St AlbansThe Voice of our NewsNeighbourhood June 2011

A Big Neighbourhood Muck In Highlights

What’s new with SARA page 3 by Peggy Kelly 5 trips to Placemakers for builder’s For many years we have wanted to mix, cement and sand, mixing in a build some raised vegetable beds in the wheelbarrow and lots of laughs. community garden. Now a ready supply of Special Thanks To: Country comes bricks makes this a real possibility. • Roger for his truck and his help in After the February earthquake Kings bringing bricks from Merivale to to town Seeds donated vegetable seeds to all the the park page 5 Community Gardens in . This • Tony for allowing us to take the generous gift encouraged The Friends of bricks Packe Street Park to decide to get on with • Bertram Rush for ordering the planning for a proper vegetable garden in necessary materials and for ours. transporting the boxing and for St Matthews Volunteering Canterbury (of which we lending his tools Scouts are a member) sent out word that Genesis • Genesis Energy, Red Cross and Energy and the Red Cross were going to The Friends of Packe St Park for page 6 sponsor some community projects staffed providing the volunteer workers by volunteers from the North Island who • Helen for baking and bringing the wanted to help Christchurch. Our society delicious savoury scones applied to be considered and was very • Hazel from baking and bringing the St Albans fortunate to be chosen. delicious banana cake On Thursday 26th May 2011 a mini • Nellie for hot chips and an Childcare bus full of energetic people arrived at overwhelming donation of packaged Centres the park at 9.30am and together with our food that will sustain us on future own volunteers worked all day in quite workdays pages 8 & 9 wet weather to put in the foundations for • Tessa for supplying her shovels and our raised beds. This involved digging out energy the site, measuring, pegging the boxing, continued on page four

The St Albans News — distributed free to 5000 households Page 2 St Albans News June 2011

Oh my, what does one healthy and safe place to live. I want to live in a city write when one’s head that benefits from the latest technological advances... has so many thoughts and (many more wants)... and provides me with fresh food, emotions mushing together water and air. in it? I probably should For St Albans I want the tram to run up Colombo St. stick to an easy topic like I have just discovered that the beautiful old block of the weather, which it could shops at the Westminster/Cranford Street intersection be said, would be my number one reason for enjoying was once the end-of-the-line, for the trams. It was living here. And, though I’m not sure if it is ‘politically once suggested the structure ought to be named “The correct’ to admit it, I am enjoying Christchurch. Terminus.” Could we rebuild some history we lost long I have been forcing my husband to take Sundays off ago? (completely!) The sun has continued to shine and we I wouldn’t mind seeing, just for starters, a modernised have been having the most wonderful family missions. Edgeware Village, more community orientated Tree climbing and the ‘leaf monster game’ around the property developments, changes to the zoning and a Peacock Fountain in Botanic Gardens, back again for traffic management plan, that is not the current one, the ‘conker game’ and again for a picnic with friends perhaps that produced somewhere around 1967? in the Rose Garden. And when we temporarily tired of Oh, and what about a St Albans College of that great park we went bike riding through McLeans Engineering, Architecture, and Earth Sciences and our Island Forest which is a great place to spend a day own museum? And add a gymnasium (with opening and I find it a lot more calming than biking around St roof) to the St Albans Pool? And the empty site on Albans. Madras St (currently grazing cows, which also happens St Albans, my neighbourhood; the broken streets, to be about the only thing that has happened to the site the destroyed houses, my neighbours living in in 20 years) set up as a non-profit community food damaged homes and the empty home. My neighbours produce area? gone. The lost shops and businesses and the empty What do you want? lots. The bike rides around these streets bring me back I hope you too are continuing to dream. Remember to reality. The reality that we are all facing together. to smile and get some timeout. Get involved in your But the ‘reality’ of today is not my future. I want my community, this can be as simple as using your local future to be amazing. businesses or as adventurous as planning a community I want to live in a city that protects its environments, event. Have the courage to make a difference. both natural and built. I want to be proud of the Emma Twaddell foundations of our citywide infrastructure and the all Chair of the St Albans important foundations that will make our city a happy, Residents’ Association

