1 Village Voice Informing the Ashhurst & Communities

ISSN 2324-5468 (Print) http://pactrust.co.nz/voice ISSN 2324-5476 (Online) March 2021 Established 1997

The Annual Smallholders Auction 2021 The Ashhurst Pohangina Lions held The weather was kind again, with light anotherV successfulV Smallholder’s Auction cloud cover and a nice breeze. Plenty Inside this month on 30th January at the McDonald’s farm, of people took advantage of the free Letters To the Editor 2 just up the valley from Ashhurst. sunscreen and the undercover seating provided the Scouts. The first arrival on Friday was at 10.00 Book Review 2 am was a resident from Pohangina Valley, The gold coin donation from the bouncy (Side column) eager and keen to start. Unfortunately, it castle and inflatable slide went to Kids will be his last auction as he’s moving to in Motion, donated by Hamish from The Ashhurst Pohangina Junior Cambridge but what a way to have a good Maze, Colyton, and Dar and Julie Lui, DL Rugby Season Starting 3 clear out! Tree Specialists from the local area. Ashhurst and Districts Senior The afternoon got busier and busier There were three auctions running Citizens Association 3 with trailers and utes arriving, loaded with simultaneously to get through the over chattels, filling up the field. The Scouts 1,500 chattel lots up for bidding. The RECAP Update 4 arrived about 6.00 pm to set up their food last item went under the hammer about tent. What a great job they did too! 3.30 pm. Amongst the chattels this year, Waka Kotahi a motorboat was sold. The buyer had no The auction day set off well with Transport Association Update 5 intentions of buying a boat, but he took livestock arriving from 6.30 am. We had a one home anyway! Sheep and chicken Community Comment 5 good supply of small animals this year with sales were well supported this year…even sheep, chickens, some deer, a pheasant, selling fertile eggs to a late-comer. She’ll Ashhurst Memorial R.S.A. 6 some doves and an assortment of ducks have to wait for her chickens! and turkeys. A variety of arts and craft and A Little Ashhurst History 7 food stallholders arrived about 7.00 am to Our major sponsors this year were setup and then the public started arriving Property Brokers with Bill Milham and Ashhurst School 8 about 8.30 am. Plenty of coffee and ice- Yvonne Forlong, Totally Vets and Icona. Ashhurst Library 9 creams were converted to energy! A great community event, supported by local businesses, sporting clubs and Your Council News 11 the general public. A big thank you to all those who supported us again Ashhurst Bowling Club 12 this year. We would like to take this Ashhurst Clay Target Club 12 opportunity to thank the following clubs and schools who help to make Advertising Rates 12 this day more successful: Ashhurst Rugby Club, Ashhurst Football Club, Village Voice Contacts 12 Rover Scouts, and Awahou School PTAs, Ashhurst Play Centre and Ashhurt TaeKwondo, and the Ashhurst Scouts. If anyone would any more information about the Ashhurst Pohangina Lions or would like to join and be a part of a great community club, please contact the Smallholder Co-ordinator, Ron April Issue Farrugia, on 027 326 2380. Submission Deadline 5.00pm Saturday, 20th Ron Farrugia March 2021 Letter to the Editor—Village Style 2 Oh my goodness, where to start with this that would take some organising again. As Book Review letter, in response to the letter in February’s the doctor left, we all had to find a new edition. A lot of us have lived here practise and as most of us do travel to A Life on Our Planet: My Witness twenty—forty years or longer, and love at least once a week, we Statement and a Vision for the our ‘village’ style. We are not concerned have made it work. We recently gained a Future by David Attenborough about numbers but the atmosphere. If you bus service which suits many. Businesses At 94, David Attenborough looks back stay here long enough you will discover have come and gone, and more recently, over his extraordinary life and has written how caring most of us are. increased again. Live here a bit longer and this book as a testament to the vast changes An English friend tells me that a row of get to know us. the world has undergone over his lifetime. houses and a shop is called a hamlet. Also, Sally Goggin It is also the story of the loss of our planet’s we have had a doctor and a chemist and wild places—its biodiversity. Attenborough also tells of his vision for Letter to the Editor—Ashhurst is Simply Home the future and how, if we act now, we can In response to the Grow the suburb whether Ashhurst is still considered a yet put things right. As he says—All need is article featured in the February edition of ‘village’ (because of it’s current population the will to do so. The Ashhurst Village Voice I would love to numbers) or whether it’s a suburb is truly respond. semantics. Ashhurst is simply home. Am Each chapter of part one covers the I major advocate for change? Absolutely. decades from 1937 (world population 2.3 There has certainly been some talk But there’s an old saying that says “If it aint billion, carbon in atmosphere: 280parts around Ashhurst about it losing it’s true to broke, don’t fix it”. I think I speak for many per million, remaining wilderness 66%)— village character. With modern homes and residents when I say that we love that we Up to 2020 (world population 7.8 billion, high fences, it hardly looks anything like do not have a mini shopping complex as carbon in atmosphere 415 parts per it did four years ago when we first moved you’d find in , we love the fact million, Remaining Wilderness: 35%), here. But, as you begin to move through that we’re “out of town”. Its why we moved to illustrate the effect deforestation and the village whether it’s over a walk or here. Anyone searching for a “suburb” has overfishing has had on our planet Earth. talking with a neighbour, and I encourage people to do that, you soon find that it come to the wrong town. We are all aware of the overwhelming has not changed in heart. Debates around presence of plastics in our oceans and the Belinda Beukes problems dealing with ever-increasing human waste in the environment. The Letter to the Editor—Developing Ashhurst world’s rainforests have been reduced In the Feb. 2021 issue of the Village Voice top of Oxford Street, we only see roofs. by half, and one of the main causes was a letter from a temporary resident how No green etc. This is also applicable to of continuing deforestation is beef we should develop Ashhurst. Palmerston North new suburbs. production. No name was attached to the article. The We cannot take every piece of land Half of the fertile land on Earth is now person is only here to ‘build’(?) the new and build houses, roads, etc. We have to farmed. We overload it with nitrates and road. live too! A key to