The Oxford Observer April 2019

the Oxford

APRIL 2019

Observer Issue 87

Our Community Magazine

Overload embark on Summit Challenge Oxford

Excit News ing fo Wear able r Fans Arts

Crossing Peaks Success at

GODZone

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Observer

April 2019

Welcome to our April issue. Like everyone we were shocked and saddened by the events in Christchurch a few weeks ago.

Our thoughts are with all of the families who have lost loved ones. Many of us never believed this would happen in our country, let alone our city, so it is shocking on many levels.

Reach out to others if you are struggling, or if you see them struggling to come to terms with this.

Loving and caring for others is the only way to counteract the level of hatred, that has been visited upon the Muslim community.

We have a couple of giveaways this month.

First we have a copy of ‘A Dream of Italy’ by Nicky Pellegrino. Donated by Emma’s At Oxford. This copy has been enjoyed by a few people, and without exception has made us all want to up stakes and head to Italy immediately!

We also have some passes to the Hororata Night Glow, which is always an amazing event.

Send us an email at emily@oxfordobserver.co.nz and let us know which of these prizes you would like to go into the draw for.

We would like to thank you all for your response to the new look Observer.

We have been overwhelmed by the number of phone calls, emails and personal feedback.

People are so kind to take the time to contact us, and it is wonderful for us to know that you are enjoying what we are producing.

Look after yourselves, and others, this month.

Bruce & Emily Chapman

APRIL BOOK REVIEWS Sponsored by Emma’s At Oxford

Daisy Jones and the Six

by Taylor Jenkins Reid Told as an oral history in the rock and roll scene of LA in the 1970’s, Daisy Jones and the Six, rise to the top of the music industry and then like so many other bands, disappear. The book follows through the story of the band from the start, until we find out what happened to all of them. It reads like a Rolling Stone article, and is reminiscent of the movie ‘Almost Famous’. The main thing with this book is that I just wish I could listen to some of their music, and find out more about them, but unfortunately it is a novel! Loved this book for something completely different in format.

Mystery Book No. 4 People are loving the mystery books and this one will be no different!

email emily@oxfordobserver to be in to win a reader copy of Nicky Pellegrinos Latest book ‘A Dream of Italy’

Call us TODAY

Craig ~ 027 489 5359 lia@cbco.nz Lia ~ 027 450 8496 www.cbco.nz

A Dream of Italy

by Nicky Pellegrino The mayor of the idyllic Montenello in Italy has a plan to revive his town. With the help of his elderly assistant, they select some abandoned properties and offer them for 1 euro each, on the condition that the buyer commit to renovating and becoming part of the community. Each person is selected carefully, and moves to Italy, needing a change in their lives or a fresh start.

This is another absolutely delightful book

by Nicky Pellegrino, that transports you to Italy with all the smells, tastes and scenery, and will have you wanting to pack your bags immediately!

Conquering GODZone Words by Shaz Davis Photos including Cover

by GODZone Media Team

Crossing Peaks, a running and adventure racing team with several locals including Alistair Bird from Oxford, Jake Vargo from Kirwee who works for Oxford Ag in Oxford, and Hannah Presswood, won their section in Chapter 8 of GODZone, a tough multi-day adventure race, which took them over 555km through some of Canterbury’s most spectacular scenery.

The Crossing Peaks Race team - Alistair Bird, Jake Vargo, Hannah Presswood and John Martin

“Alistair and I have always dreamed about doing GODZone, and about 18 months ago we teamed up with Hannah, and then John Martin who travels from Australia to race with the team”, says Jake.

Jake says his priorities are family, work and then training.

He only trains for six to 10 hours a week, compared to top athletes who train closer to 30 hours a week; but when he trains, he trains hard. A run up Mt Oxford would be a regular part of that routine, and after this GODZone experience he’s wondering if he should carry his bike on these training runs, since the team found themselves carrying their bikes up vertical cliffs.

For Jake, it is about the personal challenge and finding out where your mental and physical strengths collide.

As GODZone novices they entered the Pursuit section, which covers a slightly shorter course, (550km instead of 613km), and allows for support crew assistance at the transitions between sections, which include mountain biking, pack rafting, canoeing, coasteering and trekking,

Crossing Peaks had completed three or four races, and a few “long training missions”, together before GODZone started in Akaroa on 10 March. Jake says the nicest part of the GODZone race was finishing in second place overall on Day One. “This gave us heaps of time to get our maps for the rest of the course, have a meal and get a good rest before the next day.

We were able to spend a lot of time with the maps to develop a strategy and make sure all the details were in place.”

“You don’t need to be a great athlete for this race. You need to be 100% healthy and a team player. It takes a special team dynamic, and you need to look out for each other. Over 50% of the field don’t finish the race.”

continued over page..

The Saturday Clinic Starting 27th April 2019 the Oxford Community Health Centre will be Open on Saturdays from 8.00am - 12.00pm for routine appointments* *Standard consult plus $30 surcharge

If you require urgent care after hours please call (03) 312 4195 Your call will be answered by a triage nurse who will - ask you questions - give you advice - and /or arrange for a Rural Nurse Specialist to see you or a family member if urgently required.

There will be a charge for afterhours services unless you are under the age of 14 years and enrolled with us.

Book an appointment or request a repeat prescription online at : www.oxfordhealth.nz

Oxford Community Health Centre “Primary Health for the Community” Under the Governance of the Oxford Health Charitable Trust

Phone (03) 312 4195 | 24hr Medical Service telephone operates 24 hours / 7 days per week

39 Park Avenue Oxford

extended hours Monday & Tuesday from 7:30am - 7:00pm and Wednesday | Thursday & Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm

www.oxfordhealth.nz

Hauora tuatahi mo te iwi whanua

IF YOUR SITUATION IS LIFE THREATENING PLEASE ALWAYS DIAL 111 FIRST

Success for Georgia

4

Words & photos by Cathy Dee

Conquering GODZone continued...

“The key to winning something like GODZone is a good strategy, making no mistakes and keeping healthy – like eating every 15 minutes and taking good care of your feet.”

Jake says the team’s motto is: It could get worse. They were in the middle of a 65km trek when Hannah ‘blew her knee’. We were in gale force winds, with horizontal rain, with no respite and nowhere to hide. The only option was to keep going uphill and tell ourselves it could be worse.”

The last paddle of the race was the toughest part, says Jake.

“We were on Day Five of the race, hadn’t slept for 26 hours and we were paddling in the harbour in the rain, in the dark, against the tide and the wind, and one of the boats had a hole.

So Hannah was pumping up the floor every 10 to 15 minutes, and we were all falling asleep paddling.”

“We figured we were gaining about 25cm for every paddle stroke, and with 17km of paddling that meant something like 42,000 paddle strokes. We figured it could be worse,” laughs Jake.

One of the highlights of the race for Jake was seeing his workmates cheering the team on, at various transition stages of the race, and Steve Macaulay, the owner and director of Oxford Ag, the team’s main sponsor, came out to cheer them on at the last transition too.

The best moment was the finish. “Popping the champagne was unexpected, and pretty special for our first adventure race,” says Jake. But, he says the real winners of the race are actually our family; our wives and kids.

Another key for Crossing Peaks was a slick support crew in Rod and Hayley. Rod surprised the team, at each transition producing a water blaster to help clean and service the bikes between stages, providing a bar heater to dry clothes, and a microwave oven for warm food.

MYSTERY BOOK #4

Keep an eye out - In store April 9

Jake says he will definitely do GODZone again, and thinks the team is ready to take the challenge up to the next level, which could see them at GODZone Chapter 9 in Rotorua next year.

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Horse of the Year

5

It was an exciting time at the Horse of the Year Show for Georgia Allison of North Canterbury. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she took out the Junior Show Hunter of the Year on Hokey Pokey, whom we featured in last month’s Observer.

She also won the NZ Junior Equitation Series 2018/19, riding both Paintball and Hokey Pokey in classes throughout the season. This is the second year in a row she has won this series.

Georgia took three horses up to Horse of the Year, all doing exceptionally well, with her three year old Gypsy Cob, ‘Westfield Tara’ winning Inhand Purebred Youngstock Gypsy Cob of the Year, along with being runner up in both Youngstock Pinto Pony of the Year and Ridden Purebred Gypsy Cob of the Year.

‘Paintball’; her ten year old Station-bred, came third in the Junior Equitation Final and was 12th Junior show hunter of the year. But it was Hokey Pokey, who is a Gypsy cob/Thoroughbred cross who excelled himself with his big win along with many other placings. “I went up without big expectations of the horses, as it was my first Horse of the Year with all of them, and the North Island competition is usually a whole different kettle of fish.

Hokey’s round felt pretty green but I was happy with how he listened and coped with the atmosphere.

We were then called back in first place which came as a massive surprise to us all. It also meant that we had to wait and watch 9 other people go and jump their callback rounds before us, which meant that there became a bit of pressure to do well in the second round.

We’d also had to jump last in our first round. When he jumped a foot perfect call back I was so proud of him - especially considering that he only jumped his first show hunter competition at the end of November, so winning this was a massive thrill!”

