ISSUE 206 - WEDNESDAY 1ST FEBRUARY 2023

Thirteen years old, West Melton local, Cameron Sharpe absolutely loves to play the bagpipes. He is currently fundraising to support his ambition to attend the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow in August with the St Andrew’s College Juvenile Pipe Band.

Cameron was born in Edinburgh, Scotland but moved ‘home’ to Canterbury when he was three months old. “I guess that may explain why I’ve always wanted to play the pipes since I remember,” said Cameron.

“My parents finally caved, and I was allowed to start lessons with Liz Drury (supported by the Ellesmere Pipe Band) when I was eight years old.

“I spent two years moving irrigation K-lines each night after school and during the summer holidays to pay for my first set of pipes. It was worth it!

“I attended Weedons School until Year 6, after which I moved to St Andrew’s College and became a member of the School B Band for my first New Zealand Pipe Band Nationals in Hastings,” Cameron added.

Over the past five years, Cameron has played with the Ellesmere Pipe Band, supporting numerous Selwyn community events and has competed with the Caledonian and St Andrew’s Grade Four Bands, at both National and local events. He has also successfully competed in several solo piping competitions and currently has a ‘C’ Grade classification.

“My aim is to raise $7,000, which is a large goal, but this opportunity is really important to me. It would be an amazing experience to represent both my school and New Zealand at a world competition!

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CameronSharpewithhispipes.

BAGPIPE DREAM

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“Obviously, only the best players are selected to compete, so there is always going to be a chance that I may not make the cut this time around. But I have decided to think positively because I need to start now if I’m going to achieve my fundraising goal and get the tunes nailed!

“I have been busy fundraising, and my efforts so far include busking outside Rolleston New World the week before Christmas for an hour each night, providing piping services at both funerals and special occasions over the summer holidays for a small

donation and farm work over the summer period. I have raised $1,987 so far and have been touched by the generosity and encouragement people have given me. I am always looking for new busking opportunities and am interested to hear from anybody who would like piping services (age appropriate).

“I have also set up a give-a-little page if anyone would like to donate. (Details are listed below.)

“I will be playing at the opening of the New Zealand Shetland Breeders Show in Ellesmere later this month on behalf of the Ellesmere Pipe Band. I will also be competing with the St Andrew’s Pipe Band in Blenheim in February and at the New Zealand National in Christchurch in March. I will also be continuing to practicing with the aim of being selected, which would be a dream come true,” Cameron concluded.

If you would like to make a donation to help Cameron’s dream become a reality visit:

https://givealittle.co.nz/ cause/help-me-go-toscotland-for-the-pipeband-world

Any surplus funds raised will go to the Ellesmere Pipe Band to continue providing young Selwyn players with the support and guidance that Cameron has benefitted from.

CameronSharpewiththeEllesmerePipeBand.

SELWYN COMMUNITY CARE

During the holiday break our dedicated drivers have kept up the weekly drives taking people to appointments, plus visits to the elderly living alone. It is important that we keep an eye on the welfare of our elderly, many of whom are struggling with the cost of living. We finished last year with a growth in numbers for van trips and people will be pleased to know they will be starting again

soon. It is great to get out and about in the warmer weather and appreciate what our region has to offer.

Our coordinator, Yvonne, would still like to hear from volunteer drivers, even if you can only give one day a week. She can be contacted on 027 313 1122 between 9am and 4pm on weekdays.

If you would like to go on a day outing in the van or an afternoon

cafe run, Ross is getting together a list of potential passengers. Ross can be contacted at 027 433 4767.

Heather, Selwyn Central Community Care.

ROLLESTON COLOUR FUN DAY

Rolleston Colour Fun Day is returning on March 12th, this fun family event is organised by the Rolleston Lions, with all proceeds going back into the community. The event is a 2.5km walk/run through Helpet Park, passing through stations where coloured powder is thrown at participants. There will be obstacles and surprises along the way, as well as before and after activities to take part in. One

thing you can guarantee is that you will look like a human rainbow at the end!

