The Observer - June 2025

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Inside June 2025

A RT H U R B U R K E S U Z U K I B E S T F * * * * * * * D E A L

O X F O R D M E N ' S S H E D R E F U R B I S H E S C O M M U N I T Y S PA C E S COOKING FOR BLOKES

+ so much more. more .

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Mulled wine giveaway Book club | Winter | Fashion reads show + much more

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on tour Club more - Cobra much plus

Womersley’s reads look New motivational Five

Welcome to the June issue of the Observer.

This month we are featuring some amazing community initiatives. Fresh Choice Community Shout is helping community groups in their fundraising and has so far distributed $7000 to 12 different groups. Check out more on page 6.

The Oxford Men's Shed have embarked on a project of refurbishing community tables, chairs and other structures around the town, giving them a longer life, and enhancing the areas. For more info about this project see our article on page 4.

The Oxford Community Trust is starting some men's cooking classes - these will feature family friendly, economical meals which in the current economic climate is very important - see page 15 for more info.

View Hill School are once again putting on their 'Discover the Night' event which is a fantastic event celebrating the Dark Sky and doing some important fundraising for the school.

We have all the details on page 14.

It is heartening to see all of these community initiatives, we really do live in a great place.

We hope you enjoy this issue. Remember to get in touch if you have a story you would like us to consider, or if you would like to advertise your business or event. info@oxfordobserver.co.nz.

Bruce & Emily.

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EDITOR

Emily Chapman

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Oxford Men's Shed Restores Community Spaces Over the past two years, the Oxford Men’s Shed has been quietly restoring and updating furniture and structures in parks and public spaces across Oxford which has significantly prolonged the life of park furniture and other wooden fixtures in the town. Their work not only keeps these spaces looking their best but also promotes sustainability by reducing the need for full replacements. Chairman Ray Charles says “there is the possibility that this project will extend further in the District to Cust and West Eyreton way”.

One of the first projects the Men’s Shed tackled was the main gate to the Oxford Cemetery. Built in 2012 and untouched since, the gate had weathered over time. The team water-blasted it and treated the timber with protective wood oil, restoring it to its former dignity.

These refurbishments are funded by the Waimakariri District Council, which contracts the work to the Men’s Shed which in turn providing a valuable fundraising source for the group. In addition to this community work, the Oxford Men’s Shed also restores furniture for individuals and crafts handmade items for sale at local events throughout the year.

The Oxford Men’s Shed was established to provide a welcoming and well-equipped space for people interested in woodworking and to create a space where men could get together and chat about mental health. Membership currently sits between 35 and 45 people, with a core group of about 12 members attending most sessions.

Nearby, the cemetery pergola had also deteriorated and was blackened with lichen and slime due to its shaded location. The group carefully cleaned the structure and treated it with wood oil.

Nine wooden seats within the cemetery grounds have also been refurbished, some needing full board replacements as well as thorough cleaning and oiling. In addition, they’ve restored several wooden rubbish bins and other smaller items. They have also completed work on various signs around Oxford meaning they last longer, before needing replacement.

The Men’s Shed has also been hard at work in Pearson Park, where they’ve repaired and refurbished 12 to 14 benches, tables, and the bollards around the swimming pool.

Each summer, the group does a certain amount of maintenance and updates across the district. In total, there are over 70 tables and seats throughout the reserves and public spaces of Oxford.

The Shed is open to both men and women, and welcomes people of all skill levels - complete beginners to seasoned woodworkers.

Opening hours are: • Tuesday evenings: 7–9pm • Wednesday evenings: Specialist night for CNC machining and experienced woodturners • Thursday & Saturday mornings: 9am–1pm Annual membership is just $55, which includes full access to equipment, instruction, and support.

For more information or to get involved, contact Chairman Ray Charles at 022 408 775 or email oxfordcommunitymensshed@gmail.com.

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International YOGA DAY comes to Oxford!

Classes offered for the whole family.

Two local Oxford yoga teachers, Cindy and Nicola, will hold classes at the Jaycee Hall on June 21st to celebrate International Yoga Day. The global theme for this year is Yoga for One Earth, One Health, which invites us to reflect on the deep connection between personal wellbeing and the health of our planet.