developing a city, town, phosphates and spray with pesticides, so I have lived in Ashhurst for over 24 Years. suburb etc. is include outdoor living space. killing the soil invertebrates that bring it to I love the place the way it was. The way the This is, in my view, a way of developing life and as a consequence causing once present planners of suburbs/housing think suburbs. fertile land to become barren and drought- is for me a puzzle. Not put a lot of housing together for the prone. I have no problem with more housing sake of it. This section of the book makes depressing however when you look down from the Joe Erkens reading indeed, but it is important to know where we have gone wrong in the past in Letter to the Editor—Ashhurst Crime order to repair the damage already done. For the past twelve months the Ashhurst and now car thieves who are torching the The second half of the book deals with Domain has been subjected to the stolen vehicles in or close to the Domain. possible solutions, one of which is what ‘Dirtbag Attentions’ of predominantly duck I have watched with dismay as these Attenborough calls “Rewilding”, and he shooters (identified) at the confluence of lowlifes have acted with seeming impunity discusses ways in which this could be the Pohangina and Manawatu rivers, fly for over a year now. The Council staff at done, bringing huge benefit to animals tippers, four wheel drivers who embarked the Domain and the local copper try to and wildlife in general and, of course, in on a program of vandalism and trespass put a stop to this activity, but it remains as around the Saddle Road Bridge and Letter to the Editor— continued Raumai Reserve. unabated. 3 If you want to live in a pleasant and These miscreants need to be caught friendly ‘Village’ then you need to protect Book Review continued and severely punished and the only it, these criminals have no place here and the long run to us. way that will happen is if people report need to be stopped. anything suspicious in the Domain as well Sir David Attenborough stands at the Name Witheld forefront of issues concerning the planet’s declining species and conservation. We Letter to the Editor—First Impressions should listen to his voice, read, and take We have been residing in Ashhurst manky and unwelcoming. (I see that York note of this book in order to protect the village just over a year now and enjoy Street has had an upgrade recently). future of our planet. being part of this community. I hope the powers at be will make this Robyn Dare It is lovely to see the upgrades around happen soon. Ashhurst village is the the village regarding roads etc. gateway to the Pohongina Valley and has It would be awesome to see the main so much more to offer. road entrance into Ashhurst upgraded with First impressions do count. new roading paintwork as it really looks Name Witheld R.S.A. Womens Section A.G.M Ashhurst Pohangina Junior Rugby Season Starting Notice of Annual General Meeting Rugby season is just around the corner, Bring along your positive attitude to our and the Ashhurst Pohangina Junior Rugby growing local rugby club. We are accepting The A.G.M. to be held on Monday, Club is on the lookout for players between registrations until 19th April from new 8th March, 2021, at 6.00pm at R.S.A. the ages of 4—13. and existing players. Register at online at clubrooms, 74 Cambridge Avenue, Ashhurst. Joining your local club allows your https://www.sporty.co.nz/aprfcjnr/. children to nurture comraderie and For more information, contact Lorraine Hale—Secretary Women’s friendships while developing new skills [email protected] or find us Section Ashhurst R.S.A. in a fun and family friendly environment. on Facebook. Fundraising last year has allowed us to Ashhurst Pohangina Junior Rugby Steady As You Go purchase new uniforms which we’ll be proudly wearing at the start of the season. Committee Steady As You Go exercises at 131 Cambridge Street Ashhurst, recommence on 7th January, 2021. If you are 65+ years and would like to take part in light exercises, call in on Thursdays 11.00—12.00noon. Contact Age Concern phone 355 2832

Ashhurst and Districts Senior Citizens Association 2021! Yes, we’re already well into Hutchinson gave us a great talk on the another year. However, last month we did history of the home and the developments enjoy a wonderful day out. they planned and made to enlarge the house. Although relatively young, the On 4th February we met at the Methodist changes were completed by 1979. The Church Hall and then drove to the beautiful house has the quality of a wonderful old Hutchinson homestead on Orrs Road. Mrs homestead with great detail to the interior Ashhurst and Districts Senior Citizens Association continued 4 furnishing and decor. Then after a look For the month of March, Ros and Pippins, Brownies and Guides around through the house and garden, we Kevin Tongs are going to be our guests enjoyed a fabulous afternoon tea. A great and entertain us. They are blessed with For girls aged 5—12 ½. Meets Wednesdays day out! wonderful singing voices. If you would 5.30pm—7.00pm, in the St Magdalene’s like to become a regular member of our Church Hall, Cambridge Avenue. That’s what we do at the Ashhurst Senior group, come along on the 4th March at Contact Caroline Ray on 06 355 1993 or Citizens’ Association. February is our 0276987653. Email [email protected] 2.00 pm at the Methodist Hall and enjoy. yearly ‘day out’ but on every other month hg You will be most welcome! we do enjoy wonderful entertainment. Ashhurst Memorial R.S.A. Inc Terry Carr 74 Cambridge Avenue, Ashhurst. Ph: 326 8296 Summer Hours (From 6th October) Final LEAP Notice Sun/Mon: 3.00pm—6.00pm At their 24th February Special General Members present expressed their hope Tuesday: 3.00pm—7.00pm Meetings, LEAP members agreed to that LEAP’s mission will continue without Wed/Thurs: 2.00pm—9.00pm Friday: 2.00pm—11.59pm dissolve the Society. the overheads involved in running a volunteer society. LEAP has been operating Saturday: 1.00pm—9.00pm Members also agreed to donate $1000 since 2015 with the aim of supporting a hg to County Fayre for the public good, connected local economy grounded in Ashhurst Yoga Classes as the County Fayre are making their community, social justice, and ecological Gentle beginner to intermediate yoga classes toilets wheelchair accessible. Remaining integrity. LEAP’s volunteer-led and not-for- are on every Wednesday, during school term funds (approximately $1250) are being profit initiatives have included a community time, 9.15am at the Village Valley Centre. donated to RECAP “for a new community market, a local business directory, a “Buy Cost $7.50 and bring your yoga mat. initiative.” This initiative will likely be a Local” poster campaign, and a community Working to your own level, the classes are 45 collaboration with the