01 March Blenheim Sun newspaper

By Chris Valli

Renwick local’s generosity humbling

By Chris Valli

The Renwick community have reached into their collective hearts in efforts to support and fundraise for those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Renwick Supervalue owners Pip and Chris Elliffe decided to donate a $1000 Supervalue gift voucher to start a raffle with the hope that it would raise more money than what they had put forward. Within six hours of starting the fund they had over $1000.

Pip says the feedback and support from the wider Renwick community has been extremely positive and humbling.

“The community we live in is extremely generous. We have also had people from all over the country donate to the flood fund and people just donate money not wanting a ticket just wanting to purely donate. A few of our customers have also mentioned if they were to win they would donate the gift voucher of food to people in need,” Pip says.

Originally from Hawkes Bay, the couple have owned the Renwick supermarket for just over six years. Pip says they have been extremely lucky as all their family have since been accounted for and are safe. However, they have had family friends lose homes and businesses.

“It’s going to be a long road to recovery but New Zealanders are a resilient bunch so I’m sure they’ll

get back to some sort of normality in the near future,” Pip says. “We were feeling quite helpless and a sense of guilt when we heard about the floods and lots of our family and friends being affected,” Pip says.

“Not being able to be there and give a helping hand was hard for us to get our head around.”

Kirstie Paulin from The Coffee Shack gifted coffee vouchers towards the raffle and Conrad Fourie f rom Newman Graphics kindly gifted the large printed posters for advertising.

Pip says they are close to hitting the $5000 mark in the flood fund with the raffle ending on Thursday March 9 and the winner being drawn the following day.

“We would love to see the fund get to at least 7.5k so if you have a spare $20 head in and put yourself in the draw to win a $1000 gift card to spend in-store and coffee vouchers from The Coffee Shack in Renwick,” she says. “We are hoping to head back home in the next three weeks to give a hand to anyone in need. The money raised will not change the world but every little bit helps.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Nadine Taylor is asking Marlborough locals to dig deep to help Gisborne and Napier to get back on their feet.

The ‘Adopt a Community’ initiative was set up last week by Local G overnment New Zealand and matches councils who were unaffected by Cyclone Gabrielle with

one or more councils that were.

“We’ve all seen the devastation up north and want to help in a meaningful way.” The ‘Adopt a Community’ initiative matches Marlborough with two communities that have been badly hit by the cyclone,” Mayor Taylor says. “Napier and Gisborne are sister districts to Marlborough - we share wine and horticultural industries and many people in Marlborough have connections to them through family or work.”

Mayor Taylor says the initiative

is a way for council to support two councils that have been hit hard, by raising money for their communities.”

Marlburians are encouraged to support Gisborne through a donation to its Mayoral Relief Fund. The bank account number is: Gisborne District Council 03-0638-0502288-00

Reference: Disaster Relief Trust.

The bank account number for donations to Napier City Council is Hawke’s Bay Disaster Relief Trust: 02-0700-0010824-002

Sun The Kaituna Ramble fun walk

The Kaituna Ramble in conjunction with the Pelorus Community Preschool in Havelock is on Sunday, March 19.

The ramble is a fun 12km walk or run around Kaituna Ridges Farm located at 76 Readers Road, Havelock.

This year there will be a silent auction that will take place in the woolshed.

A complimentary bus will transport participants to and from the event.

A koha donation is welcomed when boarding and all money raised will go towards Pelorus Community Preschool. The bus will then depart Kaituna Ridges Farm at 12.30pm.

Please txt Nikita 0274408940 to make a bus reservation.

Wither Hills Farm Park users urged to take care

The council is asking people to take care when using the Wither Hills Farm Park.

Parks and Open Spaces Manager Jane

Tito says although all of the parks tracks remain open the current high fire risk means walkers, runners and mountain bikers are advised to exercise in the morning when the fire risk is lower, and stick to the lower tracks if it’s windy. Council will continue to monitor the fire indices on a daily basis. If the hot days and drying winds continue, they may have to close the upper and valley tracks and the mountain bike park, Jane says.

SUPER SUPERVALUE! Renwick Supervalue owners Pip and Chris Elliffe with their boys Oscar and Archie. Pip says they are close to hitting the $5000 mark in the flood fund with the raffle ending on Thursday March 9 and the winner being drawn the following day.

Priscilla properties to add a plethora of colour

By Chris Valli

Making a prop for theatre requires items to be sturdy as they will be used in several performances. Lucky Blenheim Musical Theatre’s Joy Moseley is in charge then.