Pictured is Georgia jumping a round in fine style, in one of his show hunter classes, on Hokey Pokey at the Horse of the Year

Main divide ‘Our Life In Colour’ After almost 7 years in business, Main Divide Hair Lounge is well known for their fashion and alternative colours.

However, owner Amie Burmaz-Nichol says along with cutting edge colours and cuts, the culture she and the team provide at the salon is that of a relaxed country vibe.

It is important to them that people feel at home, not intimated or out of their comfort zone, when they come in to have their hair done.

Amie says that her passion is colour correction which can mean going from one extreme to another.

She enjoys the challenge of this process, and the journey that she gets to go on with her clients throughout the change.

Amie enjoys building relationships with her clients through this process and the trust there is between them, so that they can take the steps needed and work through the whole process.

This relationship with her clients, and among the team, is an important part of the business.

Amie says, “We all have the same morals and values. We are family orientated and this means we work really well as a team”.

Contact Main Divide Hair Lounge if you would like to make an appointment or to talk to Amie or the team.

03 312 3311 53a MAIN STREET OXFORD Tue - Wed -Thur 10am-7pm * Fri 10am-5pm HOURS * * Sat 9am-1pm * Closed Sun & Mon

6

Lillian Bonner ~ The Integrative Vet words & photos by Cathy Dee

Having become dissatisfied with some of the diagnostics and treatments available to her as a conventional veterinarian fifteen years ago, Lillian Bonner DVM CVA RMT ABMgrad. dip. decided to study acupuncture.

“I originally wanted to study acupuncture, and was trying to find training in this part of the world. But there was none 15 years ago.

There was only training in North America at that point. I made contact with a Reiki practitioner who had been a veterinarian, and spoke with her. She just told me to come in and have a Reiki session to see what opened up. I knew nothing about Reiki, but went and it was such a powerful treatment for me. She seemed to think I had the ability to use these methods. I went away, and in the next few months I started to just practice very differently, in the sense that I would try things that felt intuitive to me.”

Lillian said the big change came when she worked on a trotter who had been seen by 5 other vets (and chiropractors).

“He had won a big race as a 2 year old and then had a long period of just pulling to one side and being really flat. I remember I just went to the track to watch him work for the couple who trained him. At that point, I decided to talk to them at length and feel the horse all over with my hands. This took about 45 minutes.

He had some sore areas on his back around his kidneys, that I basically kept touching as I was talking to the trainers. Then they took him out to work. He went around, and seemed to be working at speed towards the end, and I couldn’t see anything abnormal, so asked when the driver got back how he felt in the bridle. The trainer just looked at me and said he hadn’t gone that well in months, so they wondered what I had done. In my mind I had done nothing. I had found one painful area along his kidney area, but other than that nothing.

At that point, I said maybe shock wave would be good for him and a referral to a physio I knew who worked with horses. They would hear nothing of it, and wanted me back”.

Lillian then began to study Reiki seriously and treated this horse for several years with primarily Reiki, and some Bach flower remedies. “I did refer him (to Massey) for an ultrasound of his kidneys as I was worried, as he stretched out a lot after his races (I’ve since seen many racehorses do this who have back pain). But the ultrasound was clear. “ He went on to win many more races, broke a track record at Ashburton, and he completely changed her way of practising.

She then completed her own Reiki training over the next few years up through to Master Teacher.

I did treat him with antibiotics and steroids, but added homeopathy and Reiki as well. He was on a farm being treated, and not on fluids, not being monitored every single minute as was the other horse I saw. The horse made a full recovery, and was drug free. I felt that was a miracle based on my clinical experience”.

Lillian says her employer at the time (Corin Murfitt) was “amazingly supportive of how my practice was changing. He thought it had value, even though it was really out there. He’s very conventional and science based, and although I think there is a scientific explanation for this type of therapy, it’s beyond what research we can do at this moment. Physics and many spiritual philosophies do have explanations for it, from a connection and energy point of view”.

She left the practice in 2008 and went on to study at Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, specifically acupuncture, in 2011, moving back to the US for 6 months to do the Chi Institute course. “The acupuncture and herbs and food therapy took things to another level for me. Again, I was seeing what I felt were “miracles”.

From 2014-2016 Lillian completed a graduate diploma in Animal Biomechanical Medicine in Melbourne Australia.

“I picked this course over the straight chiropractic course, as it taught osteopathic techniques as well as chiropractic techniques and covered rehabilitation as well. This is what I call my manual therapy, and often when people think I’m only doing Reiki, I’m also doing mobilization and biodynamic work”.

Lillian explains that she still uses veterinary medicines as needed.

“I suture wounds, manage lacerations, perform pinch grafts. I work at race meetings currently as a Racing Integrity Unit veterinarian with the veterinarian who has the race meetings, as she bought the practice where I worked a decade ago with Corin, and I still scope horses if needed, patch them up, check them out. In my daily practice, I refer diagnostics that include radiographs, ultrasound, endoscopy and bone scans as I don’t currently have the equipment. I run blood work if needed. All my clients already have a conventional veterinarian, and I’m doing the integrative work either regularly, or am called in to care for something that hasn’t been able to be resolved or is beyond the scope of therapy.

Reiki is just part of my therapy now, but animals are always getting it if I’m around. Usually if I’m doing manual therapy and it’s poorly tolerated because of pain or whatever, I’ll back off and just do Reiki to change the energy”.

Lillian can be contacted through her facebook page

“There were other cases I saw during these years that made me realise there is something to doing Reiki. I saw a horse with an autoimmune skin disease - a high level eventer. He likely had Pemphigus foliaceous, based on what his clinical signs were, compared with a horse I treated at University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine (UGA).

Lillian Bonner DVM Balanced Beings Integrated & Functional Veterinary Medicine

The horse at UGA did not survive. These horses look like they’ve been in a barn fire. They seem like they are walking out of their skin.

very spoilt horses.

the L ifestyl lillianbonnerdvm@gmail.com er She is pictured treating this reporter’s or by email

with C

athy D

ee

Oxford Overload in Words by Shaz Davis ~ photos supplied

Oxford Overload, a team of runners from Oxford, has decided to take the Himalayan Trust Summit Challenge to new heights.

During March most teams in the Summit Challenge will be collectively running or hiking 8848m, the equivalent of the height of Mt Everest. But the first week went so well for our local team that they decided to climb the equivalent of Mt Everest each week!

“We all participate in sports events, and we train or run together.

Some of us meet nearly daily for runs,” says Salvo Elias-Drago, a stay-at-home dad in Oxford, who started running short distances and is now training for his first marathon.

Self-described as an eclectic bunch of six runners, including a school bus driver, chef, farmer, artist and stay at home mums and dads, they motivate each other and promote a healthy lifestyle.

It all began when Joanne King saw an Instagram post about the challenge to raise funds to support people in the Everest region of Nepal.

Her husband’s great aunt had done missionary work as a nurse in Nepal, and another team member, Claire, had been to Nepal and the opportunity to give back to the communities there was important to her.

Part of the funds raised will also be used to rebuild after earthquake damage, so there is that connection too – and the group decided to run with it. They were very motivated from day one and achieved the goal of 8848m in elevation, in the first five days of March.

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“I had been training for the running section of the Coast-toCoast in February, and after that I did nothing for a couple of weeks. This has been a good motivator. I try to get out for a run most nights,” says Joanne.

Lee Thomson, another team stalwart, usually does short runs almost every day but, says the challenge has pushed her boundaries. “We would probably never have gone up Foggy Peak without the motivation to gain elevation”, she says.

Carly McPherson, says that she is more the walker of the group.

She used to get out somewhere between once a week to once a month, but now it’s a lot more – and definitely taking her outside her comfort zone.

To support Oxford Overload’s fundraising efforts donations can still be made via https://summitchallenge.everydayhero.com/ nz/oxford-overload/members.

The team’s goal was to raise $884, or more, and they were around $50 away from their target at the time of writing.

All funds raised will support the work of the Himalaya Trust, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary, to improve life for the people who made his adventures possible.

The group particularly like this quote from Sir Edmund: “People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.

For Oxford locals thinking of getting into running or walking the Oxford Overload team would love to welcome you and help keep you motivated.

Contact them via the https://www.facebook.com/pg/ OxfordOverload/ page.

The team was quick to add that they’re not professional athletes.

They don’t take running seriously. It’s fun, and you don’t have to be super fit.

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Oxford takes

WEARABLE ARTS to North Canterbury

After 6 successful wearable arts shows, run by the Oxford Area School PTA over the last 12 years, the former Oxford’s Wearable Arts is expanding to reach a wider audience.

Along with a name change to North Canterbury Wearable Arts, the group have decided to move the show from the Oxford Area School gym, to the Rangiora Town Hall which is a superbly upgraded auditorium, and which will provide a larger venue for the show, along with making it more accessible for anyone to either, enter, or come along and watch. ~Entries are not limited to any region, with anyone welcome to enter~ The North Canterbury Wearable Arts is a fundraiser for Oxford Area school, but more importantly it is a community and district event, which gives an opportunity for the creativity of students and adults, to showcase their work in a show atmosphere with live music, judges, a compere and prizes. For students especially, it is a huge opportunity and wonderful experience to be able to research, design and create a garment and then model it on a stage in front of an audience.

