Issue 1,132 Friday 26th April 2024

Phone: 03 318 7450

Email: info@malvernnews.co.nz

Website: www.malvernnews.co.nz

ISSUE 1,132

A COMMUNITY IN FEAR

Whenitrainsheavily,itfloods.

That’s what comes to mind when Hororata residents hear storm rain in a forecast. Those who live in the areas prone to flooding struggle with sleeping easy at night with the knowledgethattherearemajor issues with nearby streams that are blocked with willows, shingle,anddebris.

Concernedcommunity spokes - people Dave Askin and Mike Davies want effective action.

The community is frustrated withtheinadequateresponses from the Selwyn District Council (SDC), Environment Canterbury (ECan) and the Department of Conservation (DoC).

where qualified officers were trusted to work with landownersandcontractors.

“That’s long ago,” says Dave. “Think 1940s, 50s, 60s and 70s.Someof those contractors stillliveintheareaandtheyare surprised and dismayed at the lack of action to prevent flood disasters, even when nature hasgivenusexamplesofflood damageupnorth.”

He says that families in Hororata fall between three ‘all-powerful’agencies–ECan, DoCandSDC.

Askedtocomment,Councillor

Lydia Gliddon says, “I have been working with Dave and Mike over the past 18 months toseeksolutionsforHororata.

Hororata residents; residents’ homes and livelihood should beapriority.

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“We all know that climate experts tell us to expectbigger storms with more damaging floods,” says Dave. “So, it beggars belief that almost nothingisbeingdonetoreduce the flood risk for Hororata. It wasn’talwayslikethis.”

In the past, the waterways were kept clear of shingle and willows by a catchment board

“Akeycontrollingdocumentis the Land and Water Regional Planwithhundredsofpagesof regulations that limit what anyonecandotoincreaseflow inrivers,therebyreducingflood risk.”

He says that DoC is more concernedaboutmudfishthan peopleand theirhomes;ECan hasnobudgetfortheHororata streams; and SDC has shown over the years that they also have inadequate budget and commitment to the community’sfloodingneeds.

Currently, SDC is working through what operating to Ecan’s code of practice looks likeinsteadofneedingacostly and time-consuming resource consent to undertakeworks in theriverbed.Ecan’sLongTerm Planalsoaimstoaddressalot oftheissuesherearoundrating for river protection including gravel extraction and willow removal.”

She says she is dedicated to finding a solution for the

In the meantime, Hororata residents live in fear that the next heavy rainfall may end in another disastrous flood, affecting their health, homes, andlivelihoods. They say they continue to feel the pain of fear and frustration that so little is done before an event. “Sandbags feel entirely inadequate.”

Look out for updates on Facebook – The Official HororataCommunityPage.

Out of frustration, a group of concerned Hororata locals recently banded together to do some tree clearing work in the Hororata river to help reduce future flooding issues in the township. Locals are sick of waiting for the Council, DoC and ECan to act before the next big flood.

EDUCARE

Opening Hours 7:30am - 5pm

ANNABEL’S EDUCARE & 3 YR & 4 YR OLD KINDERGARTENS

12-16 South Tce,

• Educare Ph 318 7943

• 3 Year Ph 318 7948

• 4 Year Ph 318 8843

Any queries phone: 027 627 8993

Email: Darfield@playcentre.org.nz

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VET

World Veterinary Day is coming up on April 27, so our lovely VetEnt and PetFirst veterinariansofferaglimpseof behind the scenes in a day in thelifeofavet.

A new day. Our clinic doors swingopenat8amandthere’s a fur friend in need already waiting.Shestartedgivingbirth overnight, but it seems to be taking a long time and her owner is worried. After some key questions and an onsite x-ray, it is agreed that an emergency caesarian is needed and it’s all hands ondeck as we rally to save mother and pups. The team works together, with our customer care team updating or rescheduling incoming pet parents, nurses quickly and calmly setting up for surgery, and our vets getting ready to scrubin.

Meanwhile, in our waiting room, a curious kitten awaits its first health check. Healthy and energetic, the fur baby flies through their cat flu vaccination and worming, while we answer plenty of great questions from the new pet parent. We love these consultations – they really set bothpetandpetparentupfor afantasticlifetogether!

The rest of the day goes quickly; we see skin and ear infections, a dog with diarrhoea who is admitted for IV fluids and some important diagnosticbloodtests. Another vet diagnoses a cat with diabetes, equipping the petparentwiththeinformation and options they need to return home reassured and withaplanofaction.Thelarge animalvetsarebusytoo-one has some de-horning to do, another is investigating a case ofnitratepoisoning. Ourfinalappointmentisasad one.Amuch-lovedolderpet’s body is failing, and he is living with pain.Heisveryloved,but it is time. Some sedation is given, then the final injection. Emotionally draining, yet so important and an honour to help pet parents make this difficult decision for their adoredfurfriends.

As another day comes to an end,wepausetoreflectonthe bittersweet moments, write some final clinical notes, update a script, and call anotherpetparenttocheckin onapatientwithanewarthritis treatment plan. The caesarian went well, and the new mum and her pups have just been discharged. The nurses scrub

up the instruments and clean up,readyforthenextday.We all say goodbye and walk out thedoor.

No day is the same! So, whether it's a simple thank youoraheartfeltshoutout,this World Veterinary Day, let's show our appreciation for the invaluable role our veterinarians, vet nurses and veterinary care teams play in ourlives.

NEWS IN BRIEF

BlackDogRide

TheBlackDog Ride isbackto raise awareness of Mental Health & Suicide. The motorcycle Ride will meet at 9.30amonSaturday,May4at ZServiceStation,530Sawyers Arms Rd, Christchurch. The ride route and safety briefing start at 10am followed by standsup.Thiswillbeanopen road ride with a duration of approximately two hours including a brief stop and will finish at a location on the outskirts of Christchurch for lunch.

Riders are encouraged to

donate towards Gumboot Friday. This is an initiative by I AM HOPE to provide free counselling to kids. There will be no collection taken at the ride, but you can donate via the following link, gumbootfriday.org.nz/donate.

Love & Marriage: Images of romanticunions

Opening soon at Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House from March 28 - 23 June23,10am-4.00pm,Love & Marriage, curated by Karis Evans,showcasesaselection of paintings and photographs depictingloveandmarriagein

Aotearoa New Zealand from the1800stopresentday. Ticketsarefreeandcanbe bookedat: katesheppard.co.nz.