Joy heads the properties team of seven for Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. She says there are well over 150 items for the May production at the ASB Theatre including a plethora on the bus to assist cast with the necessary quick changes between scenes.

“The bus will be set up on stage and I’ll have a container to place in the bus,” she says. “Anything from flowers, vases, microphones, telephones.” Other items sure to add context and authenticity to the storyline include a wardrobe of gaudy frocks, stilettos, the occasional padded bra, ping pong balls, a coffin and a bottle of

Chris Valli will be writing a fortnightly column for the Sun Newspaper about Blenheim Musical Theatre’s production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the ASB Theatre from May 17-27. There is a documentary on Netflix called Between a Frock and a Hard Place (released 2015). The 57 minute film is narrated by Terrence Stamp (English actor who played Bernadette) and delves into how an unlikely film and subsequent musical changed the course of history and brought a celebration of gay culture to the world.

Indeed, Sydney in the 1970’s was

champagne.

A props journey more like a collision, swerving between a string of the comic, bizarre and entertaining situations. The props and wardrobe have come from The Otaki Players Society, a community theatre on the Kapiti Coast.

Joy says the stand out prop is a silver headpiece (classed as a prop not wardrobe) worn by the character Felicia in drag sitting on a shoe on top of the bus in the outback, followed by the 10 metre silver train behind him, miming to Joan Carden’s performance of ‘Sempre libera (Free Forever)’ from Act I of Verdi’s La Traviata.

“It will be a significant part of the show, and shows the flamboyant nature of the character performing an opera number.”

Joy first joined the Blenheim Musical Theatre team in 2019 in the production

a time where suburban driveways throbbed with a V8 engine and a culture built on family and ruled by the great ‘Aussie male’. Sydney artist and drag queen ‘Cindy Pastel’ would become the inspiration behind Hugo Weaving’s character Mitzi. Oxford Street and the inner city was a beacon for the refugees of the suburbs, a flame that drew exotic creatures into the night.

The mid 70’s saw a new kind of drag emerging in clandestine venues along Oxford Street. The hub of a growing gay underworld and a rite of initiation for new arrivals on the scene. Sydney’s Drag nightclub Les

of Phantom of the Opera directed by the late Duncan Whiting. This show she says brings another unique dimension with the themes and soundtrack making it that much more ‘up’.

“This is fun for sure. Les Misérables was obviously quite different last year as it was a consortium show with 300 props involved,” she says. “It’s like going from black to white in terms of the show’s feel and vibe. The props team I hang out with have great camaraderie, experience and we all have lots of fun.”

The Priscilla bus is currently located in a container at the Lakings Road venue.

Locals may have noticed a Ritchie’s bus running around town this week with the Priscilla artwork at the end of it. The graphics were created by talented designer and production manager Liana Bell.

Girls ran from 1963 to 1994 on the corner of Darlinghurst Road and Roslyn Street. For 30 years it was an icon of Kings Cross. The cast of eleven ‘girls’ included Carlotta who would lip sync songs by artists such as Eartha Kitt and Shirley Bassey. Carlotta would provide the model for character Bernadette.

In macho Australia the bravest men wore dresses. Priscilla would make them national icons.

As I observed a recent rehearsal with the ensemble and choreography to Alicia Bridge’s I Love the Nightlife there was no irony lost.

The disco classic is about a woman

who has better things to do than listen to her man’s empty platitudes and tells him to kiss off and that she’s going to get some ‘action’ at the disco, where she can boogie all night.

Sometimes listening is required. To display empathy, to understand and to gain greater meaning from people, cultures and sexuality in all shapes and forms. Be prepared to listen Blenheim, there is dialogue and song which tells a back story…. and then some.

What is evident at this stage of the rehearsal process is the young dance ensemble and the point of difference they will bring to the

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Being active has always been a major part of Shirley’s life. For years, she has played golf and croquet and when it rains there is always Indoor Bowls or the local Line Dancing group.

“I love it when you are not only being active but also interacting with others; you get so much more of a relationship with different people through engaging in activities and experiences than just over a cup of tea and a chat.”

Shirley’s participation in the activities began to lessen, however, through no fault of her own; her world began to feel smaller and fun seemed to be in short supply.

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I am playing Indoor Bowls and doing very well on that front, if I

do say so myself. I have also picked up my trusty exercise bike and am doing 3km every day. I am so happy to be living life to the full.”

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production, showcasing their talents notwithstanding the people involved backstage volunteering, for the journey of fabulous that is Priscilla.

