April Observer

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APRIL 2022

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this months Issue

Shop locally for your Autumn Wardrobe update Beauty News Easter crafts for the whole family Countdown continues for Oxford Schools Jubilee

+ much more

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Welcome to the April issue of the Observer.

We are in a different world again now with Omicron numbers still ticking along, but with some of the measures changed. Hopefully this will all help take some of the stress off businesses. We, like everyone else, can certainly say we are looking forward to better times for all. On that note it is exciting that with so many events being cancelled, to see a couple of events in the Waimakariri. 'Market in the Park' is happening in Rangiora on Sunday 10th April from 103. It looks like it will be a great day out - check out their ad on this page for more details. The Kaiapoi Art Expo will again be happening in July and they are looking for artwork. More information on page 22.

The season has definitely changed and Kerri from Polkadotcom has some ideas for building your autumn /winter wardrobe (page 5).

We are lucky to have some fantastic shopping options here in Oxford, so consider shopping locally for all of your cosy clothes for the season.

Market in the Park A brand new 'Mega Market' coming to Rangiora this April.

Please let us know if you have a newsworthy story and we can have a chat and see if it something that works for the Observer. It's always great to showcase local people, business, organisations and events.

Thank you for supporting our small business. we appreciate you all.

Bruce and Emily.

Over 80 markets, food trucks, live music all day, busking shows, children's circus workshops, face painting and MORE! A Market designed to welcome all, under any setting and to support all of those businesses who have been heavily impacted by the pandemic.

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APRIL 2022

Come along and support your local communiy.

COVER PHOTO

They need it now more than ever!

Make a day of it, shop up a storm, bring the kids and have some fun, grab your breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of our food trucks or one of Rangiora's many local eateries!

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this months Issue

Shop locally for your Autumn Wardrobe update Beauty News Easter crafts for the whole family Countdown continues for Oxford Schools Jubilee

+ much more

For all enquiries P 0800 627 378 37

e info@oxfordobserver.co.nz www.schnurrbartdesignandpublishing.co.nz THE

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Autumn - Winter Fashion must haves!

by Kerri Booth

Equinox has come and gone, which means autumn is upon us.

All around the fashion world, they do little jumps for joy with the change of a season, because it is another opportunity to have a change of texture, colour, style and design. It is a chance to bring out those old friends that we put away last winter. With fresh eyes you can review these items and see what needs to be replaced, or what items you are missing to make that cohesive wardrobe that we are all aiming for. The start of the season works best, as by the end of the season we can grow tired of certain items.

Sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder and when you see them again, you are happy to have them back.

There are a few key pieces that are very nice to have up your sleeve to help create your own look. During this current climate it has not been easy for people, and I always love to give different options of different places where you can find items that will benefit your wardrobe and your wallet. Look what we have amongst our own local businesses within Oxford. Such an array of variety and budget.

BASICS

These can be the most boring pieces to buy. It is like buying flour for when you make a cake. The most boring thing to buy, but a key ingredient.

Basics are those pieces that pull all the other pieces together.

A merino turtleneck can help you get extra wear out of the summer dress because now you can layer the two up. An item earns its right to be in your wardrobe when a 1000 different outfits can be made with it.

KNITWEAR

It’s back on so many levels.

Oversized grandpa sweaters, fine knit sweaters, chunky vests, cable knit.

Finally the world is falling in love with wool again. You will see more sweaters on the shelf this season, and in patterns that my Grandma knew how to knit with her eyes closed. Nothing beats a cosy jumper on these cool autumn mornings and you can pair it over top of a dress or with a skirt or pants.

It goes with everything. Just remember to pick a style that complements your body shape.

COAT

Such an essential and such an individual choice.

Whatever you pick, you need to love it. It is what will be used as the outer layer for the season. It’s your first and last impression.

You want to be excited to appear and show off your outfit with your coat. This is why shape and your own taste are so important.

ACCESSORIES

A top and jeans or a top and jeans with accessories, are poles apart in the overall effect.

Lots of practical elements have to be taken into account when wearing autumn/winter clothes.

To hit the target of practical but also chic, stylish and fun, you need the extra details. It is a chance to add colour and detail. It is what makes the mundane, not so mundane!

BOOTS

Such an essential and such an individual choice.

I couldn’t choose between boots or coat as a main item.

It’s like trying to pick between two of your children.

One day you like and need one more than the other, but then vice versa. Impossible choice.

What is paramount is they must be comfortable.

Do not kid yourself into thinking any amount of pain is worth it.

It’s not! And you won’t wear them. And they will sit on the shelf.

And haunt you. And that is just dumb.

Hopefully you can take something away to inspire your autumn wardrobe and encourage you to check out our local stores for some excellent pieces to add to your collection.

KERRI BOOTH STYLIST

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Shop locally for your

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WIN T E R R A I N J AC K E T S , K NI T S , S C AR VES and more FOL L O W US O N FAC E BO O K TO S EE THE LATES T A RRIVALS Genoa Pay and Laybuy Available. Farmlands (In-store only)

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BOO KS A CR O S S AL L GE NR E S & S T O C K I STS of Merinomink Knitwear, Scribbler Raincoats, Cotton Nighties, Louenhide Handbags, Twigg Jewellery, Loukoumi Turkish Delight, and Lily & George children's toys

SHOP ON-LINE

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Not everything is on our website.

If you are after something specific, just phone or message.

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WE ARE NOW AN APPROVED RAT COLLECTION SITE

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RATS also available to purchase

49B Main Street, Oxford Phone 312 4314

Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm six

Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm

1 Louenhide bags pink $89 -green $99. ( Emmas At Oxford ) 2 Pink Metro jersey $38 ( Reclotheme ) 3 Gloves Black 16.99 pink 16.50 ( Oxford Pharmacy ) 4 Merinomink turtleneck $399 Archer house scarf $39, bag $45 ( Emmas ) 5 Scribbler rain jackets from $250 ( Emmas At Oxford ) 6 Foxwood Bronze cardigan on sale $50.00 ( Theas )

for Autumn!

NEW ARRIVALS

Autumn wardrobe 6

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8 Be sure to check out our social media to keep up with the latest offers and new additions! f Thea's - New & Pre Loved Boutique @theas_boutique_oxford

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7 Jeans from $40 ( Reclotheme ) 8 Leopard & blue scarf $19.99 ( Oxford Pharmacy ) 9 Green & white ES Jerseys $189.90 ( Theas ) 10 Elwood leather jacket $79 ( Reclotheme ) 11 Hinako Beige & Black Boots $294.00 ( Theas )

566 GERMAN ROAD, OXFORD https://www.facebook.com/re.clothemee

www.reclothme.co.nz

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Autumn Cider Chicken & Grilled Polenta

by Louize Juniper

POLENTA Spray the baking tin with oil and line with Cling wrap.

Use a heavy based saucepan.

Fry off garlic and rosemary in the olive oil for a couple of minutes over a gentle heat.