WhereNatureThrives

Hosted by Soil & Health NZ and Organics Aotearoa New Zealand, Organic Week 2024 isfromMay1-7.Theweek-long event isanationalcelebration

oforganicagriculture,themed

‘Where Nature Thrives’, and promises to show case organic producers as guardians of biodiversity throughorganicfarming.

During the week there will be opportunities to take part in a series of online workshops suchasSimpleShifts:AGuide to LowTox Living on a Budget with Sarah Reddington, From Idea to Action: Starting an Organic Food Cooperative with Robyn Guyton, and Preserving your harvest with Yotam & Niva Kay, Pakaraka Permaculture and authors of TheAbundantKitchen.

There will also be opportunity to watch Six Inches of Soil at your closest Lumiere Theatre onMay1.Thedocumentaryis an inspiring story of British farmers standing up against theindustrialfoodsystemand transforming the way they producefood-tohealthesoil, benefitourhealthandprovide forlocalcommunities.Tolearn moreaboutorganicliving,visit organicnz.org.nz.

Dr Beato doing a pre-op exam on one of the patients.

KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY INFORMED

By Bruce Russell, Chair, MalvernCommunityBoard

The Malvern Community Board's (MCB) role is to work collaborativelywiththeSelwyn District Council (SDC) and engage with the people of Malvern, to achieve community goals to make Malvernabetterplacetolive.

The Board met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 222024. MurrayEngland from the SDC provided an informative overview of water services in the district and gave a guided tour of the extensive information on the SDC website. The information isinsixvolumesandrelatesto 5Waters.

The Board members have been spending time engaging with the community in regard to the Long-term plan 20242034, out for submissions

and the Representation Review, out for preliminary consultation and will be making a Board response to both. If you would like to discusseither,orboth,please contactamemberoftheMCB

- see contact details below.

TheBoard will also beholding information and discussions sessions in the Darfield Recreation Centre, and other venues on request, to assist withsubmissionsontheLongterm plan. You are advised to contact a member of the Board to discuss and for assistance.

SDC has decided in the Representation Review preliminary consultation to obtaincommunityfeedbackin relation to their being no community board(s) and two options,namelywhetherthere bethreeorfourwards.

Should you wish to know more, contact:

♦ Bruce Russell -Chair 0274361727 bruce.russell66@gmail.com

♦ John Verry -DeputyChair 022O873463 john.verry@selwyn.govt.nz

♦ Sharn Nu'u -(Hawkins) 0273374726 sharn.nu'u@selwyn.govt.nz

♦ Calvin Payne -(WestMel) 0272017453 calvin.payne@selwyn.govt.nz

♦ Phil Freeman -(Tawera) 0273492756 phil@bossman.nz

♦ Cr Lydia Gliddon 0273181432 crlydia.gliddon@selwyn.govt.nz

♦ Cr Bob Mugford 0275110385 crbob.mugford@selwyn.govt.nz

(Thereisamoredetailedreport regardingthisonpage8ofthis issue). This leaves the option for those responding to give their view as to what representationwouldbeinthe communityinterest.

The Board also met on Monday with representatives of theCommunity/Residents Associationsandwillcontinue to encourage community responsestoboththeLTPand RepresentationReview.

• Low back, neck, sciatic pain

• Work related injuries

• Post surgery treatment and rehabilitation

• All sports injuries and soft tissue strains

• Joint sprains and strains, such as tennis elbow, shoulder and knee problems.

HOW DOES THE LONG TERM PLAN AFFECT MALVERN?

To sum up the Long Term Plan for Malvern – there is over 220 million dollars being spent in the Malvern area. This is broken down as:

• Transport -$93.7million

• 5Waters $106.1 million

• Open Spaces&Facilities $20.98million

If people don’t want rates increases – the Selwyn District Council (SDC) need to hear what level of service people are happy with and what the Council should be doinglessof.

The 2nd May is coming around quick so talk to your local Councillors and visit the SDC websiteto ‘HaveYourSay”: yoursay.selwyn.govt.nz/ltp

TRANSPORT

Malvern Capital Projects - LTP

• WhitecliPsBridgereplacement

• Roadreseal andpavement rehabs acrossMalvern

• Upgradesto ruralfords and culverts

• Intersection safetyupgrades,road widenings,sealextensions, intersection sealbacks,and guardrail

• Townshipfootpath andcrossings/ Townshipsignage

• Schoolsafetyupgradesandspeed management plan implementation

• WaikirikiriAlpineto SeaTrail Two Stages2023-2034

• Street,carpark&walkwaylighting

• Levelcrossingupgrades

• Undergrounding

•

RESERVES

• Publictoilet new/renewalsCoalgate,West Melton,Darfield, WaimakaririGorge

• Park development frommaster plans -West Melton,Kirwee, Hororata

• Sportslightingupgrade -ShePield, Glentunnel,West Melton,Kirwee, KawaiPass

• Sportsfielddevelopment and irrigation-Darfield

• Court upgrades -West Melton, Coalgate,Darfield,ShePield, Edendale,Greendale,Hororata, KawaiPass

• Park buildingupgrades -West Melton,Kirwee(Seismic), ShePield

• Reservecarparks& roadway

upgrades -Darfield, West Melton,Coalgate,Kirwee, ShePield,LakeLyndon

• CemeteryimprovementsKawaiPass(entrance)

• TownshipreserveprojectsDarfield,Springfield,Kirwee, Coalgate WATER

• West Melton IDarfieldI Kirwee WaterGrowth

• Rural WaterSupplyGrowth

• West Melton,Darfield,Kirwee, Dalethorpe,HartleysRoad, Acheron,Hororata,TePirita WaterSupplyLoS

• DarfieldandKirwee Wastewater(connect existing propertiesfrom2027/28 completion 2038)

Autumn Garden Open Day

TERRACE STATION, HOR TERRACE STATION, HOR TERRACE HOR TERRACE HORORATA ORATA ORATA ORATA Sunday 28th April Sunday 28th April Sunday April Sunday April 11am 11am- 3pm 3pm3pm 3pm www.terracestation.org.nz www.terracestation.org.nz

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‘Proud to be local!’

