Recently we attended the concert by the Opus orchestral group in Rotorua.
What an excellent programme for young and old, with Mark Hadlow brilliantly narrating Peter and the Wolf.
This semi-professional central North Island group of dedicated musicians obviously enjoyed what they were doing and the result was a creditto them.
Their conductor, Peter Walls, is an inspirational leader of the group and interacted with the audience (including a preschool "conductor") with warmth and aplomb.
Opus orchestra depends on support from places such as Rotorua to survive, and if we wish to see them here again we need to back them financially and by attending their excellent concerts.
I highly recommend them – it was not a "high brow" concert but entertainment for all – even me. Brian Gore Rotorua
Rates rises I would like to congratulate our council, on yet again beating inflation by so much. Our council so effortlessly beats the rate of inflation by miles with their rate increases.
Champs. Steve Chapman Rotorua
Remember rates What a wonderful sense of timing has our mayor and the council! Just as the Government, realising that the pensioners are struggling to pay the extortionate power bills, provide a winter fuel allowance, so Rotorua Lakes Council ups the rates in order to pay for the flimsy vanity schemes dreamed up by mayor Chadwick!
I just hope that you all remember this at the next election! I know I will. Jim Adams Rotorua
True heroes Recent letters to the editor have either congratulated or criticised the mayor or members of the council, as the plight of the homeless shelter was reported over these last cold months.
Let us not forget the "true heroes" – Visions of a Helping Hand charity trust.
They've shown the community their persistence in their pursuit of helping others. While the political ping pong was happening around them, they didn't drop the ball and investigated the suitability of one of the other buildings they already leased.
Congratulations to Tiny and Lynley Deane and their team in achieving the opening of the Night Shelter.
But the good night story doesn't have to end there.
To ensure this charity is not "left out on the cold", how about sharing their vision of helping others?
Let's ensure their message is not lost, and encourage people to help out with donations by either visiting the centre at 1225 Pukuatua St, above the Salvation Army or phoning (027) 506 1313 to see how Rotorua as a community can help turn this nightmare into a dream that becomes reality. Sweet dreams. Tracey McLeod Lake Tarawera
