Wanganui's Home of Compassion is the latest organisation to sponsor a stained glass window for the Council Chamber, telling part of the Wanganui Story.

Last week representatives of the Home of Compassion were thanked by Mayor Michael Laws when they attended an afternoon tea in the Council Chamber to inspect the latest in the stained glass windows that constitute the Wanganui Story.

Designed and created by artists Julie Greig and Greg Hall, it features a portrait of Mother Mary Joseph Aubert, revered throughout the Wanganui district for her work at the Jerusalem mission. She was the founder of the 'Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion', and to fund the work of the mission she (with the help of Father Christophe Soulas) set up a large fruit and nut orchard at Jerusalem, and also produced a variety of bicultural homeopathic remedies. The latter activity is represented by plants and a mortar and pestle in the stained glass window.

Her work has been deemed of such importance, her character so exemplary and her faith so inspiring that the Roman Catholic Church has commenced the lengthy process of beatification.

The Board of the Home of Compassion intends to arrange a blessing of the window at a later date.

Leadlight craftsman, Greg Hall, and assistant Sarah Mauvan, were on hand to explain the process by which the windows are created and to answer questions.

Thirty-two stained glass windows, each depicting an episode or aspect of Wanganui history, will, in time, decorate the Council Chamber and tell the Wanganui Story.

Pictured are Home of Compassion representatives with Mayor Michael Laws, glass artist Greg Hall and Sarah Mauvan.

Nakamura scholars Matthew Mail (Wanganui Collegiate), Jacinda Pirere (Cullinane College), Jessica Johnson (Wanganui Girls' College), Carlie Shaw (Wanganui High School), Haydyn Papple (Wanganui City College) and group leader Becky Lindsay, were given a formal farewell at a civic reception in the Council Chamber last Friday.

Pictured (from left) are Jessica Johnson, Matthew Mail, Becky Lindsay, Cr Nicki Higgie, Haydyn Papple, Cr Dot McKinnon (obscured), Jacinda Pirere and Carlie Shaw.

The six young Wanganui people are now in our sister city, Nagaizumi in Japan, thanks to the benevolence of Japanese businessman Tomonobu Nakamura.

The Nakamura Scholarship Fund, founded 10 years ago, has enabled Wanganui students to visit Nagaizumi and experience its culture since 1998. Accordingly, it contributes to increasing cultural awareness amongst youth and motivation to travel and study abroad. This year, 2007, is the last year that the scholarship will be funded by Mr Nakamura.

In recognition of their friendship and generosity, the students will present Mr and Mrs Nakamura with gifts from Wanganui, including a glass waka (pictured) crafted by local artist Greg Hall.

The Nakamura Scholarship recipients are spending a fortnight as guests of families in Nagaizumi. Ms Lindsay, currently studying Japanese at Massey University, hopes to return to Japan next year to teach English.

eDay 2007 - September 29, 9am-3pm

The inaugural Wanganui Festival of Glass is under way at venues throughout Wanganui until September 30.

Glass on Mainstreet will inspire locals and visitors with a diverse display of glass by established and emerging Wanganui artists. The exhibition Hot Property at the Sarjeant Gallery celebrates 20 years of art glass practice in Wanganui, featuring work by graduates from the Diploma in Glass Design and Production and the Quay School of the Arts' Bachelor of Fine Arts programme. Current students are exhibiting their innovative glass works within the Alexander Library in Queens Park.

Artists will treat the public to hot glass demonstrations, and the more adventurous can enrol in short intensive glass workshops. A highlight of any trip to Wanganui is a visit to the Chronicle Glass Studio, where you can view the glass blowing process in action and purchase exquisite hand blown pieces on display.

Programmes and more information are available from Wanganui i-SITE in Guyton Street, Energy Direct Glass Info Centre at 23 Victoria Avenue or by contacting Teresa Goodin on (06) 349 1863 or email Teresa Goodin, or visit the Wanganui Glass Group website.

Solar water heating

As we all strive for lower energy bills, an increasing number of people are considering the installation of solar water heating.

Obviously this is a great way to save money in the long run and reduce dependence on our gas and electricity supply.

The installation of a solar water heating system requires a building consent, and all the plans, specifications and technical information to accompany it.

A significant number of solar water heating panels have been installed throughout New Zealand without building consent. If your system has been installed without a building consent, this can be 'recorded' through the Certificate of Acceptance (COA) process.

Please contact the Council's Customer Services staff for further advice, phone 349 0001.

In May the Government spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Jeanette Fitzsimons, launched a cash grants scheme and a new website to help householders reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through the installation of solar hot water heating systems. Information on these grants can be obtained from EECA (Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority) on 0800 358 676 or email solar@eeca.govt.nz.

Vacancies

Details of the following vacancies are available on this page:

Executive Assistant - Policy & Planning
Applications close 30 September 2007

Resource Management Planner
Applications close 7 October 2007