Waimea Weekly Locally Owned and Operated
Wednesday 6 March 2024
Businesses shine at awards Page 7
Farewell from
Upcycling cards for community Page 9
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Richmond Library roof sagging, leaking MAX FRETHEY
Local Democracy Reporter
The Richmond Library has “significant” structural roof issues with staff being “plagued” by leaks. In a report presented last month,
elected members were told that the building is approaching the end of its life, with “significant structural (roof) and water ingress issues”. Tasman District Council libraries manager Glennis Coote said that leaks have “plagued” staff almost
since the library was refurbished in 2010, though the leaks primarily occur in areas that aren’t accessible by the public. “That has taken a lot of time and effort and, I’m sure, money from the services budgets to deal with those leaks.
“There have been a couple of areas on the current right side of the library that have actually affected the wall liners – it’s been replaced once or twice in some areas.” Glennis added that the ceiling has been sagging in places “for
quite some time”, creating a safety concern for staff, though “we’ve been told at this point that it’s not a safety issue.” The 2010 refurbishment cost $2.2 million but included a massive
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Olwyn’s 24th birthday treat in Cadillac ANNE HARDIE At 96, Olwyn McDonagh has only celebrated 24 birthdays on 29 February, but she celebrated in style last week as she was driven in a Cadillac that was just about the same age as herself. The 1929 four-door Cadillac La Salle was a surprise birthday treat for Olwyn at Summerset’s Richmond Ranges retirement village, which she gladly climbed into with family and friends. After a few goes turning the engine over the Cadillac was ready to go, and with a wave from Olwyn in the back seat, they headed off on a quiet drive around the village. Olwyn was born just one year ahead of the Cadillac and, while it went on to become the Motueka school bus with up to 19 kids squeezed into it before Olwyn McDonagh received a surprise ride in a 1929 Cadillac for her ‘24th’ birthday. Photo: Anne Hardie.
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