St AlbansThe Voice of our NewsNeighbourhood October 2011 Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!
Highlights
Confessions of a footy addict page 3
History of 130 by Max Feutz Caledonian Rd Here is an exciting concept to quickstart community recovery in St page 5 Albans. Brainchild of the fertile imagination of local resident Simon Geary, it is envisaged that a temporary community facility can be erected on the vacant lot at the top end of Colombo St where the old Community Beating Resource Centre used to stand. Our common experience since the Depression earthquake has shown that creating permanent solutions to the problems page 6 caused by the earthquake will take many years, but in the meantime we urgently need a new hub which the St Albans Residents Association can use as a base for it’s programmes, where community groups can meet A ‘pop-up’ as they did previously, and where people can simply come to enjoy the Community company of others in a tranquil, family friendly space. The community not only can, but must bring it’s own energy and talent Centre to the project if it is to succeed. But Simon is absolutely adamant that pages 8 & 9 we can and will do it. He says, “We think with a little vision and the continued on pages eight & nine
The St Albans News — distributed free to 7000 households Page 2 St Albans News October 2011
Warm regards to you the big white elephant in St Albans, the land. all - the new breed of Other examples include the Edgeware Village Canterbury settlers. I business and property owners meeting together to hope you are all starting share their individual situations and work together to to establish your new overcome some of the problems facing them now, and lives and are coming to our school communities who are currently working grips with the challenges together creatively to put together their yearly this new frontier is fundraising community events. presenting you. But maybe the most exciting for me was to hear It’s been great to see communities working together that the St Albans Leisure Group, who I thought were in Christchurch, to support each other and form louder finding it very difficult to meet, have in fact been voices for their interests and issues. St Albans suburb meeting every second week, and loving the chance to is one such community. support each other and be supported. Through my involvement in SARA and my And what’s the theme here? ‘People working everyday life in St Albans I have been blown away by together for the common good.’ Great work everyone. the wonderful examples of support and encouragement YOU NEED TO GET OUT THERE AND I see for each other. The most prominent would SUPPORT CHRISTCHURCH NOW. I have grown have to be the residents revolt against the proposed weary of listening to people say they don’t have time. earthquake debris recycling site in McFaddens Get off your butt and find time to do something that Road. This resulted in the company withdrawing its makes you and all those around you feel better, and I application in response to the concerns raised by local hope that as the land continues to settle, you and yours residents. do too. Another example was the 50-odd residents from St Albans who gathered to air their feelings of being Emma Twaddell forgotten in the process of recovering from the Chair of the St Albans earthquakes, insurance and EQC issues and to discuss Residents’ Association
discuss what they want from the rebuild in St Albans. Editorial One way people can do this is by contributing articles Many years ago, attempting to join a conversation on issues about which they feel passionate. Another is to among strangers who were discussing the St Albans News write letters to the Editor. This is my favorite part of any (fondly known as Stan), I fired off a remark that it badly newspaper - I’m a self-confessed junkie - and they are the needed to be ‘tszujed’.I probably said this without even first thing I read in any publication because that’s where having read one cover-to-cover and certainly without the honesty lies. fully understanding its purpose, and I was quick to regret Our paper is already the envy of many other suburbs, saying it because I later found out that the person I was so let’s build on that. addressing was Kate Taylor, one of the founders of the The more readers participate, the better it will be. paper, and someone whom I now admire enormously. So, Max(ine) Feutz here’s a public apology Kate. In those days, if I’d just been lucky enough to land the St Albans News, October 2011 role of editor, it would have been all “new broom sweeps Vol. 19, Number 3, Issue No. 190 clean” but now it’s going to be “steady as she goes,” The St Albans News is a community newspaper. This newspaper is because I better understand the role of the paper and delivered monthly, and is free to over 7000 homes and businesses. All think it’s doing a fine job of informing people of what’s contents are copyright by the original authors. Please acknowledge the source of any excerpts as the St Albans News. happening in the community, keeping us in touch with the Send your news contributions and adverts to: history of the area and entertaining a little along the way. St Albans News, P.O. Box 21-102, Christchurch Since we can only publish every second month at the Email: [email protected] Phone: 374 2465 moment due to financial constraints, it is hopeless trying Website: http://www.stalbans.gen.nz to jump onto hot news and it is not often that we can Editor: Max Feutz provide you with a ‘scoop.’ Instead, our role needs to be Proofreader: Max Feutz Design, layout, advertisement design: Maria Hayward one of gathering the thoughts of our community on long With regular contributions from: Maxine Feutz, Hilaire Campbell, term issues, and at this time, especially, I think the paper Helen Ross, Reetah Mitchell, Peggy Kelly and others. can really come into it’s own as a forum, in conjunction The opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the St Albans Residents’ with the excellent website, where local residents can Association. St Albans News October 2011 — Page 3 Abstinence To Adoration by Reetah Mitchell wrenching frustration when my band that I could avoid the opening I have a confession. When the of rucking men kept failing to win ceremony. Hairs rose on my neck as World Cup kicked off recently, I that elusive golden chalice. Finally the haunting karanga rang out, the wasn’t interested. Nope, not interested the thumpity-thump of my loyal heart passion of the haka made my chest at all. Whilst the rest of you were turned decidedly grumpity-grump. swell with pride and the