On-Line Prattler taking a Break. The on-line Prattler is taking a break from today onwards and will resume in mid-January. We wish all readers and subscribers a Merry Christmas and a great New Year. Thank you to those who have informed us of events, supplied leads, provided photographs and given personal messages of support in this community focused service. We are always looking to be relevant and positive. Our most viewed post in one day was in April. This dealt with issues around the Putaruru water and what to do about the situation. New Plan for Tokoroa CBD Upgrade Council recently resolved to not build the new iSITE building as part of the Tokoroa CBD Upgrade, due to the cost being $850,000 over the agreed budget. Council will also be scoping the proposed Town Centre Manager function and how that role could be used to activate the Leith Place area and wider town retail space. “We’re taking a step back to re-establish the principles agreed with the community a year ago,” said Chief Executive Ben Smit. “We will also be investigating how technology changes can be used to better inform visitors to our district.” Once a revised full project scope is in place Council will communicate this to the community. Following this, steps are likely to include a selection of landscape and plaza space designs, including a new toilet and activation space; which the community can provide feedback on.  “Given the current costs our Council and community are facing, we think our decision to step away from the building at this stage is prudent,” said Mayor Jenny Shattock. “There will be opportunity for community feedback on redesigns for the plaza area, so do keep your thoughts coming.” No further works are likely to start before Christmas to avoid potential issues over the festive season, however works will start early in January. NZTA will be working on the highway in March and Council will dovetail storm water improvements with these works.

This collection of stills from the Pride in Putaruru Christmas Parade 2018 is arranged as a short video. PiP appreciates the organisation required to enter a float and make sure the parade runs smoothly and thanks all those who contributed to this occasion. To access this video, click on the image below. The Prattler print version is being delivered on Wednesday of this week to Putaruru, Arapuni , Tirau and other rural areas.

The DECEMBER PRATTLER is on-line now. Download it from the side bar to the right or click on the Front Page image below. On Monday a collection of images from the Christmas Parade on Friday evening will be posted to the daily blog. The print edition of the December Prattler will be delivered this Wednesday. Please contact the PiP office 2 Overdale Street if your copy is not delivered using either 07 883 7272  admin@prideinputaruru.com

Make a point of going along to St Mary’s Deck the Hall, at the school hall in Kensington Street. Hours of work have gone into making this an experience that has so many details in each of the scenes that have been set up. We only offer a glimpse of what is available so that you make your own discoveries. Naturally Santa is there and on stage a nativity play performs from time to time. A letter writing table is also set up so you can make your wishes known to the person of your choice. The displays remains open from 7pm to 9pm during the first week of December, with a gold coin entry fee. Take an extended dekko at St Mary’s Deck the Hall. On Friday evening it’s just a stroll across the road after the Putaruru Christmas Parade ends.

Click the street map below to see an animation of the Parade route this year. [There is a slight opening delay.]   The PiP Christmas Parade Details for 2018 are: Friday 7th December 6 pm Come along and join in the fun. The parade forms on the grass beside the St John Hall before heading on the usual route onto Main St, Buckland St and around to finish at Kensington St. Family Fun Night Following the Parade there will be food, fun and entertainment on Kensington Street until 8 p.m. Come along and have a closer look at the Floats and then enjoy a good time. Window Displays From Monday there is the usual competition for the best and most creative shop window display around Putaruru.