Editorial St Albans News, June 2011 First, I want to apologise to all who didn’t get to Vol. 19, Number 2, Issue No. 189 hold a copy of the St Albans News in their hands in The St Albans News is a community newspaper. This April. It was the first after the quake, and we only newspaper is delivered monthly, and is free to over 3000 printed and distributed 3200 copies. Distribution homes and businesses. All contents are copyright by the was a bit patchy, to certain areas of St Albans but original authors. Please acknowledge the source of any excerpts as the St Albans News. not others. This month around we have printed Send your news contributions and adverts to: 5000 copies, with a much wider distribution. We St Albans News, P.O. Box 21-102, Christchurch have also a much larger volunteer team helping us Email: [email protected] with the distribution — please join us for the next Phone: 374 2465 issue which we are planning for August. Website: http://www.stalbans.gen.nz Again, a big thank you to the local business Editor: Christoph Hensch community who are supporting the current issue Design, layout, advertisement design: Maria Hayward with paid advertising. And thank you also to those With regular contributions from: Maxine Feutz, Hilaire Campbell, Doug Craig, and community members who have sent in stories and others. reports. This paper is open to everyone — please send us your contribution for the next issue by 29 The opinions expressed in this publication are solely July to ‘[email protected]’. those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the St Albans Residents’ Association. by Christoph Hensch, Editor St Albans News June 2011 — Page 3 What’s new with the St Albans Residents Association? by Emma Twaddell So we started thinking about how we can engage the In December 2010, due to a complaint made from community more and came across a project in Wellington a member of our community, the organisation was called the ‘Newlands Project’ and then we were lucky investigated by the CCC and the Charities Commission. enough to have Jarrod Coburn from the Draco Foundation The council thoroughly inspected our financials; they found and a member of the Newlands Residents Association no faults or wrong doings and as was the case in the past, talk to us about the project at our last meeting. believe we are a very viable organisation and will fully The Newlands Project is basically a ten-year strategy support us in the future. The Charities Commission pulled which guided the organisation toward establishing a us up on three articles in the St Albans News, concluding strong mandate to act for and on behalf of the greater that the organisation had engaged in political advocacy. Newlands community. It started with a survey of the Unlike Greenpeace, who have lost their ‘charity’ status community, and some of the things it has helped with for the same reason, SARA was given a warning and the — or was directly involved in — over the past decade Commission recommended that the organisation does not included the new skateboard park, several children’s engage in any matters of political advocacy in the future. playgrounds, a heritage walkway, bus shelters at all The first edition of The St Albans News has been stops where possible and the $3M Newlands Community produced since this finding and as was the case in the past, Centre. “The opinions expressed in this publication are solely those With the loss of the St Albans Community Centre, of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the SARA has been presented with a situation where, like St Albans Residents’ Association.” So while I’m not sure our city, we can take all the good work it has done in the if holding ‘charity’ status will be part of our future, I am community over the past two decades and build a new aware that there is one very important lesson SARA must vision for the future. One where the outcome is greater learn from these experiences to continue to play a part in the levels of social capital, a more competent community, development of a vibrant and healthy community. It must better and more trusted sources of local information and communicate with its members and the wider community. greater equality. It must ensure it has the mandate of the community for the “The world is moving on from money being the projects it leads and not assume that what it’s doing is what prime resource in communities: we are now seeing the community wants. Social Capital playing a major role in transforming local economies and improving the lot of ordinary people,” says Jarod Coburn. Ò

Residents Associations Mandate Vision Governance Accountability Consultation Current Often not present Traditional AGM, annual return Not required and often Not required Situation or visible committee structure to Companies Office not sought      Local people Residents’ An internal A mechanism Communication becoming more Association showing framework that allowing residents to channels established Change involved because it represents the promotes good raise concerns and be between association Required they share a interests of the governance and assured of proper and the wider common vision for community accountability performance community their community      Committee Ongoing and regular “New” Committee becomes accountable to local communication with Residents’ Board of Governors, residents at AGM and Annual survey of all Community groups; businesses; Associations delegates certain public meetings, households in the strategy developed and religious, based on the authority to Programme area from survey results educational and ethnic Newlands Programme Champions organisations in the Model Champions accountable to the area. committee      Increases public Relationship to confidence in Increased public Builds local Contributes to Community Association, boosting participation by local Builds social capital networks ‘sense of place’ Resilience trust in information residents released by it