Lions to develop a currency, LOAVES. minutes long and we work on building and gender-inclusive “Woodshed” modelled maintaining core strength and flexibility— you don’t need to have either to start yoga! after Menzshed. LEAP thanks all those who have participated in these initiatives. Phone Vanessa, 06 359 5386, 027 243 0187, No other requests were made for the Email: [email protected] funds. hg Ashhurst Bowling Club RECAP Update 67 Stanford Street. On Saturday, March 20th from 10.00 gardeners and members of your community Season starts end of September through to am, we are running a Crop Swap at the is a great way to enhance local resilience mid April. Ashhurst Community Library and Garden and share knowledge. Bring you excess If you would like more information on lawn as part of Neighbour Day Aotearoa’s produce, seeds, seedlings, plants, cuttings, bowling please call or email: 2021 theme ‘The Great Plant Swap’. and anything else gardening related. All Fay Jones 326 9709 [email protected] In 2020 there was increased interest in are welcome, and you do not need to hg home gardening, and connecting to other give in order to take (and visa versa!) Tea

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pb.co.nz RECAP Update continued and coffee will be provided. Any leftover you have any bought packets it should tell 5 seeds, seedlings and food will be added to you on the label. Anglican Parish of Pohangina RECAP’s seed library, garden and sharing We are working on a Ashhurst/ shelf for the wider community to access. St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Ashhurst Pohangina based directory of food/service 8.00am: 1st Sunday of the month Did you know that RECAP has a seed producers/providers for our site. Not only 10.00am: Every Sunday library within the Ashhurst Community to encourage people to shop locally; but St Bartholomew’s Church, Komako Library? It is free to register to use for to strengthen local resilience during any 10.00am: 2nd & 4th Sunday of the Ashhurst and Pohangina residents and potential lockdowns this year as accessing month you are able to access three packets per supermarkets can be difficult for some Officiating Priests — Rev Michael Russell, month. As we approach a new growing members of our community. If you or your Rev Pam Barnett Contact the Parish office for further season, we need to discard some of the business would like to be in this directory, information on phone 326 8543 or email: older seeds we have, so we are on the please contact us at [email protected]. [email protected] lookout for donations of seeds right now. And a reminder we have a seed www.parishofpohangina.net If you save seeds from your garden and processing and harvesting workshop with have enough to share we would gratefully Our services at present are held based on the Setha’s Seeds on March 27th. You are able COVID-19 alert levels. Please keep an eye on accept them to distribute. Please contact to register your interest in this by contacting our notice board and/or website for current [email protected] or drop them off to [email protected]. Setha is travelling from updates. our wonderful librarians (with as much the Hawkes Bay for this one off workshop, information about the seeds as you can St Mary Magdalene Church—Office Hours her last one with us on seed sowing was provide us) and we can package them up (subject to change at short notice): very popular and participants learnt a and label them for our community. As we Monday: closed great deal from Setha’s experience and Tuesday: 2.00pm—5.00pm wish for people to be able to continue to knowledge, so this is one not to miss. Wednesday: 2.00pm—4.30pm collect seeds from their plants, we only Thursday: 2.00pm—5.00pm ask that you don’t donate hybrid seeds—if Chris Love—Resilience Coordinator Friday: 2.00pm—5.00pm hg Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency Update Last month we reported on the start of sixteen nights over three weeks on Saddle Little Kiwis Playgroup construction activity on the new highway, Road in March and April. Saddle Road Little Kiwis Playgroup is currently on hold. which continues to make steady progress will be closed in both directions on the hg at both the western and eastern ends of the following nights from 6.00 pm, reopening Ashhurst Music Club alignment. at 6.00 am. Hello all, this year Gorge Us Soundz is 5th— Work is also continuing to make local • Sunday, 14th March—Friday, 19th 7th March. Tickets are available through roads safer in Ashhurst. This month a March (six nights) Cosmic Ticketing.$50pp section of road on Wyndham Street, • Sunday, 21st March—Friday, 27th Live original music in your back yard Our club is open to all ages and skill levels. between Oxford Street and Cambridge March (six nights) Monthly meetings are about to start mid Avenue, is being widened from 5.2 metres • Tuesday, 6th April—Friday, 9th April (four nights) Febuary so keep watch on the Facebook page to 6.5metres. This will enable trucks and and in the Village Voice. other vehicles to travel safely and reduce The full overnight closures provide a safer Contact [email protected] or damage to the seal edge and grass berms. environment for workers, and will allow phone Grant 027 432 7648 This work is expected to be completed in the road resurfacing and maintenance hg March. work to be completed with fewer daytime delays for road users. The detour route via Design for the intersection of State the Track will remain available. Highway 3 and Cambridge Avenue is being finalised. This will include installation of All roadworks are dependent on weather new signage including speed thresholds. and other factors, and may be cancelled or The community will be updated in postponed at late notice. Check the Waka March. Kotahi Central Facebook page for updates. There are also some night-time road Thank you for your patience while this closures on Saddle Road coming up. These work is carried out to make journeys over works are routine road repairs by Waka the Saddle Road smoother and safer. Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and are not part of the Te Ahu a Turanga project. For traffic and travel advisories check the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Resurfacing work will be happening for Facebook page facebook.com/nztacni. wanted to maintain our village character. Community Comment The City Council recognised this and A letter to the editor in last month’s issue referred to the village character of Ashhurst questioned local residents’ attachment to in its Urban Design Strategy 2010. Ashhurst’s ‘village character’. Community surveys held in 2001 and 2008, as part of Maintaining a village character as longer-term vision discussions, included we grow does not stop an increased this topic. When asked if Ashhurst should commercial presence. Long term residents grow as a rural village or as an urban style know that we used to have a post office, settlement, eighty percent of respondents two butchers, a drapery, a chemist and a Minimum lot sizes in Ashhurst have only Community Comment continued recently been raised from 350—500m2 6 doctor, not so long ago when we had a in response to community feedback. Steady As You Go smaller population. A village has a strong This change has stifled ‘infill’ divisions of Steady As You Go, exercises for all over the community presence, where we know and our conventional quarter acre (1000m2) age of 65+years. Gentle exercises to improve watch out for each other. Many of us have and one fifth acre (800m2) sections your balance, strengthen muscles and help lived in the more anonymous suburbs of and disrupted developer’s plans. Local prevent falls. No equipment required. cities in the past, which is why many prefer residents also question the ability of 131 Cambridge Street Ashhurst. to live in Ashhurst now. Thursdays 11.00am—12.00noon. existing infrastructure (for the three waters) Inquiries to Age Concern 06 355 2832 While population growth is inevitable, we to handle future infill developments if hg can still resist the trappings of suburban life permitted. B4 School Check designed by developers and accountants Consideration of flood hazards in The B4 School Check is the final Well Child for efficiency. Strategic urban design can these proposed residential areas is being check. Free for all four year old children. also cater for people and community to researched by flood engineers and It includes a distance vision screening test, thrive with social connections in mind, Horizons District Council. Memories of audiometry hearing test, height, weight, instead of cookie cutter replication of dental health and child development. the 2004 flood events will be recalled by houses populated by commuting residents some locals who may question the capacity Contact Jess 351 6506 or 0800 692 445 in an individualistic world. of our infrastructure’s ability to cope with hg climate change storms, especially around Stretch and Balance Ashhurst Most of us would have missed the consultation period for feedback on City the Ashhurst Stream. Move it—or Lose it! Join our friendly group for a gentle, low impact exercise class, (no Council Plan change F, which occurred Communication with city planners has floor exercises) with an emphasis on fun. over the summer break and closed at the revealed that the formal consultation Optional—go for coffee afterwards. end of January. This proposal includes processes are yet to occur. They are still Where: Village Valley Centre rezoning of four sites as residential and considering technical issues, flood hazards When: Monday mornings, 9.45am a return to the city standard minimum —10.45am 2 and evaluation reports before releasing lot size of 350m . Rezoning of these four formal consultation documents around Cost: $6 per class. sites, namely North Street area, Winchester Enquiries: Maria, phone 329 4166 the middle of 2021. It is expected plan hg Street area, gravel pit and Mulgrave Street changes will be complete by the end of the (east), is proposed to enable more homes year, with due notification of consultation Ashhurst Budgeting Service to be built. The current subdivision of Thursday 9.30 am — 1.00 pm in the Village Voice. We will try to keep Operating from St Mary Magdalene Anglican North Street is just about completed with you informed. Church, 67 Cambridge Street, Ashhurst. over seventy houses now inhabited, with For Appointments Contact: Manawatu little scope for more building elsewhere at Harvey Jones Home Budgeting Service. present. Phone: 358 2279; Cell: 0800-228 343 hg and Airman represent veterans, however, Ashhurst Memorial R.S.A veterans are of any age group and will I was asked the other day how many Ashhurst Indoor Bowling Club be out in force on ANZAC Day proudly Weekly Club bowling starts Thursday, veterans we had as members at the R.S.A., displaying their service on the chests. 18th March—30th September. We meet in I had to ask them to be a little more specific the Village Valley Centre and games start On ANZAC Day the sight of veterans as the person asking me was under the 7.30pm. on parade brings back memories of my impression that a veteran was only those Welcome to new and existing members. childhood attending ANZAC Day services who served from WWII to Vietnam. To this Come along and find out how challenging with my grandfather in Auckland. Every question I responded that the number of this game can be! ANZAC Day we would attend the dawn WWII to Vietnam veterans were dwindling service at the Auckland War Memorial. I by the year and this will be seen during remember seeing WWI veterans sitting upcoming ANZAC services this year. next to the cenotaph with the WWII, However, there are a significant number of Korean and Vietnam veterans marching veterans who have served overseas since on parade standing tall and proud in front Vietnam to the current day and they would of the massed crowds. I noticed over the be surprised as to who was a veteran. I preceding years the numbers of WWI reminded him that a veteran could be any Skilled and caring local staff serviceman diminishing and the WWII serviceperson who has served overseas on with over 14 years experience veterans slowly moving into the chairs any number of qualifying operations and provided, replacing those who had been could be of any age group. 31 Pohangina Road, Ashhurst seated there in the preceding years. The Viewing by appointment welcome With ANZAC Day fast approaching, faces of the old soldiers marching also for many the sight of old Sailors, Soldiers changed and those who deployed to Ph: (06) 326 8064 www.homesteadcats.co.nz Find us on fb.com/homesteadcats Village Green, Ashhurst R.S.A. continued • 08.00—the Ashhurst Cemetery Bosnia, and other missions slowly took up 7 service, the places of those who moved to the seats. • 10.00—Pohangina Cemetry service, Ashhurst Plunket As a young boy of eight, after noticing the Every Monday and Tuesday. Providing change, I asked my grandfather did the • 12.00—civic service at the Village family health and wellbeing; child growth WWI veterans die and is that why the Green. and development checks. WWII veterans took their seats. He looked For more information call Plunket Area The R.S.A. has a number of events they Office—0800 692 445 or 06 357 4844 down and said to me, “old soldiers never are: die they just fade away”. hg 13th March—Quiz night Ashhurst Foodbank His comments have stuck with every 25th April—ANZAC Day Open 2.00pm — 3.00pm every Thursday. ANZAC Day, as their memories will 8th May—Theme Night Methodist Church, Bamfield Street, always remain when we who are left take Ashhurst. the time to remember those who did not 22nd May—Races Night Contact: Zosha 027 446 7769 or Marianne return, those who returned injured, those 027 627 2054 Quote of the month: hg who returned with unseen injuries and “Great leaders are almost always great those who gave their youth in service of simplifiers, who can cut through argument, River Church our country. Meet in the Village Valley Centre each debate and doubt to offer a solution Sunday at 10.00am. All welcome. ANZAC Day planning is underway, everybody can understand.”