Schedule: 10:15am 20 mins 4-7yrs old Kids yoga $5 10:45am 30min 8-16yr $5 Kids yoga is a story using yoga shapes to be the characters and scenery.

Youth yoga has a theme and works in pairs.

11:30 45 min Beginners adult class $10 Lunchbreak 1:15pm 45 min Open Adult class $10 2:15pm 45min Open Adult class $10 3:15pm 45 Restorative and Sound Yoga Adult class $10 Use of sound to awaken, enliven and activate and gentle yoga shapes to deeply rest and revitalise the body.

For enquiries and bookings, phone Nicola on 0273584465

Let’s take action for our climate.

Every action adds up to reduce the effects of climate change.

If we all do a little, we can change a lot.

itstimecanterbury.co.nz five

Fresh Choice Oxford Supports Local Groups with ‘Community Shout’ As one of the largest businesses in Oxford, Fresh Choice Oxford understands the importance of supporting the local community that continues to support them. Owner Kelly Hames says “In any given week we are inundated with requests for sponsorship, and at times it is a really hard decision as we love to help as many people as possible.” Community Shout was born out of this wish to help others in a meaningful way, while also giving a voice to the community.

Community Shout allows local schools, teams, and community groups to apply for a chance to receive funding. Four groups are featured every two months, and Fresh Choice customers receive a blue token at checkout to vote for their favourite group.

The prizes are:

only brought joy to hundreds of families but also raised vital funds to complete major projects— such as our all-access wheelchair track and, soon to come, a new information shelter. Their commitment to the community has made a real, lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful."

Kelly says “I love theengagement from the community. I love meeting and learning about all the amazing work being done.

We are 100% behind our awesome community, we are only small store comparative to the bigger duopoly but we are here for our community and will always strive to supportlocal and invest back into what is important.”

Community members can continue to support this initiative by shopping local, and voting for participating groups, and popping down to the sausage sizzles.

• 1st Prize – $1,000 • 2nd Prize – $500 • 3rd & 4th Prizes – $250 each To further support fundraising, each group can also choose to run a Saturday Sausage Sizzle, fully funded by Fresh Choice Oxford, with all proceeds going directly to the group.

Though still in its early stages, Community Shout has already had a significant impact. Launched in November 2024, the initiative has supported 12 local groups, with donations of $7,000 in total. Four more groups are currently participating, and it is so popular that the programme is fully booked through 2025.

One recent recipient was the Oxford Dementia Support Group.

Group member Heather Mackay shared just how impactful the support has been: “People who are caring for someone with Dementia have enough on their plate without dealing with more subscriptions. This has enabled us to fund room hire, advertising and speakers and takes the pressure off the group as a whole. The need is out there and we see new people coming to the group all the time. We were amazed at the support the group had from the community in the Community Shout and would like to say a big thank you to Kelly and the Fresh Choice team.” Jean-Pierre Derveaux says "Fresh Choice Oxford’s support over the past three years has meant the world to us at the Ashley Gorge Reserve Advisory Group. Thanks to their generosity and fundraising initiatives, we’ve been able to raise funds to host two incredibly successful Gala Days. These events not

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. h t n o m e h t f o e Recip with Louize Juniper

TOFFEE APPLE CRUMBLE CHEESECAKE INGREDIENTS 200G Gingernut biscuits 100g butter 450g cream cheese 80g white sugar 2 eggs 1tsp vanilla ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp nutmeg 120ml sour cream 2 apples 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1tbsp butter

CRUMBLE TOPPING 60g plain flour 50g brown sugar ½ tsp cinnamon 50g butter 30g pistachios ¼ tsp salt

METHOD • 23cm spring form cake tin, grease all over and line the base with baking parchment.

• Oven 170oC • Crush biscuits and stir in melted butter, press into prepare tin lining halfway up the sides. Place in refrigerator to chill.

• Peel apples, core, cut into quarters and slice each quarter not too thin.