Pour in Polenta, fry off for a couple of minutes, stirring all the time.

Slowly pour in the stock, keep stirring well, turn heat down if it starts to bubble and spit.

Add salt and pepper, taste and if needs more salt, add more.

Polenta can be very bland if not seasoned well, the addition of more herbs is good too.

Once all the stock has been absorbed the mix should be stiff and glossy.

Pour into the lined baking tray.

Leave to cool.

1 baking tray (Brownie style) 3 Cloves Garlic Chopped 2 Tabs Olive Oil 1 Tab Chopped fresh Rosemary 1 Cup Fine Polenta 1 Ltr Chicken Stock 2 tsp Salt Ground Black Pepper

CIDER CHICKEN

1 Whole Chicken. A medium Chicken will feed aprox 6 people.

2 Cloves Garlic Crushed 1 Tab Smoked Paprika 2 tsp Salt 1 tsp Ground All Spice Sprig Rosemary Bunch Fresh Sage (Dried is fine if you have no fresh) Olive Oil 500ml Dry Cider 1 Cup Cream 1 large Orange Kumera 2 Red Onions 2 Firm Apples Oven 200 C

Blitz together the garlic, smoked paprika, salt, ground all spice, ½ of the rosemary and ¼ cup olive oil.

Rub the spice mix all over the chicken and stuff the remaining rosemary and sage with an apple cut into quarters into the chicken's cavity.

Place into a heavy based roasting tin or dutch oven.

Pour in the cider and roast for an hour uncovered.

Prepare Red onion and kumera, cutting then into wedges, toss them in some olive oil with salt and pepper, place on to a baking sheet and put in oven to roast. Make sure they are all well spaced out other wise they will go soft rather than roast! This should take about 20 mins. Slice the apple into wedges and add to the veges after about 10 mins Once the Chicken has been roasting for an hour, remove from oven and take the chicken out of the cider and place it in the roasting tray with the roast veges.

Reduce the cider by putting the roasting tray on a hot element on the hob.

Bring to simmer and reduce for about 5 mins, add the cream and continue to cook out for a further 5 mins.

Whilst sauce is reducing, pull the meat off the chicken. If the chicken is well cooked the meat should fall away easily.

Once the all the meat has been pulled off the chicken add it to the creamy cider sauce along with the roast veges and apple.

Pop it all back in the oven whilst you prep the polenta.

Turn the polenta out on to a chopping board and cut into tringles or square Either re heat or grill on a griddle to get the tan lines. Takes about 10 mins.

Serve up and enjoy.

Visit our collaborative co-working office. Casual, permanent desks and meeting room for hire. Book online!

Level 1, 210 High Street, Rangiora

Helping you get back on track KOWHAI CHIROPRACTIC Dr Julianya Jay DC LRCC

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Follow us for the latest news & info

559 Greendale Rd, Darfield 7571 | 03 318 8866 or 021 283 8892 kowhaichiro@protonmail.com | kowhaichiropractic.com nine

Oxford Community Trust

Social Services U-DRIVE

Need help to get your restricted licence?

The Oxford Community Trust has a Mentor Driving programme set up to help Youth gain there Restricted licence.

We offer: Personalised Training Trained Mentor Drivers Affordable Rates Vehicle provided.

For any questions please contact Julia 021995942 or email julia@oxfordtrust.co.nz.

I'VE GOT YOUR BACK

We have a promotion coming up for Easter supporting our business community - watch this space!

Oxford Dementia Support Group Next meeting 6th April at 10 am in the Union Church Hall Phone Robyn for more details 027 687 7219 Thank you to the Oxford Union Church and Catholic Church and Church 360 for their generous donations to the food bank.

Local programme supports young drivers

by Emily Chapman

Since 2015 young people in Oxford have been able to access affordable, local driving mentoring to help them move from their Learner’s Licence to Restricted Licence. The Oxford Community Trust set up the U-Drive programme after it was identified through local police and the school, that a high proportion of our youth were not obtaining their Drivers Licence and still driving.

After extensive research, and working with Road Safety WDC, U-Drive was set up to help these young people obtain their Learner and Restricted Licences.

Access to education, work opportunities, sports and social activities can be limited in a small town with no public transport, and independence is vital for young people to be able to take part in all of these opportunities.

Students are paired with a trained mentor and sessions are tailored to the individual's learning style. They will then drive weekly for a 15 week period, learning everything they need to successfully progress to their Restricted Licence.

A $20.00 donation towards fuel is the only cost, and lessons are local rather than having to travel to Rangiora to an instructor, or pay them to come out to Oxford.

The Trust has a car that is available for the lessons, and students are also able to sit their licence in this vehicle.

Julia Graham who runs the programme says “ I love giving people the opportunity to be able to learn to drive and seeing them achieve when they pass and gain that independence”.

Students from the programme speak very highly of their experiences; “I had a wonderful driving mentor who had lots of patience with me. She helped me understand different driving situations and gave me the skills and confidence I needed to pass my test”

ank You ers Fund To Our Fab 4

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.

37 Main Street, Oxford 03 312 3006

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“U-Drive is the reason I got my restricted licence. They are so supportive and easy to communicate with. All the instructors are so easy to relate to and they made me feel so comfortable. They allowed me to gain more confidence on the road and undestand more of the road rules. They teach safe and helpful habits that I will forever take on for my every day driving”.

Not only is it an excellent opportunity for young people, it is also a great opportunity for the mentors.

They love being involved in the community and getting to know the youth involved.

“Being a mentor driver is such a great experience. Taking young people who are nervous about driving, parking etc. is a huge challenge. Then they get their restricted licence, the look of delight on their faces – it’s fabulous.”

“Mentoring is enormously satisfying because you watch a young person gain their independence, not just get their licence."

“It is a very satisfying experience to know that you are helping teenagers to get their licence, which is essential for those living in the country.

They are all keen learners and a joy to get to know.”

If you are interested in becoming a Mentor, or you have your Learner’s Licence and would like mentoring to move to your Restricted Licence please contact Julia Graham, 021 995 942 or julia@oxfordtrust.co.nz

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OXFORD CLUB EST - 1887

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Dealing with COVID for as long as we all have is leaving us all a little depleted; and likely exhausted by the constant and ever-changing information that we are hearing and seeing.

So, we are deliberately not focusing this article on COVID – what we would like to say, however, is – you’re not alone, we will get through this together and there is support available.

For those that have access to our website, please keep checking there for updates.

If you are not able to access our website, and have concerns please ring the practice.

The other important message we would like to share is please don’t delay any of your regular healthcare needs.

We don’t want anyone to put off their routine checks – and while we are trying to make as many of our appointments telephone consults, where appropriate, we are still seeing people in the clinic.

We are trying to keep everything “business as usual” in a very non-usual environment.

Which leads on to the flu season.

We are gearing up for our 2022 flu vaccination campaign and will let you know when we have this confirmed and in place.

