operable firearms being stolen and found in the wrong hands. Don’t become complacent and think to yourself “I’ll put it away later”. Do it now. It is a requirement in the Arms Code. We are still asking for public help in the cases featured widely on social media and the news, in relation to the two stags shot in the area.

The first stag named Oxford was shot with its head taken ,earlier in the year, while the second stag was shot, head taken along with all the meat last month. It would be fantastic to hold the offenders to account for these crimes. However, we need your help.

Please report anything you may know, or hear about these, either to us at the Oxford Police Station or call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Fire Service Report with Trevor Ealam OXFORD CHIEF FIRE OFFICER The Brigade was called three times in August.

One call was to a motor vehicle accident and as a result one person was taken to hospital by ambulance with moderate injuries, one to a smoke alarm activation at the Oxford Area School which was a false alarm and the other was to trees on fire.

This brings our total calls for the year to thirty six.

Here For Life

with Matt Ohs

We are still finding houses in the Oxford area without working smoke alarms which is disappointing considering that they actually SAVE LIVES. If there is anyone that would like advise with fitting or checking smoke alarms please contact me on 0272977564 or email, ealamtj@gmail.com.

We can also supply alarms if required.

AREA ST JOHN STATION MANAGER The Oxford Ambulance response area had a steady month with 46 incidents in August bringing the total number of incidents since 01 January 2018 to 386. A number of these incidents have involved serious chest pain.

Any chest pain that lasts for more than 15 minutes should be considered serious as it could be a heart attack.A heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs when one of the main blood vessels that run around the outside of the heart to supply the heart muscle with blood is blocked. The severity of the attack depends on the location of the blockage: a small blood vessel will cause chest pain and other symptoms, where a

Here for Life

blockage of a major blood vessel can lead to the heart stopping (cardiac arrest) and the need for CPR.Symptoms and signs that may indicate a heart attack are pain or an uncomfortable pressure in the middle of the chest that does not ease after 15 minutes of rest, pain that radiates up the neck and into the jaw, teeth, shoulder and down one or both arms, sensation of a crushing weight is resting on the chest or as if a steel band around the chest is being tightened, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, a feeling of great anxiety, weakness, fatigue or sudden collapse. How you can help, dial 111 for ambulance assistance,

do not transport the patient in a private vehicle, wait for assistance. Try to keep the patient calm with constant reassurance.

Stress or activity could cause complications or even collapse. Loosen any tight clothing at the neck and waist to assist breathing.

Assist conscious patients to rest in the position of greatest comfort, generally in a half-sitting position with support for the back and head. If the patient is unconscious or not responding, they may require CPR. The Oxford Ambulance Station is not manned 24 hours a day. For medical emergencies or medical advice please call 111. We are continually recruiting Volunteer Ambulance Officers, if you would like information on joining please call the Oxford station on 03 312 3516 and leave a message.

DIAL 111 FOR POLICE - FIRE - AMBULANCE

28 | TRADES

OCTOBER 2018

Building Services

Home Decorating

Brian Norton

Qualified Tradesman

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

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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!

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 Canvas Specialists 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

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

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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

NEXT SEASONS FIREWOOD with Firewood from....

Darryl Peter Firewood Phone | 03 310 3091

p: 0212 499 495

e: 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

DPF

Mobile | 027 689 5203 Email dpf105@gmail .com

Darryl Peter Firewood

Professional Homekill Specialists Covering North Canterbury • sheep • beef • pigs • wild game • Competitive Prices, Booking Essential

Call us today: Jason & Julie Forsyth NZFSA Certified Ph: 03 312 6227 Mob: 027 388 9533 Email: info@waimakhomekill.co.nz

www.waimakhomekill.co.nz

Graham & Kim Ph: 03 312 4788

2016 LTD

Rubbish Collection Services

4trash@xtra.co.nz

www.4trash.co.nz

30 | TRADES

OCTOBER 2018

Hedge & Shelterbelt Trimming

Plastic Welding

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

the Plastic Welding

SPECIALISTS

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

021 1805 103 | james@ncpw.nz | www.ncpw.co.nz

Fencing

Roofing

K&N Roofing Roof Repairs Water Blasting & Moss Treatment Roof Painting Gutter Cleaning & Replacement Repointing 027 516 6609 Free Quotes 10+ years Experience Kandnroofing@hotmail.com

Arborist

Full commercial insurance Over 35 years experience

Lumberjack

arborist services

Felling • Pruning • Topping • Shaping • Milling • Forest Block Thinning For free quotes and prompt service, call us today Brian Clark Phone: 03 312-4688 Mobile: 027 6160192 Email: 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

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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.

& FARM MAINTENANCE Other 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