Joseph himself, Jason Donovan who played drag queen Tick in the musical was once asked the secret behind Priscilla’s success and longevity. ‘Escapism and adversity and a celebration of life’, he conceded. ‘It was a happy upbeat show about everyone getting on and living together’. This production will be a celebration and party in every definition of the words. Priscilla Queen of the Desert is at the ASB Theatre and runs from May 17-27.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR READERS

Joy Moseley heads up the Blenheim Musical Theatre’s prop department.

Zakea selected for Youth Olympic Medal Competition

By Chris Valli

Zakea Page, an artist with roots from Marlborough has been selected to be on the judging panel for the 2024 Youth Olympic Games medal design competition, held in Gangwon, Republic of Korea from February 19 to March 1 2024.

Now based in the United Kingdom, Zakea went to school in Blenheim. Zakea’s life has come full circle as he created the winning medal design for the Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020.

His design entitled “Beauty in Diversity” represents a culture of respect, friendship, and excellence, inspired by legendary American poet Maya Angelou who worked to educate others on the importance of valuing human diversity.

“Looking back on my experience at Lausanne 2020, I am so grateful to have been a small part of it,” says Zakea. “It is a great honour to be on the judging panel this time.”

The vision of Gangwon is to let young people celebrate peaceful coexistence and unity through

sports and to create a better future together. The winner will be announced at the end of March 2023 with the chosen design to be cast in gold, silver, and bronze to be awarded to the athletes that finish on the podium.

Zakea has recently completed his debut documentary short film “Ink and Gold: An Artist’s Journey To Olympic Glory” which documents his experience designing the medals for the Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games and his experience performing at the opening ceremony.

The film highlights the connection between art and sport in bringing together people of different countries, cultures, and backgrounds.

“It is an opportunity to share what I learned and experienced - a reflection on my Olympic journey and the fact that we are all multi-faceted beings. I hope that the audience develops a deeper understanding of the values that went into my performance - values that align with the Olympic movement which I take pride in as an artist, an athlete, and a New Zealander,”

says Zakea. He utilised the 2D rendering services of Wellington design artist Ryan Ardern and the photoshop skills of Blenheim based design illustrator Stewart Wiggins to digitally elevate his original design when initially submitting his design concept for the competition.

Blenheim Toyota

The film has already received twenty-seven Official Selection laurels from film festivals around the globe in 2023, including garnering twenty-one (21) ‘Best Documentary Short Film’ awards as well as several ‘Best Director’, ‘Best Producer’ and multiple ‘Best Editor’ awards.

Zakea Page, an artist with roots from Marlborough has been selected to be on the judging panel for the 2024 Youth Olympic Games medal design competition, held in Gangwon, Republic of Korea from February 19 to March 1 2024.

Q: Is there a teacher who you have special memories of?

My Polish literature teacher at primary school. She was very good at recognising my qualities as a performer, leader and a humanist. It put me on a right path from an early age.

My singing teacher Mr Taylor. His enthusiasm and passion for music has had a lasting effect on me. He made learning to sing a real joy that I still enjoy now.

Mr B (Bartholomew) inspired my love of all things science, nature and the outdoors. He took us on biology trips, tramping, caving and skiing trips all of which fostered a lifelong love of the outdoors.

to the editor

Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. A maximum of 150 words please.

They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even when a nom de plume is provided for publication.

The editor reserves the right to

abridge letters or withhold letters from publication. Email them to news@blenheimsun. co.nz or present to our office at 72 High St.

Please note that your name and street address MUST be provided with emails.

Yes a Mr Lees for English a few moons ago at Burnside High… loved the subject and has come in handy owning newspapers!

I think I had a really good run with teachers. No one stands out above the others, but I recall them all as encouraging me. My favourite subject was lunch.

I have a special memory of my primary school teacher at Plimmerton School, Primmer 3 Mrs McKoy. She spent a lot of time with me and would give me time to paper mache while others in my class had to read for an hour (this was not encouraging my reading skills). But it made me feel special and I could have fun with art.

Dear Editor

Thank you Chris Valli for the great story in last week’s Sun about our Blenheim Scottish Country Dance Club.

Just a small correction, we dance each Monday night at Whitney Street School hall led by our tutor Linda Glavin, not Doug Mills as reported. Doug Mills teaches in Picton on Wednesday nights.

Goes without saying of course, we are always keen for new members.

Thanks again Chris.

Gillian McCloy Club President

EYES ON THE SUN: Blenheim resident Jacquelyn McSkimming caught up with her favourite read last week enjoying a coffee at Cafe Velvet.

Hammers and Horsehair’s Homecoming Concert

Hammers and Horsehair are performing a ‘collection of light classics from concerts 100 years’ ago at the St Andrew’s Church at 7:30pm on Thursday, March 16.

