There are still places available for students to enrol on the three-year full time Diploma in Glass Design and Production at Wanganui Glass School.

This unique course offers students a fully integrated training and education in glass art, in the areas of hot glass, kiln formed glass and cold working.

The transfer of ownership of the Glass School from UCOL to Wanganui District Council's Private Training Establishment (PTE) in late 2007 has ensured the future of glass education in Wanganui and highlights the Council's commitment to ensuring Wanganui retains its iconic status at the forefront of glass art education and development in New Zealand. The course attracts students from across the country and overseas to live and study in Wanganui.

Mayor Michael Laws encourages anyone interested in pursing this area to enrol on the course.

"There are many glass artists living and working in Wanganui who have graduated from this course. Despite the current economic climate, these talented and skilled artists are able to develop and sell their work, regionally, nationally and in some cases overseas. They are contributing to the local economy financially and culturally – as evidenced by the success of the 2008 Glass Festival.

"Now is the time to invest in education and this course is simply the best in glass art that New Zealand has to offer."

For further information about Wanganui Glass School (in association with Quay School of the Arts, Whanganui UCOL) phone (06) 9653800 or see www.wanganuiglassschool.com or click on the image (right) for more details.

Wanganui District Council is advising users of the North Mole that staged repair work is being undertaken.

Community Development Committee Chair Cr Ray Stevens says it may affect boardriders and fishermen who need to be aware of potential hazards as the works progress.

Storms during the past six months have damaged the structure of the mole, washing some of the rubble into the surf zone. Work involves reclaiming the rubble and rebuilding the mole to provide a safe surface for recreational users.

"The area is potentially hazardous at the moment so we ask people to exercise caution while we work to make it safe again," Cr Stevens said.

Visitors to the Sarjeant Gallery over the next two months can enjoy a range of exhibitions:

The Umbrella Project – created by 60 Wanganui secondary school students working with well-known artist Michel Tuffery. The umbrellas are suspended in the Gallery's central Dome area. The exhibition (pictured right) runs to March 1.

Ben Cauchi: Lull – featuring work made between 2006, when Cauchi was artist-in-residence at Tylee Cottage, up until this year. The exhibition runs to March 8.

Vista - a selection of landscapes and scenes from the Edith Marion Collier Collection and Permanent Collection. The exhibition runs to March 15.

Mark Braunias: London Town - an installation of paintings and drawings, including images painted directly onto the Gallery walls (pictured left) and a catchy animation. The exhibition runs to March 22.

Whilst external maintenance work is being carried out, the Gallery is open as usual - Monday to Sunday 10:30am-4:30pm; Anzac Day 1pm-4.30pm. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. Admission is free.

This coming weekend, 1100 young people aged between seven and 14 years old will be competing in the Colgate Games at Cooks Gardens. Representing 85 clubs from across the North Island, competitors will take part in a range of track and field events.

Deputy Mayor Dot McKinnon is officially opening the Games at 9am on Friday, January 9. She is delighted the city is hosting this great event and will be welcoming the young athletes and their families to Wanganui.

The action runs from 9am–7pm on Friday and 8.30am–6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Spectators are welcome. A one-day pass costs $5 and three-day pass $12 for adults and over 15s. Under 15s are free and programmes are available.

Consumers are advised that the sprinkler restrictions have been reviewed by Council and automatic garden sprinklers can be used by all residents (irrespective of whether their house number is an odd or even number) between the following times:

7pm to 9pm During the hours of daylight saving
6pm to 8pm Outside the hours of daylight saving

Hand-held hoses can be used at any time.