• Melt butter, sugar and spices in a saucepan, put in apples and sauté until golden and caramelly, leave to cool.

• Make crumble topping by blending flour, sugar, cinnamon and butter to look like fine breadcrumbs.

Roughly chop with a knife the pistachios put to one side.

• In a blender place cream cheese and sugar, blend until smooth.

• Add eggs one at a time blending well.

• Add vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sour cream, blend well.

• Pour into chilled base.

• Place cooked apples on top.

• Sprinkle over the crumble topping and top with the chopped pistachios • Place in preheated oven and bake for 50-60 mins.

• Once cooked turn oven off and prop door open and leave to cool for an hour.

• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

• Fabulous with greek yogurt or crème fraiche.

I made a double mix of the butter mix used to sauté the apples in and drizzled that over the top before serving to give it a real toffee, caramel taste!

Enjoy! eight

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Health Coach and Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP)

The Health Coach and Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) are here to support your well-being.

Jan, our Health Coach, helps with pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, weight management, sleep issues, stress, and anxiety.

She also connects people through a walking group (Mondays, 9:30 AM) and a “Talking Café” (Fridays, 10:30 AM).

Consultations focus on setting achievable health goals with ongoing support. She also has a special interest in helping women through menopause. Jan is available on Mondays and Fridays.

Liz, our HIP specialises in mental health, offering support for stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and substance reduction, with practical solutions for well-being.

Liz is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

To book a fully funded 30-minute appointment, please contact reception.

News

We are excited to share that we have received a much-needed computer upgrade!

This upgrade allows us to provide quicker service, better data security, and an overall improved patient experience.

Staff updates

We would also like to extend a warm welcome to Sunita Naicker who joins us as a casual nurse, and Sharon Weir who joins us as a casual receptionist.

We’re thrilled to have them on board.

We will sadly say goodbye to our GP Registrar, Regan Fernandes at the end of July.

We would like to thank Regan for his great care to our community, and wish him allthe best for his future endeavours. We are pleased to announce that our next Registrar is, Dr. Sarah Stevenson, who will be joining us at the end of July. We look forward to welcoming Sarah to our team.

After Hours Care

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Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea at The Oxford Club The Oxford Club recently ran a Pink Ribbon event for the second year. This year’s event was an afternoon tea with Emma Gillard as the guest speaker. 60 people attended and through ticket sales, raffles and merchandise sale the Club was able to donate $600 to Pink Ribbon.

Organiser Maree Felstead says “ I would like to thank everyone who supported the event. It is great to be able to donate to such an important cause. We also enjoyed the opportunity to invite a group of women to experience all the Club has to offer”.

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Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School Year 12 Students Gear Up for Mountain Biking Success at Christchurch Adventure Park It has been a busy month, with our Can-Do Spirit Tinned Food Drive and our successful school production.

Oxford Area School participated in a local initiative alongside local schools View Hill School, Oxford Kindy, and Oxford Early Learning Centre in a partnership with Fonterra to support the Oxford Community Trust Food Bank with a canned food drive. Fonterra will match each can contributed, up to a total of 1,000 cans. We look forward to sharing the results of this initiative We are immensely proud of the remarkable group of students, staff, and community members who contributed to making our recent School Production the success that it was. This event showcased the results of hard work, creativity, and teamwork coming together.

What a fantastic achievement!

The Year 12 Adventure-Based Management class kicked off their mountain biking unit with an adrenaline-fueled start, as they launched into their practical learning at Christchurch Adventure Park.

Traditionally reserved for the end of term, this thrilling excursion set the tone for an action-packed few weeks ahead. From the very beginning, students were challenged both physically and mentally as they took to the park's trails under the guidance of the experienced team at Christchurch Adventure Park.

The day began with a skills session, where students were introduced to the essentials of downhill biking — from mastering braking techniques to managing body position and balance. The expert instructors ensured each student felt confident and supported while tackling the trails.

While initially daunting, the downhill courses quickly became a source of exhilaration. Students embraced the steep gradients and sweeping corners with growing enthusiasm, each descent building on the last as confidence soared.