The name of the Wellington based group refers to the hammers in the piano played

by Jonathan Berkahn and the horsehair on the bow of Robert Ibell’s cello with the trio completed by soprano, Rowena Simpson. Tickets are $30 for adults with $25 concessions. Under 18s are free. Bookings are available from www.eventfinda.co.nz

Brenda Ingram-Johnson

Katrina Whiteside Blenheim

Jeanelle Ymker Blenheim

Gemma Amsler Blenheim

Ewa Zielinska Blenheim

Brendon Price Blenheim

LOOK MUM NO HANDS: Blenheim's Fabian MacDonald has a play on his 2005 Yamaha 6 at Lansdown Park last Friday.

Marlborough Mayor launches funds for Gisborne and Napier

Mayor Nadine Taylor is asking Marlborough locals to dig deep to help Gisborne and Napier to get back on their feet.

“We’ve all seen the devastation up north and want to help in a meaningful way,” she said.

“The ‘Adopt a Community’ initiative matches Marlborough with two communities that have been badly hit by cyclone Gabrielle.

“Napier and Gisborne are sister districts to Marlborough - we share wine and horticultural industries and many people in Marlborough have connections to them through family or work.

“This is a way for our council to support two councils that have been hit hard, by raising money for their communities.

“We know from our own experiences of extreme weather and earthquakes that getting communities back on their feet is a marathon not a sprint. That’s especially true with a disaster of this scale.”

People are encouraged to support Gisborne through a donation to its Mayoral Relief Fund. The bank account number is: Gisborne District Council 03-0638-0502288-

00 Reference: Disaster Relief Trust.

The bank account number for donations to

New citizens celebrated

Citizens from nine countries including the Philippines, UK, USA, Argentina, Ireland, Ukraine, Tonga, Sri Lanka and Australia have been officially welcomed to Marlborough.

Mayor Nadine Taylor welcomed the 24 new citizens to the region at last Friday’s citizenship ceremony. Speaking at the event Mayor Taylor recognised the day was an important milestone in the new citizen’s lives.

“Your decision to apply for citizenship was no doubt made after very careful consideration and is a commitment

Napier City Council is 02-0700-0010824002 Reference: Hawke’s Bay Disaster Relief Trust.

The ‘Adopt a Community’ initiative was set up last week by Local Government New Zealand and matches councils who were unaffected by cyclone Gabrielle with one or more councils that were.

For more information go to www.lgnz. co.nz/news-and-media/2023-mediareleases/councils-adopt-cyclone-hitcommunities-to-support-their-fundraising/ Mayor Taylor noted there were also many other ways that Marlburians can assist the North Island responses.

Join the biking treasure hunt

Looking for a fun activity for the whole family to take part in? Jump on your bike and join the biking treasure hunt currently underway along the Taylor River.

The event, which runs from now until the end of March is free to enter and is for people of all ages.

Council’s RideOn Coordinator Sandy

Large said cyclists need to find the hidden clues along the Taylor River to go into the draw to win one of six treasure baskets. Five kiwi cut outs are also hidden along the way as bonus spot prizes.

“This event encourages the whole family to head out on their bikes and share in an adventure. Introducing the idea of exercising for pleasure early on can be hugely beneficial for children’s quality of life as they grow up.”

“Cycling is a fantastic low-impact workout. A bike ride will use all the major muscle groups and get your heart rate up, without straining your joints. That can be an important factor when trying to find a family sport that all ages can enjoy,” Sandy said.

to your future,” she said. “It is not a rejection of your past but in future your first loyalty will be to New Zealand.”

Mayor Taylor told the group that citizenship carried important privileges and they would all enjoy the rights and freedoms of native-born New Zealanders.

Following the Mayor’s opening address and the presentation of certificates, Council’s kapa haka group performed for the new citizens and their friends and family.

To register go to www.marlborough. govt.nz/recreation/cycling-and-walking/ cycling and then pop into the Council office to collect your registration pack. This event is run in in conjunction with the Aotearoa Bike Challenge month. Go to www.lovetoride.net for more information.

Mayor Taylor with Marlborough’s new citizens and officials at last week’s ceremony

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A few extra dollars are always helpful and if you’re a ratepayer on a low income you may qualify for a rebate of up to $700.

To qualify, you need to be paying the rates on the home you live in, your name must be on the rates invoice and your home cannot be used principally for farming or business purposes.

How much the rebate will be depends on the amount of your rates, the total income of you and your partner, and the number of dependants living with you.