Page 4 St Albans News June 2011 Companions In Crisis by Reetah Mitchell Along with Ken Ring giving us a triple layer gateau. With icing. And much jollier than “diet, be sober and the collective heebie-jeebies with his cream. And sprinkles. sensible.” I do need to point out, I may predictions, recently we’ve also had Quake weight or girth-quake, have become a bit of a soak, but not a Reverend Harold Camping in the good whatever whimsical name you want dangerous one – unless of course you old U. S. of A. giving his Judgment to give it, a whole heap of stuff got happen to be a roving chocolate bar, Day prophesies. It probably wouldn’t past my lips and it is now clinging pack of chips or bucket of KFC. have even made our national news, grimly to my hips. In this vain, except for the fact that Armageddon vacuous world we live in, a not-so- And therein lies the problem: was to kick off in New Zealand secret part of me wishes that during • Alcohol + alcohol = munchies. with an earthquake or two. Funnily times of stress, I could forgo food and enough, even three whole months melt away to waif-like proportions. This leads to the inevitable equation: after our last apocalyptic shake, we Oh no, not me! I’m the polar opposite • Junk food + alcohol already are still a little sensitive about people of that woman. During times of angst, ingested = elasticated telling us we might be getting more. my whole physical and psychological waistbands and empire line Had the Reverend’s calculations self turns its focus to food. tunics. been correct, my rapturous uprising Not only do I have to eat tonnes of wouldn’t have been a certain thing. it, but some primitive hunter-gatherer The time has come to say, enough The major problem being, my part of me needs to stockpile and is enough. I cannot stop the earth religious leanings are decidedly squirrel away whatever sustenance from moving, nor can I tell you if or ambivalent. “Be kind” is the only I can find. Even during substantial when it will shake again. I don’t have mantra of meaning I live by. Although aftershocks, I was up trees, stripping the ability to foresee the time the it is encouraged heartily within the them of crabapples, lemons and world will come to a cataclysmic end. Christian faith, there are a few more black-boy peaches. The harvest to be But I do have the skill to control what hoops you have to jump through packed, stacked and shelved away in goes into my mouth. before you qualify as a fully fledged case of future eating emergencies (all member of God’s inner circle. glass receptacles now being kept very My new formula will be: However, even if any Higher Being low, in padded surroundings – I will • Closed mouth + active body = a had fudged over some of the finer not lose preserves for a third time, more harmonious relationship details of my entitlement and was dammit!) with the bathroom scales. happy enough with my humanitarian However, my guiltiest gluttony • benevolence, I know there would have involves ambrosia that doesn’t even And I won’t need to be a psychic to been a divine dilemma at the actual need chewing. It just tickles my taste predict that eventually I’ll be the one time of ascension. You see, I’m pretty buds and slides right on down: Pinot rocking my jeans, instead of them sure that while God would be eagerly Noir. mocking me. Ò elevating all the true believers to I have to confess, even before Heaven, upon attempting to pull my Canterbury started acting like some earthly body to paradise, he would’ve sort of gigantic trampoline, I was Continued from page one struggled. There would’ve been some very partial to a glass or two (and on • Mark for minding everything huffing and puffing, a bit of groaning special occasions, three) of red wine. while the site was unattended and then a deep deity-like booming But after two serious shakes and • Bill for washing the dishes and complaint from above, “Good grief thousands of aftershocks, I calculate acting as general factotum child, how did you get so heavy?” I have single-handedly kept most of • All the members of our society You see, I’ve put on a few kilos. the vineyards of Central Otago open and from the community who I’m not going to tell you how many (a and operational with my quaffing. have supported the garden in lady has to keep some secrets), but it’s At first, my intake was purely for challenging times — especially enough that my jeans sit on a shelf in medicinal reasons, a quiet couple including Larry from City Care. my room quietly mocking me. Post- to render myself unconscious and September and Pre-February, I had a hopefully comatose for the worst Next Stage muffin top, which was being beaten of any nighttime wobbling by Old While we wait for an experienced into shape with lots of walks, yoga Mother Earth. Then, I took to the bricklayer to volunteer help we need and healthy eating. Since 22 February, motto “eat, drink and be merry” to clean 1000 bricks. Please feel free my little muffin has mushroomed into with gusto, because it was just so to come and clean some bricks! Ò St Albans News June 2011 — Page 5 Country comes to town standing chewing cud, and a third lying down chewing cud. In Canterbury, by two in the afternoon they should be lying down. If you see cattle standing all the time you know they’re hungry.” Wayne used to have pet names; “I remember every animal in one line of Herefords. The Colonel had three stripes, and Noisy was really embarrassing because people thought he was being tortured. But it’s a wrench when you sell. Now a number is as close to a name as I get. 204, 205, 206 and 207 will reach prime around 500 kilos, this time next year. Then they’ll be off to the sale yards.” It’s funny,” Wayne says, “I love my animals by Hilaire Campbell and enjoy looking after them, There’s a bit of a farm on the old and respect for his animals. “Some especially in winter when they need Orion site. Swallows and magpies, farmers use sticks, but I don’t like you most... but it’s never stopped me paradise ducks in puddles, the odd aggression. I’d rather work with them. eating them. The trouble is you end rabbit, and, until winter, four Friesian Even when I’ve got a rope, a three up with more sausages and mince and cattle. Mothers and babies love them. month old cow can throw me because stewing steak than you can handle, Any fine Sunday they park their it’s in constant four wheel drive. It’s and it gets freezer burn.” buggies at the wire fence and fat little got four feet for traction, and weighs When Wayne buys cattle, it’s by fists force autumn apples through the seven times more than me.” the weight — $1.50 kg is good — gaps at their cavernous mouths. It’s Wayne’s Friesians are less than a and he’d like to try Jersey cross. He’s the closest some of them have ever got year old but he says when they get heard it’s the best meat, “and it’s really to the real thing, and although Wayne to 18 months or 200 kilos, they will cheap. But the typical housewife buys Harper, the owner of the animals, develop real character. “Already one with her eyes. She doesn’t like yellow had reservations about putting them of them is unusually sensitive. It hates fatted beef so butchers won’t sell it. here, he says “it’s been a very positive being touched on the head, but loves She holds them to ransom.” experience with the public.” chewing my fist. Another is always Wayne got into grazing cattle after Wayne lives in St Albans and runs happy. Its tail goes loop galoop.” he bought a horse, and he could tell a business called