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To download ‘The Martinborough Star’ April 2020 edition please download the link below.

Star_April_2020_v2

Maree’smusings

SIGN LANGUAGE

  We all have important things to say, and in times like the present, communication – from a distance! – is vital to keep us all united, and has become a whole new ball game. We’ve had to invent new and novel ways of doing this, although many of the old favourites still work. The ‘thumbs-up’ or ‘fingers crossed’ remain OK – just make sure they’re well-scrubbed. A slight upward incline of one’s head took off, and a touch of the elbows went viral but not for long.

Do you have a T-shirt or two with a message on it? There’s no harm in that. The KEEP CALM posters from previous times of national disaster have been popular and this appropriate instruction is now plastered on shirts instead. Going up a level, perhaps the message should be DON’T PANIC. For example: DON’T PANIC .. BUY! Due care with punctuation is required with this one. … Continue Reading

1,200 cyclists

You may have wondered at the huge number of cyclists passing through  during March. The answer is in this piece witten for the online news ‘Newsroom’ by Rod Oram who took part in the event. 

‘Three quintessentially Kiwi characteristics were particularly evident in the month long journey down through New Zealand: The first is simplicity, yet sophistication. An event involving 1,200 cyclists over many weeks is immensely complicated. But the organisers – Jonathan, Paul and Simon Kennett, long time bike advocates, route finders and publishers of cycling guides and books – have brought a simple sophistication to the enterprise through a clear division of labour. They are responsible for devising the route and managing the entries; while they leave each cyclist to organise themselves on the road.

The brothers put a huge effort into creating the best route and documenting it in detail in their Tour guide book. This includes useful information on campsites, shops and other amenities along the way. They also produce route files for cycle computers, and give frequent updates on the Tour’s Facebook page as road conditions or other factors change. … Continue Reading

Know your rights as a consumer

The Fair Trading Act applies to anyone in trade. The Consumer Guarantees Act applies when you have purchased a good or service normally bought for personal use.

Fair Trading Act –  makes it illegal for :  businesses to mislead consumers , give false information ,  use unfair trading practices and  covers all aspects of the promotion and sale of goods and services / anything said about a product or service either verbally or in writing / any impressions given by pictures , advertisements or promotional material.

Consumer Guarantees Act – guarantees that goods or services should be :  acceptable quality /  fit for purpose / match their description / be delivered as agreed , if no time period has been set, within a reasonable time / match the sample or demonstration model / be sold by a trader who has the right to sell them / be supported by available spare parts and repair facilities.  Services must be provided with reasonable care and skill / fit for purpose / provided within a reasonable time / provided at a reasonable price . … Continue Reading