Back
1405 days ago

Dad creates special mailbox for autistic Thomas the Tank Engine superfan

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

Happy Friday neighbours,

Sometimes the simplest things in life can bring the most joy.

Scott Wallace is the living embodiment of that notion – he gets maximum excitement from even the quickest glance of Thomas the Tank Engine.

And now he has him right outside his bedroom window.

Wallace, 46, Carl Denny, 38 and Dylan Denley, 35 are best friends who have lived together for the past 12 years as part of an autism care program.

When they moved into their home in Christchurch’s Prestons subdivision about a year ago, the old letterbox blocked a parking space in the driveway.

John Denny, Carl Denny's father, saw it as an opportunity to do something nice for his son’s mate.

After embarking on a six-month project in his garage, John Denny produced a 30-kilogram steel, handmade replica of the popular fictional steam train.

From the street Thomas has the house number on it, but from the house and Wallace's view out his window, it has Thomas’ actual number from the TV show – one.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
8 days ago

Poll: Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There's only a few differences between our larger chain supermarkets here in New Zealand. Having someone bag your groceries is one of them.

Does having your groceries packed for you at the checkout influence where you do your grocery shop? If so, tell us why.

Image
Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?
  • 24.1% Yes
    24.1% Complete
  • 75.2% No
    75.2% Complete
  • 0.7% Other - I'll share below
    0.7% Complete
3268 votes
14 days ago

Six tips for improving security around your home

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.

2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.

3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.

4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.

5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.

6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property

Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.

Image
1 day ago

What workplace change would you like to see most?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.

As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.

Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!

Image