Adult's and children's tickets, as well as family passes, are available on Eventfinda. Tickets include one bag of powder per person. The colour powder is made from non-toxic cornflour and is safe for those that have skin or gluten allergies. This event is not suitable for dogs, please leave them at home.

For more information and competitions visit Rolleston Colour Fun Day’s Facebook page or to purchase tickets visit: www.eventfinda.co.nz

GIANT HOGWEED CAUTION

Recently, Selwyn local and keen gardener, Pamela Dobson suffered from extreme blisters and irritated skin after spending some time in her garden. After seeking medical advice and coming away without answers, it was discovered that she had been in contact with Giant Hogweed, a weed poisonous to humans. The plant originated in Asia and was introduced throughout the world as an ornamental plant! The following information has been provided by Weedbusters, as Pamela wouldn’t like anyone else to go through what she has suffered from for the last month. The plant, also known as wild rhubarb, wild parsnip or cartwheel flower, is a massive,

erect, biennial herb (<6m) growing from a forked or branched taproot with large leaves (50-100cm long), made up of three bristled, deeply divided leaflets, forming a rosette at the base. Grooved, hollow stems (5-10cm diameter) are blotched and spotted reddish purple and have sturdy bristles containing a toxic sap. From December to February in its second year, it produces a tall flower stalk with leaves attached and large umbrella-like clusters (20-60cm diameter) of white flowers (1.5cm diameter) that are followed by dry, flattened, oval, light brown fruit (1cm long). One plant produces up to 50,000 viable seeds that spread rapidly along water courses. Forms

dense colonies suppressing the growth of native plants and grasses, dies down in winter, leaving infested banks bare of vegetation and liable to erosion or to reinvasion by weed species.

It is poisonous to humanstouching it, or exposure to dust from weed-eating, can irritate skin and cause blisters and swelling. Sap from leaves and stems is highly toxic and can cause 'photodermatitis' or 'photosensitivity' (the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight and may suffer blistering, pigmentation and long-lasting scars). Contact with the eyes can lead to temporary or permanent blindness. Areas that come into contact with this plant should be washed immediately and protected from direct sunlight, seek medical advice.

It is normally found along wasteland, road ditches, tree land areas, rivers or stream banks as it prefers rich, moist soils but due to the weather over the past few months, it is making a comeback in urban areas. Seeds may remain dormant in the soil for at least five years, so prevent germination by oversowing with other species. What can I

do to get rid of it?

Always wear gloves and eye protection and cover your arms and legs when working near this plant. Contaminated clothing and tools are potentially hazardous also. Wash any skin that comes in contact with the plant immediately.

1. Hand pull whole plants (spring-summer) before they set seed.

2. Cut down (summer): cut the stem below ground level during flowering but before the seed sets.

3. Spray regrowth in February or March if necessary with glyphosate (150ml/15L).

4. Overall spray (spring): glyphosate (150ml/15L). Spray again in February or March if necessary.

If you have any in your garden please advise your neighbours and report it to your local Council.

ROLLESTON MEN’S SHED

The Rolleston Men’s Shed is back in action for another year and they have certainly been well patronised so far this year. There are currently a wide range of projects underway or have just been finished.

The Engineering workshop is making a fence extension frame, a steel table frame and a cage for a member's trailer.

The Woodwork team is making notice boards for the Rolleston Library, and these have been painted with magnetic paint. A raffle wheel for the Lincoln RSA

has had its numbers laser cut and applied. Two bird nesting boxes have been made, and a scooter and trike repaired for the Toy Library.

An important job for fire safety has been setting up a steel cabinet in the Shed for tool battery charging. Battery charging is usually safe, but there has been a report of a Shed catching fire due to batteries on charge.

Another three computers have been refurbished by fitting solid state disks and Linux. One was a

member's old laptop, and despite being over ten years old, it works reasonably well and now has a few more years of useful life. A good yarn and the morning cuppa are still the important items.