Pasturecare — “I’m When he checked them just after you some stories, but he’s got to go the weed bandit.” But he mows the the September earthquake, “there and check his darlings. If they get grass on the Orion site in exchange for they were, quietly chewing their cud. on the road they’ll be shot, and if reduced grazing rates. For many years Totally unperturbed.” there’s an accident I could be up he was a psychologist, “now I’m left Wayne says paddock time is for manslaughter. It’s a pretty good to ponder animals.” Naturally Wayne divided roughly into thirds. “Cattle motivation for looking after them in has developed a deep understanding spend a third of it eating, a third the city.” Ò Page 6 St Albans News June 2011 St Matthews Scout Group by Steve Dunford In 1909, (approximately 18 months after Baden Powell and an active committee backing them up though, and we first began the Scouting movement in the UK) a new Scout are struggling on towards the light at the end of the tunnel Troop was formed at the Holy Trinity Church. (and no, we’re pretty sure that light isn’t an oncoming This Troop did very well, and gained the notice of the train!). Governor General and his wife, Lady Liverpool. The Troop We occasionally have events to mark milestones, and was renamed as The Avonside Troop, Lady Liverpool’s for the latest one our Hall, which has just turned 50, was Own (LLO for short) with her blessing. Due to reasons to have a birthday party late September last year. For that have been lost in history, the Troop parted company obvious reasons, in that month we decided to postpone — with the Church some time prior to 1920 — meeting in until March of this year! Not surprisingly, we have now various halls and other locations until a connection was decided to indefinitely postpone this event — and at this stage we’ll tie it in with our official (as St. Matts) 90th celebrations next year. The birthday event was to be partly a fundraising one — as the hall roof is leaking in places (this has gotten worse with the quakes, and now is quite bad in places). We’ve also lost some major fundraising opportunities that we normally rely on after the recent quakes, but we’ve been very actively “sausage sizzling” lately at various sites to try and top the coffers up again. We have a few other ideas, and will be out in force trying all kinds of things to stabilise our finances and we would urge you to support us if you see us out there. We’ve been part of your community for nearly 90 years, and we fully intend to be part of it for at least 90 more. St Matthew’s Scout Troop - Sept 1942. Scouters - Acting SM: A. W. V. Reeve If you have any questions about (DSM), ASMs: J. Macaulay, D. Watson, L. Holland Scouting, or if you would like to get made through one of the Scouts and his uncle who was involved (or get your children involved) then feel free to on the Vestry of St. Matthew’s Church. The Church was contact our Group Leader, Stu on 960 4478, or myself looking at setting up a Scout Troop at the time, and the (Steve) on 385 7230. Avonside Troop was looking for a new home — so a trial Note: As part of our fundraising efforts, the Group is arrangement was put in place, and the boys moved to their able to provide our hall for hire at very reasonable prices new location sometime in 1921. Thus began an association (daytimes and some evenings) to groups who may have lost with St Albans that has spanned nearly 90 years, and one theirs in recent events. See the hire page on our website — which provides the community with a link to the very http://www.stmatts.co.nz if you are interested. Ò beginnings of Scouting in New Zealand and even world- wide. In 1922, the Troop was officially registered (with Lady Liverpool’s blessing, but sad note at the loss of the original name) as the St. Matthew’s LLO Scout Troop. CUT PRICE The St Matthew’s Group (the word Troop was replaced with Group in approximately 1930) is still going strong ENGRAVING today, with around 70 members spread across Keas, Cubs OVER 42 YEARS EXPERIENCE and Scouts (covering ages 6 1/2 through to around 14). • TROPHY SUPPLIES • KEY CUTTING • Many of our Scouts also go on to join the local Venturer • GOLD STAMPING • WATCH BATTERIES • Unit, which takes them through to age 18. • SCISSOR SHARPENING • As a Group today we are doing well, but the quakes have NEW LOCATION: 19 CROSBY STREET, ST ALBANS, CHRISTCHURCH taken their toll with reduced numbers and (importantly) ALAN JEFFRIES. PH/FAX 03 3857923, MOBILE 027 2017374 funds. We do have a fantastic team of dedicated leaders St Albans News June 2011 — Page 7 SeniorNet Canterbury regains its feet by Ian Scott After the earthquake on 22 February, the Society’s rooms at the Shirley Community Centre were sadly no longer usable, with the building having been declared dangerous by Engineers. As a result, all the groups that used the facilities had to find other premises. Members of the SeniorNet Canterbury Executive Committee were able to salvage all the technical equipment from the building but, unfortunately, the furniture had to be left behind. The brave souls who carried out this task are to be commended; their efforts have enabled the Society to be up and running with the minimum of delay. Other groups came to the rescue with offers of rooms, and tutoring Student with Teacher at new Ferrymead location recommenced in April at the premises now held at Ferrymead on Mondays, Ferrymead. of SeniorNet Garden City, Brake Tuesdays and Wednesdays with Help Meanwhile, new members are Street, Riccarton and also at the Sessions on Tuesdays, 12.00 noon very welcome. Subscriptions are Ferrymead Lions Club at the southern to 2.00pm. In addition, classes are $25.00, which includes a free end of the Heritage Park. Classes are held on Fridays in the SeniorNet Introductory Course of four two- Garden City hour lessons. When this has been rooms. We really completed, the student can progress appreciate the to such courses as Word Processing, generosity of both File Management, E-mail, Internet, the Ferrymead Genealogy and many more. Free Lions Club and Help Sessions are available with SeniorNet Garden membership, which also allows one City for coming to become part of a friendly group to the rescue of enthusiasts dedicated to peer-to- of SeniorNet peer learning. The monthly Social Canterbury, which Meetings are held at Ferrymead on has contributed the third Thursday of each month, at greatly to its quick which stimulating speakers never fail recovery. to create interest. Workshops, To join SeniorNet Canterbury, monthly Social ring the Secretary, Kitty Milner, on Meetings and 980-2985 and ask for an information Special Interest leaflet and application form, or leave Groups are also a message on the answerphone. now up and For more information, visit our running with website www.seniornetcanty.co.nz all being held at Ò Page 8 St Albans News June 2011 St Albans’ Treasures: Christchurch’s Oldest Kindergarten by Emma Twaddell St Albans is home to Christchurch’s ever since. And Sunbeam has also Another example is the Cultural oldest kindergarten, now known as continued to be part of St Albans Lunch coming up, where parents and Kidsfirst Kindergartens Sunbeam. St community. Providing, not just a children will be sharing food that is special to their own families and ‘culture,’ with each other. If you are interested in your children attending Sunbeam Kidsfirst Kindergartens they are currently enrolling children aged just under 3 years. Contact Neroli at Neroli. [email protected] or 366 7157 Ò

