 |
Ashburton Town Watch named runner-up in TrustPower volunteer awards21 July 2008 Ashburton Town Watch achieved 2nd placing at the TrustPower Volunteer Awards held in Ashburton on 9th June 2008. The community patrol was set up in 1985 by members of the local CB and 4 Wheel Drive clubs following concerns about increased violent offending and damage occurring in the community. Patrol members initially used their own vehicles but were fortunate to be offered the use of a Council car. In 1994 a generous grant from the Kiwanis Club of Ashburton enabled the patrol to purchase its first patrol car and the Ashburton Trust supplied hand held radios. This car was replaced in 2002 and again in 2007. The car is garaged at the Ashburton Police station. The patrol acts as eyes and ears for the Police from whom they get excellent support. Extra patrols are put on for special events such as the Methven Rodeo and Big Air Freestyle MotoX which is attended by more than 10,000 people. Ashburton Town Watch travels over 10,000 kilometers a year and relies mainly on donations for the running expenses and maintenance of their patrol car. They recently ran a successful fundraiser barbeque at the two-day Ashburton Motorhome Show, the biggest mobile home show in New Zealand.  Joan Chisnall with Jill Newton and patrol President |
