Warm greetings to you all, the people of Saint Albans.

It is once again time for SARA to present an account of the year’s work to the community and I am delighted to be able to report that your Resident’s Association is in good heart and remains active in matters of local importance.

A number of new members joined the committee over the last year and it is wonderful to welcome their new skills and enthusiasm. SARA is always keen to encourage anybody to become involved in whatever project sparks their interest.

This year has seen SARA lead a consultative process to evaluate both their own structure and that of other SACRC based projects to consider if there are more effective ways of working. After many months, much thinking and discussion, all parties concerned agreed upon a somewhat more streamlined approach. This new structure would see a single SACRC governance body made up of representatives from all other projects, including SARA, overseeing the whole operation. The major advantage sought from this new model is to have fewer governance committees as these were often drawn from the same limited pool and duplicated tasks. This would enable the various projects to focus their energy on the activity of interest that brought them together in the first place as opposed to the governance tasks. A diagram is available to clarify this description and we plan to have the new structure in place as soon as we can clear up any legal obstacles to the change.

2002-03 has been a year of consolidation building on the strong foundation already in place. St Albans is particularly well served by the three strands of "a place to call our own" in the St Albans Community Resource Centre (SACRC), an effective communication tool in STANN and the human resource to link it all together in the Community Facilitator, Douceline Wardle. It is my belief that all three elements are essential to effective community development. A significant body of research would bear out the belief that a healthy community is one where its residents are connected, interactive and feel valued. It is with these values in mind that SARA sets about achieving its goals. The activities we find ourselves involved in are many and varied and as changeable as life itself! Over the past year motorway debates have once again dominated many resident’s lives and remain unresolved to date. SARA has added their voice to the discontent with the plans presently on the table. SARA has been involved in a good number of meetings that sought to challenge the options chosen. It feels sadly likely that St Albans will be lumbered with servicing the transport needs of greater Christchurch with little recognition of the burdens inherent.

On a more positive note we were delighted to join many others in a wonderful celebration of STANN’s 100^th issue earlier this year. Ten years of voluntary effort by two visionaries and many committed helpers has, I believe, resulted in a significantly more connected community. Well done Kate, Douceline and the fabulous support crew.

All those involved in local projects also enjoyed a lovely Christmas meal together.

Ongoing frustration has been SARA’s experience of attempting to meet with the developers of the ORION site in Madras St to suggest resident-friendly ideas. It appeared that a unique opportunity had presented itself to develop this large area in an environmentally friendly manner but apparently the developers don’t agree.

It has been great to see the variety of speakers on offer over recent months for older people to enjoy alongside the ongoing excellent programmes on offer to our youth. Katrina Hill has continued to provide wise guidance of the youth project with assistance from Kylie Katene and a variety of energetic helpers. Katrina’s other job as a youth worker at St Mathews Church has enhanced the development of a great collaborative partnership between SARA and St. Mathews. This church has been particularly community spirited sharing their venue for a number of excellent musical concerts. The Vivaldi, Brass and Variety concerts were enjoyed by many from all over Christchurch.

The landscaping at English Park has continued to grow and is enjoyed by many strolling through. This once ugly monstrosity is now viewed with pride and it was with some excitement that New Zealand’s first Eco B&B was opened next door. English Park’s facilities are now run by a management committee, including a representative from SARA and these amenities have become a significant asset for all to enjoy. A wonderful Christmas Carol session was attended by a large crowd and was a result of a combined effort by the local churches. Well done Salvation Army, Rutland St. Chapel and St Albans Baptist Church.

These examples of resource sharing for the benefit of us all are exciting developments in a plan to see St Albans community rebuild after years of fragmentation as a result of the Northern Arterial designation.

Other strong support has been enjoyed over a very long period from St Albans School and we commend them for their ‘open gate’ policy that was implemented long before it was fashionable. The school regularly shares its grounds, facilities and resources. This has in turn led to a community that is willing to contribute back to the school (if the school fair and Oscars Ball are anything to go by).

There are many to thank for their hours of voluntary work on our behalf and I hope I don’t miss anyone out!

The SARA committee: Emma Twaddle, Ben Harris, John Elley, Lorna Szentivanyi, Ann McRobb and community Board Rep. Anne Carroll. This group has done an excellent, somewhat invisible job in advocating for local interests and I thank them.

The Fabulous Centre Staff: Douceline Wardle, Marilyn Singh and Chris Mears. We couldn’t achieve our goals without you all.

The Christchurch City Council: who have for some years funded and actively supported this project. In particular I want to mention Mike McNabb for his guidance and support.

Local Policewoman and Councillor Megan Evans and Councillor Ingrid Stonhill who have voiced our interests in the political setting.

Edgeware and other local businesses for their generous and ongoing support and donations.

The Youth for joining in on the many activities and offering a youthful vigour to our project.

NNET for their wonderful commitment to ITC access for all.

The Community Choir for bringing song to St. Albans

STANN the vital local ‘grapevine’.

‘The Art Society for reminding us about creativity and things of beauty.

St Matthews, Rutland St Chapel, Salvation Army and St Albans Baptist Churches for seeking an active link with the communities you are placed in.

Local MP Tim Barnett for his untiring efforts to ensure people’s worries are noted in road planning.

To all the many volunteers who make our community the interesting place it is.

I hope I have not overlooked too many people or events in this report. The sheer number of both challenges my memory but bodes very well for St Albans! I hope to see even more new faces over the coming year.

Maggy Tai Rākena.