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Arobake turned 25 on Thursday 30 October  - and they are giving away Belgium biscuits to all customers. Go in and wish them Happy Birthday.

Brooklyn Trail Builders
The Brooklyn Trail Builders have planted 1,744 native trees in the Polhill and George Denton Park area over winter. Many of these are the trees that were in the original forest of this area. These trees were provided by the Council, Forest and Bird (from their Highbury nursery) and Project Crimson, who provided 200 rata trees (the dominant tree in the original forest). The Trail Builders also worked in with students from Brooklyn Primary School to plant the top of Polhill, near the gun emplacements. This is an ongoing project to improve this area. Many of the plants are along a new track that winds up from Holloway Rd to Highbury, and which his for uphill riders and two-way pedestrian users. Called ‘Clinical’ to acknowledge early funding from the Wellington Marathon Clinic, this 2km track goes deep into the reserve and provides never-seen-before views, including of the south end of Highbury. This track is due to open this summer. Maintenance has also continued on the much-used Highbury Fling track. Thanks to the many volunteers who’ve helped out the various projects this year. And thanks to the words of encouragement from track users.
Garth Baker 
(54 Highbury Rd) for Brooklyn Trail Builders: facebook.com/BrooklynTrailBuilders   

WOW
Koromiko Road resident Kris Ericksen's entry Phoenix Transformer came second in the South Pacific section of the recent World of Wearable Arts competition: video of entry

Kill the Rats
Andy Maloney, another Koromiko Rd resident is setting off on a sponsored electric bike ride to raise money for the continuing pest eradication program on Henderson Island in the Pitcairn group. He is cycling from Zealandia (Karori Sanctuary) to Tiritiri Matangi Island (north of Auckland), connecting up two pest free 'islands', with a ‘send off’ at Rata Cafe, Zealandia, on Sunday 9th November, 9.30am to noon. Please come along for a coffee or brunch.  More information.

Zealandia
We are neighbours to Zealandia, the Karori Sanctuary, which is a wonderful nature restoration project. Some of the plants in our gardens, however, can spread and cause problems. This month's featured plant is the sycamore. It is a fast growing canopy species that forms a monoculture, which suppresses native regeneration. It seeds prolifically and wind can spread the seeds easily.  More information about sycamore, how to remove it and what to replace it with.  

Highbury on TV
The TV One Neighbourhood programme on 3 August featured Highbury and Kelburn. The programme was hosted by Highbury Crescent residents Kathrine Switzer and Roger Robinson, who extolled the virtues of our neighbourhood. You can view it at TVOne on demand.

Cherry Slice
Julia Buck continues her musings on life and throws in a Cherry Slice

Brass Band concert
The acclaimed Wellington Brass Band is having a concert on 9 November. Koromiko Road resident Andrew Weir will be playing cornet and possibly bag pipes - details, see image below or go to wellingtonbrass.net.nz

Live Music
Come hear the Doubtful Sounds performing their final gig for the year on Saturday 15 November in the Aro Valley Hall from 2pm. Led by Radio New Zealand National's Nights presenter Bryan Crump, the group sings new arrangements of well known songs like Satisfaction, Born in the USA, and I Feel Love. The seasoned string quartet Strung Out will accompany the singers for the second half, and there'll be a surprise addition of an accordion at some point. Look out for it! While there are no guarantees that all songs will be in tune, it's a definite that all audience members will have a good time. The cost is $10 (or $5 unwaged).

Emergency Preparedness 
Have you changed the water in your emergency supplies recently? It should be changed every 12 months.

Valley Voice
October issue is now online (as is the September issue).

Houses for sale 
3 Koromiko Road: It saddens me but I am putting #3 Koromiko Road on the market in a few weeks. I have found it increasingly difficult to keep up with the garden since my bellowed Liz died and now I have a few health issues that make it impossible. The steps also now present as a problem. So if you know of anyone who may want to buy in this wonderful neighbourhood please contact me on 027 2324875.
It is a 1927 3 bedroom home with an exquisite view as many houses in this street also have. Insulated above, below, and some walls. Has double glazing on all south & west facing windows, renovated & modern kitchen, lovely indoor-outdoor flow to paved area at back. Raised gardens in back yard. A large front garden levelled into 5 tiers - all suitable for productive gardening. Lovely old established trees add to its beauty. 
Lynn Harris  

18 Disley St: trademe.co.nz/798359738
25 Disley St: trademe.co.nz/797189149
1/32 Koromiko Rd: trademe.co.nz/535660043
166 Raroa Rd (section): trademe.co.nz/793832186

Properties for rent
39 B Mt Pleasant Rd: http://www.fullhousemanagement.co.nz

Villa for rent in central Kelburn from January
Available 1-2 years (subject to confirmation of posting length) from early Jan.
150m2 west-facing single-level villa c. 1917 with three bedrooms (or two bedrooms and study). Big modern kitchen, separate panelled dining room, open fire plus gas central heating. Infinity hot water. Fully insulated and all in very good order. Above a quiet road up a short walkway. Great sun, nice garden. 15 minutes' walk to the cable-car and half an hour to the city, 5 minutes to Kelburn School and shops. 
Owned by MFATer on posting and currently tenanted by another MFATer (and former Highbury resident) also going on posting. 
$630pw or $660 with lockup garage. Photos on request. Contact: jonathan.schwass[AT]gmail.com

Wanted: garage to rent
Russell is seeking a garage to rent in the Highbury Crescent / Upper Highbury Road area.
If you know of one or own one, please contact Russell on 027 432 7963. 

Need help around your house?
Try HelpX and meet interesting people from other countries: www.helpx.net/

Childcare @ mine
My name is Helen and I am an experienced Nanny. Some call me SuperGran. I live @ 57 Mt Pleasant Rd. My service provides casual or regular Childcare @ my address every day - 7am till late (including weekends). The cost is $15 per hour. The minimum charge is $30. I only look after one child at any time though this is flexible by arrangement. Give me a call to discuss your requirements or make a booking. Phone 934 9501 or 0274 541 972 hbennett57[AT]gmail.com