Clutha Leader

Backyard beekeepers could contribute to the health of our agricultural economy, a local apiarist says. Alan Wilson, a semi-retired commercial beekeeper of 25 years, said he and other industry professionals would be happy to help hobbyists take up small-scale beekeeping at home. “Everybody knows how important bees are for pollination,” he said.

The Year of the Dragon signified spreading wings with the announcement of a $3.5 million-dollar plan at Lawrence Chinese Camp (LCC) on Sunday. At the annual Chinese New Year Festival, LCC chairman Denise Ng described plans to develop New Zealand’s earliest and largest Chinese settlement into a “major destination” with the help of sponsors including the People’s Republic of China.

A gift of Christmas spirit was given by young to old when local kindergarten children came to sing at Holmdene Home for the Aged in Balclutha on Tuesday last week Christmas songs rang out across the rest-home’s lounge in the voices of preschoolers and parents for about half an hour before the residents’ afternoon Christmas party. ‘‘It’s really nice to get out in the community to spread some cheer and make some connections,’’ Balclutha Kindergarten head teacher Jolene Barclay said.

South Otago A&P Society’s 157th annual show will be held on Saturday, November 25. A massive welcome to everyone — there are a lot of things happening at the show this year. This year, the committee decided upon a Scottish theme in the home industries section. The theme will run through baking, hand crafts, children’s hand-crafts and photography entries. Entries close on Monday so there’s still time to get creative! Dogs are welcome at the show if on a lead, and with manners intact.

The Waihola Swans have taken control of the Clutha Vets South Otago T20 competition with their third win from as many matches. The Swans beat the Kaitangata Kings by five wickets in their match played in Kaitangata on Saturday. The home side opted to bat first but could only muster 115 for the loss of four wickets from their 20 overs. Top order batters Allan Thomson and William Casey put on a second-wicket partnership of 45 runs in the only stand of note.

The annual South Otago A&P Show hosts an incredible event year after year. There are so many quirks and unique aspects of the show. One of those is the annual Show Queens contest — a way for South Otago women aged 18-26 to step out of their comfort zones and build confidence within themselves. Contest organiser and previous winner Bayley Coates says the day is all about empowerment and growing as a person.

Welcome to the 2023 South Otago A&P Show. This being our 157th show, we are indeed one of the oldest running A&Ps in New Zealand. Thank you to all our sponsors support this year. Sadly, this is becoming a harder task each year, but to those that have continued their support, the committee and I thank you wholeheartedly. Without your continued support this community focus event would not be.

The cost of living crisis is tightening and Clutha Budget Advisory Service (CBAS) has reported a record high demand for its services. CBAS manager Lee-Anne Michelle said demand for food parcels surged by nearly 50% over the average in September. ‘‘We were averaging 86 parcels a month but, in September, it went up to 122. ‘‘In September 2022 it was only 74, then October was up to 144 and that month 28 new clients come forward, some of them representing families.

The Clutha District Council has asked for public feedback on its proposed changes to speed limits throughout Clutha district. Local authority reviews are a consequence of the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2022, which came into force in May 2022 in line with the Labour government’s nationwide ‘‘Road to Zero’’ campaign, which stated a target of reducing death and serious injury on New Zealand’s roads by 40% by 2030.

This week’s winner of the Silver Fern Farms Local Legend prize is Colleen Hosking, of Balclutha. Colleen was nominated for travelling around rest homes in Otago and Southland and entertaining the residents. She was nominated by her peers as someone who was ‘‘very busy’’ but always had time to entertain and put smiles on people’s faces.