History has taught us not to jump the gun, so, we will wait until we have the vaccines on site before letting you know how and when our vaccination programme will start.

We will communicate this through email, our website, FaceBook, text and the notice board outside our main entry doors. Given the reduced amount of flu in the community over the past two years, combined with the changing environment (opening of borders etc) we will be strongly urging everyone to consider getting vaccinated for the flu.

Last week was Dr Kara Covell’s last day with the practice; we have farewelled her with sadness as she leaves our team but with much happiness as she is returning to her family in the United States.

Thank you to everyone who sent messages of love, gratitude, kindness and appreciation.

We have collated these messages into a bound hard-copy book which included words from our team and photos – we know this will be a treasured gift for Kara and her family.

We have a strong commitment to developing our team – individual growth and development strengthens us as a whole. A perfect example of this is our Rural Nurse Specialist/Nurse Prescriber, Brigid Sinclair.

Brigid has moved from our After-Hours team into providing daily clinical care; Brigid is part of our GP/ Nurse Practitioner team of Judith, Richard, Seamus and Jason.

From the team at OCHC we wish you and your loved ones the best of health .

Just as our Mission Statement says – Oxford living well.

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(03) 312 4195 |

39 Park Avenue Oxford

|

FOR ANY MEDICAL EMERGENCY CALL 111

Heading here...

Dennis Quayle

Hi everyone, I feel grateful that Hank’s passed the baton on to me for this month’s article. I am excited to work with Hank and Ross as each of us combine our experience and knowledge to help our clients. My background is in Banking with 30 years spent across ANZ and Westpac primarily in Commercial and Corporate Banking.

This is where I found my passion for helping people through providing unique financing solutions. I often thought of myself as someone who could solve problems for clients which in a sense is exactly what we are doing now. Last year was a turning point for me and my family returning from overseas, leaving the safety of Banking and taking a leap of faith by starting up Mighty Mortgages.

Over the past 4 months I’ve had the privilege of helping several clients, to either buy their first home, use equity to purchase an investment property, consolidate debt, complete home renovations, refix loans or build a pathway to a future mortgage approval.

So, what’s happening in the mortgage market and what does this mean for you? It has been a tough start to the year primarily related to changes made to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 which came into effect in December 2021. The intent behind these changes focussed on protecting vulnerable borrowers.

What was unforeseen is how the Banks would interpret these changes with no one expecting the level of scrutiny now being used when applying for a mortgage.

Let us take an example to help you understand what Banks are focusing on when you apply for a mortgage. You might want to buy your first home or upgrade to your next home. Whichever scenario is yours, the Bank’s focus is the same – affordability.

How does a Bank define affordability? They calculate something called Uncommitted Monthly Income (UMI) by looking at your income versus your expenses. Basically the concept of UMI is what you have remaining once you have added up your Expenses, Debt Commitments and Loan Repayments and have subtracted these from your Net Income. It is worth noting that each Bank has their own minimum threshold for UMI. A customer will need to meet this UMI expectation before a Bank approves their mortgage request.

You might have seen recently in the media that people have had their loan applications declined. Three months ago, these loans would have been approved.

This relates to the changes I previously talked about in this article.

Now minimum UMI thresholds are subject to scrutiny, in particular your expenses over a period of three months.

Expenses can be broken down into three main categories, Fixed, Living and Other. Other Expenses used to be known as Discretionary, but this is now not the case. Any ‘Other’ Expenses, for example coffees, takeaways, and Afterpay, will impact your ability to meet minimum UMI thresholds set by the Bank. The more expenses you have, the lower your UMI will be. Expenses are checked against your bank statements when a Bank assesses your affordability.

You can minimise this impact on your UMI by either reducing or removing these expenses from your bank statements.

There is a solution, it might just mean prioritising your expenses, and remember - it’s only for three months.

Hopefully you have found this information helpful.

My role is to support and help people secure mortgage funding while dealing with the various nuisances across the different Banks.

If you’d like to know more, feel free to drop me a line - I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time, best regards and stay safe!

Mayoral update with Dan Gordon.

After years of pandemic uncertainty and now the unprovoked and senseless attack on Ukraine by Russia we can all be forgiven for thinking much doesn’t make sense in the world at the moment.

There’s a sense of powerlessness as the rest of the world sits by and watches, not wanting to provoke a broader conflict.

Our thoughts go out to the people of the Ukraine. Their bravery is inspiring.

At home the effects of Covid continue and with increasing cases of Omicron in our community it is important that we follow the guidelines in order to keep safe and protected.

I am part of the Regional Leadership Group that meets weekly with government officials including Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB), Ministry of Health and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Because of this I am able to keep our community’s voice connected at this level and make sure the issues facing Waimakariri are known and acted on.

I was very pleased to see the new COVID-19 Community Testing Centre recently open in Rangiora. We have been working for some time to see this achieved. I have personally been advocating strongly as I know our community would prefer a local site.

We offered Council facilities to support the efforts of CDHB. The location is Council’s Waimakariri Hockey Turf, at 291 Coldstream Road Rangiora, and is open each day 9am to 3pm.

At this point the site is offering Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) collection only. I really appreciate the efforts of Council staff who have worked hard to turn this project around so quickly.

As we have cases in our community we should spare a thought for all the essential services, our Police, Ambulance, doctors, nurses, pharmacy staff, Fire Service, schools and all frontline staff including our supermarkets – thank you to you all for what you are doing to keep our community supported and safe through this time.

Just as we have before we will get through this with the same community spirit we have always had. Keep an eye out for those in need and might require a little support through this time. A friendly hello or call to a neighbour or friend might make that difference to them.

As always, I welcome contact from anyone who needs assistance or has an issue that you may want to discuss.

Email me at dan.gordon@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021906437.

I’m here to help.

Dan Gordon

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Easter Crafts to Brighten your Autumn with a little Spring

by Amy Riach

Easter is rapidly approaching, and this year it feels like it really snuck up on us. It certainly seems like these cold autumn mornings could do with a little taste of spring, and if you’re a little behind on planning for the Easter Bunny’s arrival, these are some of the best Easter surprises for this April.

Pom-pom Easter Bunny

Whether you’re a fan of Beatrix Potter or The Velveteen Rabbit, the childhood tales of bunny rabbits and their endearing exploits endure well into adulthood, especially at Easter. This little rabbit is welcome in any Easter basket, and made with soft wool and felt, he makes up for all he lacks in chocolate with everything he offers in cute and fluffy.

For the head and body, the soft pom-poms can be made by winding coloured wool around a rectangular card. Any old cereal boxes that have yet to hit the recycling bin are perfect for this, and if you have any scrap wool that you’re looking to use up, well no one said that the Velveteen Rabbit couldn’t be rainbow. When your pom-poms are made, trim all the ends to shape them, and make sure that the body is a little bigger than the head.