CONTAINERS • SPA POOLS • FRAME & TRUSS

STRUCTURAL STEEL • FARM MACHINERY

IRRIGATION • GENERAL CARTAGE

CLASS 5 RELIEF DRIVER • CLASS 2 PILOTING

Phone Craig 027 222 1632 (Owner/Operator)

AUTUMN COLOURS AT TERRACE STATION, HORORATA

Kate Foster of Terrace Station has been busy with group tours through the late summer. Sunday, April 28 from 11am until 3pm is the open day for visitors to come without booking to see the autumn colour.

However, the challenging season has made it diPicult to keep a garden looking in good presentation form. Old oaks and sequoias in the Big Tree Walking Track (major work has been going on here!) provide vital shade along with acer maples, linden limes, holmoaksandcedars.

Wood cyclamen are treasures in this woodland garden and are floweringin

Your local 'One Stop Shop' Plant Nursery

Supplying - natives, trees, hedging & much more for your... NEW BUILD  OLD BUILD  FARM

Bare root fruit and specimen trees arriving June/July. Stone fruit, pip fruit, cherry fruit and flowering (Limited numbers)

Check out Nat's Nursery face book page for varieties or call Nat on 021 258 7241.

profusion along with liriope. The many shrubs and flowers are a haven for birds and insects –often sadly lacking in our present farming environment. Autumn crocuses (colchicums) may be over by the end of April, but roses may still provide some colour along with late flowering plants such as white nerines and sternbergialutea.

The Hutch will display historic farming and gardening tools along with 19th century domestic items, some of which cause lively debate as to their original uses. Children may like to take

with them pictorial lists of botanical items to be discovered in the woods and gardens. Please bring a picnic to enjoy in a sheltered corner of the historic garden. There will beasmall plant sale.

The $10 entry fee (no Eftpos, cash only) goes to the Terrace Station Charitable Trust, children are free. More information about open days and group tours is available at www.terracestation.org.nz Check the Facebook page nearer the time for up-todate information and weatherconditions.

Please leave dogs at home.

Autumn colours and country garden treasures await visitors to Terrace Station’s open day.

NATURED INSPIRED ART EXHIBITION

Celebrateaseasonof“Forage andHarvest”atTeHuanuithis May.FeaturingworksbySarah Cavill, Frank Sin, Bryony Bedggood and Jo Seizova, Forage and Harvest officially opens at 6pm on Friday, April 26 and runs until Thursday, May30.

Jo Seizova immigrated to ChristchurchfromMacedonia in 1996. Taking daily walks on the beach, Jo discovered a treasure trove of driftwood thatnaturesculptedovertime andfeltaninstantconnection. Guided by an unwavering desire to honour and accentuatethenaturalbeauty within each piece, she carefullyselectsandprepares the driftwood, incorporating occasional elements such as metal, stone, and glass to enrichtheirinherentcharm.

Sarah Cavill is inspired by those who choose to pick up apen,brush,orknifeto apply colour, or create, be it intentionallyorunintentionally. She in turn, hopes to inspire others to unleash their inner artist with her journey to capturetheemotion,eventhe quirky moments in animal portraiture. Sarah’s work for theexhibitionhasgivenherthe opportunity to experiment further with a captured moment. The chance to bring forth a discussion, a curiosity, possibly appreciation and definitelyopiniononthosethat hunt, are hunted, through to those that forage or are expected to harvest or be harvested.

havealwaysheldafascination forBryonyBedggood,onethat can be explored in so many different ways. As a child she foraged on the many beach and hill walks arriving home with pockets full and the car littered with found treasures –nothingmuchhaschanged. Bryony’s work explores how monoprinting can complement and juxtapose the more ethereal qualities that cyanotype printing can produce. All paper is hand printed using locally foraged plant life and the cyanotype printingmethodbeforeadding stitch and wirework, ink, monoprintandtheuseofcold wax.

FrankSintookpaintingupasa hobby five years ago, with an earlyinterestinportraiture.

Over time and through workshops with Min Kim and Joseph Zbukvic, Frank’s interestextendedtoarangeof genres. Frank plays with textures and mediums, using dried up paint skins, sugar, and sand. Frank enjoys working in landscape, cityscape,stilllifeandabstract genres, examples that you’ll seeinhisworkforForageand Harvest.

Te Huanui will also host a hands-on foraging experience withknowledgeableduoPeter Langlands and Jackie Phillips on Saturday, May 11 from 1- 3pm. Spend two hours urban foraging throughout Darfield township. $15 per person,limitednumbers.

Book at www.malvernarts.org.nz

A beautiful, warm autumn day saw the Darfield Garden Club members venture out to The Herb Garden at Jowers Rd, West Melton. Julie Powell-Booth welcomed us to her permaculture organic garden and gave us an insight into her garden philosophy of composting and use of all waste – what’s on the property stays on the property, a grand circle of life for her garden.

The large garden comprises culinary and medical herbs, vegetables, flower gardens, a wonderful orchard of 40 fruit trees, and large areas of trees and lawns. Although it is the end of the season, we were delighted to see the autumn leaves falling with their brilliant colours and to see what is made from the end products of the garden. We viewed the drying room and were able to see the natural balms, creams, teas, and herbal salts that Julie makes.

Julie’s inspiration, passion and knowledge saw her awarded the Overall Winner of the Tourism category at Selwyn Awards 23, plus a bronze for Environmental and Sustainability. We enjoyed sharing a lovely day in the garden with her.

Our next meeting is our AGM at the Recreation Centre in Darfield on May 21 at 1.30pm. Members are invited to make a posy bowl to be given away. New members are always welcome, contact Secretary Ann Gibson on 03 318 8764. Lee Stokes.

Indigo Moth by flora and fauna artist Bryony Bedggood.

Flora and Fauna

CONCERN OVER NITRATE LEVELS

Greenpeace Aotearoa is expressinggraveconcernover nitrate contamination in Darfield, after water testing onFriday,April19revealedthe town supply in both Darfield andKirweewasaround5mg/L of nitrate. Studies have found potential increased reproductive risks at this level of contamination, including preterm births and underweightbabies.

Studies have also linked nitrate contamination at 1mg/L–fivetimeslowerthan theDarfieldtownsupply–toa potential increased risk of colorectalcancer.

Greenpeace spokesperson Gen Toop says “It is unacceptable that members of the public in Darfield are having to drink water with potentially unsafe levels ofnitrate.

ECan and the Government havearesponsibilitytoprevent nitrate contamination in drinking water from intensive dairying and right now they’re failing.