The event will take place on August 31st, with a matinee and an evening show, with a theme of ‘Environment’.

Categories are: Years 1-6 - Environment, Years 7-13 - Environment or open category Adults - Environment or open category Entries are open to any adult and school-aged student.

The student and adult Supreme winners each receive a trophy, and flights and tickets to attend the World of Wearable Arts event in Wellington, which is proudly sponsored by Oxford Farmers Market.

There are exciting prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd of each category/age group.

Sponsorship helps to keep costs down, and the organisers are always on the lookout for sponsors for the event.

Any individual or company who generously sponsors a prize, or contribution towards a prize will be guaranteed plenty of exposure on the various media sites and during the evening itself.

Email jane@oxford.school.nz for information, entry forms and sponsorship information.

Check out the Facebook page

fb.me/NorthCanterburyWearableArts

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thursday - Ladies Night

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If any community clubs, groups or organisations would like to use Black Beech as a venue, it's free and we'd be more than happy to help!

Just give us a call or email....blackbeechbar@gmail.com 312 3338

Monday & TUESDAY closed wednesday & thursday 4pm - 8pm friday & saturday 4pm - 10pm sunday 4pm - 8pm

Oxford warms up for

Winter lights Festival

As the Oxford Winter Lights Festival was successful last year, planning is underway for a bigger, brighter one this year. The idea came from Lorna Price who is co-ordinating the event again, with support from Oxford Promotions.

“Family fun and festive lights around the township will help lift spirits from 15th June to 23 June and give children an opportunity to see festive lights which they don’t really see during our summer season” explains Lorna.

“Residents and business owners in the township are being invited to lighten up their premises and gardens, and be in to win prizes.

A Children’s mini garden container competition for the Under 11 year olds is happening again, as this was popular last year, and we are still working on a number of ideas”.

New is a ‘winter wonderland’ and input is invited from the community. A “Design a Door” competition is being organised, so if people have an old door they can turn it into a piece of art, by depicting a painted winter theme.

Or anyone wants to get rid of old doors or window frames we will be able to use them.

They will be displayed around the Tennis court fence on Friday 21st June evening, along with props, snowmen, trees, garlands etc.

If anyone wants to decorate a tree, there will be some available.

Friday 21st brings an evening of fun from 4 to 8pm; market, food vendors, activities and entertainment from 6pm Highly Flammable Entertainment performers which will have LED butterflies, Graphic Poi and Glow Prop Spinners roving around the area.

Children can become involved in a Creative Cookie activity where they can decorate cookies under the guidance of a Cake Decorator, or Poi making by a Craft tutor.

As it is Matariki the Oxford Art Gallery has come on board again and their theme will be “Tribute to Tane”.

Also the Farmers Market has some activities lined up.

Activities for the children start with a Roller Disco organised by the Community Trust on Friday 14th.

Oxford Library is supporting the festival with a children’s Light Story Time, with Matariki stories and songs on Wednesday 19th.

Agape Dance Academy has a performance and the OB&I League are sponsoring a children’s winter theme movie, both on Saturday, 22nd.

“So there is something for everyone” says Shirley Farrell, from Oxford Promotions. “We are very pleased with the response so far and a thank you to Mike & Nicky from Fresh Choice, and the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board, who have given us generous sponsorship.

We are working on sponsorship for the prizes at the moment.”

A timetable including all the activities will be available at the beginning of June and will be published in the June Observer.

For further information check out the Facebook page

Oxfords Winter Lights Festival, email oxfordwinterlightsfestival@gmail.com or Lorna on 0210 272 7749. www.oxfordnewzealand.co.nz

An Invitation

to the Community to join in and be part of the

Oxford Winter Lights Festival 15th June to 23rd June

* Light up your house ~business ~ garden with festive lights (Prizes to be won) * Enter the “Design a Door” Competition * Come and decorate a tree * Help us make something out of recyclables for the ‘Winter Wonderland’ * Entice children to enter the Mini Garden Container Competition

Friday, 21st June 4 – 8pm Pearson Park A family fun evening Entertainment, activities and lots for the kids to do.

Email: oxfordwinterlightsfestival@gmail.com 0210 272 7749 or 312 4382

An Oxford Promotions Event

www.oxfordnewzealand.co.nz ~ admin@oxfordnewzealand.co.nz

11

Taking the stress out of loans words by Emily Chapman

Navigating the world of borrowing and mortgages can be a stressful process for people, especially first home buyers, but Oxford local Lorinda Harrington, who is a registered financial advisor is here to help.

Lorinda has extensive experience in the field having worked for BNZ for 28 years in lending, before starting her own company as a mortgage advisor 5 and a half years ago.18 months ago she started sharing an office at 50 Main Street, Oxford with Annie Smith of Ray White Real Estate.

For Lorinda this was a logical move as people in the township are able to pop in and see her, and she also enjoys the social aspect of working in an office with others.

Although they share an office, the two businesses are completely independent of each other, however, with the permission of their client’s they can refer to each other’s services. Apart from referrals, no other information is shared between them.

This gives the community a one-stop shop for their real estate needs. Although Lorinda can help with any kind of finance such as business finance or tax debt, her biggest passion is working with first home buyers.

She loves to get young people on the property ladder.

The process can be very daunting but Lorinda can help navigate through this.

She has a big pool of options for clients, so if people have been turned down by their usual bank, it is not necessarily the end of the road for them.

She provides a wrap around service that can include going to open homes and appointments with lenders as she can help people find out the information that they need to know.

The best thing about this service is that it is completely free to clients, so if you are looking for finance of any kind, you are welcome to go in to the office and have a chat, or call her on 027 242 3211.

Lorinda Harrington Registered Financial Advisor 50 Main Street Oxford T 03 424 1414 M 027 242 3211 E Lorinda@thebroker.co.nz

THE BROKER.CO.NZ Lorinda ~ Specialising in 1st Home buyers

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12

New Picnic Shelter for Oxford Reserve Words by Emily Chapman

Oxford & Districts Lions President David Halls was on a trip in Australia, where he noticed picnic shelters in public parks, and came back with the idea to provide one at the West Oxford Park.

He approached the Waimakariri District Council, who were very interested and asked him to come up with some plans.

Carl Lowrey, who is the son of one of the members is an engineer so he came up with some plans that the Council were happy with and the project got underway.

Lions member Geoff Rountree says, “We saw a need for this, as this reserve is getting used a lot more by people picnicking and those in camper vans”.

The shelter and picnic table are for use by anyone, and the table is wheelchair accessible at each end which makes it a great asset to the district.

The Oxford-Ohoka Community funded the concrete pad for the project.

OXFORD & DISTRICTS LIONS CLUB INC. Oxford and Districts Lions Club would like to thank those listed below for their support, in whatever capacity, in enabling the building of the shelter and table in the West Oxford Park.

Waimakariri District Council Calder Stewart Oxford – Ohoka Community Board J.King F Mehrtens Construction M. Halls Delta Womersley Industries Ltd R.Ealam Frew’s Transport Gold Pine Hornby Perry Metal Protection Malcolms Plumbing & Drainage United Steel Mark Stanyard C. Lowrey Priest Sheet Metal & Plate Chch

The majority of the Lions were involved in the project and they are very happy with how it has turned out. Ed Sard who is a Greenspace Assets Officer from the Waimakariri District Council, thanked the group and congratulated them on the completion of the shelter.

TAG ND ricals A t T TES ur Elec st T o all y from ju +GS

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022 355 1433

WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON VALUE OR SERVICE!

Sergeant Role for Aaron Words & photo by Shaz Davis

13

Campbell

Former Oxford police officer, Aaron Campbell, has been appointed as one of five sergeants on the newly merged Waimakariri Public Safety Team based out of Rangiora.

The Public Safety Team are the police whose primary role is to respond to calls to service in the community. It is what used to be referred to as general duties.

The new merger of staff is a new Waimak-wide team with 24/7 policing under supervisor guidance.

Previously, police staff from each area were responsible for their own patch. Now with a Waimak team for the whole district there will be better continuity of service.

There will also be more police on duty, and the police will be a lot more visible.Aaron also has a side-portfolio looking after the Oxford area.

Oxford’s two current officers are relieving, and selection is underway to appoint two constables to the posts. “They will be the face of the Oxford Police,” says Aaron.

“I’ve got to step back and give them the opportunity to run things. I’m still contactable, but will be there only in a supervisory capacity and would urge people to speak to the appointed police. ”It was a hard choice for Aaron to give up rural policing.

“I’ve enjoyed my five-and-a-half years here, but it was always my goal to lead upcoming police, so there was a fair bit of internal conflict.

Being able to look after the Oxford area in a supervisory role means I get a promotion and can still look after my area as well.”

Aaron was due to start his new role a few days after talking to The Oxford Observer.