You can apply in person at the Council offices in Blenheim or Picton or apply online at www.marlborough.govt.nz/ services/rates/rates-rebate You will need your income details for the year ended 31 March 2022 to

complete the application. Applications for this rating year close on 30 June 2023 and no late applications will be accepted. For more information contact Council on Ph: 03 520 7400 or email: mdc@marlborough. govt.nz

Seniors’ Expo coming up

Are you interested in activities or advice targeting the over 65 age group?

The Marlborough Seniors’ Expo, on Tuesday 7 March, is a day designed for the whole community to help create awareness of services available for older people.

While aimed at the over 65s, the Expo is not solely for them, so if you have an older relative or friend or are simply interested to know what support is available for older people, you are welcome to head along.

It’s a perfect opportunity to get vital information for whānau and family members. Whether it’s helping them to maintain an active lifestyle or meeting other people in a bid to reduce loneliness, the Expo can help. Even it it’s just wanting to know where to access advice and support, the Expo is

a valuable starting point. There will be information available about health issues in the elderly, mini health checks, demonstrations and representatives from support and legal agencies and health organisations will be on hand.

The expo runs from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm at the Marlborough Events Centre, next to the ASB Theatre, and is free to all. More than 50 stallholders will attend and refreshments will be provided.

The Blenheim and Picton bus runs on the day including the Marlborough Events Centre as a stop. This service is free to gold card holders, so people are encouraged to take advantage and use the bus.

For more information contact Council on 03 5207400.

Marlborough Repertory’s 75th - continuing the legacy

Marlborough Repertory Society – affectionately known as the Boathouse Theatre, celebrates 75 years in 2023. President Peter Morice spoke to Chris Valli about the role the theatre has played in the arts community and why it matters.

1948 was a significant year for community theatre in Blenheim. On August 10 the decision was made to form a local amateur dramatic group and the Marlborough Repertory Society was born.

Minutes of the foundation meeting recorded numbers at 72 with 24 apologies. Without a permanent home (until 1950) early productions were staged in the Springlands Hall, Blenheim Town Hall and His Majesty’s Theatre. Among the people on the historic night was Blenheim schoolgirl Rosemary Clark (nee Beaumont) who remains a Life Member to this day.

“With that comes a legacy,” suggests Peter Morice, Marlborough Repertory’s current President. “All those who have gone before us and who have strived to keep it going in different venues – that’s important to us and it’s important to me and you can’t lose sight of that. We don’t want to let them down. Most of those wonderful volunteers are long gone now. We still need to honour them.”

Positioned at the junction of the Taylor and Ōpaoa rivers, the Boathouse has been home to the Marlborough Repertory Society since 1971.

Originally a boat shed for rowing skiffs for the Blenheim Rowing Club, 1971 saw Marlborough Repertory purchase the building and with the expertise of stage designer, Raymond Boyce, from Wellington, the boat shed was converted to an intimate 120 seat theatre the community enjoys today.

The Boathouse has been home for over 200 productions encompassing full length and one act plays, music concerts, theatre festivals, touring productions, book festivals and member’s club nights.

Driven by the commitment and passion of its members and the generous support of the theatre going public, the Boathouse is a community powerhouse for the local theatre going public as well as visitors to Blenheim.

Peter says the black and white photos of ‘days gone by’ (held at the Marlborough Museum) depict a time where talent, commitment and characterisation was at its finest which continues to the current day.

“There is one particular photo (unnamed) which shows a scene full of passion and intensity” he says. “It could be a review out of the West End, it looks so good. That’s what drives me and gets me going.”

“It is a beautiful little theatre with nowhere to hide.”

Peter concedes it’s been a tough few years since 2021 due to the impact of the pandemic and he appreciates the continued support of the community and members.

“It has been hard work but you keep on keeping on,” he says. “You focus on what you want and need to do.”

Plans to stage Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol towards the end of 2022 hit a casting bump when finding the ‘right fit’ for lead character Scrooge proved elusive. The show was to be the directorial debut of experienced local thespian, Gordon Ritchie.

“The role of Scrooge is massive and holds it all together. We were just missing one man, we had the

others cast.”

The most recent Boathouse Theatre production, Relatively Speaking by Alan Ayckbourn, was in September 2021. Directed by Emily Gee, the play worked its way around Covid restrictions under Level 2 performing to a reduced audience with patrons seated in pairs and socially distanced, including pre-ordered refreshments during the interval.

The late Duncan Whiting, Peter says, was integral to the success of many plays over the years and has left a legacy of wonderful productions. He is enthused by the ‘fresh directorial talent’ coming through including Jared Wadsworth who he says ‘has the chops’. Pam Logan, Tamara Henry, Bridget McNamara, Rose Platenkamp and Emily Gee make up the balance of the ‘treasure trove’ of exciting directors.

