NEW SKILLS GAINED

With over 70 attendees, the Malvern Spinners & Weavers hosted ‘Have A Go’ Day at Darfield Recreation Centre on Thursday, August 3.

Participants revelled in all things woolly across a range of workshops and traders.

From spinning to weaving to knitting to felting and more, participants enjoyed trying their hand at something new or gaining new tricks. Oxford spinner Jay came with her spinning wheel to get some tips and went away brimming with knowledge and confidence and, of course, a stash of wool products to complement. A highlight of the day was a group of Darfield High School students, undertaking the William Pike Challenge which develops skills such as leadership, responsibility, creativity, and community involvement, that came and tried out some new capabilities.

The students went away excited with their new-found creative skills and not to mention their momentos such as needle-felted ladybugs and choc-chipcookie brooch.

The raffle was a highpoint thanks to the many donations from the traders and locals including Darfield 4 Square, Darfield Pharmacy and The SewingRoom.

Traders included Greenacres Farm, Majacraft, Ashfords, Starcrest Farm, Black Hills NZ, Power Scour, House of Felt, Christchurch Guild, and Anna Harris. The Malvern Spinners & Weavers were delighted with the community involvement which made it such a success and of course the hard work by all the members. People who are interested are always welcome tocome along.

Regular meetings are heldevery second andlast Monday of Regular meetings are heldevery second andlast Monday of Regular meetings are second Regular meetings are second each month at St Josephs Hall andDarfieldLibrary each at St Josephs Hall (respectively) from 10.00am (respectively) from 10.00am (respectively) from (respectively) from

Tothe Editor:

Accolades For Resthome

Five months agoI hadthe goodfortune tobe admittedto Westmar Elderly Home Centre on KimberlyRoad, Darfield. From the moment I walkedin I have been treatedwith the most respect andlovingcare byall the staff, made upof nurses and helpers. All different andeach bringingtheir own special personal attributes tothe jobof lookingafter us in unit number one.

In unit number twoKimberly, a special secure unit,are those whoneeda little more intensive care andbe securelylockedin for their own safety. These people rely on others tosteer them gentlythrough their lives, dealingwith their everyneeds. Bathing, toileting, sleeping, eating, and, of course, pastimes. I always think of that as a funnyword. Dowe want the time to pass? Personally, I believe that every precious moment should be enjoyeduntil the time comes toclose our eyes for the final time. These special folks respondwell tophysical touch egback massage andhugs andenjoy painting, collage, dolls, toys, conversations, games, cardmaking, singing, poetry, andwalks outside in an enclosedarea.

I enjoyso much visitingthe unit number twoandenjoyhelping them with projects.

The foodin Westmar is sospecial andwe all look forwardto meals. Aspecial thanks tomanagers Carol andMike for all their lovingcare andattention. We are all most grateful.

From Francis a Westmar resident (Name withheld and letter abridged)