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A tribute to the late Ron Francis from his son. Richard Francis.
Ron Francis 1931-2020
Ron Francis was a citizen of Lower Hutt for 60 years and was one of the most engaged and positive people in our community, mixing a strong sense of service and unshakeable faith with big ideas and a focus on … View moreA tribute to the late Ron Francis from his son. Richard Francis.
Ron Francis 1931-2020
Ron Francis was a citizen of Lower Hutt for 60 years and was one of the most engaged and positive people in our community, mixing a strong sense of service and unshakeable faith with big ideas and a focus on “getting stuff done”.
Having survived multiple heart attacks, Ron passed away on October 25, at Hutt Hospital, aged 89.
Ron was the inspiration and administrative heft behind multiple Shapeshifter International Festival of the Arts fundraising events (raising over $300,000 for local Hutt charities) and a powerhouse for the Agape Budgeting Service (supporting over 3,000 local families to budget and access low interest loans for 30+ years), which he served for 13 years. In recent years Ron was a trustee and treasurer of the Hutt Valley Heart Trust for 15 years (raising funds in support of the Coronary Care Unit team and facilities at Hutt Hospital, as well as for cardiac event survivors in the Hutt).
His community efforts were recognised by the Mayor with a Civic Contribution Award in 2017. As a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club of Hutt, and foundation and life member of the Waterloo Probus Club, Ron’s many decades of service were also recognised by his peers.
Ron was an active member of the Lower Hutt Baptist Church for 60 years, which he attended with his wife Noeline.
Ron’s career encompassed 50 years as a Chartered Accountant that saw him found his own firm, Partner at a large firm and then act for many years as General Manager at Aroha Care Centre and Hospital, where he was presented with a Business Innovation Award by then Prime Minister, Jim Bolger.
Piano in great condition. All keys work. Needs a tune but still sounds ok. This has been awesome for our son to learn on.
It’s small as far as pianos go but will still need 3-4 people to lift it (BYO) and a decent trailer to transport.
Shoveler ducks/kuruwhengi (Spatula rhynchotis) are unusual looking. When I saw my first pair last year at the Hutt Estuary I had no idea what I was looking at and hurried home to consult my birding books. Their wide bills set them apart reminding me of distinguished aquiline noses. They have … View moreShoveler ducks/kuruwhengi (Spatula rhynchotis) are unusual looking. When I saw my first pair last year at the Hutt Estuary I had no idea what I was looking at and hurried home to consult my birding books. Their wide bills set them apart reminding me of distinguished aquiline noses. They have visible lamellae, like a comb, that hang down from their upper beak that they use to filter plankton, fine seeds, and other tasty titbits from the water. There is a pair I've seen a couple of times lately on the little beach behind the sea scouts at the mouth of the Hutt River, a female mallard is keeping them company, possibly as protection from the male mallards that seem to be a bit rampant at this time of year. They make an odd trio, like a sheep dog hanging out with a couple of greyhounds.
HOW DOES WOOL BIODEGRADE?
All materials of animal and vegetable origin have some degree of biodegradability, meaning that they are capable of being decomposed by the action of living organisms, such as fungi and bacteria. Wool is composed of the natural protein keratin, which is similar to the … View moreHOW DOES WOOL BIODEGRADE?
All materials of animal and vegetable origin have some degree of biodegradability, meaning that they are capable of being decomposed by the action of living organisms, such as fungi and bacteria. Wool is composed of the natural protein keratin, which is similar to the protein that makes up human hair. When keratin is broken down naturally by microorganisms, the products do not pose any environmental hazard.
WOOL READILY BIODEGRADES IN MOIST, WARM CONDITIONS
On disposal, if wool is kept warm and moist or buried in soil, fungal and bacterial growths develop which produce enzymes that digest wool. On the other hand, thanks to the unique chemical structure of keratin and wool’s tough, water-repellent outer membrane, clean and dry wool fibres do not readily degrade. This allows wool products to be resilient and long-lasting in normal conditions.