Feel free to drop by for a yarn! The Shed, situation at 54 Dynes Road, Rolleston is open Saturday, Monday and Wednesday morning. Or visit our website for further information: rollestonshed.wordpress.com Sandy Ferguson, Rolleston Men’s Shed.

AShedmemberappliednumberstoaraffleboard.

ROLLESTON LIONS

Rolleston Lions are starting 2023 with plenty of activity!

Early in February, we will be providing hot food (bacon sandwiches, cheese rolls, sausages and hot chips) from our tent at an equestrian event at McLeans Island. Everyone needs to plan ahead from the beginning of February, as 11,500 Selwyn students begin travelling back to school again.

We will then repeat the process at the South Island Fields at Kirwee from 29-31 March. Our very popular Colour Fun Day is returning in March also.

Heather Power, Rolleston Lions.

LOOK OUT FOR LEARNERS

That number of learners, which equates to nearly 20 percent of the district’s population, will be biking, walking and scootering on Selwyn’s roads and footpaths. Caregivers are encouraged to practice the safest route for their

children to walk or ride to school, and educate them about the risks of crossing roads and driveways. Children should be reminded to stay alert and avoid distractions like mobile devices and headphones. Motorists are urged to slow down when passing on the roads, as children can be unpredictable. Get into the habit of going 30km/hr past schools

and 20km/hr past school buses. Be patient and obey the crossing patrol.

Congestion around school zones can be reduced by dropping back and walking the last part of the journey when taking kids to the school gate. Ensure everyone that needs a helmet has one, which includes those using scooters. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head trauma by 74 percent.

A range of high vis products are available that make children more visible in all weather conditions. Most schools have high vis items available for free or at a small cost.

Road safety resources for parents and children can be organised through your school or Selwyn District Council by emailing roadsafety@selwyn.govt.nz.

Good Preparation the Gateway to Great Execution

Don’t be disheartened by the hype in the media. Set yourself a goal and work hard to achieve it!

The talk of recession might be worrying for some, but for others, it will be an opportunity to reap the rewards of hard work. Buying or building might seem impossible, but keep your eyes on the prize and refocus your spending - prioritise!

Everything in life is cyclical, ebbs and flows, highs and lows, and so too are interest rates. 2% was never going to be forever, but don’t dwell on the past, only focus on the future and controlling what you can.

Take a breath - Make a plan - As the old adage goes, failing to plan is planning to fail.

2023 is in your hands, and I wish you all the very best of everything wonderful!

Ginny Nelson.

VALUABLE FREE SERVICE

Presbyterian Support Upper South Island (PSUSI) AshburtonSelwyn Budget Service provides free budgeting services to individuals, families/whānau in the Selwyn District. This valuable service is free and confidential. Financial Mentor, Angela , works in one-to-one sessions, to help people break free from debt and develop their own budgeting strategies. There is also a group programme, Budgeting Basics, that is a free community education workshop - either one mini-session or four sessions over four weeks. Participants learn how to control or avoid debt, different money personalities, saving on groceries and how to create their own personal budgets. The PSUSI Ashburton-Selwyn Budget Service is open to anyone –whether you are looking for a

financial check-up, help with debts or wanting to create a budget. They can advocate on your behalf with Work and Income, Inland Revenue or Creditors. PSUSI welcomes people in Rolleston and are seeking a meeting place in which to conduct mentoring sessions. Thanks to a generous supporter, they were able to meet in a small room at Te Ara Ātea (Rolleston Library) in 2022. Now they are looking for a room anywhere in Rolleston or a person or organisation to sponsor the use of a small room at Te Ara Ātea. They anticipate meeting with clients in Rolleston one day a fortnight in 2023. Contact Angela if you can help, or if you would like to make an appointment for financial mentoring, email angelaa@psusi.org.nz or phone 0800 477 874.

