Walk and talk groups help bring communities together
Four women have been wandering the streets of Fendalton for about 20 years, building friendships and learning about their local neighbourhoods as members of a weekly walk and talk group.
Long-term walker – and volunteer – Vivien Price says the meet-ups offer an ideal opportunity to mix exercise, social connections and community knowledge.
Along with Pat Williams, 94, Dorothy Morris, and Philippa Goile, the active foursome have found friendship and fun along the way since first setting out in 2000.
Williams, who took part in the very first outing, remains a committed regular.
“We all enjoy up to 45-minute rambles, usually from February to early December,” Price said.
“Up to 40 people – aged from their 50s to 90s – often join the Fendalton walks. However, our numbers drop in winter.”
For Price, originally from England, the group is a “wonderful way to meet new people and form friendships”.
“It is always very friendly and inclusive, and we often enjoy a coffee together,” she said
Supported by the Christchurch City Council, the activity programme operates in six areas, including Beckenham, Fendalton, Halswell, Linwood, New Brighton and Papanui.
To find out more, visit: ccc.govt.nz...
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.5% Yes
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32.9% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below