With the Hanmer Springs three-day mountain biking camp fast approaching, this early practical experience has already laid a strong foundation for what's to come. The class now looks ahead to refining their skills, building endurance, and learning more about bike maintenance.

Accompanied by Alex Sillars and Rebecca Griffiths they praised the students’ attitude: “They rose to the challenge with energy and positivity. Starting with a trip like this has set the bar high — they’re already showing outstanding progress.” The Year 12 class has not only conquered their first mountain — quite literally — but also launched themselves into the term with determination and grit.

A huge thank you to Alex and Rebecca for also sharing their time and skills.

52 Bay Road Oxford

03 312 4197

info@oxford.school.nz

CASAfest Sports Tournament In the final week of Term One, 32 enthusiastic students from Years 9 to 13 proudly represented Oxford Area School at the annual CASAfest tournament held in picturesque Akaroa.

Despite the first day being interrupted by a weather storm, spirits remained high. The unexpected turn of events led to a memorable cultural experience as students were welcomed at Ōnuku Marae.

There, they participated in taiaha workshops and learned about the rich history of the Banks Peninsula marae — a true highlight of the trip.

Over the following three days, students competed in a wide range of activities, showcasing both their talent and teamwork. Events included football, basketball, netball, korfball, theatre sports, a cooking challenge, an art challenge, and many more. The atmosphere was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and exceptional sportsmanship.

OAS Cross-Country Success Under Perfect Skies After a week of uncertain weather, and lots of rain, we were relieved and delighted to be greeted by a beautiful, sunny day for our OAS Cross Country — the perfect conditions for running.

The day was filled with fantastic energy, and we saw excellent participation across all year levels. Our students showed incredible determination and resilience as they pushed through their distances.

It was heartwarming to hear the cheers of encouragement from fellow students at the finish line, creating a strong sense of school spirit and support.

A huge thank you goes to all the parents who attended and helped out — your support means the world to us.

We also want to thank our teachers for their assistance in making the day run so smoothly.

We truly hope all students enjoyed the experience and felt proud of their achievements.

Social Science at Oxford Area School in 2025 River Studies, History topics and so much more!

Special congratulations to Lucah Stagg and Charlotte Shelley, who received Oxford Area School’s Fair Play Awards for their outstanding spirit and conduct. Netball standout Scarlett Hart also made her mark as a key player in matches refereed by professional Tactix players — an inspiring experience for all involved.

Some student’s reflections: CASAfest was a blast, throughout the three days there were a range of sports and activities from photography to basketball that the schools competed in. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with cheers, friendly rivalry, and the spirit of sportsmanship. - Scarlett Hart.

At CASAfest this year we had the opportunity to play and compete in so many different games, activities, and sports. I thought this was an amazing experience that we all got to share with our peers and have a fun time! - Nathaniel Sillars.

During our trip to Akaroa for CASAfest, we were able to explore the town, play sports, meet new people and just have fun. Each day we were given the opportunity to play a different sport, ranging from theatre, to basketball. I think that the tournament ran smoothly and was competitive in a friendly way, overall I think this experience was quite enjoyable and I would highly recommend it to everyone.

- Daniel Lovatt.

www.facebook.com/oxfordarea

Our Level 2 Biology and the Geography team from Years 11-13 went on a research field trip to the Rakahuri/Ashley River to study river health last month.

What an amazing day it was under the bright sun! With the wonderful support of Siobhan and Brad from Environment Canterbury, the students embarked on an exciting journey to explore 4 different sites along the river. They enthusiastically gathered valuable data on River Health. Armed with tools and resources, they measured dissolved oxygen levels, water temperature, and clarity, all while marvelling at the fascinating invertebrates. It was a day filled with learning, discovery, and fun in the great outdoors!

Engaging in studies and collecting data enables students to meet the Research or data use standards in Level 1-3 Geography.

A big thank you to Siobhan and Brad for their valuable contributions, enhancing the students' learning experience. In 2024, the focus was on Beaches and coastlines; this year it's rivers, and in 2026, the exploration will return to Aoraki/Mt Cook. These opportunities provide students with real-world examples of Geography in action across the South Island. It's a chance for students to witness geographical concepts come to life and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

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

Discover the Night: A Dark Sky Celebration at View Hill School Step into the magic of the cosmos at View Hill School’s much anticipated event, Discover the Night, returning for its second year on Friday, July 19th from 6–8 PM (with a postponement date of July 26th).