Angelaworkingwithaclient.

THIS MONTH’S BUDGETING TIP

Set Goals that are Specific and Realistic Insteadofsaying,“Thisyear,I wanttosavemore,”try,“Iwant tohave$1,000savedforan emergencyfundbyChristmas.”

Phil & Kristie Hudson

Free Phone: 0800 22 33 92

Website: www.freemanirrigation.co.nz

Email: info@freemanirrigation.co.nz

TASMAN REGION BATTLE

Saturday, April 1st, is going to be an action-packed day as contestants from across the New Zealand Young Farmer Tasman Region battle it out for a place at the Season 55 Grand Final. The Practical Day will be held at Amuri A&P Showgrounds in Rotherham, with the Evening Show being held at the Hanmer Springs Memorial Hall. There are seven Regional Finals running across Aotearoa between February and April 2023. The finalists could be tested on any aspect of modern farming across the whole supply chain.

Each Regional Final will decide who will be competing at the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in July 2023. The winner of FMG Young Farmer of the Year will receive around $70,000 worth of prizes thanks to the Contest’s sponsor family.

New Zealand Young Farmers has been a part of rural communities since 1927. FMG Young Farmer of the Year is the flagship event for the non-profit organisation, and the competition has run annually since 1969. Joining the FMG Young Farmer of the Year contestants at the Regional Finals are the next generation of Young Farmers, the AgriKidsNZ

and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year contestants. All finalists for each age range will compete in their respective categories at the Grand Final in July 2023.

Below is a list of contestants who are hoping to represent Tasman in the Grand Final: Sam Back

LincolnYoungFarmers

Sam is currently in his third year of a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University. He then plans to complete his fourth year of his degree with an honours project in the Lincoln University Soil Science department.

Sam grew up on dairy farms both in Taranaki and Canterbury and has experience working on dairy, sheep and beef farms. Sam has been a part of New Zealand Young Farmers since high school, where he was the Vice-Chair of his high school Teen Ag Club.

LincolnYoungFarmers

Nick is a member of Lincoln Young Farmers and has recently been appointed Chair.

LincolnYoungFarmers

Archie is currently studying a Masters of Agribusiness at Lincoln University.

He grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Eketahuna but has worked on a range of different farms, including high-country deer and irrigated dairy.

Archie has been a member of Lincoln Young Farmers for three years, where he has held the Vice-Chair position for the last two.

WaimakaririYoungFarmers

George is involved in Civil Earthmoving, currently working on a four-year project and usually is operating a digger, articulated dump truck, or bulldozer.

Close to ageing out of New Zealand Young Farmers, George wanted to give the Contest one last shot at getting through to the Grand Final.

George has been involved with Young Farmers for nearly twelve years and has held many roles in various Clubs around the country.

SamBack.

ArchieWoodhouse.

NickO’Connor.

Nick O'Connor

Archie Woodhouse

George Watson

TASMAN REGION BATTLE

Ryan Dickey

WestMeltonYoungFarmers

Ryan is a twenty seven year old sheep and beef farm manager, originally from Raglan but now calls Canterbury home after being here for eight years.

“I enjoy the Young Farmer of the Year competition, getting out and challenging myself again like minded people. Hopefully, I can get some good results going

forward and represent Tasman at Grand Final,” commented Ryan.

Other contestants include:

Amelia Marsden

TasmanValleyYoungFarmers

Bryce Win

TasmanValleyYoungFarmers

Sam Smithers West Coast Young Farmers.

Good luck to all contestants.

HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS ONLINE

People searching for objects and photographs from Selwyn’s past can now find a growing online catalogue of items at their fingertips.

Several historical societies in Selwyn have begun adding their collections to online platform, eHive, in a bid to digitally catalogue and share their collections with the wider public. The initiative has been driven by Dunsandel Historic Society President, Dr Mike Noonan who applied to Council’s new Community History Fund for a grant to buy eHive user subscriptions.