DatacollectedbyGreenpeace

on Friday showed that the town supply in Darfield and Kirweesatataround5mg/Lof nitrate in the drinking water. It also showed that several private bores in the area were above the current official health limit of 11.3 mg/L. This limit was set decades ago to preventBlueBabySyndrome.

“Everyone has a right to safe clean drinking water, but many rural communities, like Darfield, are experiencing elevated levels of nitrate contaminationintheirdrinking water which is linked to increasedriskofbowelcancer andreproductiveissues,”says Toop.

The New Zealand College of Midwives advises that pregnantwomenshouldavoid drinking water that is over 5 mg/Lofnitrate.

“Canterbury’s water is particularly prone to nitrate contamination, in part because of the explosion in cow numbers and synthetic nitrogen fertiliser use in the region. Cow urine and synthetic fertiliser can leach through the soil and into the groundwater, and eventually

end up in people’s drinking water,”saysToop.

“Ultimately, the best solution to nitrate contamination is to stop the pollution at the source. That means ECan and the Government need tophaseoutsyntheticnitrogen fertiliser use and lower the numbers of cows in Canterbury.

“Rightnow,ruralcommunities are most at risk, but even in Christchurch–NewZealand’s third largest city – experts have warned that nitrate contamination in drinking water will increase in coming decades.”

TheGovernmentisplanningto replace New Zealand’s freshwaterprotections.Oneof the Ministers in charge, Andrew Hoggard, is an exFederatedFarmerslobbyist.

Greenpeace is calling on the Governmenttokeepitshands off the current freshwater protections. The organisation is also calling on the Government to lower the maximum allowable value of nitrate in drinking water to 1mg/L.

Greenpeace was in Darfield last Friday water testing for nitrate contamination.

HISTORIC HORORĀTĀ

Hororātā was once a thriving townshipinthe1900sandthe largest rural town in the area. In its day it had a hotel, two churches, two general stores, two schools – one public and one private, post office, town hall, racecourse, brewery, flour mill, butchery, undertaker,andblacksmith.

Tocelebratethetown’shistory and its future, The Hororātā Historic Society (HHS) and Selwyn Libraries have joined forces to launch the Hororātā WalkingTrail.

The Trail is on the Township Trails Selwyn App, which currently includes Lincoln, Prebbleton, Glentunnel, and nowHororata.

An easy-to-use app takes people on a gentle walk through townships, highlighting historical points of interest.

"Thishasbeenabigprojectfor the Hororata Historic Society, and we are so proud to see it launched," says HHS secretary Helene Youngman.

"A special thank you to Kate Foster for her knowledge and

editing skills. This is a wonderful tribute to Pauline Pearce, who hadthefantastic ideaofcreatingawalkfromSt John’s Church to Hororata Museumyearsago.

ShesaystheSocietyisgrateful to Michelle, Sarah and the teamatSelwynLibrariesforall theirinputandsupport.

TheGlentunnelHeritage Walk starts at the Glentunnel Museumat3PhilipStreet.This heritage walk will lead you along the quiet streets and

country lanes of Glentunnel, and reveal the fascinating history of this settlement. Fromthe1870s,itwasthesite of coalmines, potteries and brickworks, and evidence of these industries can still be seenaroundthevillagetoday.

To find the information on the website, visit: selwyntownship.stqry.app or search for Township Trails Selwynonyour phone.

Hororātā township in 1911; photo taken from the St John’s Church spire.

PROPERTY WANTED DARFIELD/KIRWEE

Darfield office open: Mon & Thurs, 9 - 5pm or by appointment

NEW WARDS, NO COMMUNITY BOARDS

TheSelwynDistrictCouncilis looking at making big changes to the ward boundaries and councillor numbersinthedistrict.

TheMalvernwardcouldendup with only one Council representative, no community board,andanamechange.Or it could be bigger, taking in thegreaterEllesmerearea.

In a preliminary consultation, the Council is seeking community feedback on two possible options for new ward boundaries and number of councillors to represent those wards.

On the Council’s website, it states that as “Waikirikiri Selwyngrowsandchanges,the numbers of our elected members and electoral ward boundaries need to keep up withthegrowingpopulation.”

Mayor Sam Broughton is quoted as saying, “One of the key principles of fair representation is that each elected member should represent around the same number of people. This review will help to ensure that happens.Itwillalsolookatour ward boundaries so that residents get fair and equal

representation around the Counciltable.”

Following the 2022 elections, the Council is currently made up of one mayor, 10 councillors elected from four wards, and one community board – consisting of five elected members from three subdivisions.

The proposal includes two options – the first option comprisingoffourwards with eight councillors (no community boards) and the second option comprising of threewardswith10councillors (nocommunityboards).

Option one would have only onecouncillortocoverwhatis currentlyknownastheMalvern Ward and would not have the support of a community board.

Councillor Lydia Gliddon personally believes that coveringsuchalargeareawith one councillor would be particularlychallenging. Of the consultation she says that people need to feed their thoughts back into this preliminary consultation. “It’s important to remember this is preliminary and the representtation review committee will

take all feedback on board to formafinalproposal.Thereare substantial changes with the two options provided, that effect Malvern, hence the importancetobeengaged.”

The review committee also want to hear ideas about namingthenewwards.

“Withwardboundarychanges, we have also asked the community what names you think we should consider,” saysLydia.

To have your say, visit yoursay.selwyn.govt.nz/ representation-review-2024. This consultation closes at 5pmThursday2May.

The Council will use your feedback to shape a full proposalthatwillcomeback to the community for consultation later in the year.

Possible changes to the ward boundaries in the Selwyn District will also affect the distribution of Councillors and new names changes to those wards.

WATCH ARTISTS AT WORK

SelwynArtCollectiveisexcited to bring their open art studio session to Darfield Library for thefirsttime,onSaturday,May 4from10.30amto 1pm.Here you can meet the people behind the art, learn about their process, what drives themandshareyourviewson art. It’s a great opportunity for theCollectiveartiststointeract directlywithyou.

Join sculptor Julie Shanks, mixed media artist Margaret Taylor, and printmaker SoonLee Spicer at work in Darfield Libraryfrom10.30amto1pm. OrgetmoreinvolvedwithJulie tohelpyoutrystonecarving,or Margaret showing you how to “take a dot for a walk” like artist Paul Klee. Try a game of

Dali – enjoyed after dinner parties – he was the artist with a twirly moustache who paintedmeltingclocks! These activities suit all ages, and a curious mindset helps. Please stay with your children while they are trying out the various options, as it will get busy, and they may use tools

they’ve not used before and needyourhelp. You can also meet Jessica, Martin, David, Lauren, Margaret,andJulieatanopen art studio in Te Ara Atea, Rolleston on Thursday, May 2 from6pmandtakepartinJulie and Margaret’s “have-a-go” sessions.