“I’m really excited, but it is a massive lifestyle change for the family to adjust to too. I’m no longer working from the police office just out front.”For the past three months, Aaron has been based in Christchurch running field training groups for recent police graduates.

This serves as a buffer between college life, and life on the front line for the graduates. Along with the assistance of longstanding constables, Aaron would pick the incidents they attended to provide the recent graduates with a tailored learning environment.

Aaron Campbell at home on leave, relaxing with his dog Asher, a few days before taking up his new role in Rangiora.

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14

4WD Fundraiser

f o r Springfield Church

St Peter’s Community Church in Springfield is offering a 4wd trip on Mt Torlesse Station on April 7th 2019. This will be a fun day and a chance for locals and for people from further afield, to bring their vehicles along and to enjoy some spectacular scenery, test their skills, and meet like-minded people. NZ4wd Magazine are supporting the event.

They have donated two free subscriptions as spot prizes, and free copies of their latest issue to all that attend the 4WD. Proceeds from this fundraising trip will help with renovations for St Peter’s. For over 130 years, the Church has been a house of prayer for this community.

To preserve this beautiful building and some history of Springfield for future generations, the congregation are undertaking major repairs and maintenance on the building.

Work on the Church is well underway, with the roof being painted last year. The funds from this event will go towards fitting new spouting, and repairs to weatherboards on the exterior.

St Peter’s was first an Anglican Church, but in 1993 it was decided to close the Springfield Presbyterian Church, formerly in the centre of the township, and have just one church.

The people of Springfield have come here to celebrate joyful and sorrowful occasions, to pray for its sons and daughters going to war, and for the peace all prayed would follow. They come to baptise their infants and to bury their dead. They come in the midst of life to find strength for the journey and friendship along the way. Many have come here to celebrate their marriage, so it has been at the centre of many happy times for family and friends.

Autumn is a beautiful time of year to be out in Selwyn, so hopes are high for a great day at Mount Torlesse. Speaking on behalf of the St Peter’s congregation, Graeme Dawson said, “The day has been made possible through the generosity and support of the Johnson family and farm management. We are extremely grateful for that.”

HORSE RIDING

• Lessons and trekking

• Over 80 well-schooled horses available or BYO • Preparation for certificates • Dressage, Show Jumping & Cross Country • Weekend courses • School holiday courses • Full livery service available “We now offer Payment Plans through Ezypay that allow you to make small regular payments for your horse riding”

Kowhai Residential School of Riding Ltd 711 Island Road, Oxford Ph: 03 312 4309 www.kowhai.co.nz

Oxford Farmers Market

Plant & Seed Swap June 1st - 8th | 9.00am - 12.00pm

Every Sunday 9.00am - 12.00pm Main Street Oxford

EFT Ava POS ilabl e

FUN ~ FOOD ~ AMBIENCE You’ll find it all at your local Market

Follow us on Facebook to keep up with upcoming events Email: info@oxfordfarmersmarket.co.nz

www.oxfordfarmersmarket.co.nz

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LESSONS AVAILABLE

Private lessons offered for beginners and more experienced, Drawing and Painting in most mediums.

Minimum 1hr sessions $20/hour.

Hororata Domain set to glow from

Check me out on Facebook Or You Tube Marilyn Clarke Artist

ground & sky Hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes, glowing to the beat of the music, in a choreographed performance, has a magical feeling which delights young and old.

So how could the Hororata Night Glow add more wow factor to the festival?

Well once the balloons have performed, visitors to Hororata can turn their eyes skyward for a spectacular firework show.

“We are expecting a large number of visitors to the festival, so finding entertainment which complements the balloons and can be enjoyed by the whole crowd, was a high priority for the committee.

Fireworks felt like a natural way to end, what is sure to be another amazing autumn evening at the Hororata Night Glow,” explained Hororata Community Trust Executive Officer, Cindy Driscoll.The Hororata Night Glow celebrates all things hot air balloons. Leading up to the ‘Glow’, visitors can walk through a cold inflated balloon or meet the pilots, and experience the burners firing up close.

The University of Canterbury will be running interactive demonstrations exploring Bernoulli’s principle, and the science behind hot air balloons. They will also release a weather balloon with live telemetry feeding back to the event. Surrounding the balloon action visitors will enjoy an autumn festival with gourmet

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food, wine and craft beer tastings, live music from Chilton House and The Sound Sensation.

There will be a huge range of food vendors offering a multicultural culinary experience.

Kids can join in the ‘Glow Circus’ learning how to juggle, and have a go at other amazing acts, for free. The fairground will have even more activities this year with something for all ages.

“Visitors commented last year about how much more the festival offered, than they had expected. It is worth getting to the event early to experience all it has to offer,” said Cindy.The Hororata Night Glow is a community event staged by the Hororata Community Trust. It brings many benefits, primarily raising the profile of this dynamic rural community.

There are a number of large-scale projects in the pipeline for this district, including the proposed new Hororata Community Centre which this event will benefit.

The Hororata Night Glow will be held Saturday 18th May, 2019 at the Hororata Domain, 3pm – 8.30pm.

Postponement date is Sunday 19th May. Discounted tickets will be sold online from 27th March.

More information can be found at www.hororatanightglow.org.nz or Facebook.

Oxford Early Learning Centre Monday to Friday 8.30am - 3.30pm

Nursery for 6 months onwards Interactive area for 2-3 year olds School readiness classroom for 4-6 year olds Great teacher/child ratios with passionate staff Community focused team supporting our families/whanau for over 29 years

166 High Street | Ph: 03 312 4757 (Behind Baptist Church)

oxfordearlylearning@xtra.co.nz

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Principal / Tumuaki update by Mike Hart Nau mai, haere mai, welcome.

Friday the 15th March 2019, will forever be marked as a dark day in New Zealand history. On this day many of us jumped between a number of emotions from shock, to anger, to hurt, to deep sorrow, to betrayal, and it has affected us all in different ways. What we do as a nation depends on how we learn from our history, to create the path of change for the future. We as a nation have focused our attention, thoughts and compassion to a community of people most affected by the events of March 15th. We have turned our thoughts to the victims and their families, to the Muslim community, to ensure we all belong, no matter what differences we have. We have grown stronger together. We are all very aware our world needs to become more tolerant of differences - be it ethnicity or religion. This is a big task for the world, and equally a big task for our country to no longer accept the the racist quips, and throw away comments that demonstrate those intolerances in others.

Although we individually, and collectively, have a responsibility to right the wrongs of our past, this is going to be a challenge for us to impact the world. One thing for certain, however, is we can check for intolerances in our own “backyard”, our homes, our community and our school.

The 2007 New Zealand Curriculum was developed on a number of principles. One of those principles being cultural diversity.

“The principle of cultural diversity calls for schools and teachers to affirm students’ different cultural identities, and incorporate their cultural contexts into teaching and learning programmes.” NZC 2007.

This principle requires teachers to values our students as individuals and celebrate their diversity. Ethnicity is just one characteristic of diversity. I have been heartened by the call to action from our Gen Z (our young people). As we watched the news and followed social media feeds, I regularly saw young people singing, embracing, performing haka, showing their sadness, compassion and empathy.

I truly believe our world is in good hands with this generation, a generation of young people who will not accept those intolerances, who are inclusive, who are caring. Kia kaha, kia manaaki. Be strong and be caring.

Mike Hart Tumuaki / Principal Te Kura o te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School

Board of Trustees update (by Matt Riley) Kia ora koutou katoa

As the nation continues to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of our region’s terror attack last Friday, it makes me reflect on some of the things we should be very grateful for. Gratitude must be given to the police, the first responders, and the hospital staff who all did amazing work on this terrifying day, and as they do every other day. We rely on these people to keep us safe, secure and care for us.

Their jobs are usually taken for granted, but it is in unforeseen incidents like this that remind us how very important they are.

Lockdown procedures are placed on schools for this very sort of incident, and thanks must be given that they are.

They are put in place to not only keep students and staff safe and out of harms way, but to also keep streets less congested so police and medical personal can move more freely to do their work.

This can be very unnerving for all; teachers, students and parents who are locked out and wondering what is going on, but a very important procedure that we must be thankful .

All of New Zealand is feeling the hurt, suffering and grief of this cowardly act, and unfortunately it takes something like this to sometimes make us stronger and bring us closer together. It makes you think of the importance of community, and not just our community but the New Zealand community, distraught but strengthened by its collective grief.

I am extremely grateful to be in such wonderful communities; ours here at Oxford Area School, our wider community in Oxford and the New Zealand community. Our thoughts and hearts go out to those affected by this event.

Ngā mihi Matt Riley (BOT Chairperson)

House Day

The whole school participated in a ‘House Day’ on Friday 22/3/19.

Sport Canterbury provided a Top Team challenge which involved lots of team work and fun.

There were also Zorb Balls, Basketball Skills, Bike/Scooter/Skateboard Races, Oxford Ninja Warrior, Playground wars and Chalk Mural.

A great day for the school to come together.

