Scaffolding is in place for the painting of the SWDC services office and library in Overdale Street. In line with the colour schemes being used by Putaruru Moving Forward in it’s painting work around town, the council building likewise will use this palette. We’ll keep you updated with how the painting is going.

Another Oxfam completed. City Girls retired after doing 10 of the 100km trail walk, but when they relocated to Whakatane in 2016 the temptation to do another was too great. Better still, a 50km event was added. In 2016 they set off to the Sunny Bay only to do the whole walk in torrential rain. They had never had to contend with rain in the past ten years so the good run had to end sometime. This year City Girls returned again to do the 50km and were happy with the perfect weather. The course had changed a little and there were some hills added for the 50km walkers. This year there were three teams from Putaruru entering the event, Meatballs (who did the 100km event and raised a total of $2732.00), consisting of Tracey Wilkinson, Kiamaia Kemp, Mark Lefebre and Richard Silvester.  These guys were amazing finishing in a time of 20.08.25. Team More Tit than a V8 consisting of Kim Saunders, Doreen Follows Jason Barbarich and Trudie Barbarich did the 50km and raised $2500.00 and City Girls, Kerry Farrant, Jan Bullot, Lesley Reece and Margaret Kennedy raised $2600.00. There were a total of 227 teams raising so far a total of $797,725.62 (80% of target) for Oxfam. “This is an awesome event and I recommend it to anyone who wants a challenge,” says Jan. The teams praise and thank all their sponsors and supporters. To positively comment on this post click here.

It’s not just leaves that drop in autumn – branches come down as well, but this time it’s part of the tidying process at the water feature by the roundabout. Add to the Lorraine Moller discussion thread here after watching the RESPECT video. Your thougthful comments are appreciated as this is part of the purpose of The Prattler on-line.  

How would you answer the question that this video asks about a Putaruru feature? Use the comment area here to read and make thoughful responses.

Go to the Weekly Quiz page of the site to access the new quiz – it’s all about balloons. We’re sure you’ll fly through.

A large number of families gathered at the sports ground in Tokoroa to see some of the hot air balloon teams from the Balloons Over the Waikato event set up their equipment. There were also other family friendly activities arranged, such as the 4 way tug of war and free kites for children to fly. One balloon was arrange on the ground so that you could walk inside it. There was a continuous stream of people taking advantage of this experience. Another sat inflated as if ready for launch, so that children could have their photo taken while  sitting on the basket – with the occassional burst of flame to keep the atmosphere realistic. SWDC sponsorship made this community event possible.

The upper area at St Marys Catholic School  was packed with families in the fun fair atmosphere created by the wide variety of games, stalls and activities creatively arranged. It’s so good to see students playing a big hand in making stimulating carnival games of skill. From crockery smashing, bungey water sliding to selfie dress-up photo shoots – oh yes and a large variety of tasty food. There was also the competition to be Principal for the day – perhaps the acting Principal will declare a holiday for pupils.  

After a busy night of installation, the checkout systems at Countdown Putaruru have been upgraded. This process is still going on, but it’s business as usual while this change over occurs.   The ever friendly staff are looking forward to the new system and we will report further on the changes once all work has been completed. Be assured that you can still shop as usual.

Over the next fours days an indoor ice skating rink is set up for everyone to enjoy at the Putaruru Primary School Hall. Classes at the school were busy getting into the flow of things today. All the gear required is on hand as well as helpful instruction.   Opening Times Are: Thursday 23 open from 3:00pm until 8:00pm Friday 24 open from 3:00pm until 8:00pm Saturday 25 – Sunday 26, open from 10:00am until 5:00pm Prices are: Children under 16 years: $7 Adults: $13 Family: $35 (2 children and 2 adults) Prices include skates, helmet and 30minutes skating, (longer if not busy). Join the fun.    

Over the past week there has been continuous activity along Princes Street. Diggers have been about as cables are laid in the centre median and new high standards have been locked into place. (An achievement goal?) Plenty of red cones of course, but no cones to warn of the cones! Power has been shut of in the area for some parts of the day as the work has progressed. Are we delighted? Well, we’re actually relighted. Looking forward to seeing the results of the switch.