Tracie Barrett

By Tracie Barrett The soft opening of the new Beaumont Bridge (on SH8 between Rae's Junction and Lawrence) was expected to be well supported on Sunday (July 30) but even Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency was surprised at the number of people who showed up to walk across the new link in the region’s road network.

Campers can be sure of a welcome at Bannockburn for the next five years, much to the relief of the camp manager. Cairnmuir Motor Camp manager and lessee Martine McDowell said she and husband Steve had let their landlord know they planned to take up the option of renewing their lease for a further five years. ‘‘It’s nice to know the decision is made.’’ A change in camp ownership had created some uncertainty during the past year as several options for the future were presented to the couple.

STORY / PHOTO: TRACIE BARRETT Como Villa Estate owners Pam and John Chapman are ready to host guests this weekend at the biennial Art in the Garden event. The estate, a historical site dating back over 150 years, is one of seven stops on the Art in the Garden tour being held this Saturday and Sunday in Alexandra.