Use cotton wool to form a tiny white tail, and then both tail and head can be sewn to the body. But for those of us less than adept with a needle and thread, hot glue is a novice friendly option. Ears can be attached similarly, and cut out of felt or any other soft fabric.

Then to finish your bunny, craft beads are perfect for eyes, and your own Velveteen Rabbit is ready to be loved into reality.

Easter Daisy Cookies

With spring some 6 months away, Easter is a good excuse to indulge in all our springtime flower cravings, and these Easter daisy cookies are easy to make, and accident-prone baker friendly. Start with a basic sugar cookie recipe, but rather than rolling your cookie dough into individual balls for baking, roll it all out flat. You can cut the daisy shapes from the dough using a flower shaped cookie cutter, or if you don’t have one handy (because let's be honest, most of us are limited to a few circles and a gingerbread man), then you can cut a daisy out of baking paper and use a knife to cut out your cookie shapes.

Once your cookies are baked and cool, you can add all the decoration using royal icing.

If you’re feeling really brave you can try making your own at the kitchen bench, but rest assured it also comes pre-made and pre-packaged. A sealed ziploc bag filled with icing will serve you well as a diy piping bag, just cut a hole in the corner and you’re good to go. However some emphasis must be placed on the use of the word sealed, take it from someone who can be a little slap happy in the kitchen! If you’d like to bake a few with stems, a lollipop stick can be added to your cookies before they go into the oven, simply slide them into the centre of each cookie, about halfway through. When all your cookies are baked and decorated, all that’s left is to load the dishwasher and lick the spoon, and maybe keep the recipe in mind for Mothers Day.

Easter Egg Cocoa Bombs

As Autumn sets in and the mornings get colder, hot chocolate is making a much welcomed return from hibernation, and these Easter themed cocoa bombs give new meaning to the phrase ‘just add water’. You will need only hot chocolate powder, chocolate buttons, and last but by no means least, a handful of mini marshmallows (which on paper are optional, but in practice are absolutely mandatory).

Start by melting your chocolate buttons over a double boiler. If you can temper your chocolate then by all means go for it, but if not the half and half method I like to think of as ‘sympathetic combustion on purpose’, will serve you well. These cocoa bombs can be made using a plastic egg mould, but if that isn’t something you’re likely to find in the bottom of the cupboard, plastic 2-peice egg ornaments are another good option.

Whichever moulds you settle on, be sure to wash them first, and then coat them with your melted chocolate before leaving them in the fridge to set. Once hardened, the chocolate egg halves can be filled with a few teaspoons of hot chocolate powder, and just as many marshmallows as your heart desires. Seal two halves together with a little melted chocolate and a butter knife, and then if you’d like to decorate them, go for gold!

Once your cocoa bombs are finished, store them in the fridge, and simply add one to the bottom of a cup, add boiling water, and call yourself the proud owner of instant hot chocolate.

Bunny Tail Cookies

This is a recipe that again calls for marshmallows, so that alone should suffice as a ringing endorsement! First the biscuits, you can make them, buy them, or even use a baking mix.

It’s totally up to you. Flat biscuits like sugar cookies or shortbread will work perfectly for this. Then for the icing, which can be made using a simple buttercream recipe, and a few drops of pink food colouring. And if you’d like to make your icing white, just add a drop of purple.

It sounds like a total hoax I know, but the purple food colouring offsets the yellow tones of the buttercream, and returns the icing to white. It’s the same reason that you use purple shampoo for blonde hair, and it’s because purple and yellow are opposite each other on the colour wheel; but to be entirely honest it seems more like magic than it does science.

Once all your cookies are iced, you can decorate them using mini marshmallows for a round tail, and then the feet can be made using either a few smaller oval cookies, or a standard sized marshmallow cut in half lengthways to form two oval feet.

The pawprints can be added using a little icing, and just like that your bunny tail cookies look good enough to eat! fourteen

Daniel Searle: 021 327 545 daniel@morganglass.co.nz 7:30am - 5:30pm (Mon - Fri)

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Mike Hart Tumuaki | Principal's Update The welfare of our students is always top of mind.

With the deeply sad events unfolding in Ukraine, we are mindful that this may be having an impact on some of our students and community, especially those who are from, and have family and friends in the Ukraine and Russia.

This is also being heavily covered in the media, and the reporting and content have been very harrowing and may cause anxiety for our wider student community.

Kindness and respect for our students who may have European connections are especially important in these very challenging times.

I want you to know our school has support in place for students who may be impacted, and we encourage anyone with concerns about the safety and wellbeing of a student to contact us.

We have been flying the Ukrainian flag in a sense of solidarity.

Build Update Over the past month, we have held a number of workshops relating to the development of our building plan. We can share with you now that we will be looking at two blocks.

Block A (yet to be named) will be home to: Office, Administration, Student services Library / Community hub Canteen, Science, Food Technologies

We see Block A as the hub of the school where staff, students and the community come together for a variety of reasons. There are many opportunities for the whole school to bring specialist spaces into the centre of our school.

OXFORD SCHOOLS

Great linkages between Science and Food Technologies, the possibilities of hospitality with a Food Technology room beside a canteen servery catering for the community hub/library. All student services will come together including Deaning, Counselling, Learning Support, Careers and IT support.

Block B (also yet to be named) will be home to: Art, Music, Technology, Textiles, Technology Hard Materials Technology, Digital Technology Design and Visual Communications Technology This is going to be a very creative space with recording studios, a photography studio, a darkroom for analogy photography, a workshop connecting to a compound where metalwork can take place, a maker space housing computers, 3D printers and a laser cutter and a textiles maker space.

The side of the building where Music will be connected nicely to Tautoru (our Drama space) and the side of the building where Art will be connected nicely to the local environment or rolling hills and mountains.

As we continue to progress through the detailed design phase we will be able to reveal more and more detail of those plans and most importantly when the schedule of works comes through we can share those key dates.

This image gives you an idea of the positioning of the two blocks within our school. More details to follow.

Jubilee

1872 - 2022

Labour Weekend 21 - 23 October 2022 Contact jubilee@oxford.school.nz for more information Follow us on

facebook.com/oxfordschools150yearsjubilee

- As we gear up to our Jubilee in October we are uncovering some ‘gems’ in our archive.

52 Bay Road Oxford

03 312 4197

info@oxford.school.nz

ABM Kayaking Camp - Peel Forest

by Cailey Hollard & Ashleigh Lawler Recently, during Week 4, the Year 12/13 ABM class attended a week long camp at Peel Forest, taking part in a range of outdoor activities such as Kayaking, Rafting, Abseiling, and many other practical skills that lent themselves to these sports.

Much of this camp centered itself around the idea of Kaitiakitanga, the foundation of guardianship and protection, a deep kinship between humans and the natural world.

The significance of Kaitiakitanga was prevalent all throughout the duration of this exciting week as we explored the nearby Rangitata and Orari rivers, proving to be the perfect environment for outdoor enthusiasts.