To open its 75th Anniversary year, the murder mystery thriller, The Mousetrap, penned by Agatha Christie, and directed by Pam Logan and Tamara Henry, will make its debut at the Boathouse from 22 March to 6 April.

The play features a cast familiar to Boathouse regulars with Paul Southey and Bridget McNamara playing the roles of Giles and Miss Casewell. Peter himself is in the mix as Major Metcalf, ‘a small role’ of a jovial, sporting man, retired from the army. Tania Miller plays Mollie, Bolek Jaworski, Christopher Wren, Christine Smith, Mrs Boyle, Jim Rawdon, Mr Paravicini and Darren Simpson as Detective Sergeant Trotter.

Peter admits it’s a tough balance at times with his ‘administrative head’ while focusing on his own character.

“I said the last time I was President

Boathouse

and found myself acting, that I wasn’t going to repeat the exercise again,” he says. “I’m in this one because we needed to get it on the boards and get it going after last year’s (Covid) delay.”

A Gala night will coincide with The Mousetrap opening on Wednesday March 22 with Mayor Taylor officially opening the anniversary. Further productions include a book launch of 75 Years, staged, researched and written by

Debbie Walton-Derry, and ongoing celebrations for members and friends of the Society.

Peter is passionate about the Boathouse Theatre. “It is a beautiful little theatre with nowhere to hide,” he says. “We’re about dramatic or comedic roles. Once you’re onstage, it’s a joy.”

The Mousetrap is on from Wednesday, March 22 - Thursday, April 6. Bookings can be made at the ASB Theatre.

President Peter Morice says the 75 years is about a legacy.“All those that have gone before you and who have strived to keep it going from different venues. That’s important to us and it’s important to me and you can’t lose sight of that.”

Foot-stompin’ Celtic duo plays Blenheim

Two of New Zealand’s best known Celtic musicians bring their high-energy duo show to Blenheim’s Old Tua Marina Church on March 17.

Virtuoso platers Rennie Pearson and Bob McNeill have won numerous awards and fans all over the country for their powerful, hypnotic style and tight, intricate playing.

They play Blenheim as part of their South Island tour in March with their exciting live show featuring dance tunes, songs and stories from Ireland, Scotland and the Canadian maritimes, showcasing Pearson’s extraordinary artistry on the wooden flute and whistles, and McNeill’s unmatched guitar accompaniment.

Golden Bay based Rennie has made a name for himself at festivals all over New Zealand and Australia. He toured

Blue Stories Project –‘Impactful’

By Chris Valli

with Irish Dance troupes Celtica and Celtic Illusion in NZ and Australia in 2022 as their flute and bodhran player, performing in large theatres such as the Melbourne Arts Centre, the Wellington Opera House, the Christchurch Isaac Theatre and the Bruce Mason Centre in Auckland. A multi-instrumentalist, Rennie also sings and plays fiddle and guitar.

Meanwhile, Bob is an icon of New Zealand folk music, with a unique guitar style and sound that has been hugely influential. He has released several albums of Celtic dance music as well as solo and group albums of songs. Bob has won three Tui awards for Best Folk Album. Americana UK called him “one of New Zealand’s most prominent and gifted songwriters.”

An exhibition in association with Maternal Mental Wellbeing Marlborough is on at Marlborough District Library.

The ‘Blue Stories Project’ initiated in Nelson by illustrator and designer, Karolina Gorton, and Perinatal Support Nelson is an exhibition of portraits alongside inspiring and encouraging stories. Stories from Blenheim and around New Zealand, along with pop-art style portraits created by Karolina, will be exhibited at the library.

The project supports activities that encourage change for the better and unity in diversity and creates a culture of supporting all women and their families while educating communities and normalising the topic of PND.

Marlborough Coordinator Angeline Forlong says ‘sharing our stories is the most impactful way to help others who are feeling isolated, weak or that they are the only one feeling this way’.

Angeline says the strength it takes to ask for help and to acknowledge the struggle is important.

“It’s important to be open about it. Telling our stories and not sugar coating it for expectant mothers and fathers is important,” she says. “I personally felt as a mother who experienced post-natal depression and anxiety that overcoming both was a special occasion indeed.”

The Blue Stories Project has been created in conjunction with Perinatal Support Nelson and Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa (PADA) and with support from the National Lottery Community Grants scheme. Seven organisations are involved in the project: Well Women Franklin, Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury, Maternal Mental Wellbeing Marlborough, Central Lakes Family Services, True Colours - Honouring the Mother, Greenstone Doors and The Ruth Project. The exhibition runs from February 25March 11.