little boy in updating your Sky subscriptions, Four bitter years ago, when our Canterbury colours caused my eyes to pinning up bunting and digging out exalted footy players failed to make mist. any accessory bearing a silver fern, the quarter finals, a loud shattering However, observing all the other I was going about my everyday life, noise was heard right across St Albans cities in this beautiful country ignoring the build up. - the sound of my heart breaking into celebrating a tournament the Please don’t think girly apathy the a million little pieces. earthquakes robbed us of is like being root cause of my indifference, because As the game ended, I stared at my pregnant at a party and watching nothing could be further from the television screen, gaping in disbelief, everyone else get drunk. You truth. In reality, I’m a complete footy- head shaking from side to side. understand it’s for a good reason, but head. I have been since I was a gap- Trying to make sense of how the you can’t help but feel a little dejected toothed youngster. Huddling in my unfathomable had happened, again. and forlorn about it. flannelette pajamas and sleeping bag, How could the boys do this to After the Opening Ceremony, it clutching a mug of Milo, I fondly me? After decades of screaming on got harder for me to avoid rugby. My recall squinting at a test match on the sidelines, following them across husband, who had viewed my vow as a flickering television screen, in the world, all I wanted was a little nothing more than a four-year temper the shivery, dark hours of the early silverware. It wasn’t a huge amount to tantrum, would not hold back his own morning. ask. I mean to say, it’s like…their job enthusiasm. Our television was on for My love of the Men in Black has to bring home trophies! It’s what they every game. Muttering phrases like seen me stalk them to stadia both at get paid for, isn’t it? ‘educational’ and ‘once in a lifetime home and overseas. I’d been devoted. I’d been faithful. experience’, he garnered the support When on my O.E. in London, I’d blamed the food poisoning, the of our nine-year-old son in hijacking I very cleverly managed to get a rotation policy and bad refereeing the remote, super-gluing it to Sky boss who was a dyed-in-the-wool decisions. But a girl can only stay Sport One. rugby enthusiast, with... wait for it... steadfast for so long. Our fridge has a fixture list covering debenture seats at Twickenham! I got Enough was enough. I could it from top to bottom. Each result to witness some real rugby history. take no more. It was time for strong is religiously written in the correct I was at Twickers when Hinewehi actions. So, I took a vow. A vow of All spot, and father and son compare it Mohi outraged the nation by daring Black Abstinence. against their pre-match predictions. to sing the anthem in Māori for the I promised myself I’d not watch Gargantuan battles are fought by first time at an international fixture. I another game until the boys brought my children at the breakfast table attended the first rugby international home the bacon, in the form of that whenever a new box of Weetbix is held at Old Trafford, the home of very big, shiny Webb Ellis Trophy. opened, and pristine All Black cards Manchester United. My seat at that Since pledging to ignore all things are pulled from within. It seems every match was mere metres from the pitch oval, my self-discipline has been member of the household (not subject - so close I could breathe in wafts without reproach. Whenever the boys to a vow) wants to go to the Fan Zone of liniment from the scrum packed marched onto the field, I marched out. in Hagley Park, whenever possible. down in front of me! As if that was I read, washed dishes, filed my nails, All in all, not conducive to one being not enough to set a young woman’s cleaned out my linen cupboard – staunch in abstaining. heart all aflutter, my aisle seat was anything that kept me away from the But a vow is a vow - Until it’s a mere concrete step away from the sideline or television screen. Decades broken. And finally, when the All seat of Sean Fitzpatrick, and beside of disappointment kept my motivation Blacks played the French, I broke it. him, Carlos Spencer, Tana Umaga high and my intent true. Please don’t think badly of me. I’m and all the other benched players. My When the recent World Cup build not usually unreliable when it comes star-struck little heart did a happy up started, I hardened my battered to making declarations of any sort. thumpity-thump throughout our 27-8 heart against the fervour and girded If I give my word, you can normally drubbing of the English that day! my loins against the mounting stake your life on it. But this weekend, But the glorious moments were nationwide excitement. I succumbed. overshadowed by years of gut- However, I wasn’t such a Grinch continued on page four Page 4 St Albans News October 2011 continued from page three If it was difficult to avoid rugby the way to half time. Once I had seen of my censure... it’s what’s driven them within my own four walls, it proved the whole of the first half, it seemed to train so hard this time. nigh on impossible to sidestep it when churlish to head to the kitchen – and I wondered if my daughter would attending a ‘curry, beer and rugby’ honestly, I didn’t want to. I had been be affected by my past ambivalence party. My pre-party plan had been ignominiously sucked right back into to games played with an oval ball. Or to watch the haka and then, whilst the vortex of All Black Adoration. would the rugby gene prove dominant everyone was riveted to the screen, By full time, my heart again did and nature kick nurture for touch? I I would sidle into the kitchen to tidy that happy little thumpity-thump and got my answer this week when Milly, away errant rice grains and naan bread I had the beatific grin of a slightly a seven-year-old frou-frou, girly girl crumbs. My intentions were pure. demented fan whose sports team had to the nth degree asked me (very Kapo o Pango sent shivers down delivered the goods. seriously) if she could change her my spine and watching my boys take And just like that, my vow was over, name to Mils. their place on the field, I thought done, finito. I was officially again a “Just like Mils Muliaina. Do you another minute or two’s viewing footy-head. know him Mum?” wouldn’t hurt. I know the boys will forgive me for I sighed with resignation. I guess Before I knew it, I was whooping my fickleness. I’m positive over the there’s just no fighting it - it’s in the and hollering, leaping and jumping all past four years they have felt the wrath blood.