“Until now, much of Selwyn’s vast collection of photographs and records of artefacts had not been available online, and this made it difficult for people to see what existed,” commented Mike. “I’m really passionate about Selwyn’s history and thought this is something I could do to help preserve and share our past with anyone who is interested.”

Dunsandel Historic Society, on behalf of the Selwyn Heritage and History Network was awarded $12,480 from the Community History Fund, with groups including Dunsandel, Ellesmere, Leeston, Ellesmere Heritage Park, Arthur’s Pass, Lincoln, Glentunnel and Hororata all using eHive subscriptions to upload their records. Funding still remains for other groups to join. The online tool will help museums see what local artefacts are available to be publicly displayed, Mike

concluded.

The collections can be found by Googling one of the participating historical societies mentioned above, along with the word ‘eHive’. For example, ‘Dunsandel Historic Society eHive’.

The Selwyn Community History Fund is now open for

applications until 30th April 2023. It is designed to support community groups to protect and promote the district’s history; provide greater access to Selwyn’s past; assist residents and visitors to learn about local history; and celebrate our unique stories and places.

Applica on forms and criteria can be found at: selwyn.govt.nz/services/funding-And-grants/ selwyn-community-history-fund

RyanDickey.

WEST MELTON BOWLING CLUB

Most of the competitions that West Melton Bowling Club teams were involved in pre-Christmas were completed during December with some mixed results.

In Bowls Canterbury competitions, the Over 60’s Fives team (mixed) won their division, then went on to win the promotion relegation game against Belfast to earn the right to play in Division 1 this year.

The Men’s 3x4s, Mixed 2x4s and Under Fives played well enough to retain their positions in their respective divisions.

The Malvern Fives competition concluded early in the New Year, with four West Melton teams qualifying for the semi-finals. West Melton 1 and West Melton 2 qualified in the Premier Division. West Melton 4 and West Melton 5 qualified in the Senior Division.

The Malvern Men’s Pairs Championship was held on January 14th. Congratulations to the West Melton pair of Andy Weber and Mike Leigh, who came away with the title.

Post-Christmas interclub events that West Melton teams are involved in include Any Combination Eights Division 1 and 4, Under Fives Fours, Under

Fives Pairs and Over 60’s Sevens. Club competitions include Men’s and Ladies Club Singles, Men’s and Ladies Club Pairs, Ladies Club Triples and Ladies Club Fours. Super Pairs is played on Saturday afternoons. Social Bowls will start on Thursday, February 9th at 6.30pm.

For more informa on visit: www.westmeltonbowlingclub.com

SELWYN CARPET BINDING & STITCHING

Open: Mon - Thur, 9am - 2:30pm

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 any sized open fire. We quote and undertake repairs, flue extensions and install bird netting. 021 939 113 Members NZHHA.

CATTERY CATS on Courtenay Boutique Boarding Cattery!

• Purpose built, nestled in a tranquil, rural setting.

• Close proximity to all main centres.

Phone: 027 433 3564

www.catsoncourtenay.nz

DRIVEWAYS

LIFESTYLE, farm tracks, yards and dairy lanes our speciality. Screened rotten-rock, it’s local and lasts better. Springfield Quarry phone 318 4132.

FOR SALE

WOOD shavings - untreated, clean shavings suitable for horse stables, calving sheds, chicken houses and rabbit hutches. Available in 70L bags, 1m 3 bales (compressed) and bulk delivery. Ph 021 243 8378 for more details.

Old Man Pine, Bluegum, Macrocarpa, Oregon.

LOCKSMITH

LOCKSMITH Selwyn based 24hr mobile service, keys cut and general lock and safe maintenance. EFTPOS available. Call Locktight Security 021 171 8060.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Men’sTriplewinners:KeithMcMecking, RoyeDanielandPeterBickley.

Men'sFourswinners:RoyeDaniel,KenSharplin,RossSadlerandWillieBell.