ARTISTS UNITE FOR SUPPORT

Itcanbechallengingtosustain energy and inspiration for making art, regardless of your experience,withoutagroupof likeminded people to interact with.

MargaretTaylorrelocatedfrom Wellington to the Selwyn districtin2022,andthelossof her creative networks hit her hard.Shemetartistsfromthe Selwyn Art Collective who helped her discover local art galleries, opportunities to exhibit work, and most importantly a monthly forum to exchange ideas and inspirationwithinadiverseand talentedgroup.

AndthisisexactlywhatSelwyn Art Collective was created for in2020;awaythatlocalartists

can connect with and encourage one another, as muchofourworkhappenson ourown.

Thegroup’scoremembership of 30 includes photographers, painters, sculptors, digital, illustrators, and textile artists, ceramicists, and printmakers. They all share a passion for beingcreativeandsupportone anotherasweseektoachieve ourartisticvision.

The Collective gathers at Te HuanuiGalleryinDarfieldfrom 7pm on the second Tuesday each month but also meet at other venues so check the Facebook page for details of monthly activities. New members are always welcome,at anystageintheir

COMMUNITY SHOWS WARMTH AND CARE

The team at Darfield Food & Clothing Bank is blown away by the response from the community to their ‘Spread the Warmth’ campaign to help keep people in need warm this winter. Donations have come in thick and fast to the Malvern News office in Darfield, with boxes and bags of bedding including sheets, blankets, bed covers, pillows and more, piling high in their storage room. Darfield Food & Clothing Bank manager Rose Craven says last winter they had a shortage of warm bedding to give out. “This year a lot of families will be warm.”

artistic development, whether they live, work, or play in Selwyn. They are a relaxed group where you can drop in for meetings when you can and membership is free. You can sign-upforemail updates on selwyn.artists@gmail.com or connect with us through our public Facebook page “Selwyn Artists Collective” or join our Selwyn Artists Collective Members Only Group” which allows members to showcase workin-progress or completed work.

For all your small excava'on requirements

• Site & Garden Clearance

• Lawn Construc/on (Small & Large)

• Driveways

• Hole boring (200 – 600)

• Sheep & Ca4le Yard Clean Outs

• Shingle Supplies

Give Neil a call on 022 451 7207 or email neiljudith@xtra.co.nz Nothing’s a Problem!

Our Services:

• PLOUGHING

• CULTIVATION

• DISCING

• DRILLING

• DIRECT DRILLING

Ph 027 319 9929

GOVERNMENT UPDATE

WithMPNicolaGrigg

It has been a busy month for thegovernment.Wehavenow delivered on our 100-day plan and have announced new targets for the next 90 days.

These are focused on deliveringaworld-classpublic serviceforallNewZealanders.

Under the previous National government, I worked for Rt Hon Sir Bill English when he wasFinanceMinisterandthen PrimeMinister,Ihaveseenfirst -hand the positive impacts these ‘better public services’ targets (as they were known then) have on people’s lives. Theseninetargetsarefocusing on core services that include health,lawandorder,welfare, education, housing, and environment.

We are aware that these targets will pose challenges. However, we are committed to fiscal responsibility, understanding that simply increasing spending on public servicesdoesnot alwayslead toimprovedoutcomes.

Labour government, which unfortunately resulted in poorerresults.

In local news, we have deliveredonourpromisefrom the election campaign. We have replaced Labour’s Three Watersdebaclewiththemore efficientanddemocraticLocal WaterWellDoneinitiative.This is particularly good news for Selwyn,adistrictwithsomeof the country’s newest water infrastructure. Our ratepayers nowhaveavoiceinmanaging theseassets,asignificantstep towardslocalempowerment. Forlocalfarmersandgrowers, we’ve also made changes to easethecompliancecostsfor thosewhousedamsforwater storage.HereinSelwyn,water is integral to growth and productivity. For many years, the country has battled with bureaucratic, unscientific water management rules, affecting our ability to farm effectively.

this, we have appointed an independent panel of experts toreviewtheexistingscientific evidenceandtargetsrelatedto agriculturalbiogenicmethane. Given my background in farming, I understand that farmerswillworkhardtomeet our climate change goals if they are backed by credible science. This review will provide evidence-based recommendations on what the domestic methane target for 2050 should be, while keeping in mind the principle of avoiding any additional warming.

• Screened/Crushed Rotten Rock

• Compacts Like Concrete

• Bulk Deliveries - Truck & Trailer

• Lifestyle Driveways - Free Quotes

• Rotten Rock Dairy Lanes

• AP20

• AP40

• AP65

• Drainage

• Erosion

• Landscape

This is evident from the wasteful spending and significant budget increases introduced by the previous

Continuing on the topic of agriculture, the previous government's targets for methane emissions were inaccurateandtoodifficultfor farmerstoachieve.Toaddress

We kicked off a nationwide Woolshed tour in April where myself and Hon Mark Patterson, Minister for Rural Communities, met a number of Selwyn farmers to listen to their ideas and concerns; most importantly, we are listening to the farming community and are reaching solutions together. Our government is serious about backing our farmers and addressing the issues to help ourprimarysector.

VISIT TO THE PINES RESOURCE RECOVERY PARK

With Robyn Tsukigawa, Probus MalvernCombined Probus Malvern Combined enjoyedanoutingtothePines Resource Recovery Park at Rolleston on the morning of April 15, 2024. It was an interesting morning starting in the educational block where the instructor was in charge. This educational programme hasbeen runningforonlyone year and has had 5000 students and adults through.

The focus is on Rediscover: education, Reuse: shop and salvageyard,andRePurpose: using materials to make new products.

The Park has built a large passive building complete with solar panels and this building will be a secondhand shop. In August they are running a Repair Café, complete with sewing machinesandtoolsto enable people to come along and learnhowtorepairtheirgoods with the help of skilled persons. Huge piles of compostaresoldtoorchards, etc.,howeveritcannotbesold

tothepublicasthecriteriafor homeuseisanotherprocess.

