Southern View: October 12, 2023

8
School holiday showcase
‘something special’
• From page 1
Said The Palms’ spokesperson
Claudine Pausma: “It takes a
profound amount of courage for
a child to perform publicly.
“We feel privileged and
honoured to have so many
children willing to get out of their
comfort zone and perform.
“Seeing parents, caregivers, and
families cheering on their kids,
and giving them an opportunity
to perform that they might not
otherwise get, is something
special.”
55 applicants, aged five to 16
years, took part in three days of
heats and a final show day on
September 30.
Westburn Primary School’s
Aura Mendiratta came in second
place overall at the quest with a
bhangra solo dance.
“I felt very proud and lucky,”
said eight-year-old Aura.
“The performance went well,
and I’d definitely participate in
(the talent quest) next year.”
Aura plans to use her vouchers
on her family and will ‘also buy
some food and clothes for needy
children who do not have that
many opportunities’.
In third place, was Cleo
Fitzgerald of Addington, who
sang ‘Hallelujah’ solo.
“This talent quest was a big
step up for Cleo in terms of
performing in a bigger situation
WINNERS: Aura Mendiratta, Cleo Fitzgerald and Georgia
Reynolds with talent quest host Chris Lynch.
with crowds of people,” said her
mother, Ella Fitzgerald.
“I was amazed at how brave she
was; she took everything in her
stride.”
Cleo, who is nine, attends St
Mark’s School and was recently
awarded the senior girls’ singing
cup and performed in the
school’s production.
Addington Farm
expansion plans
• By Sasha Watson
ADDINGTON FARM wants to
expand its community garden
operation.
It is asking to use an area in the
south corner of Addington Park.
In early September, Addington
Farm manager William LeHeux,
along with volunteers, provided
a deputation to the Waihoro
Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote
Community Board on Addington
Farm.
The proposal has been
endorsed by Food Together
Aotearoa, the Addington Park
Community Group, Addington
Te Kura Taumatau, Manuka
Cottage Addington Community
House and the Canterbury Community
Gardens Association.
Said community board chairperson
Callum Ward: “We are
very supportive of the idea . . .
we’ve handed the request over to
staff to investigate it in more detail,
including how we’ll consult
with the public before anything
goes ahead.
Thursday October 12 2023
“We’ve had several community
groups approach the board in the
last few months about growing
food in public spaces and we’re
excited about the prospect of
initiatives like this.
“Especially when credible, wellconnected
community groups
like the Addington Farm put
their hand up to take the lead.”
Addington Farm, which was
founded in 2018, operates as a
charitable trust, not-for-profit
organisation that aims to convert
unused backyards into garden
plots.
The food is shared with volunteers
and given to their community
food distribution partner,
Addington Te Kura Taumatua.
The farm also sells produce
through a seasonal communitysupported
agriculture
programme.
• To keep updated on
the progress, go to https://
addington.farm or the
Addington Farm Facebook
page.
COLLECTORS NEEDED
Can you help us raise funds on
Friday 10 or Saturday 11 November 2023?
Help support one of our biggest events of the year, the Annual Appeal.
We are looking for volunteers to collect donations at various locations through Ōtautahi Christchurch.
If you can help, please get in touch via the email below to register!
Thank you - we appreciate your support.
How you can support:
Donate!
Scan the QR code, or visit:
givealittle.co.nz/org/Dementia-
Canterbury
Volunteer!
Register to volunteer by emailing:
appeal@dementiacanterbury.org.nz
or phone 03 379 2590 extn 217