Culture Galore and Garden Gala – two community events held this summer with support of the Riccarton/Wigram Community Board – again proved to be big successes.

Ray Blank Park on Maidstone Road was alive with the sounds, sights and flavours of the world on 22 February as about 50 ethnic groups turned out to help make Culture Galore a success.

The free community cultural festival had a surprise visit from members of the New Zealand Ethnic Council, which was in the city for the day. Culture Galore is also supported by the Fendalton/Waimairi Community Board.

Council Recreation Adviser Jacqui Leask says the culture festival and Garden Gala were helped this year by fine weather.

“They both went really well,” she says. “I think they built on the success of 2002 and we’re definitely planning to hold them both again next year, at the same time.”

Garden Gala ran on 5 March in the beautiful grounds of Riccarton House on Kahu Road. The event is a free fun gettogether for older adults, with entertainment and a variety of have-a-go leisure opportunities.

People who came could try their hand at Oamaru stone sculpting, spinning and weaving and petanque. There was also a demonstration of gentle seated exercises and of Tai Chi.

Others looked into surfing the web with SeniorNet.