Sunbeam Kindergarten Centennial 1899-1999 Souvenir Book. Compiled by Bruce King and Amanda Fairs.

The Montessori system in operation at the Sunbeam Kindergarten at St Albans in 1915. Photo: Christchurch City Libraries Heritage Collection Albans School, as it was then called, place for our littlies to play, socialise was opened in August 1899 in the and learn, but a place where parents St Albans Public Library, High St, meet and involve themselves in this Knightstown, now known as Dover smaller community. A great example St. of this was a recent working bee where Below: Children tending to the Nine children started on the first many parents and caregivers worked vegetable garden in today’s day and grew to thirty by the end and talked alongside each other to Kindergarten. Photos by Emma of the first year. The children were get the property ready for winter. Twaddell provided with training in reverance, orderliness, neatness, cleanliness, courtesy and industry while also developing the child’s physical, mental and ethical nature. The site of the kindergarten moved to Cornwall Street in 1905. The original building on the site was replaced in 1961 which was also the year of the Golden Jubilee for the Kindergarten Association. As part of the celebrations the new Sunbeam kindergarten building reopened at the hour of the first meeting called half a century earlier. St Albans children have been attending sessions at this gorgeous little site hidden away on Cornwall St in the heart of Edgeware Village St Albans News June 2011 — Page 9 Where has St Albans Edu-Care Centre gone? by Allison Alexander Like many other business in the Christchurch, St Albans Edu-Care has also had to move from their premises due to damage to their building after the February earthquake. Multiple cracks appeared in their Thames Street centre, making it unsafe for the teachers, pre-schoolers, and their families, who attend the early childhood centre. But where have they moved to? Glenmoor School has opened their doors and now St Albans Edu-Care is sharing the Philpotts Road site. Glenmoor School is a small school, with a rural outlook, on the edge of town. Instead of having two classrooms sitting with limited use, the school has welcomed the teachers and children of the Edu-Care centre, to share their facilities until their own building is once again safe. The children share the playground, with either the school children or the pre-schoolers using the play equipment at one time, to stop unnecessary accidents. But there are times when both the school & Edu-Care joined together, like the “Fun Day” the school held, after the earthquake, to bring fun back into the lives of the children. Even though the recent earthquake Some of the children has done so much damage, it has also & their teacher, at St brought our communities together. Albans Edu-Care St Albans Edu-Care, ph: 355-9396 Centre, now based Glenmoor School Ph: 385-3575 Ò at Glenmoor School

trade Ambrose Heal skills Building-Carpentry “Rising from the Painting-Plastering Rubble” Electrical-Plumbing Paperhanging EQC: Cnr Barbadoes & Waterblasting Edgeware General Handyman Cats on Cranford and much more • quotes Christchurch (next door to St Albans Vet) Phone/Fax: 03 385 3138 Trade Skills • restoration 102 Cranford Street email: Phone • replacement [email protected] Phone 355 6743 Inspection Welcome Peter on 332-6274 Page 10 St Albans News June 2011 Break-Away Programme Bucks The Trend

Youth playing Korfball at April Break Away Programme by Emma Twaddell and Westminster This free programme provided ex Olympians took the time out to Sports opportunities for the young people in demonstrate their skills and passion Females led the charge at the the community to experience a range for their respective sports to the youth April Break Away School Holiday of sports and to develop new skills participating. Programme staged by Westminster and importantly have fun doing so. Westminster Sports is currently Sports recently. With 24 of the 26 The attendees got to have a go at planning a July school holiday Break- registered participants, female, it was a variety of sports including athletics, Away Programme. For more information a dynamic that proved a recipe for basketball, korfball, martial arts visit www.westminstersports.co.nz. Ò success. (judo & kick Westminster Sports CEO Eddie boxing) football Cropley said “this bucks the trend that lacrosse, AFL and only males are interested in sport” turbo touch over adding ‘they were very competitive, the course of the and demonstrated a high level of four days. Top skill and understanding across the level coaches, NZ various sports delivered during the and Canterbury Now at: 933 Colombo St programme” representative and (Next to 24 Hour Surgery) No Appointment Required New Patients Welcome Weekdays 8am-6pm / Saturday 9am-1pm Phone (03) 3791112 www.promed.health.nz St Albans News June 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

The Edgeware Nicky Wagner NatioNal Party MP Do come and visit Sports Bar me at my office

[email protected] Ph: 03 365 8297 “The Tiny Bar 222 Bealey ave, Christchurch with the www.national.org.nz Big Atmosphere” 18 Pokies

Pool Table • WOF & full mechanical repairs • $72.50/hr charge rate • Latest diagnostic equipment TAB POD & TAB TERMINAL • Courtesy cars • Open Saturday Ph: 377 2294 25 Canon Street 377 1133 Beside Sema’s Restaurant www.edgeauto.co.nz Brendon BURNS MP for Christchurch Central

For assistance with earthquake or other issues contact my electorate office: P 03 377 8840 304 Fitzgerald Avenue [email protected] brendonburns.co.nz Page 12 St Albans News June 2011 Fixing St Albans Roads by Nicky Wagner St Albans residents have expressed recovery and rebuild partners, is But it is not only guaranteed understandable concern about the wholly committed to the reinstatement funding that is crucial to the rebuild state of the roads in the area after the of essential services in Christchurch. — appropriate expertise is too. February earthquake. Madras Canterbury Earthquake Street north, in particular, Recovery Minister Gerry has suffered extensive Brownlee last month infrastructural damage and announced an alliance of requires considerable care specialised parties that will when driving. rebuild Christchurch’s badly Some locals have also damaged ground level and raised the issue of dangerous below ground infrastructure, footpaths and access ways including roads, water, posing hazards for children, wastewater and stormwater. the elderly and the infirm. The Canterbury Earthquake The scale of the Recovery Authority (CERA) infrastructural damage worked with the Christchurch to Christchurch, and in City Council (CCC) and particular to suburbs like St NZ Transport Agency to Albans, in the wake of the September The $5.5 billion allocated to the establish the alliance, which includes and February earthquakes is immense. Christchurch Recovery in this year’s CERA, CCC, and experienced expert The raised pot holes and slumping budget incorporates the Government’s operators Fulton Hogan, Downer in roads, street flooding, and storm share of repairing essential local Construction, Fletcher Construction, water blockages are all indicators of infrastructure — mainly water and MacDow New Zealand and City Care. significant damage to underground roading infrastructure. I have absolute confidence in the pipes and service systems. A proportion is also earmarked for ability and expertise of all alliance I would like to offer reassurance repairing state owned assets such as partners to deliver for the people of that the National-led government, state highways, schools and hospitals. our city. in conjunction with our earthquake