Letters to the Editor
It’s Unstainable to Keep Talking about Sustainability Proponents of “sustainability” need to start thinking Dear Residents outside the square. But let’s all try to avoid that silly word My challenge to the dedicated writers in these pages is and just try to explain what we really mean. to avoid using the word “sustainable” – it means whatever Chris Hutching, St Albans anyone wants it to mean. Dear Editor To a greedy producer, “sustainable” might mean With the tear down of the community centre I was draining a river of nearly every drop of water except what wondering if anyone is staying in contact with Michael is required to sustain minimal invertebrate and fish life. Aitkin (Mgr. Community Services) regarding the revised For environmentally-minded people this might be schedule for the re-build of the Centre. It was originally totally “unsustainable” with consequences such as river scheduled to begin in 2012 but was delayed by the mouth silting, coastal erosion etc (as witness the Waitaki earthquakes. My understanding was there would be a coast, Ashburton, Selwyn and Rakaia river mouths). 18-24 month delay. If so, the start would be 2014. Could Notions of “sustainability” differ wildly. Some your paper verify 2014 as the start date? correspondents in recent issues have discussed self Sincerely, Bill Demeter, St Albans sufficiency and food supply and the need to impose a green belt to retain productive land. Prostitutes in Residential Areas The problem with constraining new housing by imposing I’m wondering if there is anything that can be done a green belt is that it drives up the price of real estate about a couple of prostitutes that have set up shop on the everywhere and forces people into high density, sometimes corner of Manchester Street and Purchas St. undesirable, living environments. Hence another recent They do business any time from 8pm to 2am, and the STAN report concerned about “sustainability” cites the noise they create can sometimes be quite disturbing. problem of the growing number of renters in St Albans, Recently, one was off her face and yelling out to cars as presumably people who can’t afford to buy. they passed by and making a few simulated sex sounds. Anyway, with the abandonment of Avonside/Dallington/ Anyway, I’m seeking help in order to see them relocated. I Horseshoe Lake/Bexley maybe we will have an inner city feel sorry for my neighbours who have them outside their greenbelt and we won’t need to be so concerned about letter boxes, and I know of at least one resident on one preventing proposed housing developments like Prestons corner who has 2 young children. Luckily, I’m a distance near Burwood or at the top of Hills Road. (And some of us away from the corner but even then I can hear their racket have kept our quarter acre paradises in St Albans where from time to time. Thank you in advance. we can grow gardens). M Smith, St Albans St Albans News October 2011 — Page 5 Who Was Who @ 130 by Brian Spear Lt Col Alexander Lean, is not a name which means a After Minchin’s death in 1900, the Church Property lot to St Albans residents, but he was one of the original Trustees eventually relented to public pressure and owners of a Rural Section in the area outside the Town released some of the Church land for subdivision and sale. Belts, which by the Canterbury Association’s definition Lot 2 DP 10803, was sold to Daniel Carpinter, who by was rural. coincidence, was a carpenter. His agent had selected RS 257, which lay between what On 18th January 1910 a building permit was issued for is now Springfield and Caledonian Roads. Lean was not Carpinter to build a house on this site for him and his wife. impressed, and when he arrived in Canterbury towards The value was £400. For the next twenty years Daniel and his wife Mary Ann, lived at number 130 C a l e d o n i a n Road. This is the site behind the C o m m u n i t y Centre, on the North side of the car park. D a n i e l Carpinter was born in England about 1847 and married Mary Ann about 1876. They left London on 21st November 1879, arriving on the the end of 1851 he sold this section to Edward Corker “Westland” at Lyttelton on 21st February 1880. He was a Minchin. member of the Hope of St Albans Lodge, and also the St Minchin was an Irishman who arrived in the Colony Matthew’s Young Mens Guild. with his wife Sarah, and from contemporary accounts They had a number of children and at least three of the was successful in his dealings and a generous benefactor boys took up the building trade. Mary Ann died in 1926 to the numerous causes which a developing settlement and Daniel in 1935. demanded. Mrs Florence Everett lived at 130 for a short time and By December 1862, Minchin was in a position to Mrs Pamela Kennington was another retiree who called lease the neighbouring Rural Section, RS 243B from the this house her home. Joseph and Marjery Buller owned Church Property Trustees. This block covered the area the house for over 30 years until the early 1980s. from Caledonian Road to Madras Street and as far North A succession of owners followed until 2002 when the as Edgeware Road. property was purchased by Mrs Thirza Bean. She was still Minchin had already begun selling off sections from there when, in the early hours of 4th September 2010, the his original holding along Springfield Road and later the walls came crashing down. low lying sections along Caledonian Road. He had formed Brian Spear is a member of the St Albans History Group a connecting road between the two northern outlets of his block. Page 6 St Albans News October 2011 Celebrating 30 years of Recovery by Helen Ross rapid. Some of these recovery experiences have been September 12th 1981 was a significant day in the history related to mental health issues like depression and its of our nation- the third and final test of the Springbok cousin, burn-out but others have been related to physical Tour held at Eden Park, Auckland. For nearly three injury and illness as well as life events such as divorce, months – from the first game held on 22nd July against loss of loved ones, workplace bullying etc. Poverty Bay - New Zealand was a country divided against Sometimes recovery has been painfully protracted. I itself. Images of violence and destruction seldom seen in succumbed again to Depression in 1998 and this time my peacetime appeared in print, over the airwaves and on the world remained shattered for a very, very long time. One screen on a daily basis - much in the way of earthquake of the things that hampered my recovery was my anger that coverage over the last twelve months. For many of my I had got sick again. I’d thought I’d learnt enough about contemporaries aged 50 plus their keenest memories of myself and my “condition” to prevent this. I kept saying “I that time relate to the events, both personal and social, want my life back,” much in the same way as I have heard associated with the Tour. The arguments and debates in people say they want the old Christchurch back. Another the homes, workplaces and social settings; the marches hindrance to recovery was my belief, a belief sometimes and protests on the streets; the matches themselves are all erroneously encouraged by the Helping Professions that etched into our individual and collective memories. “they” would “fix” me. Another trap I fell into was that I’d like to be able to say - “I was there, doing my bit of “waiting” for recovery. I recall with gratitude some to bring down apartheid and end a repressive regime” – of the best advice I received about rebuilding my life. I but I can’t. I’d like to but I can’t because that turbulent was describing to the psychiatrist how it felt that my life three month period in our social history coincided with was like a house that had come tumbling down, leaving a turbulent chapter in my own history. I imagine there me with just a useless pile of bricks. In my very stuck will be many in Christchurch who can relate to this – way of thinking, I was pinning my hopes on another people whose emotional, psychological and social worlds dramatic remission of the hopelessness, helplessness and have come tumbling down along with the physical bricks meaninglessness I was experiencing before I could make and mortar. That winter saw me spiral downwards into a a start of rebuilding my life. He suggested an alternative suicidal depression in the wake of a relationship break- to me, namely that I started to move one brick at a time up, over-work, and an inability to practice good self-care. into place. This way, by the time the Depression lifted I While others were parked in front of the TV watching could, in his words, have built a mansion. Charles and Diana’s wedding, I was coming round in The building blocks of personal recovery are many and hospital from a suicide attempt – wondering where all the varied. Over the past 30 years I’ve made them something nurses and patients were. The next six weeks were spent at of a focus of study - using knowledge from my own Fergusson Clinic at Sunnyside Hospital, now Hillmorton. experience, that of friends and family and of those I That spring weekend saw an almost miraculous have worked with as a social worker, as well as from the lifting of the Depression which had been constant and literature. I’m taking the opportunity of this approaching debilitating to that point. The dark cloud was there as the 30th anniversary to acknowledge those that have worked Cessna dropped the flares and flour bombs over Eden Park for me. I’ll be having a gathering for friends, family but gone twenty-four hours later. Within days I was out of and colleagues this coming month to celebrate food, hospital, back in my flat and picking up the pieces of my fun, family, friendship, fitness, faith and perhaps most life. There have been a number of experiences of recovery importantly, moving forward. over the years since then but none as spontaneous and
Talking Therapy
Registered Psychotherapists Psychotherapy • Counselling • Supervision Cats on Cranford 19 Courtenay St, St Albans, Christchurch 8014 (next door to St Albans Vet) ph: 03 355 5435 102 Cranford Street email: [email protected] Phone 355 6743 web: www.talkingtherapy.co.nz Inspection Welcome St Albans News October 2011 — Page 7 Tangle Towers
by Hilaire Campbell His second wife taught him the basic cuts: the bob, the “The name Tangle Towers came to my first wife in a wedge, the pageboy and firefly, worth mentioning for their dream,” says Joro Yambasef. A hairdresser since 1976, he names alone. Styles haven’t changed much since the 70s opened a salon in a converted cottage on the corner of but there’s nothing Joro won’t tackle – “if it’s got a pulse Berwick and Forfar St in 1996. “It was ideal. I was the and it’s got hair I’ll do it.” His special god is Al Sassoon, primary caregiver for my boy and I wanted live-in work.” whom he describes as the father of modern hairdressing. Joro says the cottage was built in 1903, with a shop “The famous Quant five point geometric cut showcased front added in 1923 by the McGill family when they his technique.” opened a dairy cum bakery famous for its bread. From Joro never uses mirrors. “I was very overweight 16 1923 until 1980 there was a succession of owners before years ago and I wasn’t a pretty sight so I got rid of them. Transit NZ bought the building with a view to demolishing Now I find I don’t need them, but there’s one there for it for the Madras St motorway. Joro says that when locals customers.” protested this was abandoned, and he bought the building Today Joro’s doing kids cuts, and all the family in a rundown state. has gathered, but there’s still room for his long haired Joro was born in Wellington to a father of Greek and dachshund (watch out dog), and Sharlene, a visiting colour Turkish ethnicity, and a mother from Ashburton. He educator who says the main thing about colour is having a says he left school at 15 to became a trainee chef. “Now stylist who knows who you want to be. hairdressing is my first passion, but I wanted a café too On the other hand, says Joro, too many people go to because I love cooking.” hairdressers for a quick fix. “If you’ve got marriage Soon there will be all day breakfasts, and, when he gets problems, a new hairdo won’t do it. You need a whole a liquor license, dinner parties and wine tastings and art lifestyle change.” exhibitions - because he’s a people person and he wants to Joro was christened a Moslem but has never practised. make the best use of the space. “I wear a gold cross but I’d say I’m more metaphysical Joro never advertises, and he says most of his customers than religious.” are passers by - “a mix of blue and white collar workers, As he ages Joro finds his client base aging with him but and pensioners from Berwick and Forfar Courts.” he says that’s a good thing. “You never know who you’ll learn from.” Page 8 St Albans News October 2011 continued from page one support of businesses, and a few good well-run working bees we could achieve something quite unique.” So, what would be needed to pull this off? Firstly, the project needs financial support, whether it be from large benefactors, small donations from private citizens, or the public purse. In total, it is estimated that around $70,000 is needed to complete it. Secondly, the Christchurch What will we see on completion of the City Council and Community Board will need project? to be formally approached and offered the • A new community centre, albeit it temporary opportunity to support the idea and facilitate the accommodation. consent process. • A temporary building, being a converted 40 Ft Lastly, and most importantly, people will need container with power and internet facilities. to raise their hands to let us know they support (The poorer members of community found this the idea, tell us how they can help and what resource and the courses proved associated with them invaluable.) This would also be specialist skills, if any, they can bring to the accompanied by a second storage container project. (Knowing how to wield a spade is one for all the equipment needed to run the various example of a ‘specialist skill!’) programmes. • Temporary toilet facilities, preferably plumbed directly into the sewer. • A covered sheltered area so classes such as yoga and anti-natal classes could now be held outdoors but at least undercover. • Temporary landscaping and a larger community activity area (similar to that which organisations such as ‘Gap Fillers’ provides). This could be used for such things St Albans News October 2011 — Page 9 School Gala attracts some interesting items for auction