—General. Contact: Pastor Doug Stewart, and four services will be held—COVID Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of Phone 022 565 1213 www.riverchurch.nz restrictions permitting: State. hg • 06.00—The Dawn service at the Tim Cocks Manawatu Rangitikei Methodist Parish Ashhurst, and Pohangina Congregation A Little Ashhurst History: The Level Crossing Ashhurst Devonport Worship and The Railway line through Ashhurst was The best offer was warning signs, and Community Centre completed by 1891. Material from the people’s own awareness. By 1907, some 10.00am 1st and 2nd Sundays Pohangina Community Church quarry (one of Ashhurst’s oldest remaining agitation was raised with near misses and 10.30am 3rd Sunday original man-made features, keep that the Railway Department had to make a Contacts: in mind before it all gets filled in Ye Old determination as to whether they should Wesley Broadway Palmerston North Councillors...) had made the gentle build what they referred to as a traffic Church Office—358 2860 gradient from Cambridge avenue down bridge. After some consideration, they Heather Fairless—326 8355 to the Pohangina Rail bridge. At that time refused, instead having buildings/fences hg though, there were no real consideration that could obstruct the view moved back, Ashhurst Genealogy about the safety aspects of the Rail crossing and the trees were removed or trimmed. If you require assistance with Ashhurst History or Genealogy research the main road. It was just the done thing, Our own local Councillor, J.H.Vincent, Phone Heather Smith on 326 9989 or email and people were expected to give way to then intervened when he realised that if [email protected] the train, because it was not stopping! the £6000 over bridge was not built, then meeting, and pushed on in earnest by mid- A Little Ashhurst History: cont 1939. 8 more should be done, and the result was to cut down the banks either side of the This made for an interesting new set of Matwork Pilates Sessions road, and make the road full width, even Works. Where Napier Road came directly Tuesdays at 6.00pm—55 minutes. on to the Railway Station side of town, Centennial Room at the Village Valley then, he considered this section of road a Centre. Free first session. “death trap”. work was commenced to divert this traffic Bring a mat or $12 mats available. around the back of Ashhurst to meet up “In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, This assessment almost came to pass in with Mulgrave Street on the Bunnythorpe/ in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 1909, when a stockman, who’s view of the Ashhurst Road. Hillcrest Road, named you will have a new body.” Joseph Pilates Rail Station was obscured, began moving in honour of the landowners, Mr and To register contact Narrelle 021 2673676 his cattle over the line just as a train pulled hg Mrs G.H Holdcroft’s homestead named into view. Frantic stockman work ensued, “Hillcrest” was greatly improved, and Loved 4 Life and the train was pulled up just in the nick “Maunders Hill” mostly removed, to make Delivering quilts, meals and knitting to of time. A death at the Kimbolton crossing families with new babies in Ashhurst and for an easier gradient where Bunnythorpe Pohangina. in 1918 added fuel to the fire, as residents Road and Hillcrest Road joined up. If you have had a baby in the last six months at Ashhurst pointed out many near misses or know someone who has please contact in our town, but still nothing was done. Meanwhile, gravel and spoil removed Judith 328 7719 or 027 440 1420. from this development, was perfect for the hg Years passed, and things began a stirring build of the overbridge. Steel and Concrete Ashhurst and District Senior again in late 1929. The County Engineer foundations made, the approaches built, made a positive assessment for the need of the Overhead Traffic bridge was useable Citizens Association Inc the traffic bridge, but the County Council Meet on the first Thursday of each month in by Christmas of 1939. Completed in early again rebuked this, even though the cost the Methodist Church Hall, Bamfield Street, 1940. The only other shortfall that was was now only quoted at £795 to build. As at 2.00pm. We invite you to come along remedied by 1944, was the placement of and enjoy an afternoon of friendship and an excuse, they said that visibility would guard rails either side of the bridge. be greatly improved if one railway cottage entertainment. All in all, it has served us well for the last Contact: Terry Carr, 326 8074 was moved back a little, and that the work hg would encroach on the Racing Club’s 80 years, and long may it continue. Ashhurst Clay Target Club property. Things stalled completely then Kerry Griffiths (claybird shooting) by 1930. Meets the last Sunday of every month from The tragic deaths of Bunnythorpe 9.30 am at 651 Valley Road Anyone welcome to join us residents, Mr. Robert snr and Mrs Currie, Queries: Ken Simonsen, Phone: 329-4800 in July of 1936 at the Bunnythorpe crossing hg had a great impact on the many friends and family here at Ashhurst, and even Ashhurst Red Cross though there was little could be done at Secondhand Shop, Cambridge Avenue. Bunnythorpe, it got people thinking about, The Red Cross Shop is open during Level 2, please remember COVID distancing rules, and now acting on, the Ashhurst situation donations accepted only while the flags are once again. Work was commissioned in out and shop is open; 1938, postponed for the summer so that Photo: Ashhurst level crossing in 1939, Opening hours have changed to; the Racing Club could hold its annual before development Monday—Thursday 12.30am—2.30pm Friday 10.00am—1.00pm the court areas and the Ashhurst Board Ashhurst School of Trustees are concerned about what hg Kia ora Koutou. A warm welcome back will happen to the court area once it is Local Justices of the Peace to all families and a special welcome to all covered. The board has decided to install Mrs AK Rutherford new families to Ashhurst in 2021. I hope gates into the court. This will mean that the Available by appointment—027 404 5881 that everyone had a great Christmas break court will be closed to the community and Mr F Saua and enjoyed the sun for most of the time it they will not be able to access this area. Pohangina Road RD 14—029 254 3206 was out. We have had a great first