Clyde has been abuzz with new public works recently, and Dunstan News reports the latest updates. 

Appealing New Feature in Central Clyde 

The new look Lodge Lane will be open to pedestrians and cyclists in a matter of days but vehicle access will have to wait a little longer. 

Like other building projects it has been plagued by delays in the delivery of materials, particularly from Auckland, because of the Covid-19 lock- down.

The pavers needed to finish the road are not expected to arrive until late November and it will be mid-December before installation is completed.

The new toilet is also on the waiting list and it is hoped it will be ready to go mid-December. After this, the town square area will be tidied up with fine gravel.

In the meantime, a beautification programme has been underway with a variety of shrubs and trees planted in the beds, and outdoor furniture is next on the list. 

Work on the upper Miners Lane and Holloway St wastewater reticulation scheme is also nearing completion, while a pump station at the camping ground is expected to start in early October.

Refurbished Clyde Signs Installed   

After at least 12 years, the signs erected by Promote Dunstan on the main highway have been replaced. Over the years they had become discoloured. 

The signs are the same although Rory Butler, who designed them, has made a slight alteration to make the buildings more prominent. 

The signs can be seen on either side of the main highway before the turn-off to Clyde.

Huge Demand for Native Plants  

More than a thousand plants have now been distributed by the Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust to the various groups it supports in the Clyde-Alexandra basin.

Volunteers working at the trust’s community eco-nursery based at the Clyde railhead are in the process of distributing a further hundred plants to schools throughout the Central Otago area as part of a joint project with the NZ Forest Service and Trees that Count. The nursery was selected to provide the plants for this one-off initiative.

The trust has received a number of inquiries for plants and has potential projects lined up with volunteers focusing their efforts on propagating more plants in anticipation of an even stronger demand for the planting season in autumn.

Bring Out Your Bowls  

The new season is underway at the Clyde Bowling Club and new members are welcome to join.

Several tournaments are planned, with the first outdoor one on October 3 and another on October 12 for Clyde Veteran Pairs (60 years and over) with a 10am start preceded by morning tea. A Bowling with the Stars Tournament is planned for January 28 next year after the success of the last one. 

The Covid lockdown caused some disruption to the winter bowls season forcing the cancellation of several events, including two competitions and the trophy presentation but, overall, it was a busy season.

For information about the new season email Lynn McArthur at: [email protected] 

Major Community Project Adds to Rail Trail   

Seven years of hard work and much fundraising have seen the completion of a major project involving members of the Lauder community.

The Lauder Beautification

Society started on its Railway Station project in 2014. Unlike the Clyde Station restoration, the group had to relocate and refurbish the old Lauder Station as well as doing interior painting and exterior landscaping.  

The society, in partnership with the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust, has just completed the interior with information panels telling the story of the area.  

Promote Dunstan, which played a major part in the Clyde project, donated copies of several railway posters for the restored Lauder Station. (Copies can also be seen in the Clyde Station.)

Rail Trail Trust Works at the Clyde Railhead 

The “Asphalt Project” commissioned by the Otago Central Railhead Trust was completed over winter.

It included asphalting the first 52m of the rail trail and installing old railway sleepers to give the effect of a train track. Additional safety measures such as give-way signs for vehicles crossing the trail have also been installed. 

Tickets Selling Fast for Wine Event

The Alexandra Basin Wine Growers group is gearing up for its annual new release tasting in Olivers Garden at Labour Weekend, Sunday, October 24, with limited tickets already selling faster than expected.

The event gives people the opportunity to taste what is new before the wines reach the shops. 

Tastings are complementary and the $30 ticket also includes a free tasting glass and wine booklet.

More information available here: Alexandra Basin Winegrowers New Release Tasting. Refunds will be made if Covid levels force a cancellation.

Carol Haig Looks Back on 20 Years with Promote Dunstan

“Oh... and I nominated you for secretary-treasurer of Clyde Promotions” my brother-in-law kindly told me. It was August 2001 and I had put an apology in for the AGM. But then I thought, oh well, why not? The kids have left home and I’ve got some time. 

Little did I know that 20 years later I would still be in the group, although I’d managed to pass on the secretary part to another member. I enjoy working with figures more than writing.  

Looking back in the original cash book, I note that 2001 was the inaugural Wine & Food Harvest Festival with revenue of $1853 while the 2002 New Year’s Eve street party had a loss of $900. How we have grown since then.

What a journey these 20 years have been. The group changed its name twice to reflect the geographical area it covered and it is now well established as Promote Dunstan. Our events and activities have become well-known and our group a co-ordinated experienced team.

For me, the enjoyment of being a member of this group has been my personal growth and the friendships made. In Promote Dunstan everyone’s skills are valued and I have gained skills from members which I have also been able to use to benefit my other community involvements. The more you give the more you get.  

Hey, if you are interested in Promote Dunstan, check out our websites. You will see what we are up to and how we celebrate, protect and promote the area in a variety of ways.

About Dunstan News

The Dunstan News is delivered by a small team of volunteers and without them Clyde house-holds would not get their copy. We would love some more volunteers to help. 

If you would like a stroll along two or three streets in Clyde once every couple of months or so, then please phone Leanne 0276 34864 or email: [email protected]