At 7pm on Friday 4 November at the St Albans Catholic will impress your friends and make you the envy of the School Gala, an auction will be held to raise funds for neighbourhood. the children’s e-learning. The items for auction, donated School families followed suit and if you are looking by families of the school and local businesses, are quite for a builder (including $1,000 of building materials), a unique. doctor to complete a full skin check, a tutor to help your Earlier in the year Wendy Scanlon, chairperson of the teenagers prepare for end of year exams or a sports coach school’s PTA committee, contacted parents with a plea for to prepare you for the upcoming cricket season, then help. “In light of our fragile city and business community, you are in luck. How about some help for your vegetable many of the organisations that have so generously donated garden from a true gardening guru and the grand niece of goods in the past are unable to do so,” said Mrs Scanlon. Arthur Yates himself? The items that have been donated Families and friends of the school were asked to think not only showcase parents’ talents and skills. Some other laterally and come up with alternative items for an auction items up for grabs include a three-day car rental, use of “with a twist”. The school community responded and the a holiday caravan in Akaroa, a pamper session, a signed auction items accumulated are creative, generous and Crusaders rugby jersey and a signed Silver Ferns netball. intended to attract fierce bidding. The whole school is behind this exciting event and the The school Principal, Mrs. Annette Sjoberg, started date has been circled on calendars for a great evening of the ball rolling by not only offering herself as a babysitter family fun for a long time. Mrs Scanlon says “It is always for an evening, but also willingly stepping down from a fantastic night out enjoyed by the St Albans community. her duties to offer the highest bidder the opportunity to Our children love being part of this event and the sheer be principal for the day. The school PTA is to become excitement that comes with anticipation is a delight – we “meals on heels” catering for up to twelve people in your all need some of that right now!” own home. They promise to do this with a style that Billed as an “old-fashioned” gala, there will also be live music, raffles, crafts, plants, home baking and a continued from page eight white elephant stall. The gala begins at 5pm and will be well stocked with good food for dinner. The children will as art exhibitions, community summer evening be entertained with sponge throwing, bouncy castles and donkey rides. tournaments, anything the community may wish This is definitely an opportunity to not only support to hold so it has the ability to draw the people out local children’s learning but maybe even grab a bargain. of their shaken homes to express their concerns, Come and join us for an evening of family fun – food, live music, plants & produce, crafts, cakes, face painting, needs, feelings and hopefully soon, laughter. donkey rides, hair braiding, chocolate wheel, white • Large visible signage showing who has elephant and Devonshire teas not to mention handmade supported the project, what upcoming events sustainable gifts from the pupils – soap, candles, paper and potted herbs. Plus a cookbook you won’t be able to will be held on a regular basis and what courses put down! the residents can enrol for at these temporary Wendy Scanlon premises. [email protected] Real community involvement in the recovery process phone - 3544 170 is what everyone is crying out for, and is already hap- St Albans Catholic School pening in other areas where the talent of locals has been 49 Rutland Street St Albans harnessed, which might account for the fact that some communities are well ahead of the rest of Christchurch in The St Albans News relies on your the recovery process. Local people need to do things for themselves. Here is a chance for real grass roots involve- contributions. Please send your ment in the rehabilitation of our own dear suburb. articles, letters and notices to news@ stalbans.gen.nz. The deadline for Drawings courtesy of Edward Loversridge, draughtsman the next issue is November 24th Page 10 St Albans News October 2011 Earthquake Green Zoners Meeting by Pauline Cotter Zoned want information about how this • No response from email As a result of the last St Albans problem is to be remediated.These are queries to CERA Residents Association meeting, at which the main issues identified: • Lack of communication residents raised huge concerns about the • Getting insurance when wanting • Need for information on earthquake damage, especially to land to move elsewhere in Canterbury timelines for the St Albans in St Albans, the Residents Association • Resolving Claims area. and the Shirley/Papanui Community • Resolving gaping differences • Increased cost of land reports Board organised a meeting. This was in initial and later assessments for resource consents held on Sat 25 Sept at Abberley Park, • Resolving assessments which There is to be a follow-up meeting and there was a good attendance of say damage was pre-existing for St Albans Green and Orange Zone 54 people including Nicki Wagner when owner disputes this residents to be held at The Edgeware and Brendon Burns. We were also • Delays in EQC payments Bowling club on Madras St. 8th Oct fortunate to have Di Lucas to share • Wanting access to geo tech 11am - 1pm. There will be reps from her knowledge about the underground reports on Green Zoned land various agencies present to address stream, springs and waterways. There • How do large blocks of badly our concerns. are huge chunks of seriously munted damaged Green Zoned land land that run through multiple Green deal with rebuilding and/or Pauline Cotter is a member of the zoned properties. People who are Green repair of houses. Shirley/ Papanui Community Board
