Island survivor: A tiny dog named Valerie managed to survive alone in the wild for 529 days on Kangaroo Island, off the southern coast of Australia. The miniature dachshund vanished during a camping trip and avoided rescue efforts for months, despite trail cameras, food traps, and even her owner's scent being used to lure her in. Volunteers with a local wildlife group finally gained her trust by sitting calmly with treats and familiar objects, waiting until she was ready. After countless hours and kilometres travelled, they brought her to safety. Though she's still adjusting, Valerie's story has warmed many hearts. Against all odds, the little dog proved just how far resilience can go.

Lifeline calls: In the small village of Sharrington in England, residents rallied to save their historical red phone box by queueing up to make dozens of calls in a single day. Though slated for removal due to low usage, the booth has served as an emergency resource for locals and visitors alike, including paramedics unable to get mobile reception. The campaign's leader says the surge in calls shows strong support and that the box is more than a relic, it's a real necessity. Community members described it as a piece of history and a symbol of unity, especially in an area where vital services have slowly disappeared. Whether or not the phone company moves ahead with removal, the signal from locals is loud and clear.

Tortoise breakthrough: A century-old Galapagos tortoise has become a first-time mother, marking a milestone for a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA zoo and a hopeful step for her endangered species. The hatchlings' parents, who are two of the zoo's oldest tortoises, were paired through a breeding program designed to protect this rare subspecies. Four babies recently emerged and are now growing behind the scenes, with more eggs still being monitored. The mother, known as Mommy, had never passed on her genes, making these hatchlings especially valuable. With so few of these tortoises in captivity, each new arrival adds critical genetic diversity. Their tiny steps mark meaningful progress for conservation.

Face rocks: In Chichibu, Japan, an unusual museum houses more than a thousand naturally formed rocks that bear a striking resemblance to human faces. Known as Chinsekikan, or the Hall of Curious Rocks, the collection includes stones that unintentionally mirror everything from famous musicians to cartoon characters. None are carved, but each was shaped solely by nature, then spotted for its personality-packed expression. The founder, who spent decades collecting these stony lookalikes, insisted on no alterations, preferring only rocks that seemed to gaze back on their own. Experts say the shapes result from mineral fractures, weathering, and erosion that mimic facial features. Still, whether you see Elvis or E.T., it's hard not to smile back.

There is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind ~ Virginia Woolf

The world will ask you who you are, and if you don't know, the world will tell you. ~ Carl Jung

Spark Jump provides low-cost internet to homes with children under 18 but no broadband connection. No credit checks or contracts. Contact Addington.net on 962 7244 or book online at steppingup.nz

Speak For Yourself Toastmasters Club. Ever wanted to practice speaking in front of others? Come and see what we're all about, and meet some awesome people! Upper Riccarton Library, 71 Main South Road Sockburn, 6.15pm-8pm on Tuesdays. 0273996535

My Walking Group A friendly group of singles aged 45+ who have fun & friendship by walking and biking. 03 323 6232

Rolleston Toastmasters. Ever wanted to practice speaking in front of others? Come along and join our fun, friendly and most importantly SUPPORTIVE atmosphere. You are welcome to come along and just watch to see what we do, we won't pressure you to speak in front of everyone. The Mens Shed, 54 Dynes Road, Rolleston 6.15pm - 8.15pm. Every Monday.

Prebbleton Craft Group Craft Day, Every second Thursday 7-9pm, Prebbleton Cottage, Cnr Blakes & Springs Road, join us to create a variety of craft projects. 0212156164

Free Courses Literacy and numeracy, digital literacy, Kiwi English, Learner Licence and more. For more information contact Literacy Christchurch, phone or text 022 6970478 or email info@literacychristchurch.org.nz

Greater Hornby Residents Association. Meetings are held in the last Sunday of every month in the Hornby Rugby Clubrooms, Denton Park at 2pm. All welcome.

Free notices for not for profits grace@coffeenews.co.nz

1. The Lion, the Witch, and the _____ was written by C.S. Lewis.

2. This dance became a huge craze during the Roaring Twenties.

3. The Northwest Passage is in Antarctica - T/F?

4. Canada's longest river is the Mackenzie, MacDougal, or McClaren River?

5. This singer was known as Old Blue Eyes.

Sacred trunk: To the ancient Maya, the Central American Indigenous civilisation, the towering ceiba tree represented the universe itself. Its deep roots symbolized the underworld, the trunk stood for human life, and its wide canopy reached toward the heavens.

Currency connection: In 1999, a group of European countries introduced the euro for electronic transactions to unify trade and boost cooperation. A few years later, coins and bills rolled out for everyday use. It marked a new chapter in continental teamwork.

Puppy muse: Paul McCartney's beloved dog Martha inspired the Beatles tune Martha My Dear. Though the lyrics sound like they're meant for a woman, the song was really a musical nod to his fluffy, four-legged companion.

Arcade origins: Long before arcades, pinball began as a tabletop game called Bagatelle. The switch to coin-operated machines with flippers, bumpers, and flashing lights developed over decades. One early upgrade, a spring-loaded plunger, helped launch the modern experience.

Shell secret: A tortoise is a type of turtle, but it sticks to land and skips the swimming altogether. Its legs are more like sturdy stumps than flippers, built for walking instead of paddling. While all tortoises are turtles, not all turtles follow the same path through life.

First ant: What's that smell, is it you? Second ant: No, it's de oder ant.

What is a better name for a fly swatter? A fly splatter.

Lately, my skiing skills are really going downhill.

Diner: I'll have the alligator sandwich, and make it snappy!

1. Wardrobe 2. Charleston 3. False, Arctic 4. Mackenzie 5. Frank Sinatra