52 Bay Road Oxford

03 312 4197

info@oxford.school.nz

Y7/8 had a fantastic EOTC experience at Living Springs.

The Y7/8 syndicate recently travelled to Living Springs for a 3-day camp adventure. Students participated in a number of fun and challenging experiences.

A huge thank you to the teachers, parents and caregivers who came along with us to help and support our 90 students.with Archery tag, Monorail and the Animal Survival Game.

The Rite Journey Big Day Out at Mt Thomas Years 9 & 10 students, along with eight Year 13 students went to Mt Thomas on Wednesday 6th March for The Rite Journey Big Day Out. The Rite Journey is a programme that helps guide Year 9 & 10 students from childhood to being successful, independent young adults. This year, with the help of some Year 13 students, we embarked on a day trip to Mt Thomas Conservation Area, where we walked, talked & completed team building activities.

The students pushed themselves to overcome personal challenges.

For some, this was making it to the top of Mt Thomas. For others, it was working in small groups to complete group activities and overcome fears. It was an awesome day filled with lots of laughter and good conversations, where friendships were formed and belief in oneself and our abilities was strengthened.

We were so proud of all the students and a special thanks must go out to the Year 13s for organising activities, and the awesome encouragement of the younger students.

Archery tag is a game where you shoot arrows with massive marshmallow looking things on the end. The aim of the game is to either hit others with the arrows, or hit the circles out of a board. This game is really fun and I personally enjoyed it a lot.

The Monorail is like a rollercoaster but smaller. It isn’t electric and you have to carry the seat up to the start. It slides onto the rail and then off you go. It feels like you’re going to fall off when you go around the corner but you don’t. This was another great experience.Animal Survival is a game that shows what happens in the wild to our native animals. It was a big game of tag. I loved playing it, even though it was tiring.

Written By ABBY TAYLOR Archery and air rifles What I most enjoyed about the archery and air rifles.The air rifles were the best. There were targets everywhere. The hardest target was the headphones. One kid in our class was lucky to hit it. The massive duck and rabbit were the two easiest ones to hit.

The archery shooting was awesome as well. There were heaps of targets and different sorts of animals. There were points for the different size animals. Living Springs is so fun I definitely think you should go to Living Springs.

Written by MILS WILSON Food What I and lots of others really enjoyed was the food at camp.

The food was outstanding. Every meal had effort written over it.

We had hamburger and fries, pasta and salad for dinner. Also, we had hot nachos for lunch. We had ice cream and I think lots of people enjoyed the mousse for dessert. No one was more excited to come inside after tiring activities and have a cold drink with a fabulous meal. On top of everything being yummy, parents and staff did it every day for us and without complaint.

As well as that they were very friendly. We couldn’t have done it without them.

Written by ARIANA FROUD The pool and water slide The pool was a blast or should I say a splash. Anyway it was a great time with people doing bombs, manus and dives. There was a basketball hoop so some of us were shooting hoops and just swimming. The sides of the pool were almost a mini pool from all the excess water from the bombs and splashing. We all had a great time with Juddy (a parent helper) jumping off his shoulders and pushing him over, or at least trying to. In addition to the pool there was a wicked water slide, that we all zoomed on. The water slide was greased up with soap for as much speed as possible.

Written By RILEY MCKENZIE.

OXFORD wins Years 7&8 Lawn Bowls Tournament Congratulations to Jacob Inch and Jonty Glassford, who won the Lawn Bowls tournament held at Papanui Bowling Club.

These boys won all their games, including a 10-1 win to take out the final. Lucy Pincott and Indi Ward also competed, winning 6 out of their 7 pool games to finish second in their pool.

A great day by all competitors.

www.facebook.com/oxfordarea

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

F ro m t

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with Kirk Jackie

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS The following tip appeared in the Oxford & Cust Observer in 1891

•

If the hands are rubbed on a stick of celery after peeling onions, the smell will be entirely removed.

•

For a headache try the simultaneous application of hot water to the feet and back of the neck

•

A good mixture for promoting the growth of hair is made by beating an egg and mixing it with rum.

•

For removing freckles boil bran and rosemary gently together for two hours. Strain and use the lotion to bathe the face.

•

Parsley eaten with vinegar will remove the unpleasant odour of eating onions.

•

The juice of bean pods is an effective cure for warts.

•

It is said that whooping cough can be cured in a few days by the use of a preparation of boiled chestnut leaves sweetened with sugar.

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Detailed inspection reports for insurance purposes

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The Oxford Doggy

19

Pool Party Photos by Cathy Dee

OXFORD CLUB EST - 1887

OXFORD CLUB

160 High Street Oxford | Phone 312 4411 | www.oxfordclub.co.nz Members, Guests and Affiliates welcome

CLUB HOURS BAR & BOTTLESTORE Open from 11am every day

TAKEAWAYS

Sun - Thu 5:00pm - 8:00pm Fri & Sat 5:00 - 9:00pm

BISTRO

Fri - Sat - Sun from 5:30pm

What’s On at

OXFORD CLUB 20th April from 7.30pm

FREE

By "Public Demand " Kiwi Pop Icon Returns To Oxford Club!

Chris Moore the founder of Legendary Kiwi 80's band Pop Mechanix is back for another rollicking, fun filled evening of music and entertainment on a Big Easter Saturday at the Oxford Club.

Chris plays something for everybody with a touch of his inimitable humour, put together a party and enjoy a Scrummy Meal in our Oscars Place Restaurant before a fabulous evening of entertainment in the Sports Room

BECOME A MEMBER ~

~ Raffles ~

every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 6pm

~ Happy Hour ~

every Wednesday & Saturday

~ Lucky Member Door Draw ~ every Monday & Wednesday

~ Saturday, 20th April ~

Chris Moore & The Invisible Band from 7.30pm LIKE us on Facebook as we have an exciting year of entertainment planned

The OXFORD CLUB ~ YOUR SOCIAL HUB

If you are thinking about becoming a member, come on down and check us out. It’s easy to become a member, just sign up at the bar. Discounts for Juniors & Seniors

LOTS of sections to join – Cards, Claybirds, Darts, Fishing, Golf, Indoor Bowls, Outdoor Bowls, Pool, Racing, Travel & Vintage.

St Peter Chanel Catholic Parish Sacred Heart Church, Oxford

REGULAR SUNDAY MASS: 8.30am

Debbie Hawkins

EVENING MASS Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7pm

by Appointment only

ENQUIRIES: Waimakariri Parish Ph: 03 313 6285

Sunday Service & Children’s Church

10AM

166 High Street SENIOR PASTORS Greg & Joy Morris ASSOCIATE PASTORS Iain & Beth Froud CHILDRENS PASTOR Tamar Hylands

Phone 03 312 4499

www.oxfordbaptistchurch.org.nz email: office@oxfordbaptist.org.nz

YOUTH GROUP

Years 9 to 13 at 7.30pm on Fridays at the Auditorium.

ICONZ ADVENTURE FOR BOYS & GIRLS Years 4 to 6 Girls Monday night: 6.30pm - 8pm Years 4 to 6 Boys Tuesday night: 6.30pm - 8pm Years 7 to 8 Girls Monday night 6.30pm - 8pm Years 7 to 9 Boys Wednesday 6.30pm - 8pm

Small Prayer & Reflection Groups Held every 2nd Monday at 7.30pm Oxford Church Centre

ALL WELCOME | Call Josie 022 089 8331

OXFORD DISTRICT

UNION PARISH

Sharing Christ in our Fellowship and Community

~ 7th April - Communion Service ~ ~ 14th April - Service ~ ~ FRIDAY 19th April ~ GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE ~ ~ 21st April ~ EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE ~ (and Salvation Army Service at 6.00pm) ~ 28th April - Service ~

ALL WELCOME UNION PARISH MINISTER: REV. LAURENCE ENNOR PH: 03 357 4475 (Home) or 027 233 4687 (Mob) PARISH CLERK: MRS ANNE CROFT Ph: 03 312 5513

Open Monday - Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm for ages 6 months to 5yrs.

We offer Food parcels for individuals and families who are going through a difficult time.

We are always here to help anyone in need..

‘FOOD TOGETHER’ Fruit & Vege Co-op Tuesdays at Oxford Baptist Church.

10.15am -12.30pm Tuesday Community Lunch.

12.30pm - 1.30pm Fresh Produce Weekly

021 024 19237

320 Kiri Kiri Road | Burnt Hill | Oxford | North Canterbury

dipl. NSF , CCNM/NZSE, RMT-MNZ

Marina Vermaat 64 High Street Oxford 7430

03 312 4731

027 311 1140

Physio Direct

For an appointment call

0800 55 55 123 1 Redwood Place, Oxford

BODY & SOUL, CLOTHING & CHRIST

TWELVE BASKETS FOODBANK

www.theoxfordhouseofbeauty.com

03 312 4294

Rural Physio at YOUR doorstep • Work & Sports • Surgical Rehabilitation related Injuries • Neck & Back • Muscle & Joint Pain Pain • ACC Accredited • Massage

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday(s) in the Church Lounge, 10am - 12 noon.