Mounting Frustration by Brendon Burns zoned and told it may be Christmas The case for people being given MP for Christchurch Central before they get clarity. Many in the the land assessments of their areas As we wind into year two of life green-zone feel unsure about the is compelling. If you don’t have the quake one, it is important those with soundness of this decision. It’s time to information, you can’t feel you’ve the power to respond are reminded it remind the authorities that your issues made the right decision about your is not only suburbs further east than are also important. The meeting home. St Albans which face major, on-going at Abberley Park on September 24 As your local MP, my primary and unresolved issues. has provided a kick-start thanks to task since September 4 has been to You only have to look at the size of the work of the St Albans Residents advocate for you getting the best the fenced-off sink hole on Edgeware Association and local community possible information – on the basis Rd – just a few metres away from the board member, Pauline Cotter. that even if the news is not all good, demolished shops - for a reminder We are now working with the at least you are able to make informed that St Albans remains profoundly community to bring together two decisions. Most of you would agree, affected. Or visit residents in areas meetings. The first, to address the information flow has been patchy like Lindsay St and off Madras insurance and EQC issues, is to say the least. Recovery will take St who have had three bouts of confirmed for 11am – 12.30pm a long time. My office is helping serious liquefaction and flooding, on Saturday October 8 at the hundreds of constituents with EQC yet are green zoned. Or pop into the Edgeware Bowling Club. I have now and insurance issues. While we may greengrocer and KBs, still valiantly confirmed two major insurers, AA not always resolve them, we usually operating from temporary premises and AMI as attending. John Sullivan can get things sped up – and much less in Edgeware village, uncertain about from the Canterbury Law Centre has stress than many of you are facing. the timeframes for resuming their also agreed to come and provide free Don’t be shy about asking for help – businesses. legal advice available on dealing with that’s what we are there to do. Residents in St Albans and insurers. EQC has been invited. Alternatively, you are welcome to Richmond are feeling they live in a The second meeting, date yet to approach me at or after either of the forgotten suburb. Families are living be confirmed, will see CERA invited two meetings. in damaged homes and not being to tell us about the geotechnical Let’s get through this together given the geotechnical information assessments which have deemed most they need to feel best able to make St Albans homes safe to repair or Brendon Burns decisions. Some areas are orange rebuild. MP for Christchurch Central St Albans News October 2011 — Page 11 Edgeware Mowers & Chainsaws For all your outdoor power needs WE HAVE MOVED TO 237 Westminster Street Ph 366 3924 www.edgewaremowers.co.nz
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ALAN JEFFRIES. PH/FAX 03 3857923, MOBILE 027 2017374 Page 12 St Albans News October 2011 Canterbury Ahead of Expectations by Nicky Wagner at the moment and will continue the list of most risky insurance Canterbury’s can do attitude is until insurers have a clearer picture propositions and is falling. Countries standing us in good stead. of seismic issues in Christchurch. that have regular disaster events The region has done much better in However, most companies are like winds and floods are much terms of its economy and in retaining committed to continuing to insure more risky than a one in 500 year jobs than was predicted after the Feb existing customers and generally earthquake. The declining risk of the 22 earthquake. The population is on continuing insurance on properties faults in Christchurch will determine the rise, as is the number of people that they already insure if there is a the speed that the insurers will enter employed in the city. change of ownership. the market and that decline curve is Usually, disaster areas can lose Construction insurance seems to looking encouraging. upwards of 20% of their populations, be more difficult. Many companies We are all concerned about future but the vast majority of Cantabrians don’t regularly cover this risk but costs but the cost of reinsurance is only aren’t going anywhere. will guarantee insurance for the about 15-20% of the total cost so even In terms of employment we have new homes they are rebuilding. And if that jumps significantly it is only more jobs on our books than any new companies are coming into this a small part of the overall cost. And other city in the country and our market. when you think that Christchurch will unemployment rate is 5.55% against a After his visit to Europe to talk be safer and stronger as people leave national average of 6.7%. to the world’s top underwriting badly damaged land and that building And our economy is growing - companies, Gerry Brownlee is codes are strengthened, it will be far in the June quarter we grew 1.9%, confident that insurers will stand by less risky for insurers. whereas Auckland only grew 0.4%. their existing commitments and will Minister Brownlee said that the Predictions for growth in the return to the market as the shakes visit with the reinsurers was very region in the next couple of years are subside. According to overseas worthwhile, and gave New Zealand hitting double figures on the back commentators the Minister and his the opportunity to put our case face- of $30 billion dollars of long term earthquake recovery team delivered to-face to the people who make the investment. I don’t know when we a well-considered and expertly decisions. In the longer term, he have ever seen that sort of growth presented message on the economic believes that insurance companies anywhere in our country so we are and scientific facts about the real and will see Christchurch as an attractive in for some interesting and exciting evolving risk faced by Christchurch. market as our economy rebounds times. This information will help keep swiftly and strongly so they will want Insurance and reinsurance are on insurance premiums down in the long to continue to do business here and the minds of many at the moment. term. premiums will remain be affordable. The situation on insurance is fluid Christchurch is only rated 8 on Nicky Wagner National MP Authorised by Nicky Wagner MP, 222 Bealey Ave, Christchurch Edgeware Calendar By Peggy Kelly In the meantime, if you would like a Schroeders’ In the days before we needed calendar or two as a memento of “The comfort food, a few of us produced way we were,” I’d be pleased to arrange “Tomorrow’s beer today” that quirky Edgewhere? 