Following the success of last year’s pilot, which welcomed over 300 attendees through the gates, View Hill School is thrilled to bring back this event. Oxford has one of New Zealand’s rare Dark Sky Reserves and View Hill is a great spot to experience the night sky in its full, unpolluted glory.

The event is a collaboration with the University of Canterbury, the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand, and the Oxford Dark Sky Group. These organisations bring with them their expertise and equipment including telescopes, giving attendees a front-row seat to the stars. Astronomy students from UC will host a range of interactive workstations covering everything Dark Sky including laser stargazing and light pollution awareness, with Oxford Dark Sky’s Raul Elias-Drago running a moon workshop.

While the focus is firmly on the sky, Discover the Night is more than just an astronomy event. It’s a community event featuring live music, hot food, and an atmosphere that brings people together.

If you are a budding astronomer or looking for a unique event, this is a chance to experience the Dark Sky with your family and friends. Last year’s event even attracted international tourists.

As much as Discover the Night is about showcasing the Dark Sky, it’s also an important fundraiser for View Hill School, with proceeds going toward a new school pool.

Principal Pax O’Dowd says “For me, it is a great opportunity to showcase something that is pretty unique. Oxford is one of only half a dozen Dark Sky Reserves in New Zealand. We can educate people about the wonders of the Dark Sky. It is also a fantastic community event, giving people something to do in the winter and also an opportunity to raise much-needed funds for our wee school.”

Check out the poster on this page for more details, mark your calendars for July 19th, bundle up, and be prepared to be wowed.

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Oxford Community Trust Launches ‘Cooking for Blokes’ : Free Cooking Classes for Men Oxford Community Trust is excited to announce the launch of Cooking for Blokes, which is a relaxed and welcoming cooking class designed specifically for men who want to gain more confidence in the kitchen.

Whether you’re a solo dad, cooking for the family, or just keen to learn a few new go-to meals, Cooking for Blokes will offer simple but delicious meals for all tastes. These free sessions focus on easy, economical, and healthy meals using just four or five ingredients .

Led by Jo Seagar, the local queen of "Easy Peasy" cooking, there’s no pressure, no judgment, just good food and good company.

Why join Cooking for Blokes?

• Learn to cook simple, delicious meals.

• Build your kitchen confidence in a friendly, no-pressure environment.

• Meals are family-friendly, affordable, and healthy.

• Meet new people and gain useful skills.

• Child-friendly, bring the little ones if needed.

The first class is on Tuesday 24th June, from 12.30–2.30pm. Spaces are limited, so if you're keen, register now by calling 312 3006.

If the time doesn’t work for you, the Trust still wants to hear from you. This is just the beginning, and future sessions could be tailored to suit what works best, evenings, monthly meetups, or weekly gatherings.

Cooking for Blokes is open to men of all ages, come along, learn some new skills, and maybe even help shape an ongoing cooking club just for blokes.

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OXFORD CLUB DARTS SECTION The Oxford Club has four Darts Boards in our Sports Bar for the FREE use of members and our guests, we have some darts available to use or you can bring your own.

We have two teams in the local Darts competition that play on Tuesday evenings from May until August and the Club also holds Trophy games throughout the season for members to come down and see how they go at playing 101, Singles, Pairs, Mixed Doubles, Triples and for the Henderson Trophy.

All without the pressure of regular competition but still with the opportunity to get your name on a Trophy and bragging rights!

The section has purchased four new dart boards with light rings for competition play and check out our website for information on the next Trophy game and who to contact for more information about joining the Darts Section.

www.oxfordclub.co.nz

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COMMUNITY CAMERA FUNDING UPDATE

Oxford

Community Trust

Social Services Volunteer Week Volunteer week is 15th-21st June. The Oxford Community Trust has a large number of volunteers who cover areas such as reception, Board members, medical drivers, U-Drive mentors.

The work of the Trust would not be possible without all of these volunteers and we would like to say a huge thank you to them all. You are so appreciated by the Trust and also by the whole community that you support. We have recently welcomed new volunteers on board, and would also like to thank those who have left during the year.

U-Drive Programme

Boutique Secondhand Booksellers

We have some new mentors currently training. The U-Drive programme helps people go from their Learner’s Licence to their Restricted. For more information please get in touch with Julia on 021 995 942 or julia@oxfordtrust.co.nz.

Thank you to a local farmer for the donation of funds from signage space .

Thank you to our fab 4 funders Let us help you find your next read with a book subscription.

We choose a book to send to you every month based on your tastes.

Donations to this cause are welcomed by emailing the Lions Treasurer treasurer.odlc23@gmail.com or calling him on

027 466 0250.

• Rata Foundation • COGS • Lottery Foundation • Waimakariri District Council

f facebook.com/woodsidebooks i woodsidebookshop e woodsidebookshop@gmail.com

www.woodsidebooks.shop

Oxford Community Trust

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.

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

Hebrews 9:27 www.wbible.nz

seventeen

from the Presidents Desk

with Oxford Club President

Mayoral Update

with

Dan Gordon

Over the past few months, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the drop-in sessions I’ve been holding around the District.

These sessions have been a fantastic opportunity to connect with residents, hear what’s happening in their communities and simply have a good yarn. I’ve really appreciated the conversations and the chance to learn more about what matters to people across Waimakariri.

It was great to be back at the Oxford Town Hall this month, catching up with locals. There’s something special about just popping in for a chat. No agenda, just a space for people to come along and share what’s going on in their lives or in their part of the District. These are the moments that remind me how lucky I am to serve this community. Thank you to everyone who came along.

Another highlight recently was attending the farewell for Thomas Dick – better known to many as Tommy – and his wife Kris, who are stepping down as the publicans of the Cust Hotel. I was honoured to be invited to their farewell.

Tommy and Kris have been outstanding community-minded owners. One of the many ways they’ve supported locals has been by operating recycling for the community – a small gesture that’s made a big difference. I’ve always enjoyed calling into the Cust Hotel and have always felt so welcome. They created a space that brought people together, and they’ll be missed.

It was also a pleasure to meet the new owners, Shirley and Fliss Grant, and hear their exciting plans for the Cust Hotel. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds under their care.

I know the community will get behind them just as they have supported Tommy and Kris over the years. Tommy and Kris, thank you again. I hope you won’t be strangers as you set off on the next chapter of your adventure in the camper van.

I also recently wore a pink shirt, standing alongside others across our community and at Council against bullying. It was heartening to see so many people joining in to show their support and stand up for kindness and respect. These shared moments say a lot about the values we hold as a District.

Hello there and welcome to the June Edition of From the Oxford Club’s Presidents Desk.

I hope you are all keeping warm with the onset of winter with some chilly frosty nights.

,

Recently I had occasion to speak to a group of younger people about joining the Oxford Club, and found that they believed that venues such as The Oxford Club were for older people.

Young people often seem to view clubs such as the Oxford Club as a space for older generations, but joining the Oxford Club offers valuable benefits.

The Club provides affordable food and drinks, a safe and welcoming social environment, and access to community events and activities. For younger members it is a great way to connect with locals, build networks, enjoy recreational facilities, pool, darts, outdoor bowls, with regular live music.

Our Club also offers leadership and volunteering opportunities and by getting involved, you as a younger member can play a key role in shaping the face of the Club.

Our ever popular Membership Draws keep ticking over nicely, giving you our valued members the opportunity to win a cash prize on a Saturday night. The draw takes place between 6.30 and 7.30pm, all you need to do is be present on the premises with your current membership card.

While it may be cold during winter, the Club guarantees a warm friendly welcome, so come on down and join the crowd at The Oxford Club - your Community Hub. As always thank you for reading this article, and I look forward to chatting with you at our Club very soon.

Kyle Scott | Oxford Club president

I welcome contact from anyone who needs assistance or has an issue that you might want to discuss.

Email me at dan.gordon@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021 906 437.

I’m here to help.

Dan.

OXFORD CLUB EST - 1887

eighteen

Kyle Scott

Things got a little out of hand? Difficult Trees?

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Emergency Services update Oxford St John

with Mel Brooker

It has been a very busy month with 106 jobs completed for the year.

Winter sports are well on the way, where we see an increase in callouts for cuts, sprains and breaks. My advice is, if in doubt get it checked out either at the 24-hour clinic or your local GP. Sprains and breaks are a hard one, as no one has Xray eyes. If you notice a grating or crunching (crepitus) with any movement of the limb, it usually means a break. Any break needs to be seen by a medical professional ASAP. A sprain can be treated at home with RICER ( Rest Ice Compression Elevation Referral) usually an effective treatment for the first few days. If there is no improvement, if pain, swelling or function gets worse visit your healthcare provider.

Now is a very good time to check your rapid number is visible from both directions BOTH at your road entrance and your house entrance please. Also please make sure your trees are trimmed back so, an ambulance and a fire truck can enter your property. If we can’t find or get to you, we cannot help you.

The ambulance station at Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day. If you require an ambulance, please call 111.

Keep warm and look after your neighbours.

Oxford Fire Rescue

with Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ealam

April was a reasonably quiet month for the Brigade with only four calls. There was a motor vehicle crash on the one way bridge just west of Oxford which extensively damaged the side of the bridge and consequently the road was closed for about two hours while the vehicle was being removed, the sole occupant of the vehicle self extricated and was taken to hospital for observation by ambulance. There was a call to a vehicle that was stuck in the Okuku River and the occupants were all able to get out safely.

The brigade was stood down before arrival. The other two calls were to a controlled gorse burn on a hill with the owner in attendance, and one to assist St John. This brings our total calls for the year to eighteen.

This months message is; with the cooler months approaching it would be a good time to consider having your chimneys cleaned and the condition of your fire box checked. Make sure you have working smoke alarms.

Oxford Police

with Jono Stagg

This month there are a couple of things I'd like to remind you of.

Firstly, we are definitely into the onset of autumn/winter.This means you need to have your lights on so you can see and be seen. Please slow down as the roads will be getting very icy.

Both Mitch and I would really like to highlight some social media guidelines.

These guidelines are to help create a safe environment for everyone. Ensure your comments are relevant and respectful.

Differences of opinion and points of discussion are okay, but personal attacks are not.

Please be respectful. Common courtesy is important here, don't post anything offensive, profane, defamatory, threatening or inappropriate.

Stay on topic.

Make sure that it is relevant to whatever is being said.

Protect your own and other others privacy.

Never post personal, identifying or confidential information about yourself or any other people.

Be aware what you post could constitute an offence against the Crimes Act in relation to causing harm by posting a digital communication.

Hopefully, we can all use these guidelines to ensure that everyone stays safe online.

Again, if there's anything that you need to discuss with Mitchell or I, please use 105 or 111 if it's happening right now, otherwise drop in and see us if we're at the station.

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Matariki Games!

Saturday 28 June | 1 – 3pm | Tickets $10 / $30 via oxfordgallery.org.nz/activities Let loose and enjoy games and songs in te reo Māori. A fun, intergenerational event for kids, family and friends.

Whāia te whānau mārama: Caitlin Rose Donnelly & Piupiu-Maya Turei Thursday 12 June – Sunday 6 July Matariki Artists in Residence

Bookings essential

Oxford Butchery Ltd 4th Generation Family Butchers

44 Main Street - Oxford

72 Main Street, Oxford | 11am–4pm Thurs–Sun 03-3121639 | oxfordgallery.org.nz Registered charity CC10601

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OXFORD DISTRICT UNION PARISH Sharing Christ in our Fellowship and Community

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UNION (METHODIST & PRESBYTERIAN)

ALL SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT THE OXFORD DISTRICT UNION CHURCH 85 MAIN STREET, ON SUNDAYS AT 10.00AM Salvation Army Service at 6pm every 3rd Sunday

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twenty three

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