Udi Painting & Decorating

For all Painting and Decorating services!

Interior & Exterior Painting & Plastering

Fully Qualified  Wallpapering

Roof Painting  Quality Services Free Quotes.

Contact Udi Aale 021 074 2075

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SITUATION VACANT

FENCING positions available locally and also station work. Casual or Fulltime, Uni student, Exp preferred. Good wages and valued team. Phone 021 640 748.

ROOF MAINTENANCE

ROOF & house maintenance. All aspects covered including spouting, mortar, tiles, re-roofing, roof painting, moss, mould & silicone sealing. General repairs. Please phone 03 347 6702.

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DARFIELD PRESCHOOL & NURSERY

We are looking for qualified, or in training, kaiako, able to work 34+ hours a week, for our well established community centre where relationships and free play are at the heart of everything.

You would be joining a great team of Kaiako with great ratios and benefits.

Please forward a CV & cover letter to Clare Clatworthy: manager@darfieldpreschool.co.nz

Automo ve Mechanic/Technician

• Experience of at least 3-5 years

• Wages and remunera on nego able

• Start date asap in 2023.

For further info please email Shelley on coalgatemotors@xtra.co nz

BEAUTY THERAPIST

An exciting position has become available for a full-time & part-time therapist based in our Darfield clinic.

Role requirements:

• Fully qualified, with a diploma in beauty therapy Level 4 ,5 or equivalent.

• Part-time nearing completion of your studies can be an option.

• You must be reliable, committed, confident and friendly, with both team members and clients

• Special staff benefits offered.

Email your CV to: more4ubeauty21@gmail.com

ROOF & property services. 2 storey work! Roof leak repairs (incl Butynol), moss control, silicone seal, spouting clean & repairs, spider & fly control, bird proofing, roof painting. All roof & spouting types. Call Arthur’s, 7 days, 03 347 2635, 027 484 7980 or 027 584 7980.

AMMUNITION

SOFT FURNISHINGS INDUSTRIAL MACHINIST REQUIRED

for the Manufacture of Window Treatments in our busy workroom here in Darfield. We are looking for a new team member.

• Must be able to work as a team

• Punctuality, reliability and honesty required

• Industrial Machining experience preferred as handling skills are essential for the manufacturing of soft furnishings

• An eye for detail is essential, as we pride ourselves in our high quality manufacture.

Hours by negotiation

Please apply to Val or Ally - Phone 03 318 8896

FULL-TIME COOK

Dunsandel Stop Shop is looking for a full-time cook, with front of house experience and excellent coffee making skills!

TOOLS

WATER BLASTING

You will be in charge of food prep every morning, baking, cooking food all day for the hot food cabinets as well as meals. Some serving behind the counter will be required. Being available to work weekends is a must! But don’t worry you get guaranteed weekends off as well, approximately 35 hours per week.

If this sounds like something you are interested in please email your CV in to: dunsandelstopshop@gmail.com

TINT-A-WINDOW Solar Protective films. Fade UV block. Heat Glare control. Privacy. Safety/ Security. Frosted films. Free online quotes. Email: info@tintawindow.co.nz www.tintawindow.co.nz

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The six year old daughter enjoyed asking ques ons. She was always asking lots of ques ons!

Finally, one day, the girl's mom had had enough.

"Have you ever heard that curiosity killed the cat?" asked the mom.

"No," replied the girl.

"There was once a cat who was very inquisi ve. One day, this cat looked into a big hole, fell in, and died!"

The li le girl just stood there quietly, deep in her own thoughts. There was a pause. "So what was in the hole?"

Boyfriend: “Honey, why is your whole upper half covered in baby oil?”

Girlfriend: “Well, you’re always saying I never glisten,” replies the boyfriend.

Boyfriend: “Listen! I said you never LISTEN!”

• New Housing • Spouting

• Roof Repairs

• House Alterations

• Hot Water Cylinders

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EMAIL: