We are now past the shortest day and on the trek toward summer.
The past month has seen plenty of activity in the village, albeit, not all positive.
Having said that, there were instances where unwelcome activity showed great examples of the co-operation between Howick Village Association [HVA] members.
Unfortunately, shoplifting continues to be a challenge for retailers.
The ‘Whatsapp’ group managed by Jane and Sarah from the HVA office again proved invaluable in not only communicating warnings to HVA members but it was also used to provide specific information to the local police to assist with tracking offenders.
HVA has recently received funding from the Government’s Crime Prevention Fund to be used for further prevention initiatives.
Jane is in discussions with Howick Police on the best area to use and optimise this funding.
Recent successful activities include:
- Howick Rotary Blankets 4 Kids 4 Winter appeal in partnership with HVA
- Commencement of upgrade of CCTV equipment and installation of additional CCTV cameras throughout the village (supported by funding from the Lion Foundation and Howick Local Board)
- New tree resurfacing outside the Information Centre
Star Insure have joined as main sponsors for the HVA Village HOP for three years from 2023 – 2025 - HVA’s Matariki activity books for children are available from this weekend.
- Matariki art display in Fencible Park/Market Square – partnership with Arts Out East
- East FM vinyl sale
The Mid-Winter Shop and Win promotion started on July 1 and runs for the whole month.
HVA encourages you to support Howick Village retailers in this.
Gerald Patterson, HVA Deputy Chair