There is also a significant communitygarden completely fenced with vegetables and cranberries. Thereisaperson in charge of this garden, however they are still looking forvolunteerstohelp. Whilethereintheeducational room, an alarm went off and the instructor looked perplexedandwaswondering where the alarm was and preparing for an evacuation, howeveritturnedoutthatone

of our members had brought along an alarm, supposedly “no good”, and it was the noise we heard. There was huge laughter when we all realisedwhathadhappened. The Recovery Park is a worthwhile trip for groups to hear how the recycling takes place with so many items being repurposed, which keepsthewastegoingtoKate Valleytoaminimum. Next stop for the Probus members was coffee at the RollestonLibrary.

The Probus Malvern Combined group learned about rediscovering, reusing and repurposing at a recent visit to Pines Resource Recovery Park, Rolleston.

LITERACY BEGINS WITH STORYTELLING

A delightful journey unfolds within the walls of Annabels four-year-old kindergarten. Here, young learners embark on a magical adventure throughstorytelling–ajourney that transcends mere words andignitestheirimaginations. Attheheartofthisjourneylies the development of oral language skills. For four-yearolds, language is more than communication;it’sagateway to understanding, expression, andconnection.

Through stories, children encounter new words, phrases, and expressions. Whether it’s a story of how Darfieldtownshipwascreated andoursense ofbelonging in our town or a tale of taniwha’s and Pouakai, the giant west coast eagle, each story enriches their vocabulary.

As little ears absorb narratives, they learn to follow sequences, identify characters,andgraspcontext.

Active listening enhances their comprehension skills. Storytelling encourages children to articulate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They learn to weave their own narratives, whether it’s recounting a weekend adventure or imagining a castle hill adventure.

Stories are memory capsules. When a child hears about the brave warrior arriving in Te

waihora,LakeEllesmereorthe capture of Pouakai, the west coasteagle,theirmindscreate mental snapshots. These memories serve as building blocksforfuturelearning: Children learn to organize events in chronological order. They understand that stories haveabeginning,middle,and end. This skill extends beyond storytelling—it’s the foundation for understanding history, science, and even dailyroutines.

Ask a four-year-old to narrate theirfavouritestoryandwatch their eyes light up. They’ll recount the plot, characters, and pivotal moments. This process reinforces memory recall and strengthens languageskills.

“What We Can Speak, We Can Write” – Bridging the Gap

In Annabels four-year-old kindergartens, educators emphasize the seamless transition from spoken language to writing. Here’s howtheybridgethegap:

• Shared Writing: Children dictate stories, poems, or observations to teachers. These collaborative writing sessionsallowthemto see their spoken words transformed into written text. It’s a powerful realisation:“What Isaycan becapturedonpaper!”

• Emergent Literacy: The concept that oral language

and written language are interconnected becomes evident.Children recognise thatlettersformwords,and words create stories. Their scribbles evolve into meaningfulsymbols. Inthecozycornersofthemat, Annabels budding authors engage in rewriting. They take familiar tales and add their twists, like painters dabbing new colours onto an old canvas.Here’showitunfolds:

• InitialSteps:Childrenrevisit beloved stories—how Darfield began, Taniwha and the Rakaia gorge or RuruandthePouākai.They absorb the essence—the characters, settings, and conflicts.

• CreativeAdaptation:Armed with imagination, they reimagine these tales. What if the Pouākai was misunderstood? Their creativity knows no bounds.

• Rewritten Narratives: The classroom buzzes with excitement as rewritten stories emerge. Children proudly share their versions. These narratives celebrate individuality and sparkcuriosity.

ALifelongLoveforLearning

As the kindergarten day comes to an end these fouryear-olds carry more than stories—they carry the seeds of lifelong literacy. Their laughter, their questions, and their boundless curiosity remindusthatstorytellingisn’t just about words; it’s about unlockingworlds.

So, the next time you hear a child’s voice weaving a tale, listen closely. Within those words lies the magic of learning.

Four-year-olds enjoy telling stories; these are opportunities to encounter new words, phrases, and expressions.

SHE LOVES GOLF MEET UP COMES TO HORORATA

On Sunday, April 28, She Loves Golf Hororata (SLGH) andHororataGolfClub(HGC) arehostingawinterSheLoves GolfCanterburyMeetUp.

This summer, She Loves Golf Canterbury (SLGC) ran a successful Meet Up series at various Christchurch courses. Steph Kimber saw the opportunity to bring a winter series to the beautiful Canterbury country courses andhasworkedwiththeHGC andSLGCanterburytomakeit happen.

The Meet Up competition is generallyanine-holeAmbrose played on designated purple tee blocks, which are positioned approximately a third of the way down the fairway. The Meet up finishes with food, refreshments, and prizes in the clubhouse afterwards.

Steph is hoping some of the other local clubs will see the

benefit of a Meet Up at their coursetoexposeourstunning country clubs to the keen SLGC community. There are 1,000 followers on their Facebook page eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to gather up like-minded friends/acquaintancestohead out with their golf gear for a roundorcoaching.

SheLovesGolfwasinitiatedby Golf NZ to encourage women to givegolfago andhasbeen running at HGC for many summers with coordination and coaching by Steph, Pip DeansandAllanHogg.

The sessions are for all ages andstagesandcreateaspace to learn golf,enjoytalking and walking and hitting the occasional great shot with no judgment or pressure.

Coaching is followed by refreshments and much laughterintheclubhouse.

GolfNZrecognisedtheneedto

condense a golf round and addressthestigmathatgolfis something you do when you retire. Many courses now have installed purple tee blocks and created scorecards allowing NZ Golfaffiliated players to put cards in for handicapping despite playing a shorter course format.

Hororata Golf Club is lucky to have WPGA of Australasia Tour Pro Danielle Price as a member. She is planning on providingcoachingatHororata (andothercourses)duringher off-season and will be volunteering at the SLG Meet UponSunday,andavailableto talk about her coaching aspirations and life as a pro golfer.

Ifyou’dliketoknowmore, headtotheSLGHorSLGC Facebookpages.

WELL DONE JODY

Local Darfield High School student and outstanding athlete Jody McCarthy Dempsey (17) is definitely going places. She has just competed as an independentathleteinherfirst overseasU18 Heptathlon and won third place with 4805 points (only 33 points behind second place) in the Chemist Warehouse Australian Junior ChampionshipsinAdelaide.