TELLING HER STORY: An illustration of Blenheim's Angeline Forlong done by Nelson based designer Karolina Gorton features at the Blue Stories exhibition at the Marlborough District Library. The exhibition runs until March 11.

Blue Door’s arts and collectibles

By Chris Valli

The Blue Door will be holding ‘three days of art and collectibles’ this weekend.

Manager Bronwen Demmocks says the weekend will have a strong focus on art with more than 100 pieces sitting in the storeroom.

“We do have a few items that people may find interesting including a large limited edition Martin Crowe print (The Lord’s Century) by Dick Frizzell,” she says. “There will be something for everyone, large, medium, small, retro to modern and includes prints, watercolours, acrylics, photos, framed needlework. Whatever we can hang on a wall, we will.”

Bronwen says if people are looking for

frames it would be timely to come into the shop for a look.

“We find that often customers are buying the pictures to get the frame to use for photos or pictures they already have, because apparently framing art can be an expensive exercise. People also use the pictures and frames for craft projects as well.”

Aside from the art, Michelle, the Blue Door ‘Collectibles’ volunteer has some interesting wooden pieces which will be going into the shop at the same time, including some from Africa.

In addition, while customers are in the shop, they can check out everything else the Blue Door has on offer, anything from clothing to hardware and everything in between.

Linda from the Blue Door with the Martin Crowe limited edition Martin print named, The Lord’s Century, by Dick Frizzell. Manager Bronwen Demmocks says the weekend will have a strong focus on art with more than 100 pieces sitting in the storeroom.

April 6

Friday, April 7

Saturday, April 8

Sunday, April 9

Monday, April 10 ROUND 7

Thursday, April 13

Friday, April 14

Warriors vs Cowboys

Knights vs Panthers

Titans vs Broncos

Raiders vs Dragons

Eels vs Bulldogs

Rabbitohs vs Panthers

Eels vs Broncos

Bulldogs vs Sharks

Cowboys vs Knights

Dolphins vs Titans

Wests Tigers vs Sea Eagles

Roosters vs Dragons

Storm vs Warriors

Sharks vs Cowboys

Eels vs Knights

Broncos vs Rabbitohs

Raiders vs Dolphins

Sea Eagles vs Titans

Panthers vs Wests Tigers

Warriors vs Roosters

Dragons vs Bulldogs

Bulldogs vs Raiders

Sea Eagles vs Broncos

Warriors vs Panthers

Sharks vs Dolphins

Storm vs Rabbitohs

Wests Tigers vs Dragons

Roosters vs Cowboys

Titans vs Eels

Storm vs Broncos

Bulldogs vs Warriors

Panthers vs Roosters

Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers

Cowboys vs Dragons

Raiders vs Eels

Knights vs Titans

Sea Eagles vs Sharks

Broncos vs Panthers

Dragons vs Roosters

Rabbitohs vs Eels

Sharks vs Knights Wests Tigers vs Cowboys Dolphins vs Storm

Bulldogs vs Titans

Raiders vs Sea Eagles

Dolphins vs Dragons

Eels vs Cowboys Warriors vs Broncos Rabbitohs vs Raiders

vs

Titans vs Rabbitohs

Sharks vs Broncos

Roosters vs Bulldogs

Cowboys vs Storm Panthers vs Dragons

Titans vs Wests Tigers

Raiders vs Warriors

Sea Eagles vs Dolphins

Dragons vs Rabbitohs

Broncos vs Knights Roosters vs Panthers Storm vs Sharks

The Gabba

Scully Park, Tamworth

TBD

GIO Stadium

WIN Stadium

BlueBet Stadium

Salter Oval, Bundaberg

Cbus Super Stadium

Sydney Cricket Ground

Cbus Super Stadium

BlueBet Stadium

Queensland Country Bank

vs Dragons

Sharks vs Dragons Warriors vs Rabbitohs

Storm vs Panthers

Raiders vs Titans

Cowboys vs Wests Tigers

Broncos vs Dolphins

Bulldogs vs Knights

Sea

vs Sharks

vs Sea Eagles

Eels vs Roosters

Wests Tigers vs Dolphins

Titans vs Panthers

Dragons vs Storm

Knights vs Rabbitohs

Raiders vs Bulldogs

Panthers vs Eels

Warriors vs Dragons

Dolphins vs Cowboys

Storm vs Titans

Roosters vs Wests Tigers

Raiders vs Broncos

Bulldogs vs Sea Eagles

Knights vs Sharks

Broncos vs Storm

Sea Eagles vs Wests Tigers

Rabbitohs vs Roosters

Dolphins vs Warriors

Panthers vs Cowboys

Dragons vs Knights

Titans vs Bulldogs

Sharks vs Raiders

Advocating for people 50 + From the President’s Desk

On 8 February we hosted two public meetings attended by 60 people, where John Collyns, CEO of the Retirement Village Association NZ, spoke. The afternoon session was for those who already resided in a village and the evening session was for those who were thinking of moving to a retirement village.