couple This was a tough decision, but in light of Mr JC Culling of days here at school and everyone is ongoing issues and the amount of people Pohangina Road—3294825 really excited about the year ahead. on school grounds well past the hours Mrs EM Thompson Damage to School Grounds Wyndham Street—326 7434 anyone is allowed to be on grounds, we As many of the community have been were left with little choice. We ask our aware, we have been having to deal with community to be vigilant and let us know several issues with visitors to our school early if there are issues or if you have an outside of school hours. Three years ago accident like breaking a window from we upgraded the centre court, and it has playing basketball. If you think something been disappointing to see skid marks and is going on, please contact me and I can chewing gum in the surface that we are check it on the cameras remotely. If you unable to remove. We are also dealing have teenage children hanging around with high amounts of litter, and egg the school, remind them school grounds throwing against buildings. We have also are closed at 8.00pm nightly and to put lately begun to see glass being buried in all rubbish, chewing gum etc in the bins the bark areas of the playgrounds. As you that are provided. We have worked really may be aware, we are in the process of hard to get our school looking like it is, getting a new roof to cover the blue court. and now it is up to our community to keep As stated earlier we have had damage to it this way. example. The expectations of this uniform Ashhurst School continued policy are very clear and it is expected Behaviour Management that students and families follow these 9 As many of you are aware, we have guidelines. been part of the Positive Behaviour for Ashhurst Pohangina Squash Club Please ensure that you are familiar with Squash is a fun, fast and exciting sport that Learning programme (PB4L) for the past the expectations of this policy and we is easy to learn and can be played all year three years. This has been about focusing are giving families a period until the end round. It’s also a great way to keep fit. on rewarding children for demonstrating New members are welcome. Come along to of next week (except for any items that positive behaviours at school. We have our club night – Monday 6.30pm onwards at cannot be sourced). We have attached the had multiple audits from the ministry in the courts beside the Village Valley Centre. policy in the newsletter and you can find Call Trish for details 326 9278 this area with great success, so have now it on the school website under the school finalised the revision of managing more hg policies tab. challenging behaviours at school. Ashhurst Pohangina Lions Bikes in Schools Previously we operated a red and yellow The Ashhurst Pohangina Lions meet every Our children are back in action on their card system at school. This system will no second Thursday of the month at the R.S.A. bikes as part of our bike safety programme. longer be in place from this year onwards. Clubrooms at 6.30pm. A big thanks to Phil and Penny for coming This established and friendly Lions Club is We will be focused more on individual in to work with our students. We think it community oriented. action and what restorative practices can Contacts: is very important for the children in the take place and how we can teach students Jack Zwart (President) 326 8958 village to learn the specific skills of riding about managing this behaviour more [email protected] a bike safely within it. effectively. This approach that focuses Dennis Moore (Secretary) 357 5651 School Property [email protected] on the teaching and restoration of the Mike Forlong (Memberships) 329 4741 relationship has been researched to be far Over the summer break, you may have [email protected] more effective in the reduction of incidents noticed one or two small jobs that have Alyn Edwards (Media) 329 4833 occurring than a punitive approach such been completed. A big thanks to Martin [email protected] as the red and yellow cards. Lee for painting the bus shed. Our resident hg builder Wayne Southee has been busy We have also recognised that the Reiki Group Meeting putting on a new roof on the shed, and classroom teacher is often the best person Welcome to all Reiki Practitioners, of any with Martins handy work, it almost looks to make contact with you in regard to the level, from any lineage! like new again. During the holidays we Meetings will be at 7.00pm on the first situation for most issues. As they have a also completed some minor works on Sunday of every Month at the Ashhurst relationship with the student and often the Tararua block that will have a major Library. (June being the exception, when it you as their parent. will be the second Sunday due to Queen’s impact on our learners. We have inserted We have been working with the Ministry Birthday Weekend) the last two doorways, covered the window Contact: Tricia Kirkwood of Education, in particular, the behaviour spaces, with storage units and whiteboards Phone: 326 7279 or 022 184 1968 management team for several months while installing soundproof bats into Email: [email protected] developing this system and look forward those spaces. This has made a significant hg to the changes it may bring within the improvement with the acoustics in the school. If you have any questions feel free Kids ‘n Motion room. Planning is happening behind the Kids ‘n Motion is now in its 18th year of to come and talk to me about it. scenes for the canopy, and we are looking providing music and movement for 0-5year School Uniform at carpet upgrades in Rooms 10—15 as olds within Ashhurst and the surrounding Our school is governed by a school well. community. uniform policy. This uniform policy is like When: Every Friday 9.45am—11.15am Naku iti noa, na during school terms. any school in the country whether it be a Heath Chittenden—Principal Where: Village and Valley Centre, secondary school or primary school for Guildford Street, Ashhurst. and their stories throughout the month, Cost: Gold coin donation. Contact: Cherie O’Leary, Ph: 326 9688 Ashhurst Library as well as celebrating our own local Check out our Facebook page and like us! Hi everyone. woman from history. We will be ending Kids ‘n Motion is such a great group to come Women’s History Month our month with a couple of history talks along too – see you there! March is Women’s History Month, and at the Ashhurst Library with our good we are celebrating with some talks and friends Heather and Kerry from 7.00 pm, with a series of profiles on our Facebook Wednesday, 24th March and 11.00 am page. We will also be reflecting on woman Saturday, 27th March. Join us to hear

