Preparing for a country fair

Press, 25 January 1988, Page 16

Preparing for a country fair

Making it happen T/

“The community of Diamond Harbour may be small — but we are capable of big things.”

A Diamond Harbour resident, Wendy Coles, was talking about the bumper country fair the community has organised for Saturday, February 6. All the favourite activities of traditional country get-togethers will be there — the hay rides, tugs of war, treasure hunts, coconut shies and bowling alley. \ Entertainment will be non-stop, there will be lots of fun competitions, demonstrations and raffles, and high quality, locally made crafts, locally grown produce and delicious home baked fare will be for sale.

The Summertimes team will be there, with their special brand of action gamek A hangi is planned, and Devonshire teas whi be served. Those wanting to join in the fun. can either take the 20-minute ferry ride from Lyttelton — and return without charge — or drive afound the scenic bays route. Launch crossings begin at 10.30 a.m. The fair's is.,the grand finale of many months of fund raising to equip the four-teacher Diamond Harbour Primary School.

"We pulled'out all stops to run fund'raising activities last year; to finance muCh-needed . equipment for the school. The country fair is the last — and it will be a whoppa,” promises Wendy. The school, which goes up to Form 2 and; takes in children from surrounding port Levy and Living Springs, is hoping to raise enough money toibuy a few computers. Last year’s fund raising activities included a golf tournament, a casino evening, and a car rally. The community is hoping to attract up t 6 a thousand people on February 6. They want to See lots of families. The fair will be held on the village green cum rugby field, just a five minute walk from the launch wharf.

Enjoying the outdoors Do you enjoy walking? Would you like to get out into the hills but are unsure of where to go or how to look after yourself. Enjoying the Outdoors is a popular course organised through the Young Woman’s Christian Association. It is for all women, of all ages and levels of fitness. The aim is to help women gam confidence in the outdoors.

Participants will learn about efficient walking, keeping to a track, map reading, camping, caring for themselves, outdoor ethics, native plants and birds, the weather and processes of nature. The course leaders are Margaret Clark and Sylvia Humphreys, both experienced outdoors people who want to share their enjoyment of the outdoors with other women.

Women who took the course last year responded enthusiastically. Some said it opened up a whole new world for them; others that they had gained enough confidence to go on their own trips with friends.

Enjoying the Outdoors is at. four levels, depending on experience. There are both day trips and two-day trips away. Cost depends on the distance travelled to the starting point and back, but ranges from $l9 to $4O per trip. The first stage of the course begins on Saturday, February 13, with a trip to Mount Grey. The closing date for enrolments is Friday, February 5. For enrolments phone the Y.W.C.A. at 63-063 and for more information phone Sylvia at 857-437. After-school care After a successful pilot scheme last year, the Wainoni Primary School after-school care and recreation scheme will be up and running next week.

This has been organised by a small but energetic team of parents, and is supported and partly funded by the Christchurch City Council’s community services division. “We saw the need and set about doing something about it,” says parent

Sally Latham. The programme uses the school hall and outdoor facilities, so children do not have to venture outside the school grounds. At this stage, only children from Wainoni School may attend.

Activities offered include reading, crafts and outings. There are two trained staff and up to 20 children can join. The scheme operates from 3 p.m. until 5.15 p.m. The cost is $1 per child per afternoon, with family discounts.

Future plans include holiday programmes and similar programmes in other schools in east Christchurch. For more information about the Wainoni scheme phone Ann at 882-909 or Sally at 881-678. Choir auditions The Cantabile Singers are a group of 18 women, most of whom have been singing together for 10 years. Their repertoire ranges from opera to popular songs. The choir is very popular in Christchurch, giving well attended concerts at the Arts Centre, weddings and aged people’s homes. They have also recorded for Radio New Zealand.

Practice night is Wednesday, at St Andrew’s College music room.

The group now needs more singers. Any women who is interested in joining the group can phone the conductor, Carol Spain, for an audition. Her number is 483-146.

Compiled by Glenys Walker;

Items for “Making It Happen” should be sent to Glenys Walker, Home and People Page, “The Press,” Private Bag, Christchurch. Please send in one week in advance of > publication date.