Our Say, Our Assets by Brendon Burns It has been really encouraging to playing their role in our recovery so look forward to working with new see thousands of Cantabrians sharing we can benefit from their experiences CERA boss . I recently their ideas on the future of our city. and knowledge. attended a Canterbury Business We all have a role to play in the rebuild These recent collaborative events Recovery meeting where Roger of this city — through our support, show that Cantabrians are thinking in Sutton showed why he is the right our ideas, and our commitment. Ideas the long-term. One major contribution man for the job. He joked that he was and commitment were on display to our long-term welfare is our assets. going to put CERA on the 20th floor at the recent Community Expo, Christchurch City Council assets of the still abandoned PWC building where people of all ages shared their deliver a strong income stream to as a symbol of rebuilding — and vision for our city. The UNESCO ratepayers. Selling the assets would so nobody else would come up and Christchurch Youth Voices Forum provide a short-term gain for a hassle them! Roger will need this was a great opportunity for the long-term cost and that is why I am humour, and our support, as he meets younger members of our community opposed to the powers enacted by the the demands of this job. to express their views and what is Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act I am very pleased to have a new important to them — after all, we being used to sell our family silver. Electorate Office at 304 Fitzgerald want a city to be enjoyed now and Providing leadership and support Ave. My staff and I are here to help long into the future. It will be our in the rebuilding our city remains with earthquake or other issues. young that inherit the city we create. at the heart of my focus as MP for Please phone 377 8840 I look forward to seeing Generation Y Christchurch Central. In this role I St Albans News June 2011 — Page 13 Letter to the Editor Save The Quarter Acre Pavlova St Albans Paradise Dear Sir who vehemently oppose battery hen of urban sprawl. Why is housing so Some of the rebuilding ideas and pig stall housing for animals. horrible compared with the green of Urban Ecology are a welcome Numerous surveys have revealed and industrial desert of much of the addition to the current debates — but that the first choice of the vast majority countryside? Urban homes are spaces not the zealotry and disingenuity that of home buyers is a stand alone house where people live and love, decorate, goes with the message. on a section with room for kids to create biologically diverse gardens, Urban Ecology asserts that “most play, ability to park the boat on the and nurture families. Urban ecologists of us spend hours commuting”. Well, lawn, knock up a shed, grow a vege need to look beyond the confines of not all of us. Some of us work from garden, play music and cook fragrant their own ideology. home. And do we always have a food without worrying about the Viva la choice but don’t demand choice to eliminate commuting? Look neighbours upstairs, downstairs or that we all bow down to the apartment at the plethora of employers which next door. These are the things that lifestyle. have recently fled to the fringes of make the character of St Albans a Yours the city requiring staff to follow. But pleasant place to be. Chris Hutching how about taking a bike or the bus in The Christie’s Walk project that a city where most places are within 30 so entrances Urban Ecology leaves The St Albans News relies minutes travel? We don’t all need to me cold, although if I was a student on your contributions. live in apartments. I might enjoy the idea. But why on Please send your articles, The urban ecologists refuse to earth we would want to squash people letters and notices to acknowledge that communal or into high density living when we have [email protected]. intensive living is the choice of a so much available land within 5 kms The deadline for the next minority and that it is fraught with of Cathedral Square for spacious issue is many social problems — I bet the housing is beyond me. July 29th urban ecologists are the same people Urban Ecology talks of the “blight” Page 14 St Albans News June 2011 Community Notices

