Deb Wardle – Glass with Class

Being interested in lots of things has led Deb Wardle down many different paths over the years, not always ones she set out to follow. Although she describes herself as normally a very planned and methodical person she has had to learn to “wing it” more than once, no more so than in her most recent venture – establishing an art studio in Martinborough. Here she holds classes in fusing glass to make jewellery, mosaics, and wall tiles.

Fifteen years ago Deb bought 30 acres of land south of Martinborough and set up the vineyard that is now Cirrus Estate. With a wry smile Deb says “I loved it and I lost lots of money, which forced me to sell at the end of 2006”. In between the wine business and her new art studio was a three-year Diploma in Art and Creativity from the Learning Connexion in Taita. During her study Deb was exposed to the joy of experimentation with drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, stone carving, forging, bronze, ceramics, environmental art, sculpture and glass. She says that it was “like kindergarten – I got to play with everything and I loved it”. … Continue Reading

Did You Know

AUCKLAND super city now pays a million dollars a day in servicing its loan debits – let alone paying any off. Their proposed residential rate increase this year is 7.5%. Anyone for amalgamation?

AN AVERAGE in New Zealand five people a day are seriously injured in car crashes involving alcohol. Last year half of all people caught driving while over the legal limit had been previously apprehended for the same excess.

A MODERN television screen can produce 17 million different colours.

CHINA has 23% of the world’s population but only7% of the world’s arable land.

THIRTY SEVEN million visits were made to NZ libraries during 2014 … Continue Reading

From the Mayor

Something awful happened in South Wairarapa just recently.  I’m referring to the horrific car smash at the intersection of State Highway 53 and Bidwills Cutting Road which saw local girl Mackenzie Paton fighting for her life in hospital.
Whenever bad things like this happen we naturally want explanations as to why and assurances that the cause will be fixed.  Sometimes those explanations are elusive and in this case questions are being asked about the layout of the intersection.  Does signage hinder the sight lines and can it be redesigned to make it safer? … Continue Reading

Cooking corner

Roast Beef, Hash Browns with Emerald Sauce
Ingredients
Hash Browns
• 4 medium potatoes, grated
• Emerald sauce
• 1/3 cup fresh coriander, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Roast beef
• 500g lean roasting beef
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil … Continue Reading