It was a jam-packed week filled with many challenging, yet invigorating activities and we would love to share some of the highlights of this camp with you all.

The first day of our camp began with an early start as we packed up the vans and stacked our kayaks carefully into the trailer. We then headed to Lake Hood for an introduction to the equipment and skills that we would be familiarizing ourselves with throughout the week.

We then met the instructors for our camp. We geared up and fitted our kayaks ready for the next few days. After copious amounts of sunscreen, we began with some easier skills on the lake, working on things like paddling in a straight line and learning about the techniques we would need for moving water. Our nerves and hesitancy quickly changed to excitement as we gained confidence in the water with eddy turns, wet exits and T-rescues.

We then packed up our gear and headed for Rangitata Gorge for even more practice on moving water.

Day two consisted of a little bit more practice in the gorge to make us feel more confident before moving into the fast flowing waters of the Rangitata River. Certainly a highlight for us all, the rapids and waves were definitely a talking point for the rest of the camp! Whilst some of our peers faced the rough water head on, many also went down the rapids backwards or even sideways, making for a good laugh among the instructors.

Our third day on the river began with a Karakia that was relevant to our appreciation and interactions with the river, spoken and translated by our amazing instructors.

As the day began, we worked on paddling, steering, and communicative skills among our rafts before progressing to the rocky and turbulent waters of the Rangitata River. Paddling downstream through the rapids, each person took a turn steering the rafts and instructing the actions of their peers to direct us. After our introduction to rafting the two groups had no trouble getting involved in the fast flowing water with river crossings, rescues, and flipping over the rafts. To top the day off we ended with a makeshift raft water slide, which many will agree was the highlight of the day and resulted in some great photos of us flying across the river.

This day-long rafting trip was undoubtedly another of many highlights shared by the group and Mr Lowe, our adrenaline and pure excitement was affirming of this and we are all on the lookout for more rafting opportunities in the future! Our final activities on camp involved a 20 meter abseil, rope skills, and the opportunity to swim through a waterfall at the end of the day.

We all thoroughly enjoyed this day of climbing as it provided a break from the water after a physically challenging week. We can all agree that this was one of the most enjoyable camps we have attended and we would like to say a huge thank you to Mr Lowe and the wonderful kayaking, rafting and abseiling instructors at the Peel Forest Outdoor Pursuit Center.

Our ABM class loved the challenges and new skills that were offered to us during this time away. We hope to come across additional opportunities to take part in similar activities again in the future.

Oxford Area School are pleased to announce that the Programme and Registration for the 150 Oxford Schools Jubilee on 21/22 October 2022, have now been finalized.

You are cordially invited to share this information, register and join us for the event.

Paper copies and eftpos are available at the school office - 52 Bay Road or please register directly on line via the website. https://sites.google.com/oxford.school.nz/oxford-schools-150-years/home Any issues please contact the school on 033124197 or email jubilee@oxford.school.nz

www.facebook.com/oxfordarea

http://www.oxford.school.nz/

Countdown to Oxford Schools Jubilee Meet the Davids

by Amy Riach

Contemplating life after Oxford can seem just a little daunting when you’re in year 13 and don’t have any idea what you want to do, but for the Davids family, life beyond Oxford has been filled with opportunities. And while life certainly didn’t hesitate to throw a few curveballs their way, together they are all approaching their challenges in the same way that they approach their success, with determination, and as a family. So as we count down to the Oxford Schools Jubilee, we are taking a look back at some of Oxford’s former students and staff, and what life looked like for them beyond Oxford.

Deb Davids is one of Oxford’s own, a former primary teacher at the school, and the mother of three talented children who each went to Oxford Area School themselves. She tells me that she was “a late starter”, and in fact before she went into teaching Deb was a successful actor, training and working in England for several years before coming to Christchurch, New Zealand.

But it seems that fate knew teaching was on the cards even then, and as part of her scholarship to the Italia Conti Stage School in London, she completed her teaching certificates for drama, adding that she has “always enjoyed working with children and young people, and I get real joy from seeing their progress”. Her background in drama teaching and stage acting led her to take on the school productions here at Oxford, which she recalls as both a huge undertaking, and a source of her favourite memories, saying “They could be so stressful to organise and produce, but at the end of the day it was all forgotten seeing how confident and happy the students were onstage. The entire community supported them”.

Deb loved working with the Oxford kids, and it was actually her own three children who inspired her to make the move from her work at the Court Theatre and TVNZ, to primary school teaching. She tells me the transition seemed like such a logical step, not to mention it “meant that I would be around for the children during holidays!”. Of course those same three children have careers of their own now, and these former Oxford kids are busy writing their names in lights. Her oldest daughter Alex is totally focused on the community, and Deb is proud to tell me that “she has won a number of awards for her environmental work, including a Local Heroes Award”.

And it certainly seems that the people she worked with at Keep New Zealand Beautiful are just as proud of their former chairperson, writing that in Alex’s “5 incredible years of service”, “Keep New Zealand Beautiful has gone from strength to strength”. Alex is now chair of the Waikura Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board, and she chairs a number of local government boards, as well as working as deputy chair of Whitau School. She is incredibly community minded, and is a strong advocate for New Zealand’s vulnerable people, working for Battered Women's Trust on the crisis line. Deb tells me that her daughter’s “next challenge is the upcoming local elections”, and the Oxford graduate is sure to have a lot of people rooting for her.

Meanwhile, the two younger Davids children are just a little less local. Daughter Olivia is now working on the ‘Sunshine Coast’ in Australia, and son Tasman is an accomplished dancer in Russia. Oliva is a big lover of travel, so it’s no surprise that life after Oxford has sent her shooting across the world. Clearly very proud, Deb tells me that she was headhunted from her first company in Perth, and “After school she trained at the Sir George Seymour college in Christchurch, and then went to Australia as a corporate travel accountant when she was still in her teens”. Even as a student Oliva was aiming high, and before leaving Oxford she was the Under 20’s representative for Lawn Bowls, and twice won the NZ Secondary Schools National Championships. Since then, her award tally has only grown, and in her first year at Flight Centre, Olivia “won their global 'Rookie of the Year' award. Since then she has always been one of their top 10 global corporate accountants”. Deb tells me that “My greatest joy is in seeing all three of my children approach life with enthusiasm and resilience”, and as she recalls her proudest moments she describes Alex winning her first election, Tasman’s graduation from the Vaganova Academy, and the day “Livia called me to say she had won her first bowls title!”