Beat the Budget Blues someone else’s gambling, free confidential tpa.org.nz Where: SWAP Community House help with Christchurch staff is only a phone Sustainable Otautahi – Christchurch Time: 9.30am — 12pm (with soup lunch to call away: 0800 664 262 Annual General Meeting. Speaker: Paul follow) Cottam Social Policy Principal Advisor at Date: Wednesday 3, 10, 17 & 24 August Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St Albans and Christchurch City Council on “Community Beat the Budget Blues is run each Wednesday St Matthew’s Church in Bryndwr. Wellbeing and the Central City Plan” over 4 weeks to show you tips and strategies • What is Catholic Faith? What / Who is WEA Hall, 59 Gloucester Street, 7.30 pm to stretch your dollar further, to reduce debt God? Tuesday 14 June 2011. and stay debt-free. The facilitator is Paul from • Why does a loving God permit suffering? All members and supporters are invited. Kingdom Resources. Phone Lorelei on 366 Why do we exist? 8540 if you are interested in this or any other • The Catholic Faith can help you find St Albans Pavilion and Pool Inc. 2011 AGM course. purpose in life. Tuesday 28th June, 2011, 7.30pm. Location to Lorelei Skilton, Community Worker, Single You are warmly invited to attend an Inquiry be confirmed. Women as Parents, Ph. 366 8540 Evening in St Matthew’s Church Foyer on Wed Discussion Topic: Rebuilding Edgeware 8th June 2011 at 7.30pm. It is widely recognised that our communities Packe St Gardens The Church is located at 108 Jeffrey’s Road, and neighbours have become a lot closer as Weekly working bees continue (for the 15th (cnr Idris Road), off street parking avaliable. a result of the massive earthquake events that year) on Thursdays 2 — 4pm. For more information please contact: Sr we have all endured. We now acknowledge, Annual membership subscriptions remain at Bertha Hurley 355 0959, or Steve Sparrow more than ever, the important support that $5 Family and $2 Individual. 355-8557; 021-031-4770 strong communities offer. We also have to come to terms with the loss of many of our Parenting the Early Years (1-6 year olds): WEA neighbourhood facilities and the opportunity Great 6-week course to help you tackle the The WEA is open and our usual great mix of for meeting and for getting involved in our changes and issues that arise in parenting educational courses are running. To find out community that those facilities provided. young children. FREE. Starts 2nd June — more about our current programme please To that end the St Albans Pavilion and Pool daytime course at Hammersley Park School; phone 366 0285, or look at our website: cwea. Group is even more determined to bring back evening at St Albans Baptist. Phone Kim at org.nz our open air pool and community facility, 3555 6522 or txt on 0276772472 or email Canterbury WEA, 59 Gloucester Street, so that we can again have a central, safe [email protected] email: [email protected] recreation and meeting place for everyone. A place that can be used and enjoyed by as Christchurch Area Citizens Advice St Albans Residents’ Association looking many groups in our community as possible; a We will be in the English Park Car park on for Space safe place for children to swim, play, and learn Cranford St operating out of a caravan on Community Space. Do you have/know of water safety; a place to help and promote the Friday 17th June 2011 from 10 — 4pm. space available for local community groups to re-build and recovery of our part of our city. Come and see us for free and confidential rent or use? Hall space, meeting rooms, office We want your involvement and need your advice. We take the time to listen to you and space. Days, evenings, weekends. Short or ideas and input. All Welcome! equip you with the information, options and long term. Let us know if you have space or if support that fit your needs. In the meantime need space. [email protected]. ST. ALBANS DAY — “rekindling our if you have any questions or you need help nz or leave a message on 374 2465 community” please don’t hesitate to contact us on: Saturday, June 25th 3 — 7pm, on the old 0800 367 222 — Mon — Fri 9 — 5pm Computer Training for the Over 55’s Edgeware Pool site, 43 Edgeware Rd/ SeniorNet Canterbury — now located at the Trafalgar St Problem Gambling Foundation Ferrymead Lions Club, 80 Ferrymead Park A chance to come together for warmth and According to the Problem Gambling Drive — has Computer Courses available for hospitality. foundation, pokies are one of the most those aged 55 and over on a wide range of Marking the past, celebrating the present, dangerous forms of gambling. Nearly 70% of subjects plus numerous one-day Workshops. planning the future... clients seek help for problems caused by pokie Peer training with small classes of up to six Come along and partake in machines, and 1 in 4 regular pokie players are students and two tutors. Free Help Sessions The Speakers Corner/Listening Post expected to develop a problem at some point. also available. Telephone 980 2985 for an The Wailing Wall/Wishing Well In the Christchurch district, there are 1618 information pack. The Faraway Tree, With Free Gifts/Food/Fun pokie machines. 54 of those machines are in The Kids Corner: limbo rock,lucky dip, and St Albans. Pokie takings have increased since Rental Accommodation Issues with much more... the earthquake. In some pubs, spending has your rental, need information, advice or What is this all about? Well, come on down, doubled or even tripled. It is disconcerting support? Tenants Protection Association bring a mug, bring your stories, bring your to see this money lost from vulnerable are operating out of Linwood Community Link smile. ALL WELCOME — There is something communities — more disconcerting still to (Work and Income) Aldwins Road Linwood for everyone. For more info (or just be consider the harms wrought on individuals and between 9 — 1pm Monday to Friday. Phone surprised) look out for posters, or contact their whanau as a result of problem gambling. 379 2297 for advice or an appointment, or Helen on 3662426 If you are concerned about your gambling or email [email protected] Website: http://www. [email protected] St Albans News June 2011 — Page 15 St Albans News Classifieds maintenance, repairs, painting, SERVICES Servicing St Albans for five TUITION years. Callouts start at $40/hr. carpentry, fencing, brickwork, Apex Painting and Decorating: Offsite repairs $20/hrs. Phone tiling work, alterations and those Clarinet, Sax, Guitar & Piano: All interior-exterior work and Ron 379 3061 or 021 0243 7398 odd jobs. Ph Pete 021 022 53774 Experienced local teacher for roofs. Competitive rates. Free or [email protected] or 385-1718. pete@knuiman. the NZ Modern School of Music. Quotes. No job too big or too Counselling: Earthquake co.nz Phone Nicola 377 1753 small. 40 years experience. trauma has placed consider- Healing: Energy healing, sound Drums: Experienced & qualified Pensioner rates available. Ph able pressure on some relation- healing, regression healing. Ph teacher at well-equipped studio 354 6300 anytime ships. As an approved Family Sunny on 374 3388. Facebook: with two kits. Rockschool exams A to Z Appliances: Repairing, Court Counsellor, I am able to sunnymayahealing available. Ph Andrew at 980 Selling & Buying Whiteware. help people to access funding to House cleaning job in St Albans 5456. [email protected]. Any brand, old or new. I stand meet with me where appropriate. wanted: By honest efficient nz by my work with warranties & Website:http://www.dianecoun- and reliable lady on a weekly Self Defense Classes: Gain offer very cheap local rates. For sell.com or ph 386 2746, Mob basis. $25 per hownhouse/flat. health & flexibility, Monday personalized service with a smile 027 338 5274 Diane Counsell. Excellent references available. & Thursday 5.30-7.30 at phone Zaine Harding on 980- Door Specialist: Repairs, Ph. Nicola 386 1118 Foundation for the Blind, 96 8262 or 021 249 2292 adjustments and installation of Intuitive healings and readings, Bristol St, Merivale. All ages. Ph Aakland Carpet Cleaning: all doors and locks, ranch slider also crystal healings. Caring 0800 581 481 Carpets and Upholstery Cleaned. wheels and locks, garage doors. and experienced practictioner. Yoga: Mary Potter Centre. Super cleaned from $15/room. Qualified Tradesman. Ph Stewart See my website www. Tuesday 10-11.30am. Friendly, Over 25 years experience. Phone 365 2969 or 021 185 4055 healingpathways.co.nz or phone relaxing class, well suited to 388 3314. Eastcoast Landscapes: Yvonne 9609711 mature figures. Phone Pauline Affordable Counselling: Unique quality service. For Mothers help/ home help 0n 980 8760 Experienced Counsellor and all your landscaping needs. wanted. Temporary position Zumba Fitness NZ — Zumba Therapist Don Rowlands, is We do paving, lawns, fences starting end June. 10 hours/ week With JB: Zumba Fitness NZ has locally based at the Durham and planting. EQC approved (flexible) for 4 weeks. Household extended our great range of Centre, 110 Bealey Avenue. contractor. For free quotes and duties plus some childcare. classes. We can now provide 9 Couple, individuals and blended advice phone Blair Gibson on 03 References required. Drivers Zumba classes each week. With families. Free counselling may be 981 5929 or 027 699 5815 license helpful. Contact Olivia on 4 nights and 5 daytime classes, available through the Disability Hairdresser: Long lasting 356 3603 or 021 495770 there’s something for everyone. Allowance (WINZ) or the Family shiny hair colour, organic based Painting and Decorating: Come and join the party! Courts. Ph. (03)365 7776 (wk) or ammonia free, good for you, Internal/external. 22 years Check out our website, www. 027 688 2061. good for the environment. Great experience plastering. Owner zumbafitness.net.nz or email us Computer Guru: Highest quality haircuts. Tracette, 80 Derby St, operator, efficient service, locally for more information, admin@ computer servicing, fixing all ph 379 6368 based. Ph Mark 355 7670 or 027 zumbafitness.net.nz Casual hardware/software problems, Handyman: Pete Knuiman 434 3300 classes $10 — Concession cards installations, advice and more. Ltd. For all your property available $80 for 10 classes

