News
Gone up in smoke.
That could be one phrase to sum the week just gone, the week we will never get back. Fireworks. was it the biggest story of the week, well that can be debated over a cuppa. But it was part of the week that certainly went off with a bang.
But if you don’t like the bangs, fizzes, whizzes and flashes of fireworks maybe the damp weather over the weekend was your saviour.
I don’t know if anyone has crunched the numbers to find out what is spent annually in Invers on fireworks, but it’s a safe bet that it’s not small change and if one chooses to spend their hard earned dosh that way well that’s their choice.
However one could suggest that money be better channeled to one’s KiwiSaver fund, an extra rent or mortgage payment, a bit more in the grocery trolley, a top up for the summer holiday account, something for the garden, something extra for Santa’s stocking, the list goes on.
But its the law of supply and demand, while there is demand, retailers will cater for it.
It’s 3rd time lucky for the Riverside Speedway Fireworks Extravaganza after being postponed last Saturday and Sunday due to bad weather it’s now planned for this Friday the 13th
more info here
Where do you stand on the sale of fireworks and here’s a curly one, do we actually know why we let fly with fireworks at this time of year? Those of more senior years might remember neighborhood bonfires with a homemade “Guy” burning atop.
Younger folk are probably saying “what?????”
Other things, our victorious All Blacks are back on the right side of the world with the RWC cup now safely locked away. Pity that the team couldn’t get around to more venues for victory parades. However we don’t think that the Cup will be stowed away forever. Maybe in the new year it’ll go on some sort of road show with an AB or two to watch over it, say Gidday to the crowds and sign autographs.
Other things, well done to Tony and Tracey Laker from House of Travel Laker to get their day trip to the Melbourne Cup off the ground, for the want of a better phrase. What an event and day it must have been. Judging by pics sent back on dear old social media, it looked as if everyone was having a grand time at a grand event in a grand city. I read an interview with Tony and he outlined some of the difficulties in getting this going, it was no simple task. Basically he and Tracey worked on it for several years, some years that had secured an aircraft, other years they had secured a landing slot but didn’t have an aircraft. Yes, one can’t just fly off to Melb hoping to land at peak time and on one of Melbourne Airport’s busiest days.
But it just goes to show that perseverance pays off. Let’s hope that this is not a one off.
Speaking of perseverance, hearty congrats to Scott and Joc O’Donnell, Sally McDonald and everyone who has been part of the development of the Bill Richardson Transport World.
(Read our exclusive tour inside)
The Grille Restaurant – Café is up and running and getting excellent feedback, and that’s because the coffee, food and service is right up there. Mike and myself at WOI thoroughly recommend it.
The retro lounge & kitchen are fun spaces to enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate.
But the Bill Richardson Transport World is not just a vast collection of old trucks and bits and pieces at last on public display. This is a big picture amenity. It’s geared up to attract visitors from far and wide, It’s geared up for events, conferences, etc that will bring visitors to Invers who will stay for a day or two, spend some money and take away positive impressions. And there are no grants, subsidies, hand outs from local bodies, funders etc.
See how it’s performing in 12, 24, 60 months time.
As part of the first media walk through, (Yes What’s On Invers were the only media given the tour so far) Mike and I were blown away by the expansive thinking, no scrimping, no short cuts, if something couldn’t be found, they made it. Read it here!
Other cities will be asking “why can’t we have something like this?”
The O’Donnell’s, McDonald’s and Laker’s of Invers need to be applauded and more importantly, supported. They have made things happen.
There are others of the same ilk in Invers, now is the time for them to come forward as the city looks to a prosperous future.
If you know of a business that is doing something different, that will make a difference , please let us know, We’d love to cover it.
We were also lucky enough to get an invite to the opening of Art Exhibition Dwayne Carey Mars 1. What an interesting and out there group of paintings. Check out our story here!
And top marks to Bruce Ross and his team for organising another hugely successful SBS Bank Tour of Southland. This man seriously deserves a medal. We read today to that Bruce and his team are already on the case of organising an extra special Tour to mark the 60th anniversary of the event next year. Great stuff!
After an absence of 10-15 years BP are back with a service station on the Ascot entrance to our great city.
Have a great week and have fun and be careful with fireworks.
ToodlePip,
Malcolm