The Western News, which covers the Riccarton area, is one of the free Christchurch suburban papers published by the Star group of companies. As with many small papers, it had to cease printing when Lockdown 4 was introduced, but later began publishing online. It has now started printing again, but if you previously received it in your letterbox, you may be wondering why it's no longer coming.
Before, it was delivered on a Tuesday as a separate item. Now, delivery has begun on a Thursday, as an insert into the Christchurch Star. So if you don't get the Star, you won't get the Western News. However, you can arrange to receive both, still free, by phoning the Star office at 379 7100.
Groups that had to stop meeting in person during lockdown are now starting to meet again. See below for when each activity starts back. Please note that things may be different for a while as we are still encouraged to have social distancing when together.
This includes the City Council’s customer services desk and booking use. Measures to protect visitors and users of the centre are in place to meet physical distancing and contact tracing requirements.
In partnership with the Christchurch City Council, the Oak Development Trust is carrying out a survey of the Riccarton West Community Garden. This is part of the community consultation of the review and you are invited to contribute. You can fill it in online by clicking on this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1D3IDeU9E1hVzPvq9DujHpWxyprXavSST-X2gVjNjYCU/edit
It should take only a few minutes and your feedback is really appreciated. There are also paper copies at the Pantry and the Trust office, 80 Rattray Street. It closes on Friday 12 June.
With the government raising from today the number of people who can join together in one place, Riccarton churches are starting to move from online services via Facebook, YouTube and Zoom. All churches will be observing strict safety and distancing, but after-service morning teas are out for the moment.
Riccarton Baptist Church will start normal services from this Sunday, 10am, at 80 Rattray St.
Riccarton Community Church will start normal services on 7th June at 44 Elizabeth St, at 9am and 11am. However, people wishing to attend need to book in advance, so the church can keep numbers within the limits.
St Ninian's Presbyterian Church will begin meeting on 7th June, at 5 Puriri St, at 9.30am. However, the church discovered two weeks before the Level 4 lockdown that its main church building is below earthquakes standards, and meetings will initially be held in the church hall.
St Teresa's Catholic Church is in the process of amalgamating with three other parishes, and for the present will be known as The Catholic Parish of Christchurch West. The re-organisation will incorporate St Teresa's (Puriri St, Riccarton), St Bernadette's (Hornby) and Our Lady of Victories (Sockburn), although all three churches will still be used for masses. Masses will start tomorrow, Saturday, 30 May, but parishioners will need to register beforehand to attend by going to the website, christchurchwest.org.nz. Mass times: Saturday Vigil, 6pm Sockburn & Hornby. Sunday: 8am Riccarton; 9am Sockburn & Hornby; 10am Riccarton; 11am Sockburn & Hornby; 3pm Sockburn; 5pm Riccarton & Sockburn; 7pm Riccarton.
Christchurch City Council is working on plans re-open its public facilities under Alert Level 2.