by Christoph Hensch Edgeware Village Closures Rather unexpectedly, St Albans has lost more shopping opportunities at the Edgeware Village. The block of shops at the corner of Colombo St and Edgeware Rd was evacuated on 2 June for at least a month or until further notice. The buildings were declared unsafe after they have been operating for about three months since the February earthquake, to the shock of both business operators as well as clients. Might this provide an opportunity for the creation of a real village square in Edgeware? Ò

Photo: C. Hensch Page 16 St Albans News June 2011 Newly formed St Albans Business Group meets

The newly formed St Albans a group.’ All were in agreement that Business Group (no formal name one thing the business community is yet) met for their inaugural meeting learning fast, is that most businesses on May 26th at Meshino Cafe. rely on other businesses to be Community Centre Notices There was a great turnout and some successful. The logistics of the city, interesting discussion was had. The such as buses and zoning were also St Albans Residents Association attendees were owners and managers hot topics. meetings are held monthly on the of local shops, businesses and sporting There was a general consensus to 2nd Tuesday. The next meeting is organisations; health and property meet again and continue discussion held on 12 July 2011. professionals and of course, as is now on the future. The next meeting the Christchurch way, a couple of new will be on 30 June @ 5.30 at St Albans Residents’ Association garage dweller business owners. Meshino Cafe. Anyone interested looking for Space - Community It was felt that business in St in joining the group can email Space. Do you have/know Albans has been severely affected by [email protected] of space available for local the earthquake in many ways. One for further information. Ò community groups to rent or use? being, the collapse of many buildings Hall space, meeting rooms, office and the loss of trading for who knows The St Albans News relies space. Days, evenings, weekends. how many businesses and the issues on your contributions. Short or long term. Let us know if of relocation for others. Another our Please send your articles, you have space or if need space. proximity to the central city and the letters and notices to loss of [email protected]. Please contact us by email at Discussions centred on the issues The deadline for the next [email protected]. facing local businesses now and how issue is nz or leave a message on 374 the group could benefit from ‘being July 29th 2465 for more information.

Quotes of the Month "You will not be able to go back to what it was like, but you can go forward by using the creative, innovative, sustainable opportunities that are already there.”

"It will be a challenge, and it will be huge, but the city can be safer, stronger and more beautiful than it was before."

Art Agnos, 39th Mayor of San Francisco Look us up on http://stalbans.gen.nz

Follow us on Facebook, http://www.facebook. com/StAlbansNews A sign in Edgeware reflecting the increasing frustration felt by the local residents. The QR code can de-coded by a “smart-phone” with an embedded camera and barcode reading software installed. Photo by Maria Hayward Barcode scanning software is available for free.