Eftpos & Oxipay repayment option available

ALL SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT 9.30AM AT THE OXFORD UNION CHURCH, 85 MAIN STREET, OXFORD

Mondays 10am - Open Sessions for all ages

OXFORD MUMS

Advanced Facials, Peels & Skin Treatments.

Waxing, Eyelash & Brow Emphasis

UNION (METHODIST & PRESBYTERIAN) PARISH SERVICES FOR APRIL 2019

MUSIC & MOVEMENT (0 TO 5YRS)

Tuesdays at the Oxford Baptist Church, 10.15am - 12.30pm & 1.00pm - 3.00pm.

The Oxford House of Beauty

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

Phone: 03 312 4399/027 419 6311 Email: tessawarburton@gmail.com

Oxford Night Patrol New Members Required A Community Meeting

(and Annual Meeting for the Night Patrol group) will be held:

At the Oxford Fire Station.

Thursday: 11 April 2019.

Time: 7.00pm.

Rostered members, please attend if possible.

New members or interested members of the Community most welcome.

Local Police Officer(s) will be in attendance.

Supper will be provided.

Kevin Felstead (3124673) (Night Patrol Co-ordinator)

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 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

STATIONHOUSE CAFE “Dining with a view” Lunch, brunch, morning or afternoon tea

Moana, Lake Brunner Ph: 03 738 0158

CUST BOWLING CLUB Club days Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 1.30pm. Come along and have a go, ph: 312 5892.

CUST CRAFT GROUP Meets every 1st & 3rd Tuesday 10am-2pm at the Cust Community Centre.

New members always welcome. for details phone Beth 03 312 3191 or phone /text Ricki 021 264 6536 CUST | OXFORD ST JOHN Cadet Group and Ambulance Supporters Scheme Committee, ph: 3125839 or 3125538.

CUST TOY LIBRARY Indoor and outdoor toys to borrow. Open Sat 10-11.30am & Mon 9.30-10.30am at Cust Community Centre.

DARFIELD LINE DANCERS Every Wednesday - 6:00pm - 8:30pm $7 per night Darfield Rec Centre.

Beginner & Improver classes. Two left feet OK. Great fun. Contact Jenny 03 312 4896 or 0274 452 285 ISRAELI FOLK DANCING Every Thursday in Oxford. Easy, enjoyable, suits all levels of fitness.

Enquiries to Colleen, ph: 03 928 3733 or 027 428 5824

MONDAY CAFE

Come along for a chat and morning tea at the St James-on-the-Cust hall every 4th Monday 10-11.30am. All ages welcome, ph Sandra on 03 310 2074.

NEW TO OXFORD? Join us for coffee/tea and a chat at Cafe 51 on Main Street,10am every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month.

OXFORD ALPINE TAEKWONDO Classes - Mondays & Wednesdays Oxford GP Hall Juniors: 5:30pm – 6:30pm Seniors: 6:00pm – 7:30pm Phone Matt 027 432 4249 or email info@OxfordTaekwondo.club First three classes are free.

OXFORD BIRD RESCUE Raptor rehabilitation specialists at 77 Sales Road , Oxford ph: 021 292 7861 OXFORD COMMUNITY GARDENS Meets every Thursday 10am beside the Men’s Shed, Pearson Park.

All welcome, ph: 312 1536.

OXFORD COMMUNITY MEN’S SHED The Oval, Pearson Park. Tuesday 7pm 9pm Men and Women, Thursday 10am - 12.30 Men only, Thursday 7pm - 9pm Men only, Saturday 10am - 2pm OXFORD CYCLE GROUP Meets at Oxford Farmers Market carpark every Monday morning at 9.30, for a casual ride about 1 1/2 hours, then coffee.

Ph Mary on 03 313 3259.

OXFORD SENIOR CITIZENS Meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month 1:30pm at the OWMC. PH Carol on 3123019

Open every Sunday:11am-4pm, Friday: 1-3.30pm, Wednesday & Saturday: 1-3.30pm. Main St, Oxford.

OXFORD PROMOTIONS ACTION COMMITTEE Inc

OXFORD & DISTRICTS LIONS CLUB INC.

Meet 4th Thursday of every month Enquiries to Secretary - 03 312 5351 President - 027 4660 250

OXFORD DOGS WALKING GROUP Meets 9:30am Mondays at the big tree parking area beside the Service Centre.

Contact Lee Leonard on 312 1536.

OXFORD LINE DANCING 4:30pm - at the Oxford Club.

Every Thursday at 160 High Street. No Partner needed! Great Exercise, good Music, Excellent company. Other classes Tuesday & Thursday.

Come and enjoy the Fun! Enquiries contact Vicky 027 388 8929 or gvhamilton@gmail.com OXFORD SPINNING GROUP Meets 10am-2pm alternate Wednesdays and one Monday/month. Social woolcrafting group, beginners welcome, ph: 312 3345 OXFORD SQUASH CLUB Have Fun! Get Fit! For all ages, casual or competition. Club nights Wednesdays, 6pm, ph: Shelley 0279201738 OXFORD WEDNESDAY WALKERS & TRAMPERS. Walks from 3 hours to day tramps. Over bush, farmland and roads - 9:15am Start

ph: Anne on 03 312 4375 or 027 298 7750.

OXFORD WOMEN’S FORUM Meets on the first Thursday of every second month, March-Nov with guest speakers, ph: Margaret on 03 312 4478.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Great exercise. No partners required.

Tuesdays, ph: Judi on 312 4291.

WAIMAKARIRI BRIDGE CLUB Meets every Thursday 7.15pm at the Waimakariri Golf Club rooms.

YUMMY MUMMY’S OXFORD A group that helps families with new babies with meals/baking.

Volunteers always appreciated, ph: Amanda on 027 490 7052.

rt rba

Design &

Publis

Meets Third Monday of each Month February-November 7pm at Oxford Club Meeting Room New members welcome to help promote the Oxford area

OXFORD MUSEUM

OXFORD CRAFT MARKET 1st Sunday of every month except January 10m - 2pm Oxford Town Hall

Schnur

CAKE DECORATING FONDANT MODELING CLUB Learn the art of cake decorating - any experience welcome Ph Patsy 021 022 01656

JP SIGNING CENTRE Oxford Library every Thursday.

If you have any documents that need to be signed by a JP, there is a JP signing Centre at the Oxford Library every Thursday 11am until 1pm.

Free session. Appointment not necessary. Just call in.

g

AGAPE DANCE ACADEMY Beautiful ballet, fun Jazz & Contemporary and Tap Dance for 3yrs to Adult in Oxford.

Phone Miss Belinda: 021 049 1315 or Facebook: Agape Dance Academy NZ

Directory

hin

Community

22

Monday Cafe

By Emily Chapman

OxfordCommunity Trust “Bringing the community together...”

Waimak Kids OSCAR Holiday Programme 5-13 years $28.00 per day 8.30-3.00pm WINZ subsidies available April 15-18th & April 23rd & 24th.

To book please phone the Trust on 312 3006

After noticing that there was nowhere in Cust for coffee on a Monday, the Monday Cafe at St James-on-the-Cust hall was started.

Judy Smith says “I saw the need for people to connect with others in a social setting”.

On the 4th Monday of each month from 10-11.30 am the group have a community coffee morning, where they invite along speakers to speak to the group about different subjects.

The group has members who come from Oxford and Rangiora, not just Cust, and anyone is welcome to attend.

If you would like any more information please contact Sandra on 03 310 2074.

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Many thanks to the Oxford and District’s Lions for their generous donation, supporting our medical driving programme and holiday programme.

Also a big thank you to Church 360 for their support of our food bank.

The tragic events in Christchurch recently has had a big impact on everyone throughout the Country, and our thoughts are with anyone who has been affected. If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Thank you to our Fab five Funders....

• NZ Lottery Grant Board • The Rata Foundation • United Way • Waimakariri District Council • Community Organisation Grant Scheme

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.

www.facebook.com/CavanFarmFreshMilk

WAIMAKARIRI BRIDGE CLUB Social nights are now every Thursday at the Waimak Golf Club House commencing 7.15pm

Quality First Any interested players contact Quality First Jan 3124404 or Quality First Ph 03 313-1670 Baydon 027First 405 9910 Quality Noeline 3123117 Ph 03 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 : info@bayphil.co.nz Quality First Ph 03 Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 1734627 Email : info@bayphil.co.nz 1734627 Ph 03 Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 Lessons are to be given at the Rangiora : info@bayphil.co.nz 1734627 Ph 03Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 Bridge Club : info@bayphil.co.nz 1734627

Email : info@bayphil.co.nz

Gym-a-Thon Our gymathon is returning this year to raise money to keep our families safe in Oxford.

This will be from 8am 18th May - 8am 19th May. Get a team together and register for this community event.

commencing 29 April Cost $50 - under 25 free

Got a community activity that brings people together?

Call the Oxford Community Trust to list your activity here...

(03) 312 3006

37 Main St, Oxford 9.00am - 3.00pm Mon - Fri

hand

Style Second

With Kerri Booth

It’s actually quite hard to write into words what Im passionate about this month.

