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...
Six tips for improving security around your home
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.
Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.
Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?
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43.4% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
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56% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
Today’s riddle: For all the curious minds next door!
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My lightning comes before the clouds.
My rain dries all the land it touches.
What am I?
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