2011 a swap – 2 calendars for 1 packet of Calendar – just to celebrate Edgeware. seeds. The seeds thus collected will Looking through it now from January be distributed to the Community to December it is heartbreaking to Gardens in and around Christchurch see how many of the local businesses, (including our local Packe St Park). the Community Centre and the old To arrange an exchange just e-mail Methodist/Coptic church have been [email protected] affected by events – boarded up, With careful watering this summer demolished or relocated away from I’m sure we can look forward to a Come home to the village. The calendar has become good harvest and to sharing some a poignant souvenir. It will again be more traditional foods – food to help Schroeders’... usable as a calendar in 2022! What keep us cheerful through the coming Cnr Warrington/Barbadoes Sts will our village look like then? months. St Albans News October 2011 — Page 13 Access For All By Hine Moke Christchurch can be a city where disabled people to move. Living with Cerebral Palsy has not stopped me achieve what they want without the restrictive physical from being fit and healthy - I can lift 53 kgs! Everybody access that was experienced in the past. It can be a city who has Cerebral Palsy is affected differently. where the community values disabled people as people. St Albans and Edgeware are family-friendly Christchurch has an opportunity to become a world communities - that was my first impression, and it has leading city - not only for accessibility but for inclusiveness been a lasting one. I’m originally from Waltham. On 22nd – where all people are treated equally. February 2011, my flat spilt in two and my bedroom wall St Albans and Edgeware can become an accessible, collapsed – the result of our now famous earthquake. This inclusive community -leading Christchurch in accessibility bought about challenges for me accommodation-wise! and inclusiveness. All it will take is everybody working I now live in St Albans, and enjoy catching up with friends together. at the local cafés. Sometimes the access in St Albans can I am the CCS Disability Action Canterbury Access be annoying. I often struggle trying to open two doors to Committee Chairperson. I have been on the Access access public places, because one door is not wide enough Committee for almost three years. Recently I joined the for my wheelchair to go through. Additionally, I have to ask CCS Disability Action’s Disability Awareness Team. CCS a shop assistant to order or get items for me that I would be Disability Action is a national organisation which has able to get myself if the building was accessible. Access been operating in the New Zealand community for over 75 in and around shops not only affects disabled people, but years, supporting and enabling disabled people. Recently also parents and caregivers with prams experience the I joined the CCS Disability Action’s Disability Awareness same access difficulties when entering or moving around Team. CCS Disability Action is a national organisation the local shops and cafés. which has been operating in the New Zealand community I could write about access and disability all day, for over 75 years, supporting and enabling disabled everyday. Consider these access milestones: in the 1970’s people. The role of the Access Committee is to liaise with Christchurch city put in down kerbs, improving access for the community to ensure disabled people have the same people using wheelchairs and other mobility equipment, opportunities to access business and community facilities and caregivers with pushchairs; in the 1990’s Christchurch as non-disabled people. The role of the CCS Disability was a leading city with accessible buses; in 2007 New Awareness team is to make all people in the community Zealand signed the United Nations Convention on the aware of what life is like for disabled people and to Rights of People with Disabilities, this was ratified in 2008. advise on how best to interact with us.I was born with The implementation of the Articles within the Convention a neurological condition called Cerebral Palsy - where will improve the rights, lives and treatment of disabled the cerebral side of the brain is damaged. Sometimes my people. From 2011 and beyond, I wonder how accessible limbs get mixed messages, for example, if I ask my right and inclusive St Albans and Edgeware communities will leg to move, my brain may send a message to my right arm be? Now is the time to act before it’s too late!!
Panel beating and Now at: 933 Colombo St spraying (Next to 24 Hour Surgery) No Appointment Required 469 St Asaph Street, New Patients Welcome Phillipstown Weekdays 8am-6pm / Saturday 9am-1pm Ph 982 4862 Phone (03) 3791112 www.promed.health.nz Page 14 St Albans News October 2011 Community Notices
Assisi Day Of Prayer For World Peace St Albans area and its issues. many of the free and low cost events The New Zealand Catholic Bishops St Albans Catholic School Gala: Friday that the city offers and follow each Committee for Interfaith Relations 4th November, 5pm – 8pm. Family event with coffee and a chat. If you in partnership with the Christchurch fun. Devonshire teas, classic cars, would like to enjoy the camaraderie Interfaith Society invite you to a sponge throwing, donkey rides, an and social contact the Leisure Prayer for World Peace at the Peace onsite auction and more. Group provides, contact Wendy at Bell, Hagley Park, 2.00pm on the 23 St Albans School Market Day: Saturday [email protected] October 2011 5th November, 11am – 1pm. A fun day or 374 2465. St Albans Public Meeting: Saturday for the community. Buy-sell-eat and St Matthews Scout Group: If you have 8thOctober. 11am-1pm. Edgeware play. Stalls are available for purchase any questions about Scouting, or if Bowling Club. Cnr Warrington from the St Albans School office. you would like to get involved (or get & Madras. A follow on meeting Stalls are $20.00 for a carpark site, your children involved) then feel free regarding St Albans land issues and $5.00 for a kids market stall. to contact our Group Leader, Stu on other earthquake concerns including Mairehau Library: Kensington Ave – 960 4478,or myself (Steve) on 385 insurance. Organised by our local open 2-4pm Mon-Fri 7230. http://www.stmatts.co.nz/ MPs and elected representatives in Shirley Toy Library: Hammersley Park Fletchers Earthquake Hub in St Albans: conjunction with the Shirley Papanui School, Amos Place off Marshlands 280 Westminster St. Tel: 03 341 9995. Community Board and the St Albans Road. In the Gymnasium to the right Servicing: Bottle Lake, Brooklands, Residents Association. Insurance of the driveway. Wednesday 9.30am Casebrook, Edgeware, Mairehau, Industry representives will be present. – 11.30am, 6.30pm – 8pm. Saturday Marshlands, Northcote, Papanui, CERA, EQC and CCC have also 9.30am – 12 noon, 1.30pm – 3pm. Redwood, Shirley and St Albans. been invited. Contact Pauline Cotter Papanui Community Toy Library: Renaissance Dancing: Want to try 027 296 8811 St Pauls Church, 1 Harewood Rd. something new? Something different? St Albans Residents Association Meeting: Wednesday 7pm – 8.45pm. Saturday Fun, easy historical dancing from 11 October 7.30pm. Abberley Park 10am-12pm. 352 0579 Western Europe. No experience, Hall. We warmly invite anyone who St Albans Leisure Group: The Leisure partner, or costume needed! 7pm would like to be involved in SARA, its Group is an older adult’s recreation Mondays (except public holidays) projects, new projects and the future group that provides social contact and Abberley Park Hall, Abberley Crescent, development of St Albans. The first activities for its members. The group St Albans $3 to cover hall hire please. hour will be a general discussion on generally meet fortnightly and visit Enquires to Nicola 3771 753
