Ashburton Courier: May 14, 2021

NEWS
18 Ashburton Courier, May 13, 2021
Astronomy group helps
locals see far-off stars
The Ashburton AstronomyGroup
isinviting people to join them in
viewing the stars.
The group holdspublic nights at
the Ashburton College
observatory on the first Friday of
the months May through to
October(the second Friday if the
weather is unsuitable on the first).
The public observing nights
start at 8pm.
The astronomygroup also meets
monthly at the college’s Menorlue,
off WalnutAvenue, to talkabout
the solar system, thegalaxy and
the environs beyond.
People canviewthe majestic
rings of Saturn, thegiant planet
Jupiter anddistant galaxies.
The evening sky in Mayshows
Mars as areddishstar low in the
northwest setting soon after 8pm;
Mars is 320 million kilometres
away.
Saturn rises in the southeast
around11pm and looks like a
bright star shining with acreamcoloured
light.
Atotal but brief eclipse of the
moon will occur on May 26.
People whowant to know more
aboutthe astronomy group or
want to comealongtoapublic
observing, cancontact Ken Lucas
on308 9203 or Alistair Perkins on
308 9219
LOCAL LISTENING
www.ashburtoncourier.co.nz
Awomen’s
exercise
class run
by Age
Concern.
Age Concern support
Peter Mac l 1pm to 6pm
2346621
Age Concern’s vision is acommunity that
values and respects all older people.
We work towards this goal by providing
activities and information, along with
support for older people in the Ashburton
District.
There is an emphasis on promoting health,
safety and independence, with reduction of
hardship, vulnerability and isolation where
possible.
Our many services are designed to meet a
need, or an opportunity, that has been
identified in the local community.
These include:
206 Club –athree­days­a­week programme
providing atwo­course meal, morning and
afternoon tea, with music, board games, craft,
exercise, quizzes, outings included. Director
of Day Services and her team of dedicated
volunteers ensure awelcoming, warm
environment.
Hip Hop for Seniors –aweekly class of
movement to music with aqualified
instructor.
Ladies’ Exercise Class –aweekly class with
emphasis on core muscle strength and
flexibility, again, with aqualified instructor.
Steady As You Go ­aunique communitybased
falls prevention programme using peer
leaders and acentral co­ordinator, with eight
groups in the district meeting weekly.
Staying Safe ­arefresher course for older
drivers, with aqualified facilitator and a
police officer, these one­day courses include
video presentations, awork book and plenty
of opportunity for discussion and
clarification on any changes to road rules, as
well as answers to many questions.
50+ ­asix­week morning programme,
offered twice ayear on Fridays, with atopical
speaker, fellowship and awelcome cuppa.
Courtesy Drivers –available to take clients
to appointments, family occasions, and
outings in the client’s car –the vehicle must
be registered and warranted.
Information for all services, concerns
including Elder Abuse referrals and the
opportunity to be involved as avolunteer, is
readily available from our office at 206
Cameron Street, 9.00am–2.30pm, or phone on
308 6817.
Skate pros dish out tips and tricks
2374161 2378540
About150 young skateboarderspacked
Ashburton’s skatepark to learn fromthe best
in the business.
The Ashburton Youth Councilorganised a
skate jam for locals and four instructorsfrom
Cheapskates Skate SkoolinChristchurch
came down to passontips.
Among the pros was Krysta Ashwell, a
national and internationally recognised
skateboarder who planstocompete at the
Paris Olympics in 2024.
Theinstructors helped young people
develop their skills, learn new ones and instil
some confidence.
Anumber of youth council members also
had ago, includingsome who hadneverbeen
on askateboard.
Organisers said agreat day was hadbyall.
PHOTO SUPPLIED