CITY CENTRE
News
ISSUE 9
OCTOBER 6,
2016
WENSLEY’S CYCLES - A LOCAL ICON
Former US President John F. Kennedy once said “nothing compares
to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.” For Wensley’s Cycles owners
Rob McMurdo and wife Sandra McMurdo, riding a bike is simply about
freedom.
Located on the corner of Tay and Nith Streets, Rob has worked at the
iconic bike shop for 35 years, starting in an after-school role. He became a full-time employee and then eventually bought the business
with Sandra in 2007. It’s Invercargill’s oldest cycle shop and Rob says
he is now selling bikes to third generation customers. “It’s all about
the people, that’s why it’s great to do business in Invercargill. You’re
part of a community.”
Wensley’s Cycles has been a huge supporter of cycling in Southland
for many years through sponsorship of events such as the Tour
of Southland and Southland sportspeople including cyclists Eddie
Dawkins and Pieter Bulling. Pieter worked in the shop after-school and
Rob has sponsored him for years. He says that it’s being able to help
young people realise a dream that makes what he does so rewarding.
Since starting, Rob has seen the nature of cycling change to include
all levels of cyclist. “When I first started you didn’t ride a bike as an
adult unless you were racing. Now everyone does it. We sell a large
number of electric and recreational road bikes as well as push bikes
and mountain bikes.
Rob’s response to the question on what is needed in the inner-city
is “more bike lanes”. He says Invercargill’s flat topography is great
WENSLEY’S CYCLES OWNERS ROB AND SANDRA MCMURDO
for cycling and believes more people should enjoy it. “When you ride
a bike your worries and frustrations go away. You can’t help but feel
good or at least better. Bikes are my passion. I love them and I love
helping other people discover that love.”
With such long standing-commitment, Wensley’s Cycles is set to
remain an iconic symbol of cycling in Invercargill for years to come.
MORE FREE PARKING ADDED TO INVERCARGILL’S CITY CENTRE
Leven Street Car Park’s (behind the Invercargill
Public Library) fees have been restructured.
The new fees are outlined below. All paid parking is to be done at the new kiosk as you exit
the car park (there is no longer an attendant).
The entire car park has been restructured to
include rented car parks, metered spaces and
free parking.
EMBODY BARRE TRAINER LISA WILTON
EMBODY BARRE BRINGS EXERCISE FUSION
For those with a long-suppressed desire to
try ballet, now is your chance as Invercargill’s first Barre studio, an exercise fusion
that combines dance, ballet, yoga and
Pilates, has opened.
Embody Barre’s studio at 26a Esk Street, is
run by entrepreneur and mum Lisa Wilton.
It was a big jump for Lisa who says she
was following her heart when starting the
business.
“The classes really are for anyone. People
always have this vision in their mind of what
a dancer should look like. But it really is for
all body types and skill levels, even if you
have no ability or experience you will still
be able to benefit. The exercises will help
lengthen and strengthen your body.”
Lisa comes from a dancing background of 13
years prior to moving to Dunedin to attend
university. When she wanted to get back
into it opportunities were limited and she
found it very intimidating. Discovering Barre
was like a calling for her. Lisa liked that the
discipline incorporated elements of yoga
and Pilates, providing benefits for your
entire body.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY ROLLS INTO TOWN
The classes are held Tuesdays at 7:15pm,
Wednesdays at 7:15pm and Fridays at 6:00
pm and bookings are essential. If you wish
to try a class or want more information,
contact Lisa on 021 1837 938 or check
her out on Facebook at www.facebook.co/
EMBODYbarre.
Cook it and they will come. Southlanders love
good food and that’s what the crowds get
at Food Truck Friday held in Wachner Place.
It has run for two weeks now with multiple
vendors, as well as Hells Pizza and Subway to
choose from, making Wachner Place Invercargill’s ‘unofficial food mall’.
Through fantastic local support, people
from all over Invercargill are converging for
lunch in Wachner Place. This Friday October
7 will be the third of only five weeks the
Food Truck Fridays are planned to run. This
week’s additions to the event include Spanish
chicken paella and Korean chicken, along with
favourites like pies from Colonial Bakery and
burgers from Street Burger.
City Centre News Co-ordinator - Kari Graber - 03 211 1393 - [email protected]
The “Blue Zone” parks on levels 7 & 8 offer free
parking for up to 90 minutes which is perfect
for doing a bit of shopping and grabbing lunch!
For further information phone 03 211 1777.