Colyton Road Homekill Mike Phone/Text 027 978 1269  Primary Industries Approved  Trade Certified Butcher  All Aspects of Homekill 20 Colyton Road, Thursday, 11th March—10.30 am Ashhurst Library continued Today its butter making day, and we 10 about some amazing local woman who will be tasting it on some very yummy have lived in our area. On Wednesday food. Pohangina Rubbish Collection evening we will have a nice supper and Thursday, 25th March—10.30 am Rubbish is collected every Monday. on Saturday enjoy a High Tea with us. It’s time for our great Easter Egg hunt. Bags out by 7.30am. Ashhurst Little Ferns Monday, 9.30 am—during term time Village Valley Centre Ashhurst Little Ferns is back, and we are Taekwondo / Self defence class for all levels We have bookings coming in thick and and abilities, men and women, boys and so thrilled to have Teresa Watson taking fast for use of the Village Valley Centre for girls. Tuesday and Wednesday nights from the sessions, it is massively appreciated. 2021. If you have some dates confirmed 5.20pm—7.00pm during term time at the Little Ferns is a session aimed at caregivers and wish to use the centre, just get in Lincoln Park Ashhurst Pohangina Rugby and their children aged from birth—two Football Clubroom in Ashhurst. Come and touch with us years old. The session runs for around see what it’s all about. Talk with Mayor Grant Smith Check out our Facebook page—https://www. thirty minutes and will include songs, Tuesday, 30th March 5.00 pm—6.00 facebook.com/ashhursttkd/ rhyme, movement, stories, finger play pm hg and lots of bubbles. Come for an informal chat with our Pohangina Yoga Classes Ashhurst Jumping Jellybeans Mondays and Tuesdays 6.00pm—7.00pm Mayor Grant Smith who will be available $10 per class or $50 for six classes We are really looking forward to to talk to you about any issues and Suitable for beginners and those with more seeing all our young friends and families concerns. Refreshments are provided, experience of yoga. at Jumping Jellybeans, our pre-school you are all most welcome. Contact Catherine: [email protected] session. This term we have some great or 021 0270 4400, www.hauorayoga.co.nz Ashhurst Library Facebook sessions planned with help from our Facebook: Hauora Yoga Just a reminder that if you want to keep friends in the community. There will be hg up to date with all our latest news, events fun in the garden, making some foods the or announcements, just visit us at https:// old-fashioned way, we are having a session LicensedAshhurst Playcentre Early Childhood Education www.facebook.com/AshhurstLibrary with Jaden, our local conservation officer Provider. Over 50 years in your community. and click “Like”. Spaces now available for children 0—6 and we are having a few adventures out years. Call 326 9270 or email ashhurst@ in the community. Ross Meads—Ashhurst Librarian playcentre.org.nz or Drop in for a free visit and a cuppa. 3rd January 2021. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9.00am— Total rainfall to 31st January 2021 is Ashhurst50.75mm of Rainfall rain fell in November 2020, 1.00pm. 118 Stanford Street, Ashhurst 50.75mm. This is below the annual average above the monthly average of 75.1mm. hg of 75.1mm. Rain was recorded on nine days with the Pohangina Local Christian Radio highest one-day rainfall of 19mm on the Margaret Pemberton 3ABN Radio is now broadcasting in Monthly Rainfall Average Rainfall Pohangina Township on 107.7FM. Offering lifestyle radio with a difference! Broadcast 24 270 Hours 7 Days a week for the ‘Best News Ever!’ www.3abn.org Contact Rex 06 356 1141 for 240 Free Bible Studies, Books and DVD’s 210 180 150 120 90 60 30 51 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Ashhurst 11 Community Library 06 326 8646 PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL Open days Monday 2 - 5pm Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 1pm Sunday closed Access the full range of library digital resources at: GLIMPSE citylibrary.pncc.govt.nz Deputy-Mayor Aleisha Rutherford Splashhurst Kia ora tātou In remembrance Community Pool On a sadder note, I’d like to acknowledge A belated happy New Year to everyone 06 350 0849 in Ashhurst. I hope you’ve enjoyed a the passing of two former city councillors, Open Days wonderful summer. We’ve spent much of Helen Whitten and Gordon Cruden. it enjoying the Ashhurst Domain, the bike Helen, who passed away just Tuesday - Friday 6am - 9.30am tracks at the school, visiting the river and before Christmas, was the first Ashhurst 1pm - 7pm utilising the local walking tracks. Ward councillor. Saturday 8am - 6pm I want to acknowledge and congratulate A member of the Ashhurst Community Sunday - Monday closed my new colleague: Orphēe Mickalad who Board, Helen, a radiographer, served Contact tracing at the pool and online has just been elected as our newest City on the Village Valley Centre building clmnz.co.nz/splashhurst Councillor. Orphēe was sworn in at our committee, and ran the Ashhurst Action 3 March council meeting and we look newspaper. forward to him joining the team. She was elected to council in 1989, serving Ashhurst Rubbish Village growth two terms until 1995. + Recycling Ashhurst is a growing community and She then helped establish the Ethnic Council and served as its volunteer Rubbish bag collection Tuesday you’ve probably noticed the pockets of morning. Bags out by 7.30am. development occurring. As a Council secretary. we’re focusing on sustainable growth. Awarded the Queen’s Service Medal in Glass Crate 9 March We’re no longer a village of 2000, with 2005 for public services, Helen and her our population estimated to be between late husband Stuart were associated with 23 March 3500 and 4000. the original Ashhurst Café Domain. 6 April We work in collaboration with: Waka A Rotarian, she was awarded a Paul Harris Recycling Bin Fellowship from the organisation in 2007. Kotahi on roading infrastructure, 16 March Horizons Regional Council on ensuring Gordon, while not directly associated 30 March flood and stormwater security, and with with Ashhurst, served twice on council - developers on construction standards, the first in the 60s and then three terms 13 April while integrating Ashhurst into Palmerston from 2001 -2010. North’s existing three-waters networks. A lawyer and a former Hong Kong judge, Mulgrave St In our draft 10-year Plan $1.9M has been Gordon who died at allocated for growth in our villages, with the end of January, Transfer Station a good proportion of this infrastructural was known for his Recycling, green waste and investment coming to Ashhurst. The in-depth procedural general rubbish disposal. Plan is currently being audited and knowledge and was Open Days a great champion of once approved we will have a public Tuesday 1 - 3pm consultation to get your feedback. Keep Palmerston North. Saturday 10am - 4pm an eye on Council’s Facebook page and My condolences to website for updates on this. both families.

