November news

Halloween Hijinx Support is building for Art in the Park, Coatesville's very own art exhibition and sale at the hall and reserve. Organiser Peter Whitcombe says local artists are coming forward but there's still space for more and he encourages anyone who's interested to get in touch either by phone 027 544 3047 or by email at coatesvilleartshow@gmail.com. Peter has promoted the event to a number of art centres and hopes there will be a wide range of art to see on the day. Art in the Park takes place on Saturday, 6 March from 9am till 4pm at the Settlers Hall and will raise much-needed funds for the St John's Ambulance service which will have a presence on the day. He hopes that Art in the Park will become an annual event if there's enough support from the Coatesville community. The Coatesville Settlers Hall and Reserve society held its AGM in October. As expected, Hall revenues were negatively affected by Covid-19, which had a significant impact on the number of bookings and cancellations between March and October. According to the financial report, this year's revenues were to $31,000 to the end of June 2020. The Hall interior was painted during this time so additional costs were also incurred. The entire hard-working committee who ensure the hall is in tip-top shape for all users, offered themselves for re-election and the following people were reappointed: Alan Curtis, Colin Mitten, Leanne Holder, Cate Haigh, Owen Sprosen, Ross Paterson, Phil Smith, Deb Bensley and Susan Haslam.

The Coatesville community got behind the idea of dressing up and eating lollies on Halloween. Playcentre families got together for a Halloween party and everyone — parents included — got their costumes on. Some families chose a theme like all four members of the Craig family who came dressed in rainbow unicorn onesies. Up the road, the Mowbray family invited local kids to come to the mansion's spooky-looking gate and help themselves to a Zuru toy from the toybox — sweet! Others took things a step further and headed down the highway to Riverhead for the annual Fright Night community trick or treat event. This year several hundred trick or treaters descended on the neighbourhood as darkness fell.... Top left; Playcentre families; from left; a toybox treat; locals at

Art in the Park CHARAC AGM Fright Night; event organiser Jade and her daughter . Check the fire status If you're planning to burn garden waste in the coming weeks, remember to check the fire status in case it has moved to Restricted when you need a fire permit or Prohibited when no fires are allowed. Go to checkitsalright. nz. Also, spare a thought for the wedding crowds. Anyone who has managed to organise a wedding in this difficult year deserves one without smoke from nearby fires.

Open 7.30-4pm daily Dinners till late Friday and Saturday.

Get festive at Fernielea Cafe this year and host your Christmas function in Coatesville. Choose a set menu or design your own. We have vegan, vegie and gluten-free options and you can dine in or we will deliver! Book today! Call 09 415 6442