After Friday 15th of March and the events that unfolded, it has really brought pretty much the whole of New Zealand to re evaluate its equilibrium. In 36 minutes one person caused events that changed the vibe of our city and country. Talking about clothing and fashion feels quite artificial in comparison.

Always when the world feels like the balance has been tipped askew, it makes people assess who they are, what they stand for, and how they can help, and relate to their fellow man. That in itself isn’t artificial. That is what the world is built on. Polkadotcom was the beginnings of what I believe in. Using and re-using what we already have to represent the best version of what it can be.

Taking the leftovers of a tragic event and using it to be the best version of what it can be, is what Canterbury is renowned for. The earthquakes were a huge reflection of this. Who makes containers a funky, cool, tourist attraction?

Christchurch does. Who makes a community become more united and stronger out of a mass shooting based out of hatred? Christchurch will.

My fashion advice this month is to be kind. Nothing looks more attractive.

Kindness is how you speak to yourself in your head about who and what you are.

It’s accepting the body and the life that you have, and realise that you can re-use and re-make parts of it. This kindness you show to yourself will then overflow, so you can tell that person in the queue in front of you that their jacket is a great cut on them. Tell the Mum with three kids that is trying to shop in the supermarket, that she has got this job nailed. Let the petrol attendant know that you are grateful for their help.

Be kind to yourself and do re assess those values of how you are doing life. Trust me, you will be more beautiful because of it.

Keeping

In Touch

Healthy

With Matt Doocey MP for Waimakariri

With Tracie Miller

Cold Sores Cold sores normally first occur on or near your lip. They are caused by a type of herpes virus, that is highly contagious, and are often caught in childhood, from someone who is infected.

The virus lies dormant, until it is activated and starts by tingling or burning near where the blister is going to occur. Within a few hours one or more small blisters form, often swelling the surrounding area, giving rise to a throbbing painful sore.

The liquid inside the blister contains active herpes viruses, so may spread to other areas, or other people once the blister breaks. The sore may become infected with bacteria, as well as with the virus, so care must be taken to prevent any further infection.

Once you have had your first cold sore you remain infected, so there is no absolute cure. The virus often lies dormant for some time, and is activated by stress, sunburn, colds and flu’, by physical injury such as from dental work, fatigue and being run down.

Treatment often involves using antiviral creams or tablets at the first sign of tingling. Patches are also available that help heal and protect the cold sore from infection from hands or food debris.

Most cold sores resolve within 10 days, but will return if you don’t prevent the triggers from activating the virus again.

The use of lysine containing products can also be helpful in preventing (and treating) an outbreak.

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April 2019 Last month’s tragic events in Christchurch, are a reminder for us as a nation, to continue to put all our efforts behind safeguarding New Zealand, as a place that does not tolerate extremism and intolerance.

I joined our community in standing together to show the world that the people behind those heinous, tragic events do not represent us.

We know of at least one family in Waimakariri, that has been directly affected and my thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.

We stand united in our determination that we will not be altered by these events and that, as a country, we will continue to accept and welcome people regardless of race or religion.

I acknowledge our police, emergency services, doctors and nurses – the everyday heroes who selflessly responded to this crisis with speed and compassion.

In Parliament, we will work through what needs to be done to ensure this never happens again. As a community, we will work to pull down the barriers.

Our young people raised their views about employment opportunities within Waimakariri District at Oxford’s A&P Show, where my Youth MP, Ellie Tizzard, shared my stand to survey our young people ahead of Youth Parliament in July.

Ellie captured some of the footage on video and will continue to add to a video presentation that she will feed back to our community after Youth Parliament.

If you would like an opportunity to hear more about Government’s Tomorrow’s Schools Review, and to add your views to the debate on this, please come to my Future of Education meeting on Wednesday 3 April at 7pm in the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre on Williams Street.

I have sent an invitation to all of our school principals and hope to see you at what looks set to be a lively discussion.

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by Matt Doocey, Level 1 Conway Lane, Rangiora

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Kaiapoi • 156B Williams St 03 327 0514 • kaiapoi@parliament.govt.nz Rangiora • Level 1 Conway Lane 03 310 7468 • waimakariri@parliament.govt.nz mattdoocey.co.nz MattDoocey.Waimakariri

8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday

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Cust-West Eyreton R.S.A. ANZAC Day Memorial Service

10am Cust Community Centre Following the service there will be wreath laying at Cust War Memorial, then wreath laying at West Eyreton Hall Memorial Gates.

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25

Commemorative

Plaque unveiled words by Jacky Kirk ~ Photos by Marco Kuchlein

Following the morning service at St James Anglican Church, a poignant ceremony was held in the Cust churchyard, on Sunday 10th March.

Vicar Christine Allan-Johns unveiled a plaque commemorating ten children who were buried in the churchyard between 1866 and 1871.

As there are no headstones to mark the children’s graves their exact locations are unknown, but it is recorded that ten children were buried in the southeast corner of the churchyard, before a cemetery was established on Tippings Road in 1872.

The ages of the children range from two days old to four years old, and some of the causes of death were croup, hydrocephalus, erysipelas and whooping cough.The children were members of the first settler families in the area and their surnames are Beere, Richardsons (Mary and Joseph), Davis, Livingstone, Cooper, Messent, Walker, O’Farrell and Pester.

Local historian Bernard Kingsbury, who researched the burials, gave a short speech before attendees placed flowers beside the plaque in memory of the children.

ABOUT RURAL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

We’d Like Your Thoughts on our Draft Rural Residential Development Strategy Waimakariri District is a special place to live and it is important to make provisions for its growth, including rural residential development, in the future.

Because this growth needs to be carefully planned for and managed, Council has prepared a draft Rural Residential Development Strategy (RRDS).

We would like your feedback on: • The Strategy’s proposed growth areas of Swannanoa, Ashley/Loburn, Oxford, Ohoka, and Gressons Road that have been identified for possible additional rural residential development

• The specific growth directions for each area.

Find out more, including details about drop-in sessions we are holding in March – waimakariri.govt.nz/letstalk or pick up a copy from any Council Service Centre or Library.

We appreciate your feedback reaching us by 5pm, Friday 5 April 2019

Key Messages from Oxford and Surrounding Areas Health Services Development Group (OSHSDG) The Oxford and Surrounding Areas Health Services Development Group (OSHSDG) provides oversight to health service improvement and sustainability initiatives in Oxford and its surrounding region. The group has the mandate to review current service activities for the Oxford and surrounds population, with the intention of identifying areas, and recommending where improvements can be made, in the appropriate use of resources, improved patient outcomes, and/or service levels.

Key messages • The Canterbury DHB, on 21 February 2019, approved the development of the proposed recommendations to determine how these services might be delivered locally in order to implement the proposed Model of Care.

• Development is underway for the proposed recommendations of Telehealth services, Observation service, Rural Restorative Care services, Rural Mental Health services and Sustainable Transport.

• The OSHSDG received a presentation from Brennan Wiremu and Chris Ford of Waimakariri District Council’s Civil Defence planning team, and will be undertaking a desktop exercise as part of the Civil Defence practical exercise in Oxford on 27 July.

AGAPE DANCE ACADEMY Beautiful ballet, fun Jazz & Contemporary and Tap Dance for 3yrs to Adult in Oxford.

Phone Miss Belinda: 021 049 1315 or Facebook: Agape Dance Academy NZ BOWEN THERAPY Gentle bodywork for any age and any condition. Nutritional tonics and stress management can be used to aid the healing process. Ring your professional practitioner, Johanna Lettink on 312 1316.

BETTER BOOKKEEPING I’ll take care of your bookkeeping, so you can focus on your business.

Phone Tara 027 370 2885

FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL Burgers, Fries, and Beer $20. Lots of choices. Dine in or takeaway. Breakfast and lunch available Tuesday to Sunday at Route 72, Cust.

Ph: 312 5595 or visit: www.route72.co.nz.

LEATHER & FASHION HANDBAGS and wallets, possum/merino NZ gifts, jewellery, art and homewares.

Route 72 Cafe Bar Emporium, Cust.

Ph: 312 5595.

MANUKA HONEY and other New Zealand-made skincare ranges for men and women.

Homeopathic remedies for the whole family. Also Kings Seeds.

Route 72 Cafe Bar Emporium, Cust. Ph: 312 5595.

Email: route72@clear.net.nz.

YOUR ONE STOP HARDWARE STORE

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Tools • LPG Yates RefillsSeeds, PottingGarden Mix, Yates Sprays, Fencing Requirements • Power Seed Potatoes, & ProductsTools Nuts, Bolts & Nails Mower Garden Tools••Lawn LPG Refi lls Parts OPEN MON – FRI 7.00AM TIL 5.30PM Fencing Requirements • Power Tools 9.00AM TILMower 1.00PMParts Nuts,SATURDAY Bolts & Nails • Lawn

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Oxford Butchery

Farm Fresh Flavour

Arts in Oxford Gallery News Parents let your kids know about Young Artists Club (years 8-11) starting again on Saturday mornings, 6 April - 15 June, 10.30am - 12.30pm. $5 per session.