Just about every parent can share in Deb’s pride at their child’s graduation, but for Tasman, graduation took place in the Catherine Palace Ballroom in St Petersburg, which is certainly not an experience that most of us start life with! Tasman was the first person from Australasia to ever train at the Vaganova ballet academy, which as Deb tells me, “trained Pavlova, Nureyev, Nijinsky... all the world's greatest dancers”. As someone whose only experience with ballet was rooted in the Rangiora Town Hall, Pavlova is the only name I can safely say I recognise. But I do know that the Russian Ballet is renowned for good reason, and it’s incredible to see someone from our corner of the world enter a global stage. When Tasman graduated after three years, he was offered a position at the State Academic Yacobson Ballet Company in St Petersburg, where he has danced for the last 8 years. 9,000 miles away from Oxford, Tasman is currently living there in the capital with his partner Anya, who is a principal dancer with the company, and now Tasman’s fiance. Clearly at the very top of his game, after his performance in a production of Don Quixote, Tasman was nominated for 'Best Male Performance in a Ballet' for the Golden Masks - the Russian national theatre awards. Even as he continues to perform, Tasman is studying as a distance learner with Massey University, working towards a degree in Business and Finance.

But it is dance that’s his passion, and Deb adds that “He has danced all over the world, New York, Tokyo, Paris, Morocco... some 45 countries!”.

Counting down to the Jubilee is giving us all a chance to celebrate some of the incredible things that students and staff of Oxford have been working so hard for. Oxford Area school can be very proud of the Davids family and all our alumni, and likewise we are incredibly proud of all our current students and teachers.

Deb Davids most of all is wonderfully proud of her accomplished family, but she goes on to add, “For me - I was very proud the day I received my teaching qualifications.

But daily I am in awe of the little people whom I work with who have tackled earthquakes, terrorists and a pandemic with laughter, grace and patience. Seeing them in later years doing great things in the world is something to feel both joyful and honoured to have been a small part of the development”.

Every student and every teacher deserves to be incredibly proud of all they have achieved, and celebrating everyone at the Jubilee is something we can all look forward to.

If there is anyone in our community who would be interested in working on a committee to help organise the Jubilee, please email event coordinator Mary Chinsnall at jubilee@oxford.school.nz. All details can be found at the Facebook page Oxford Schools 150 Years Jubilee, and at the official Jubilee website xyz, where you will find the programme and registration.

Or you can contact the school at 033124297 for inquiries.

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Oxford Squash Club sports new look !

by Beka Hunt

I will always treasure the Oxford Squash Club, as it saw me through high school.

Now, it’s incredible to step back into the building and see that the essence of the Squash Club still remains the same- a source of pure, judgement free joy.

I remember the sound of the courts coming alive, and the sweaty excitement of a fast paced game- although not everything looks the same anymore.

Since a large snowfall caused major flooding, the club has undergone multiple renovations, the most notable being an entirely redesigned entrance way. Additionally, the club room received a paint job, new carpets, new tin and lights. Now the building is well suited for the winter months - especially with a fully functioning fireplace. With the renovations completed, the usual weekly events are back up and running.

On Thursdays at 6pm onwards, there’s an open club night, and the beauty of this place is that everyone is welcome. Any age, any skill level can turn up and give squash a go.

The Club has spare rackets and balls, so all you’d need to bring is clean, non marking shoes. A social women's group has begun to play again, starting at 9.15am on Sundays.

For juniors, local squash expert Maria Hinz runs coaching sessions during the school term time, on Wednesdays at 3.30pm. Maria has years of experience under her belt, winning the Canterbury open twice and having all the necessary coaching certificates to teach new players. Much like the other club members, she's passionate about the sport, and will play a game with anyone if they want some tips.

To join the club there are multiple membership options, including a junior and social version.

However, if you ever want to stop by for a casual hit with a friend or check out one of the club nights, the cost is only $5 - a donation really! Even after some time off, I could still pick up my racket, and return to the courts like I never left.

So, if there’s ever a sport I encourage you to try, it’s squash.

You really have no idea how much the Oxford Squash Club could mean to you 10 years down the track.

If you’re interested in having a hit, you can contact Shelly Drummond on 027 920 1738, Katie Hallam on 021 0870 6232, or just message the Oxford Squash club Facebook page (facebook.com/OxfordSquashNZ).

Oxford Butchery

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WE NEED YOUR ARTWORK! Specialising in Australian Hardwood

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KAIAPOI ART EXPO 16-17 JULY, 10AM-5PM KAIAPOI CLUB

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The Kaiapoi Art Expo is going ahead for 2022 and will be held over the weekend of July 15-17 in the usual venue of the Kaiapoi Club.

Combined with Blackwell’s Fire & Ice Festival the weekend fills the town with people from all over Canterbury.

Entries from artists all over Waimakariri district have been pouring in according to co-ordinator Theresa Smith.

The Have A Go day on the Saturday is a crowd puller and an opportunity for would be artists to try their hand at different arts and craft.

Instead of a guest artist this year, the Waimakariri Public Arts Trust will be showcased in an effort to gain support for more artworks in the district.

Last year’s Expo sold a record number of artworks and the profits have been donated towards a sculpture by Raymond Herber titled Windswept, a 4 metre high Corten steel kinetic sculpture.

Herber runs the Ironridge Sculpture Park in Waipara in a disused quarry where visitors can see another Windswept sculpture on display.

Once a location for the sculpture has been found, fundraising will begin for the balance of the costs.

Installation costs of $10,000 for the sculpture were approved at the last meeting of the Kaiapoi Tuahiwi Community Board.

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Timber industry experience is advantageous but not essential as full training will be provided.

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If you believe you possess the right skills and attitude for this position please email your cv and covering letter to admin@ais.co.nz, or contact Amy or Leith on 03 312 3341.

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News from Goodwood House of Beauty.

by Emily Chapman

Debbie from Goodwood House of Beauty is one of the Observer’s longstanding supporters and we caught up with her to see what’s new, for her and her business.

Debbie is from the UK but has lived in NZ for a long time.

With a background in Hotel Conferences, she decided to make a big change in 2007 and retrained as a Beauty Therapist.

She then opened her Oxford home based clinic – The Oxford House of Beauty. When it came time to move her life and business to Rangiora, she rebranded to Goodwood House of Beauty.

At the time she thought this would be the biggest challenge she and her business would face. However, a global pandemic had more challenges in store for her. While this was difficult, Debbie says “I took time to re-evaluate how I wanted Goodwood House of Beauty to perform, look, and it’s purpose after we come through Covid”.

She pivoted to offering virtual skin consultations to connect with her clients. Debbie also sought out training for professional facial treatments & products to not only support skin health, but also to focus on mindfulness to help with the stress and anxiety that the situation has created.

GOODWOOD HOUSE OF BEAUTY 19 Goodwood Close - Rangiora

phone

03 310 6139 021 024 19237

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Beauty House of

D

ebbie

in

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If you would like a consultation, or to book a treatment contact her on 03 310 6139 or 021 024 19237

by Appointment only

ODWOO O

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Debbie is based in Rangiora and offers a friendly and professional space where clients feel relaxed and are able to recharge and shut off from the pressures of the outside world.

