Book a spot to chill out

SITTING PRETTY: Robyn Cherry-Campbell (left) and Kelly McIsaac share one of the bench seats placed outside shops on Carterton's High St. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Carterton is becoming "quite the quirky place" to stop and take a load off your feet.

You can even take a moment to read a book or magazine on one of 25 park bench seats parked outside shops.

And you will soon be able to hear piano music drifting along the main street as you shop.

Locals and visitors alike are also welcome to leave a message or two on a chalk board outside the old derelict Mid-way Takeaway building opposite Holloway St.

The interactive initiative is a Carterton District Business Inc idea to "engage with the community" and encourage more people to visit the township and shop.

Group members Kelly McIsaac and Robyn Cherry-Campbell say the initiatives have been popular.

Ms McIsaac said people were answering all kinds of questions posted on the chalk board and many were taking advantage of the seats.

One this week asked people what was their favourite thing about Carterton with replies including "the happy faces and people".

"Carterton is a quirky place and we wanted to get people to start thinking about different things ... the chalk board is pretty popular. People are leaving all sorts of messages. It's about finding things to engage people with the town. Fun and stimulating things. It's giving people something different to do."

Books of the Book Exchange are left on bench seats which people are welcome to stop and browse through or take home to read.

In return, people were dropping off more books for others to share, Ms McIsaac said.

"It's quite entertaining. I heard one lady say to her husband to 'sit and read a magazine' while she went a did the shopping.

"It's so good to see people using them.

"They seem to be enjoying it."

From early next year, a freshly painted colourful piano will be moved to different spots along the main street as well, Ms Cherry-Campbell said.

"Everyone will be welcome to stop and play a tune or two ... it's going to be quite stimulating"

Meanwhile, Santa's Grotto has been developed inside the old Midway Takeaway building. Santa will be popping in on Saturday between 10.30am and midday. Donations for the Carterton Foodbank Christmas Appeal can be left there as well.