Contact the gallery to book as places are limited.

Current Exhibition Character Study :

The figure in action and inaction

9 March - 14 April 2019 Featuring works by Nigel Wilson, Philip Beadle, Quilliam Collister and Gavin Chai.

The McAlpines Pipe Band Oxford Show 2017,

By Quilliam Collister, watercolour on paper, 2017

Upcoming Exhibition Folio 2019 16 April - 5 May 2019

Oxford Area School students exhibit art portfolios that received NCEA excellence.

Volunteers Needed Do you like meeting visitors or have skills to share?

Can you spare 3 hours per month?

Our non-profit art gallery would love to hear from you.

Browse our new Gift Shop featuring quality New Zealand artworks including ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, paintings, prints and greeting cards.

Fresh to your Plate

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EMERGENCY SERVICES Here for Life with Oxford Constable Mitch Alatalo

with Area St John Station Manager Matt Ohs

with Oxford Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ealam

Another month has passed and it is that time again. I find myself not really knowing what to talk about. It has been such a tragic time in all of our lives these past few weeks, whether you were directly affected by the events or not, we have all been touched in some way or another. I guess I just want to say it is alright to be feeling a little off. I know I am.

February was a busy month for the Oxford Ambulance Team, with 44 incidents in the unit’s response area, bringing the total number of incidents this year to 87.

This month our thoughts are with the family, friends and emergency service workers directly affected by the tragic events of Friday the 15th of March.

February has been another busy month for the Brigade with fourteen calls. There were eight vegetation fires. The most serious one took about eight hours to extinguish with help from Sheffield, Cust, Rangiora, Swannanoa Brigades, neighbouring farmers and two large tankers brought in from a Christchurch Transport Company to supply water. Four calls were to investigate smoke in different areas and generally it was smoke coming from crop residue burns on the south side of the Waimakariri River. One call was to assist St John to remove an injured driver from the cab of truck and one to a power pole fire. This brings our total calls for the year to twenty five.

I am not sure if this is the forum to be saying this, but if you are feeling down or need to talk there is always someone out there who will listen. If you don’t know where to go or who to call then come and ask me or any of your local support team. I am sure they will be all too happy to give you some helpful advice or point you in the direction of someone who can.

From a policing perspective I am always amazed at how busy this quaint little town can be. There have been a number of rural and dwelling burglaries this last month so I would like to reiterate.

Be aware of your neighbours and the people in your community. If something or someone looks out of place, please let us know or let your neighbour know. You are the eyes and ears of the community.

Look out for each other. Be vigilant.

Lock your doors. Remove your keys from your vehicles, and if you are going away for a period of time let your friends and neighbours know.

The days are getting shorter, and the mornings are getting darker, and it’s that time of year again to give your vehicle the once over, before winter and not wait for that next Warrant of Fitness. Make sure you have good tread depth and your wipers are working properly.

From a road safety perspective when driving down around the township please be aware of pedestrians on the foot paths, and at the crossings. I have had an increased report in near misses on the pedestrian crossings. So please can everyone, motorists and pedestrians alike, make sure the way is clear before you cross, safety is everyone’s responsibility.

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

With autumn here and winter approaching, respiratory conditions will become one of the common incidents we attend. Persons who have respiratory problems such as asthma and those more susceptible to influenza should consider the flu vaccination. In winter, parents of young children are often faced with a child that has a distinguishable bark like cough, this is commonly associated to a condition called croup.

Croup is usually the result of a viral infection and it affects babies and young children, and rarely occurs after the age of 5 years.

Most commonly, croup is an inflammation of the upper airway, in which the voice box is narrowed by swelling due to an upper respiratory tract infection.

This month’s message

Unattended Cooking Kills.

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fire fatalities. So please keep an eye on what you fry.

In severe cases, the airway may close totally. Croup is usually worse at night, or when the outside air temperature falls, and the child reacts to a sudden cold change in the weather. Some children may seem to be fully recovered, only to deteriorate again in the evening.

Symptoms and signs ~ Not all may be present. ~ A high-pitched sound when breathing a harsh, barking cough blueness around the lipsfast breathing or difficulty breathingsucking-in of the ribs when breathing inanxiety and distress How you can help 1. Relieve the breathing difficultyreassure and calm the child. avoid rapid changes in the surrounding temperaturekeep warm and give frequent fluids 2. Obtain medical advice and care see your GP or call Healthline if the child is not getting better or is getting worse If the child is struggling to breathe or their lips go blue – call 111 for an ambulance.

St John continued...

Following on from last month’s column that focused on CPR and AED’s, your Oxford St John team will be running the 3 steps for life program in Oxford.

This program is free, is 30 minutes in length, and provides you with knowledge on CPR and AED use.

We will let you know the venue and date soon.

For information on recruitment, call the Oxford ambulance station on 033123516.

The ambulance station is not manned 24 hours a day.

For medical emergencies or medical advice please call 111.

DIAL 111 FOR POLICE - FIRE - AMBULANCE

28

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Let us help you with all your

Long-shape, white background version

engineering projects • Machinery Repairs • Welding • Lathe Work • Design Long-shape, dark background version • Crane Work • Hydraulic Hose Service

100’s of products plus a full range of Motor Oils & pipe fittings

COLOURS: ‘Womersley’s’=PMS 2695 Boarder around orange=PMS 2695 Orange=PMS Orange 021 ‘Engineered for you’=PMS 2695 on white background, white on dark background

NOTES: ‘Engineered for you!’ is a key element of this logo and must accompany the all aspects of this branding Variations of the above specifications should be consulted with the designer

Call us on 03 312 4521

Always leave ‘free-space’ around the entire logo when applying the logo to shapes, sign/advert spaces as shown Free-space is approximately 25% of the entire sign/advert shape. This allows the reader’s eye to focus more clearly onto the logo and all of it’s elements

Open Mon – Fri 7.00am til 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am til 1.00pm for hardware sales only

Logo designed by Paradox Strategic Management T: (03) 312 5563, M: (021) 243 5559, E: advice@ThinkFormChange.com

82 High Street, Oxford Email: admin@womersleys.co.nz

www.womersleys.co.nz

Shelley’s Glass and Glazing Got a Broken Glass window ?

Insurance work . Pet Doors . Mirrors . Retro fits Single / Double Glazing . Glass Showers . Fire Glass

Call your local Glazier Mark 03 312 3253 or 027 242 6368

35 years in the Glass Industry Operating in Oxford, Darfield, Rolleston, West Melton & surrounding areas

K&N Roofing Roof Repairs Water Blasting & Moss Treatment Roof Painting Gutter Cleaning & Replacement Repointing 027 516 6609 Free Quotes 10+ years Experience Kandnroofing@hotmail.com

Advertising in the Oxford Observer

The next issue of the Oxford Observer will be delivered in Early May 2019 The deadline for Advertising is Saturday 20th April. Please contact us for any enquiries

0800 627 378 37

advertise@oxfordobserver.co.nz

4,800 copies of The Oxford Observer are produced at the beginning of each month and deliverered to Oxford, Cust, Bennetts, Waddington, Sheffield, Springfield, West Eyreton, Eyrewell, Swannanoa, Fernside, Summerhill, Ashley Gorge, Okuku, Glentui, Lees Valley, Carleton, Horrellville, Springbank, View Hill.

Copies are available at the Oxford, Rangiora & Darfield Libraries, Emma’s at Oxford, Cust PO Boxes & Cafes throughout the district.

www.oxfordobserver.co.nz

Schnurrbart Design & Publishing Limited

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PROVIDING INNOVATIVE AND CUSTOMER FOCUSED

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

CULTIVATION

Cultivation services provided with more than 10 cultivators including, ploughs, disc, levelling, tyne and roller style machines ranging in size from 3 - 6 metres.

BALING

Providing end to end services in baling of hay, straw and balage with tube and individual wrapping of all bale shapes including rounds, medium, 4x3 and quadrant square bales.

HARVESTING A full grain harvest service is provided from paddock to silo.

DRILLING

Drilling services for both direct and cultivated ground are carried out with 10 seed drills from tyne, triple disc, cultivation combination drills, broadcast seeders and precision seeders for maize and fodder beet. Seed drills raise in width from 3 - 6 metres with fertiliser application available.

SILAGE

Fine chop silage service from paddock to pit, including grass, direct cut cereal and maize.

TRANSPORT

Catering for our own trucking needs with silage, baling and grain harvest, rural flat deck and bulk transport.

&OtherFARM MAINTENANCE services provided are muck spreading, pivot rut filling, post driving, and tele handler with multi purpose grab.

FOR ANY ENQUIRIES CONTACT OPERATIONS MANAGER NIGEL KIRK 021 275 2432 SILAGE & DRILLING ADAM GREEN 027 374 6357

BUSINESS MANAGER TRANSPORT MANAGER

JAKE VARGO 021 466 713 AARON ROSS 021 766 384

YARD 106 HAREWOOD ROAD OXFORD