Clock tower red lighted

FEILDING’s clock tower is to become a temporary “red light” area next week in support of St John’s “Flash a Light” appeal and awareness campaign.

The distinctive landmark is to be spotlighted each night by four red bulbs around the tower’s base and fluorescent lights on the clock faces.

Electrical specialists Alf Downs and Son Ltd will install the temporary lighting on Friday in readiness for St John Week from Sunday, June 20, to Saturday, June 26.

Other prominent buildings in Manawatu to also feature special lighting for the campaign include the Clock Tower and Regent Theatre in Palmerston North and the Foxton Water Tower.

Parks and Property Officer, Shannon Quirke, said council was keen to support St John Week and felt this was a good way to draw attention to the organisation’s dedicated service to New Zealand communities.

“It was a matter of figuring out what was the best way to go,” she said. “Coloured perspex was considered but the heat produced from the lamps made this option unsuitable, so we decided on red coloured lamps as they can be used again in the future.”

St John Central Region’s Fundraising Co-ordinator, Sandy Carter, said it was appreciative of Manawatu District Council’s decision as the organisation was attempting to light up as many high profile buildings in the region as possible.

“Ambulances flash their lights hundreds of times each year for people in need and now it’s the community’s turn to flash a light for St John and donate to our annual appeal,” she said.