* Medical Grade Facials * Peels & Skin Treatments * Waxing * Eyelash and Brows

G

Debbie is under going further training in her Skin Coach Academy to achieve her O Cosmedics Expert, along with her Ginger & Me levels, but for now she has completed her training as an O Cosmedics Advanced Skin Coach, which has given her more of an in-depth understanding of the skin science, ingredients, products and how to deliver signature treatments that will return skin to its normal function. Clients can now benefit from the purest combination of medical grade ingredients and cosmetic skincare science by combining a series of O Pro Dermal Planing to their journey.

This is key to an anti-aging management system, tackling fine-lines, wrinkles, even skin tone and pigmentation. There’s no surgery or needles only corrective skin transformation that’s designed to treat the major causes of aging.

Debbie has a passion for helping clients with their skin , and says her goal is “to treat and see clients with individuality and help them reach their skin goals. Each client has her own skin journey it’s not one fix, fixes all”.

Goodwood House of Beauty also now offers the “sister” skincare range to O Cosmedics, Ginger & Me - Neurocosmedics .

This offers clients an introduction to active potent skincare, and focuses on skin recovery through cosmeceutical strength actives fighting the signs of aging, along with offering the first of it’s kind a mindfulness journey session that will calm, refresh and support healthy skin and empower healthy minds.

H awk

ANZAC DAY 2022 THERE WILL BE NO MARCH OR SERVICE AT THE TOWN HALL ON ANZAC DAY THIS YEAR. THERE WILL BE A SMALL SERVICE AT THE CENOTAPH AT 9AM.

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OXFORD DISTRICT

UNION PARISH

Sharing Christ in our Fellowship and Community UNION (METHODIST & PRESBYTERIAN) PARISH SERVICES FOR APRIL 2022

ALL CHURCH SERVICES ARE CURRENTLY POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, due to the COVID – 19 pandemic now in our area.

Congregation members will be notified of any changes occurring during April, by email, phone calls or letterbox messages.

Meanwhile, stay safe, look after each other, and may God’s blessing be with us all.

UNION PARISH MINISTER: REV. JULIA DE GROOT PH: 022 567 9914 PARISH CLERK: KEN WALKER Ph: 03 312 1464

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

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Small Prayer & Reflection Groups Held every 2nd Tuesday at 1.30pm Oxford Church Centre

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Discover awareness of breath, body & mind.

Create space with slow/flow movement.

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When: WEDNESDAY 9.30am & 7.00PM $80 per term. $110 per term for ‘energy’ membership (incl. moon ceremonies) $15 casual class.

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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

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

• General/Family Dentistry • Facial Pain • Periodontal Therapy • Minor Oral Surgery • Oral Medicine Specialist • Oral Cancer Detection • Clinicians all New Zealand trained • Super Gold and Community Services Card Discounts Open Monday to Friday 8.30 to 5.30 www.pagdental.com

PAG Silverstream Dental 4/42 Silverstream Boulevard Silverstream 03 925 8003 pagsilverstreamdental@gmail.com

OXFORD CONSTABLE

Mitch Alatalo

From a road safety perspective, there have been a lot of foggy mornings and evenings in the area. Please drive to the conditions and be sure to watch your following distances.

Keeping on the theme of road safety there has been a lot of talk about parking in and around pedestrian crossings.

The broken yellow lines are there for a reason. They are there to give both pedestrian and drivers the time and distance to see each other. I have seen too many close calls in the past few weeks already.

With the roar upon us I would just like to remind everyone who is venturing out for a hunt, to make sure you are well equipped and to make sure if you are shooting to follow all of the cardinal rules of shooting and firearms safety.

Please identify your target and make sure you know where you are. There are a number of great applications available these days that show you exactly where you are, even if there is no cell phone coverage.

It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure everyone is safe.

Above all have an enjoyable time.

Thank you for your time, until next month. Be safe. Feel safe.

OXFORD CHIEF FIRE OFFICER

Trevor Ealam

In February the Brigade was called six times.

One to a private smoke alarm activation, (the cause was a faulty smoke alarm), one to a smell of smoke in a dwelling for which no cause could be found, one to a motor vehicle fire, the vehicle had been stolen, one to a controlled rubbish burn and no action was required by the Brigade, one to a power pole fire, and one to rescue an elderly person who had fallen fifteen metres down a bank.

Ropes and a stokes basket were required for the rescue, which the Springfield Fire Brigade ropes unit assisted us with.

The person received minor injuries.

This brings our total calls for the year to thirteen.

This month’s message is; Smoke alarms save lives.

Make sure you have working smoke alarms.

If you look after them they will look after you. If anyone is having trouble checking them or are unsure they are still working please ring me on 0272977564 and I can arrange a visit or give some advice.

OXFORD ST JOHN STATION MANAGER

M el Brooker

We have been having a busy time on the ambulance with over eighty jobs attended so far this year.

We are getting a number of call out to people with breathing problems. Sometimes this can be relieved with a steam bath ( putting hot water in a basin and putting your head down near the bowl with a towel over your head), adding Vicks can sometimes help too, but be careful not to burn yourself.

We are busy but if you do require an ambulance please don’t delay to call one.

We have several new recruits that have recently joined us which is fantastic, but we are always looking for new people that are wanting to give something back to their community, If you would like to learn more please ring the station on 033123516 leave your name and number and our recruiting officer will be in touch.

The ambulance station at Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day.

If you require emergency assistance please call 111.

Take care out there.

Keep safe and stay positive.

FOR ALL EME RGENC IE S DI A L 111

EME R GE NC Y S E RVIC ES A MB UL L A N CE FIRE RESC UE POLICE

Time just keeps on moving. The weather is changing and the days are definitely getting shorter and colder for that matter.

twenty seven

THE BUSINES ANIMAL FEED chickens, sheep, pigs, goats & horses

GARDENING TOOLS & SUPPLIES weed killer , fertilliser

NUTS, BOLTS, CATCHES & LATCHES

Schnurrbart

Pop in to your local Hardware store…. you’ll be surprised what’s available instore!

Lorinda Harrington

Independant Registered Financial Advisor

M 027 242 3211 E Lorinda@thebroker.co.nz

Design & Publishing

THEBROKER.co.nz

YOUR ONE STOP HARDWARE STORE

Free Service - for all your mortgage requirements

82 High Street, Oxford

ELMWOoD AG

• ROUND BALING •

p - 03 312 4521

HOURS Mon – Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 1.00pm e - admin@womersleys.co.nz www.womersleys.co.nz

• CULTIVATION •

(Mowing through to Cartage)

(Full Culitvation Service)

Balage 1m - 1.5m Hay 1m - 1.6m

6m Roller Drill & 6m Direct Drill

SLURRY SPREADING RUT BUSTER FOR HIRE PHONE: Bill 027 485 8012 ~ EMAIL: oxfarm@hotmail.co.nz

4 Trash 2016 LTD

Rubbish Collection Services General household rubbish collection servicing Oxford ,Rangiora, Kaiapoi and surrounding rural areas We are a local business who appreciate local support twenty eight

Large 240 litre wheelie bins Multiple Collection options Weekly - Fortnightly - 4 weekly 6 weekly - 8 weekly - Casual phone or email for a quote

Graham & Kim

T : 03 312 4788 E : 4trash@xtra.co.nz

www.4trash.co.nz

S D I R E C TO RY 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

NEED A PLUMBER

THOMSON AND SON P L U M B I N G LT D

CALL US NOW FOR FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE GET YOUR PROBLEMS SORTED OUT QUICK SMART - ON TIME!!

