Selwyn Times: February 20, 2019

14 Wednesday February 20 2019
Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi
SELWYN TIMES
Your Local Views
West Melton resident
Peter Fry writes about the
proposed skate park in the
town, which the Selwyn
Times covered last month
I write in support of Bruce
Russell’s sensible statement that
the logical and correct placement
of a possible skate park in West
Melton is adjacent to the splendid
new community centre and within
existing and planned sporting
and recreational services.
The safety of users of recreational
facilities is a complex issue
requiring constant monitoring
– surveillance cameras have been
found to be essential – immediate
access to first aid not just when
the medical centre is open, ongoing
supervision and safe access to
toilets are major considerations.
Country wide planners recognise
these issues and it has not
been possible to find an example
of a stand alone skate park established
anywhere within a quiet
residential neighbourhood.
Using the land allocated within
a “family area” with established
facilities is fully logical, is the
most economic use of the council’s
(ratepayers’) funds and in
the broadest sense, is the safest
option.
However, this issue has served
as a catalyst to address and to
halt the years of neglect of Retford
Common. Open spaces are
increasingly scarce treasures intended
for the use of all members
of the community and as such
deserve appropriate maintenance
and care. At present trees are dying
on the common, the installed
water hydrants are unused, the
unsuitable and unsightly limestone
chip paths are scattered and
thin and overgrown with weeds,
the grass is roughly cut at irregular
intervals and the attractive
gazebos require maintenance.
Retford Common was intended
to be a truly beautiful, much used
space and a major asset to the
entire West Melton community.
To this end it is intended that the
Friends of Retford Common will
work with district council planners
to find solutions to restore
and enhance this important open
space and to provide an aesthetically
pleasing environment that
is useful to members of the community,
of all ages, throughout
the year.
•If you would like to
become a friend of
Retford Common, send
your contact details to
friendsofretfordcommon@
gmail.com
COLOURFUL: Hot air balloons light up in last year’s inaugural Hororata Night Glow.
PHOTO: MURRAY IRWIN
Hot air balloons return
HOT AIR balloons are set to
return to Hororata.
The balloons will be part of the
Hororata Night Glow, which will
be held in May.
Event organiser, the Hororata
Community Trust said the inaugural
Night Glow last year
captured people’s imaginations.
“Hot air balloons hold a
certain magic and the Hororata
Community Trust is very excited
to be bringing the Night Glow
back for a second year. The
festival last year was amazing,
not only for its entertainment
value but it also benefited our
community in many ways,” said
Hororata Community Trust
executive officer Cindy Driscoll.
The event received recognition
by winning the 2018 Selwyn
Tourism award.
“The balloons are undoubtedly
the main attraction of the festival
but we have new surprises in
the pipeline which will see the
Hororata Night Glow build on
what we did last year, details of
these will be released soon,” Mrs
Driscoll said.
Recently applications for stall
holders opened. Businesses and
community groups have until
March 25 to apply.
The community trust committee
is also seeking expressions
of interest from performers
and bands interested in being
involved.
The Hororata Night Glow will
be held Saturday May 18 at the
Hororata Domain, 3-8.30pm
Postponement date is Sunday
May 19.
Discounted tickets will be sold
online from April 1.
•For more details
visit www.hororatanightglow.
org.nz
Join the Selwyn
Public Arts Panel
We are seeking expressions of interest to participate in a Public Arts
Panel. The purpose of the panel will be to purchase or commission a
piece of Public Art for Selwyn in 2019.
We are looking for local creatives, who are currently practising or have
a degree in the arts (or equivalent).
Collectively the Panel will have an informed view of the district’s
geography and an understanding of the place making potential of arts
and culture for our communities. They must respect the values of the
communities and individuals that may be affected by the panel advice.
Priority will be given to Selwyn residents, former residents of Selwyn
and mana whenua.
Applications close Wednesday 13 March. To register your expression
of interest, please email arts@selwyn.govt.nz.
Arts Culture
& Heritage
SELWYN
Enquiries are welcome for scholarships including
the George F Hight Scholarship (needs-based).
Enrol now for 2020!
We look forward to meeting you at one of our
2019 Boarding Road Shows to share with you
the family culture which makes boarding so
special at St Andrew’s College, Christchurch.
Ashburton
BOARDING
ROAD SHOWS
Tuesday 5 March
5.00pm–7.00pm
Lushingtons Café,
5 Archibald Street
Visit stac.school.nz for times, locations and to register online.