The Australian Athletics Championships is the largest annual athletics event in Australia and the Oceania region, traditionally attracting morethan3,500athletesfrom across Australia and the Pacific.

It is an event where the next generation of junior talent comingthroughtheranksgeta chance to catapult themselves onto the world stage as selectors keep a

watchfuleyeonthemaheadof the World Athletics Under 20 Championshipsin August this year.

Jodyhasproventobeamultitalented athlete competing in arangeofsportingeventsthat include running, jumping, and throwing. Last year, she came first with 4355 points in the 2023 South Island CE Champs in Christchurch and first with 4800pointsintheFeb2024NZ CEChampsinDunedin.

GOLF RESULTS

GREENDALE GOLF GREENDALE GOLF

WAIMAK GOLF WAIMAK GOLF GOLF GOLF

Australian

Wellness Flow Yoga

MEN’S 8 WEEK BLOCK

Commences 30 April 2024

Where: Darfield Library

Time 5.30 - 6.30pm

Yoga improves strength, flexibility & balance. It also supports mindfulness, Inner peace & better sleep. Come along & give it a go!

Txt or call 027 200 9729 or mobilityfourU@yahoo.com

POSITIVE PILATES

Monday: 29 April at 6pm (Advanced)

Wednesday: 1 May at 9.30am

Beginners Class: 1 May at 10:30am

Classes are for 8 weeks and held at Darfield Library Classes are for 8 weeks and held at Darfield Library Classes are for weeks and held at Darfield Library Classes are for weeks and held at Darfield Library Tobookaspacecallortxt0272009729or Tobookaspacecallortxt0272009729or email:mobilityfourU@yahoo.com email:mobilityfourU@yahoo.com

Pilates enhances balance, strength, posture, core, flexibility& breathing, & also mindfulness, well-being & Inner peace. Numbers are limited 

Jody McCarthy Dempsey (3rd from the left) on the podium in Adelaide receiving her silver medal at the Chemist Warehouse

Junior Championships.

HORORATA GOLF HORORATA GOLF HORORATA GOLF HORORATA GOLF

April

Hobbs 16

Nearest the pin the pin

J Helmore O Thompson

Results 20 April 2024 Results 20 2024 Stableford Round Stableford Round Stableford Stableford

Best Gross: M Weatherly 74

M Wright 38

On 37

R Friend J Redfern A Kenworthy

S Smith S Earl A Earl

S Edwards 36

G Woolf A Robins P Taylor 35 Closest to Pins Closest to Pins to Pins to Pins

in 2 in 2 S Edwards #6 P Helmore

D Youdale #14 #14 G Marsh

#17 S Smith

25April 10am MalvernAnzacRunCarDisplay DarfieldRecreationCentre

26April 5pm ApplicationscloseScaleATeacherforSpringfieldSchool

26Apr 6pm OpeningNightofForageandHarvest TeHuanuiGallery,Darfield

28April 10am CommunityRecyclingandBulkyWaste HawkinsPit,Darfield

28April 11am AutumnGardenOpenDay TerraceStation,Hororata

29April Term2PilatesClassBegins WestMelton

29April 6pm PositivePilates(Advanced)Starts DarfieldLibrary

29April 1pm MalvernNews-EditorialDeadline

29April 2pm NewClassroomsOpening KirweeModelSchool

30April 10am MalvernNews-AdvertisingDeadline

30April ApplicationscloseMFVCCTGrants

30April 5:30pm Men’sWellnessFlowYogaStarts DarfieldLibrary

1May 9:30am PositivePilatesStarts DarfieldLibrary

1May 11:30-12:30WeeklyJusticeofthePeaceService DarfieldLibrary

2May ConsultationClosesonLongTermPlan

2May ConsultationClosesonRepresentationReview

3May 9pm EntriesCloseDuckShootingCompetition DarfieldHotelBar

4May 10am CastleHillCommunityPlantingDay CastleHillReserve

5May 9:30am WestMeltonCommunityMarket WestMelton

5May 10:30am GreendaleMethodistChurch150yrCelebration

5May 2pm DuckShootingCompetitionPrizegiving DarfieldHotelBar

7May 8:45am 2024CareersExpo DHSHall

18 May 10am PrestonDownsCommunityPlantingDay PrestonDownsReserve

LINE DANCING AT DARFIELD

Dancing to a variety of music, exercise, socialising, and travel all in one package. No need for a partner. Suitable for young & old, men & women Darfield Recreation Centre Wednesday’s 6 - 8.30pm.

Bring a friend & start now - first timers please contact first Instructor Jenny Brookes 0274 452 285 Jennybrookes76@gmail.com

The Malvern Farmers Vet Club Charitable Trust (MFVCCT) would like to invite individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for grants from our organisation.

The MFVCCT purpose is to advance the welfare of our rural community and the individuals connected to the community.

This involves distributing grants that meet the following criteria:

• The strengthening of charitable community and voluntary organisations involved in the relief of poverty

• The advancement of education

• The provision of financial support for specific community projects that advance charitable purposes

• The strengthening of charitable community and voluntary organisations

• The provision of financial and other support in anticipation of or in response to emergencies or adverse events

• The enhancement and retention of essential services that advance charitable purposes.

To apply for grants please visit: mfvc.org.nz or email mfvcinfo@gmail.com for more information. All applications to be received by 30th April 2024

3HRS

Retirement Villa for Sale as ORA $330,000.

Affordable one bedroom Villa available immediately as an Occupation Right Agreement at Haunui Village, Darfield. Low weekly service fees. Featuring an internal accessible garage, an open plan layout and a spacious double bedroom with generous storage and ensuite bathroom.

Further information - www.haunui.org.nz or phone 021 786 511.

ACCOUNTANTS

ARE ARE you wasting your valuable time trying to keep up with accounts? Call us now for hassle-free accounting, tax and business advice - right on your doorstep. Sterling Accountants @ Malvern Business Hub, Ann-Maree 0212150981.

CHURCH NOTICES

Darfield

Life Church

NEED NEED carpet? Go local! Very competitive pricing, seldom beaten. 30 years servicing this area. In home sample service, also repairs and installations. Please ph Alan Roberts0212272080.

CHURCH NOTICES

SUNDAY 28TH APR 2024

At 10:30am

Steve & Patience Pona

Ph: 022 642 5805 17 North Terrace, Darfield

CATTERY

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CARRS CARRS CARRS Chimney Cleaning. Servicing the Selwyn district. $80 per chimney. Please ph Rodney on 03 324 2999 and leaveamessage.