WOOL BIODEGRADES QUICKLY
Wool biodegrades readily in as little as three to four months but the rate varies with soil, climate and wool characteristics. This releases essential elements such as nitrogen, sulphur and magnesium back to the soil, able to be taken up by growing plants. Some studies found more rapid degradation after only four weeks’ burial in soils. Research has shown that processing treatments such as dyeing and anti-shrink treatment can affect the rate of biodegradation in soil, causing an increase in the initial resistance of wool fabric to degradation. However, this is a short-term effect, typically not persisting beyond eight weeks.
WOOL RETURNS ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS TO THE SOIL
On burial in soil, wool becomes a slow-release fertiliser providing nutrients for uptake and growth by other organisms. Some have even used wool fertiliser to foster herb and vegetable growth. This is known as natural closed loop recycling; restoring the initial inputs of soil and grass. Other beneficial effects of adding wool to soils include enhanced water holding capacity, improved water infiltration, soil aeration and reduced erosion. Ground-up wool carpet, when used as a fertiliser, increased the dry matter yield of grass growth by 24% to 82%.
WOOL DOES NOT ADD TO LANDFILL VOLUMES OR MICROFIBRE POLLUTION
Natural fibres biodegrade naturally in a relatively short period in soils and aquatic systems and therefore do not accumulate in landfill and oceans. Results from a University of Canterbury study demonstrate that wool degrades in a marine environment. In contrast, synthetic textiles persist for many decades and can disintegrate to small fragments. Commonly known as microplastics, or microfibres when less than 5mm in diameter, these fragments accumulate in aquatic environments and land disposal sites where they have negative effects on ecosystems when consumed by organisms. A single polyester fleece garment can produce more than 1900 fibres per wash. Ingestion has a negative impact on organisms, sometimes causing death through starvation as plastic replaces food in the stomach. Once in the food chain, microplastics potentially also affect human health via seafood consumption.
At Curtain Clean we are all about minimising waste and reducing the amount of uncompostable materials going into landfill. Keep in mind that a lot of fabrics can be washed and don't need to be thrown away! Call us on 07 579 0501 if you have something you'd like cleaned, we can treat almost all fabrics.
Reducing overflows to our local streams and rivers will protect our precious wai. 💧
We want to know how you enjoy your local streams and rivers, and your views and experiences on the impacts of wastewater overflows.
Have your say today, it's quick and easy 👇
You can still get your favourite ice- cream, paneer, handmade cheese or organic milk at Zany Zeus.
Known for its organic milk products, like ice cream and cheese, the Moera business was put into receivership last year with money owed to creditors after putting millions into a new factory in … View moreYou can still get your favourite ice- cream, paneer, handmade cheese or organic milk at Zany Zeus.
Known for its organic milk products, like ice cream and cheese, the Moera business was put into receivership last year with money owed to creditors after putting millions into a new factory in Seaview.
While the original company has been wound up, the Lower Hutt business and assets were bought in April by Zany Zeus2020 Ltd and the business continues to operate.
NumberWorks'nWords can help by identifying gaps, explaining your child’s learning style, and providing you with recommendations.
Get in touch to learn how tutoring with NumberWorks'nWords can help your child
The tradition of forgetful Lower Hutt residents scrambling to get their bins out at the sound of a chugging diesel engine might soon be history.
Half the city’s rubbish truck fleet will be electric from July next year, with the last of the combustion-powered fleet to be phased out by 2024.
The … View moreThe tradition of forgetful Lower Hutt residents scrambling to get their bins out at the sound of a chugging diesel engine might soon be history.
Half the city’s rubbish truck fleet will be electric from July next year, with the last of the combustion-powered fleet to be phased out by 2024.
The move is part of the Hutt City Council’s new rates-funded rubbish and recycling service.
Mayor Campbell Barry campaigned on introducing a modern waste management system during the local body elections and he is delighted with the electric trucks.
“By modernising our rubbish collection services alongside our recycling changes and new green waste service, we have created incentives for people to produce less waste.”
It has been a tough year for the Te Omamga Hospice. Fundraising manager Leanna Bruce says Covid has had a major impact financially.
It costs more than $7 million annually to run the hospice and her job is to raise $3 million every year. A number of events have been cancelled due to Covid and their … View moreIt has been a tough year for the Te Omamga Hospice. Fundraising manager Leanna Bruce says Covid has had a major impact financially.
It costs more than $7 million annually to run the hospice and her job is to raise $3 million every year. A number of events have been cancelled due to Covid and their shops closed during the lockdown.