Ngā mihi Aleisha

[email protected] / 06 356 8199 / pncc.govt.nz winners are as follows: 12 AshhurstLots of things Bowling have been happening over 1. Kubota Line Trimmer—O Buchanan Published by The Ashhurst Village the last month and now, with the weather a 2. Firewood—N Taylor Voice Society Inc. bit more settled, bowlers are out in force. 3. Garden BBQ Table—B Bartosh The school students have started 4. Ashhurst Inn Vouchers—K Yates Contacts bowling again and they are on the green 5. Ashhurst Inn Vouchers—B Ash Editor: Llyvonne Barber each Wednesday between 2.00 pm—3.00 6. Ashhurst Inn Vouchers—K Yates Phone: 326 8066 pm. A new group of students this year and Advertising: Grey Smith ready to learn while having fun. 7. Ashhurst Inn Vouchers—T Lock Phone: 326 8075 Twilight continues to be well attended 8. Chilly Trolley Bag—Dave B [email protected] and even on a couple of less than wonderful 9. Wet n Forget Shower Witch—J Giles PO Box 38, Ashhurst weather evenings, there were people A huge thank you to all the businesses Proof-reader: Derin Attwood ready to play and enjoy themselves. Turn who sponsored this raffle. up Wednesday evening for a 6.00 pm start, This round of the annual interclub Letters to the Editor flat shoes necessary. Letters under 200 words are preferred. The challenges for the Harris Stars and the On the 7th February the annual Ashhurst writer’s contact details are required on Stansell Shield was Ashhurst against Triples tournament was held. Sixteen all letters (not for publication), including . Nail biting stuff with players teams battled it out and everyone had a address, email and phone number. We Rod, Roger, Mike Hale, and Max, winning wonderful time. Great bowling, prizes, may need to contact you to clarify minor it on the last end. Next challenge is against food and then more food and superb details. Johnston Park. organisation by Wayne Poppleton. The Many club members have been playing The editor reserves the right to edit, winner of the day was the Terrace End in Centre events and making it very clear abridge or decline letters or articles team of Sheryn, Dave, and Ailsa. Sheryn that Ashhurst players are a force to be without explanation. Pen names or letters is a past member of the Ashhurst Bowling reckoned with. Margaret and Donna submitted elsewhere are not acceptable. Club and a great supporter of our events. played in the Pairs and Kylie skipped the If supplying images, high resolution images There was also a Fun section and this was Fours in the Centre Hexagonal. are required. Please feel free to contact the won by Sheryl, Jen, and Margie. Kylie, Rick, Hugh, and Jonah played in editor if you are unable to email images. The Ashhurst Business Fours tournament the Year 1—5 Centre Singles where Kylie was played over the 13th—14th February Advertising Rates & Information was the only woman to reach the final and this major event attracted, as always, Articles and community notices are eight, and Rick lost to one of the finalists. a full complement of players. A really free. Advertising varies from 2—3 lines Extremely well done and congratulations great weekend of competitive play and to a business card advert and costs vary to all these players. accordingly. Conditions apply. A 10% camaraderie. Day two was sectional play Lots of Club Championships and events discount is offered if you pay in advance with two, eight team, groups who battled coming up in March, so plenty of bowling for ten issues. A business card size advert it out playing four games in lovely weather happening on the Ashhurst Green. is to be 60mm by 100mm at 300dpi and to find the eventual winners. costs $50. Division A winners were Bulls Seniors Always something happening and someone there to talk with potential For further information on advertising —Scotty McGavin, Owen Canton, Mike players and show then the ropes. The club costs and payments please contact Grey Ansell, Bob Caldwell. owns sets of bowls for newcomers to use Smith. For technical details please contact Division B winners were Jim Didham’s so the only requirement is flat shoes and the Editor. Contact details above. team with John, Paul and Merv. an interest in giving bowls a try-out. Advertisers, we prefer that you supply Top Qualifier on Day 1 was Brian Keep safe, happy, and smiling everyone. files in pdf or psd format. Please note that Wesche and team. Adrianne Harding—Secretary. files supplied in .pdf format are unable to The club runs a monster raffle each be adjusted from our end. Adverts can be year—The Business Fours Raffle and prize created by the Editor for a small additional cost. These can be adjusted as required. What an outstanding club day – beautiful weather—great turn out with eight squads AshhurstOur January Clay shoot Target featured theClub Ashhurst Village Voice Deadline (nearly 40 shooters). Clay Target Club’s three-way club Deadline for articles and advertising shoot between Ashhurst, Feilding and Three of our club members shot a submissions for the next edition is: Clubs. “possible” (didn’t miss any). They were Tom Romley, Alan Ives, and Jordan Finlayson 5.00pm Saturday, 20th March 2021. Good news for us meant our Ashhurst We cannot guarantee your submission (Jordan’s first one). team of Alex Hall, Brad Turner, Alan Ives, will be included after this date. Chris Mooyman, and Tyler Ives won this Karen Pawson—Secretary for the second time in a row.