CHIM CHIMCHIM CHIM Chim. We'll sweep your log-burners flue, check the firebricks, baffles, air-tubes and controls. We're experts on coal-ranges, also sweeping anysizedopenfire.Wequote and undertake repairs, flue extensions and install bird netting. Please phone us on 021939113.

DRIVEWAYS

farm tracks, yards and dairy lanes our

Screened rottenrock, it’s local and lasts

Phone Springfield Quarryon3184132.

GARAGE SALE

GARAGE SALE

Saturday 27th April 8am - 3pm

21 Churchlea Place (off Bangor Road) Darfield Furniture, Household items, Clothing, Books, Vintage items.

SAUSAGE SIZZLE!!

Little bit of everything Little bit of everything Little bit everything Little bit everything and it must all go!!! and it must all go!!! and all go!!! and all go!!!

GENERAL GENERAL GENERAL garden maintenance in Darfield area. Domestic hedge trimming, pruning, edging, lawns and water blasting. Please phone Kane 0274676613.

HOUSE TO RENT FOR SALE

Malvern Lions have

• Close proximity

027 433 3564

CELEBRANT

Jo Babe - Wedding Celebrant 0274323360

jobabenz8@gmail.com www.jobabecelebrant.co.nz

For your personalised wedding ceremony

FIREWOOD & COAL

SERVICES

10:30am every Sunday.

PEA STRAW AVAILABLE

$7 per small bale. Medium squares pea straw also available! Phone now for free delivery.

• Hugh Wright

Sheffield - 021 565 550

• Les Clement

Darfield - 027 318 1165

• Andrew Brooker

Kirwee - 027 432 6176

• Stu Lill

Kirwee - 03 347 6770

• Anthony Dalzell

Coalgate - 027 240 6501

FIREWOOD & COAL

Brand new built 2 Brand new built 2 new built 2 new built 2 bedroom bedroom + Study + Study Study Study located in Darfield located Darfield

• 2 Bathrooms and double internal garage.

• Open plan layout.

• Available immediately.

• No Pets.

• $600 per week (monthly in advance) Bond of 4 weeks required.

Fixed Term of 12 months or shorter period by prior negotiation. References required. Contact info@haunui.org.nz

MORTGAGE BROKER

ARE ARE you in needofa refinance, first home loan, buying a new home, investment property or a property development? I deal with all the lenders, and I can get you the best deal to suit you. I have 30+ years of lending experience, and I am local. I can come to you.

Alan Lover Loan Market 027 2516644. I bring the bankstoyou.

3HRS 3HRS weekly. Light cleaning. Based in Hororata. Hrs and days negotiable. Please phone0272586026.

Quotes.

• Drenching

• Foot Trimming

• Crutching

• General Animal Welfare

WINDOW CLEANING

COUNTRY TOUCH

WINDOW CLEANING

Friendly, reliable experienced. Darfield & Surrounding areas. Ph: 027 316 9968 West Melton area Ph: 021 025

TINT-A-WINDOW

Solar Protective films. Fade UV block. Heat Glare control. Privacy. Safety/ Security. Frosted films. Free online quotes. Ph 0800 368 468. info@tintawindow.co.nz www.tintawindow.co.nz

CARPENTER CARPENTER available for all renovations and repairs. Phone Grant 021 167 1718 anytime.

Rural Tenancy Rural

Conway

& Decorator

Contact Micky on 021 125 1613 conwaydecor@hotmail.com FULLY INSURED PAINTING/DECORATING

PLANTS FOR SALE

NATIVE NATIVE NATIVE plants, locally sourced. Lots of varieties. Call and see if we have what you need. Phone Annie 027 370 2067.

ROOF MAINTENANCE

MOSS MOSS MOSS MOSS control, silicone seal (waterproofing), spouting clean& repairs,birdproofing, spider & fly control. Roof leak repairs (incl Butynol) all roof & spoutingtypes incl2 storey work! Call Arthurs Roof & Property Services, 6 days. 03 3472635or0275847980.

ROOM TO RENT

SINGLE lockable rooms in Darfield Hostel. Internet, Sky TV. $180pw. Please phone 027 479 1431.

SCRAP METAL

WANTED! WANTED! WANTED! Amalgamated Scrap Ltd. Buying cars & farm machinery. Specialising in farm clean-ups. Best prices Rod McQuoid - buyer. Please phone either 027 695 0480 or alternatively0800030712.

SITUATION WANTED

EXPERIENCED EXPERIENCED EXPERIENCED EXPERIENCED stockman looking for work. Tractor driving experience. GST registered. Please phone 022 574 7805

SITUATION VACANT

Quadbike Tour Guide

• 20-30 hours per week

• Sales & guiding

• Tours operate at Springfield, Rubicon Road from 9am-3pm. This is a dynamic role for someone who welcomes a variety of tasks, in a business that has been operating for 20 years, and enjoys meeting people. Weekends and pre-Christmas are the busy times with hours of work flexible. Will be required to attain a work place first aid certificate and have a drivers licence. Email CV to: grebutton@xtra.co.nz Adventure Trailrides Ltd Ph 0272 911 239

AMMUNITION AMMUNITION AMMUNITION AMMUNITION and reloading equipment. Powder projectiles, presses etc. Any caliber rifle / shotgun. Anything hunting related. Cash buyer. Please contact Rob033425885.

WANTED TO BUY

DEAD DEADDEAD DEAD cars - we buy dead cars, end of life cars, scrap cars, old farm vehicles. Cash paid. Pleasephone0274848121.

Cars-Vans-Trucks-Utes-4wds-SUV’s

• Damaged

• Non runners

• Rusted

• Accident damaged

• Failed WOF

• Lapsed Rego We also buy scrap metal, old farm machinery and used batteries. Call us today for a no obligation quote, we come to you Canterbury wide. Phone 022 409 8432

Darfield based with over 43 years of local knowledge and experience

Dolly and Ruby were talking about their grandchildren.

Dolly said “Every year I send each of my grandchildren a birthday card with a generous cheque inside, and I never hear back from them; not a thank you note, not a phone call.”

Ruby replies “I do the same thing, send birthday cards to all my grandchildren with cheques inside, and within a week of sending them I hear back from every one of them; in fact they all pay me a personal visit”

“Wow! How Come?” asked Dolly. “Very simple….I don’t