The next major fund-raiser is an exhibition organised by Hutt artist Alice Huang. Her father, Ruosong, died in the hospice and she is very grateful for the care he received.
- Art from the Heart, Saturday 21 November, Dowse Art Museum, 4pm.
Drop off your household hazardous waste and we'll dispose of it correctly for free.
Drop off things like:
• petrol and oils,
• garden, cleaning and pool chemicals,
• thinners and degreasers,
• batteries (except single-use button and alkaline)
… View moreDrop off your household hazardous waste and we'll dispose of it correctly for free.
Drop off things like:
• petrol and oils,
• garden, cleaning and pool chemicals,
• thinners and degreasers,
• batteries (except single-use button and alkaline)
Not accepting:
• Paint
• Commercial waste
• Electronics
• Fluorescent light tubes and LED lights
• Medical waste
• Gas bottles and cylinders
• Asbestos
• Ammunition or explosives
Wellington Opera is thrilled to be taking audiences on a journey of musical and theatrical discovery, launching with Mozart’s masterpiece Don Giovanni at the Wellington Opera House, April 2021.
Wellington audiences are in for a real treat, with a dynamic New Zealand cast featuring many … View moreWellington Opera is thrilled to be taking audiences on a journey of musical and theatrical discovery, launching with Mozart’s masterpiece Don Giovanni at the Wellington Opera House, April 2021.
Wellington audiences are in for a real treat, with a dynamic New Zealand cast featuring many principals back in New Zealand on pause from their careers around the world.
The production of Don Giovanni is directed by Sara Brodie, with designer Meg Rollandi, and Matthew Ross as Music Director, with the Wellington Opera Chorus and Orchestra Wellington.
This is a bold yet timeless production offering food for thought for our times whilst embracing the theatricality of old.
Don’t miss it… with only four shows in April 2021, buy your tickets now!
To buy a ticket for your car and come on a very special ride www.eventbrite.co.nz...
It's a new week, we have classes at Dyer Street School Hall, Epuni on Mondays @ 6:30pm and Saturdays @ 9pm. Tuesdays we are at Avalon Public Hall, 14 Mabey Road, Avalon @ 6pm. Give Zumba a go, it's our mission to make fitness the most fun time of the week. Your first class is always … View moreIt's a new week, we have classes at Dyer Street School Hall, Epuni on Mondays @ 6:30pm and Saturdays @ 9pm. Tuesdays we are at Avalon Public Hall, 14 Mabey Road, Avalon @ 6pm. Give Zumba a go, it's our mission to make fitness the most fun time of the week. Your first class is always FREE, what have you got to lose. Class details on our website www.stateofmotion.co.nz....
Just a spot of birding at Riddiford Gardens and this happened. I've got to stop dressing in green and thinking be still like a tree. I feel like a Disney princess (albeit years after filming when they have become old and crazy and someone no longer does their hair and makeup). I tried to … View moreJust a spot of birding at Riddiford Gardens and this happened. I've got to stop dressing in green and thinking be still like a tree. I feel like a Disney princess (albeit years after filming when they have become old and crazy and someone no longer does their hair and makeup). I tried to scrape it off with one finger and it climbed onto that finger - it was like mobile chuddy or a sticking plaster, and I strongly resisted the urge to flick my hand. I managed to coax him onto an actual tree branch. His Mum turned up and growled. Called him an idiot.
Goldfinch fledgling. Photo courtesy of my daughter Lilly.
At the moment we are at watering restriction level 1: routine odds/evens garden watering restrictions. This means we have enough water for residents based on current demand, BUT we need to look after the storage reserves we have, so there is enough water to last all summer.
With increased demand,… View moreAt the moment we are at watering restriction level 1: routine odds/evens garden watering restrictions. This means we have enough water for residents based on current demand, BUT we need to look after the storage reserves we have, so there is enough water to last all summer.
With increased demand, and hot, dry weather- things could quickly change.
Garden watering restrictions help smooth out peak demands on the network during daylight savings.
So, what can I do to help limit demand? ?
- use mulch in the garden to help lock in water ✅
- use a trigger hose to water plants ?
- soak don't sprinkle - a good soaking twice a week will encourage feeder roots to grow down ?
Know the garden watering restrictions in your area ???
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