Edgeware Village Roisin Cassidy from room Green Inc 23 at St Albans Primary School has been selected to Special General compete in the Canterbury team at the gymnastics Meeting national championships, a great achievement due to 30th October 2011 many years of hard work and persistence. We are very proud 4-6 pm of her. At The Offices Of Care Solutions 214 Cranford St trade Purpose: Adoption of the skills Constitution and Election of Building-Carpentry Officers Painting-Plastering To be held in conjunction with a Electrical-Plumbing Foragers’ Feast Paperhanging Waterblasting Please bring a plate/bottle/ General Handyman bag or jar of locally sourced and much more potables/edibles to share Trade Skills Contact Helen on 3662426 or at [email protected] for Phone further info Peter on 332-6274 St Albans News October 2011 — Page 15 St Albans News Classifieds
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Potato Bread some kind of flat bread made out of strength to mash in. This smooth By Peggy Kelly whatever meal or starch is to hand– dough is then kneaded and made It’s a common experience to revert maize, rice, wheat etc. My culture has into rounds about 22cm in diameter. to comfort food when we feel a bit the potato farl. A “farl” is a quarter of a Each round is divided into 4 farls and fragile or battered by events. During flat pancake-shape–just as a farthing cooked dry (without fat) on a flat hot recent months I have gone back to was the quarter of a penny. It’s an old surface until lightly browned on both a real childhood love–potato bread. fashioned word for a traditional kind sides (I use a heavy frying pan). In This ethnic delight was brought to of bread. Ireland, we often eat this bread with Northern Ireland by the Scots during To make potato farls you have to bacon and eggs. Thus, we cook the the Plantation of Ulster. Whenever I mash freshly boiled peeled potatoes farl gently (for a second time) on both see it I remember Granny Kelly and and while they are hot add just a sides in a little bacon fat–don’t tell the all the aunties in their busy, cosy smidge of butter, some salt and as health authorities–and I like the fried Belfast kitchen. Most cultures have much sieved flour as you have the egg on top. Page 16 St Albans News October 2011 Community Can Never Rest On Its Laurels by David Moorhouse comprehensive plan to deal with this waste in a manner In mid September the city council received an application that does not expose any residential neighbourhood from American firm Ceres to build an earthquake waste to the the hazards that are inherent in processing it. dump and processing plant in land adjacent to schools and There is a very real need to process this waste so our homes on Cranford St. I was tipped off by a neighbour city can get back on its feet. There are plenty of other who is a friend of a community board member. A flurry options, such as processing it within the CBD, or using of phone calls and emails followed as we got the word out rail to transport it to a purpose built enclosed facility and organised a residents’ meeting for the next day. in an industrial area. Here, valuable materials could be The community met to discuss the application and separated while controlling the hazards. delegated me and local resident George Kear to make This saga shows the importance of local democracy a deputation to the Shirley Papanui Community Board. and the power of community action. It also The community’s concern covered four main areas. highlights that while a strong community can fight 1. Outrage that there had been no public consultation. back, we need to stay alert to stop this happening Apart from addressing the community board, there was in other areas as this issue has not been resolved. no opportunity for residents to find out the true nature of Christchurch residents have had enough from mother the proposal and for their views to be given fair weight. nature without being dumped on. 2. The land in question was completely unsuitable, being David Moorhouse is a community spokeperson for soft, peaty, water-logged soil that has trouble supporting Papanui residents and is the Green Party candidate for light vehicles let alone heavy machinery, trucks and rubble. the Christchurch Central Electorate 3. The nature of the proposed operation, which included concrete crushing and wood grinding, would expose the neighbourhood to noise, dust, and hazardous materials. Quote of the Month In addition, the extra heavy traffic would travel up Cranford St and return to the CBD via Northlands and Affluence separates people, Papanui Rd. Contamination of ground water and surface poverty knits ‘em together. water from run off would be very hard to prevent. You got some sugar and I don’t; 4. Exploiting a loophole in the Canterbury Earthquake I borrow some of yours. Recovery Act to establish a new industrial activity. A Next month you might not have any flour; clause that allowed a 48 hour turn around for consenting well, I’ll give you some of mine. temporary construction depots, such as would be required Ray Charles to fix a piece of infrastructure like a sewer, was being used (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) to ride rough shod over community concerns. Singer The Community Board gave us a fair hearing, listened to the arguments put forward by the applicant, and resolved to make a submission on the application opposing it. We gained valuable media exposure with an article on the Look us up on front page of The Press the following day which helped alert the community. Radio NZ and Newstalk ZB also http://stalbans.gen.nz covered the story. Meanwhile, the company claimed that they would save a huge amount on demolition costs, which could impact future insurance premiums. Later analysis of those figures showed the additional costs were largely fictitious. Residents then decided that a Community Meeting was required where we could hear from independent experts, so organised this for the week after the Community Board Follow us on Facebook, delegation. A flier was designed, printed and distributed http://www.facebook.com/StAlbansNews to 5,000 local letter boxes over the weekend. The local school came on board and notified all parents. The QR code can de-coded by a “smart-phone” with Over 150 people attended the meeting, to ask questions an embedded camera and barcode reading software from our experts in health, hazardous waste, planning and installed. education. The meeting resolved to ask the chief executives of CERA, the City council and ECan to come up with a Barcode scanning software is available for free.