PROVIDING INTEGRATED VETERINARY SERVICES

Integrated Functional Veterinary Diagnostics and Medicine TCVM (Acupuncture, Herbs, Food Therapy/Nutrition) ABM (Manual hands on therapy, rehabilitative programmes for horses) Reiki

Bach Flower Remedies and Homeopathy

Lillian Bonner ~ DVM CVA ABMgrad.dip. RMT 021 951 059

LillianBonnerDVM@gmail.com

L O C A L FA M I LY P LU M B I N G B U S I N E S S P H O N E N OW F O R A F R E E Q U OT E

Lillian Bonner DVM Balanced Beings Integrated & Functional Veterinary Medicine

One stop shop for your home and property maintenance.

Al - Mows starts giving you your life back.

Don’t know where to start or how to do it?

Gardens & Lawns doing their own thing - not your thing?

Property and / or House Maintenance falling behind?

No time for life on a lifestyle block?

CALL IN THE EXPERT No job too big or small - Regular maintenance or one off work.

Call Al Today!

0212 499 495 |

ajdavies62@gmail.com

Serving the North Canterbury Area

“Totally Dependable”

Phone: 0800 63 63 00

T 03 312 1280 | M 021 898 380 | E thomsonandsonplumbing@gmail.com

S H E LT E R B E LT T R I M M I N G LT D • Experienced Operator • Power Line Clearance • SiteWise Certified

Email: hedgework@yahoo.com Ph: 027 474 3088

Rural - Dairy New Housing Heating & Ventilation Service & Maintenance Commercial Refrigeration Solar Hotwater and PV twenty nine

THE BUSINES Oxford Screen Hire On Farm Gravel Screening

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

Phone Roy 022 043 7834 - Email royhill517@yahoo.co.nz

Gavin Newick GN Plumbing and Drainage Ltd Plumbing:

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

Sewer & Stormwater:

• New Builds • Maintenance • Alterations • Dripping Taps • Hot Water Cylinder Replacements

• New Installations • Repairs • Alterations • Septic Tanks • Blocked Drains • Water Blasting

. Insurance Repairs .

CRAFTSMAN PLUMBER & DRAINLAYER

CALL TODAY...

After Hours:

03 312 1785

Ph: 03 312 4476 Mob: 027 4969 256 Septic Tanks, Grease Traps, Dairy Sumps, Blocked Drains Maintenance Reports Email: speechly@xtra.co.nz

WAIMAK

HOMEKILL

Family Business

PROCESSING OF BEEF, SHEEP, PIGS, WILD GAME & SMALL GOODS

Bookings are essential

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

We can arrange to have your animals home killed - Sheep dropoff available

Jason & Julie Ph: 03 312 6227 Email: info@waimakhomekill.co.nz

www.waimakhomekill.co.nz

Roy Hill Contracting Phone Roy 022 043 7834

Email royhill517@yahoo.co.nz

THE JOINER

For all your Solid timber Joinery needs

Owner + operator of a small local workshop

Call Brent on 027 6060 797 email imbrent50@gmail.com thirty

Earth Moving • • • • • • • •

Irrigation Dams Water Races / Cleaning Roads / Farm lanes Cow Lanes Building Foundations Subdivisions Land Clearing Pipe Laying / Tree Ripping

Silage & Agriculture • • • •

Silage Harvesting Claas 8m mower with groupers 56 cubic metre loader wagon 12 tonne Hyundai loader with buck rake • 9m heavy roller • Cultivation • Seed Drilling

Plant Hire • 6m giant disc • 5 Tonne tow behind vibrating roller • Road Sweeper • 2 x Tow behind 25 cubic yard scoops

S D I R E C TO RY NEED GLASS?

We can help! Visit our website or give us a call!  Retrofit Double Glazing

Frameless Showers Repairs & More

Pet doors Splashbacks Mirrors

Locally owned and operated 03 318 3003 | admin@hunterglass.co.nz | www.hunterglass.co.nz

RON EALAM BUILDER for all your Building ding

ELMWOoD AG

requirements r

• SLURRY SPREADING •

WHERE YOU WANT IT - WHEN YOU WANT IT

New Homes Additions & Alterations Farm Buildings Concrete Laying Painting & Paper hanging Experienced Builder

At the spread rate you want it with GPS

| Cleaning of Saucers, Wedges & Ponds

027 242 4907

PHONE: Bill 027 485 8012 ~ EMAIL: oxfarm@hotmail.co.nz FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS

Maintenance Plumbing • New Housing • Bathroom Alterations Logfires • Hot Water Cylinders • Spouting & Flashings Pump Replacement & Repair

Fast, Friendly Service, All Work Guaranteed

We Specialise in superior fencing craftmanship which adds long term value to your property investment.

Fencing in the greater Canterbury area.

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

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 Tax Returns Payroll GST Returns Annual Accounts Rental Returns

• • • • • • • • •

FREE QUOTES

Small & Large scale Fencing Sheep & Deer Fencing Sheep, Deer & Cattle Yards Dairy Conversions Horse Fencing Corrals, Yards & Arenas Post Driving Post & Rail Fences Entranceways

• • • • • • • •

Wooden Gates Lifestyle Blocks Sub - Divisions Boundary Fences Vineyards Chicken Runs Sheds Animal Runs

Steve is available to help with your

Planning and Design

Summerfield Fencing Ltd Jeanette Graves Sharon Stewart

021 853 769 027 241 6345

www.smallbusinesssolutions.co.nz info@smallbusinesssolutions.co.nz

PHONE: 03 312 4747 MOBILE : 027 312 4747

www.summerfieldfencing.co.nz summerfieldfencing@xtra.co.nz

thirty one

PROVIDING INNOVATIVE AND CUSTOMER FOCUSED

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

CULTIVATION & DRILLING

BALING HAY & BALEAGE

BULK SILAGE

TRANSPORT

We take care of all your groundwork needs from ploughing to precision drilling

We’ve got a bale size and shape to suit your needs

We’ve got the gear to get the job done once and done right

We can cart anything from bulk to bales you name it

at Oxford Ag we go the extra mile to do the job once.

FOR ANY ENQUIRIES CONTACT BALING - CULTIVATION MANAGER DAN BROOKER

SILAGE MANAGER

ACCOUNT MANAGER

027 756 3743 DAVE KNOWLES 021 275 2432

TRANSPORT MANAGER STEVE MACAULAY 021 825 552

YARD 106 HAREWOOD ROAD OXFORD

ADAM GREEN

027 374 6357