There were many valid questions from the floor for John. One of the questions, about rest home care rather than retirement villages, has been taken further by Grey Power Marlborough (GPM). This question centred around people moving into rest home care who did not have an income outside of their pension and the unknown costs that they may have to pay for their room.

GPM are now putting a remit to the Grey Power Federation on this matter. It reads: “That the Grey Power Federation lobby Government to ensure that rest homes must provide, especially in new buildings, a reasonable proportion of standard rooms, affordable to those receiving superannuation and limited accommodation supplements, as part of the options available for residents going into rest home care.”

I also want to express our sympathy upon the death of John Leader who had re cently resigned from our committee. Our thoughts are with his family.

Gayle Chambers President

Notes from John Collyns talks

John Collyns reported that currently there are 425 villages with 38,400 villas and 50,000 residents. Sixty-five per cent of these facilities offer continuum care; another 216 villages are planned.

He spoke about new reforms put in place about who pays for chattels renewal, how weekly fixed fees are fixed permanently and when they are stopped, and about payment of investments once the property is vacated. These reforms are on a trial basis

from July 2022 – July 2023 and are not mandatory. Depending on the trial outcome they may be put into legislation.

Residents are encouraged to complain, formally, if necessary, if they feel the operators are not meeting their obligations. If there is no positive outcome to a serious complaint, the resident should contact the Retirement Village Association, ph. 04 499 7090.

John Collyns explained the different types of villages and encouraged

everyone to look at what they may require in future care, before choosing a village. He encouraged people to use a law firm where lawyers with specialist knowledge can give expert advice on what they are signing up for.

He explained why residents do not get all their investment back once vacating a villa and generally what that ratio is, and the rare time when a resident is entitled to get their full investment back.

Scooter and Chair Riders and Cyclists

Here is information for the general public and for the 500 people using mobility scooters and power chairs around Marlborough. May we encourage you all to show tolerance and safety for them and for senior cyclists as well, who are suffering twice as many injuries according to ACC figures.

It is an offence to use a mobility scooter carelessly or without due consideration to other footpath or

This means that if while using a Mobility Scooter or Power Chair you

get involved in a crash, you must stop to see if anyone is injured, help anyone who is injured and report the crash to police within 24 hours. You can be prosecuted for failing to do so.

You must operate your mobility scooter or power chair in a careful and considerate manner. The maximum fine for careless or inconsiderate use of a Mobility Scooter is $3,000. Such use causing injury or death will incur a maximum fine of $4,500 or up to three months in prison.

Riding at a hazardous speed on the footpath or not giving way to

Greypower AGM

SECURITY AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON

A revolutionary new coding system, TrioCode 128 provides enhanced reliability and security by using three frequencies to overcome interference issues.

A revolutionary new coding system, TrioCode 128 provides enhanced reliability and security by using three frequencies to overcome interference issues.

pedestrians can incur a $100 fine - up to $1,000 in some circumstances. It is illegal for you to ride, or to let any person ride, in a way that may cause you or them injury.

If using your device on the road, show courtesy by keeping to the road edge to allow others to pass, or pull over and let vehicles pass as often as is practical. Failure to remain as far left as practical can mean being summonsed to court and fined. (For your safety, it is recommended that you avoid using the road where possible.)

Grey Power Marlborough

The Association for people 50+

Wishing all our members a special merry Christmas and a happy new year

MARLBOROUGH

Advocating for people 50 +

Office Snippets, March 2023

Phone 03 578 4950 or visit our website on www.greypowermarlborough.co.nz

Subscription renewal invoices will be going out shortly. Please check your email Spam/Junk folder if you usually receive your invoice by email and have not received it in a week or so.

Posted invoices may take a week or so to arrive. Please get in touch if you have no invoice by 15 March.

Occasionally invoices are undelivered, usually because you have changed your address, email or

postal, and we do not have the current details. We do try to telephone, but more and more members are closing their landlines down. If you joined several years ago, we may not have your mobile number to be able to keep in touch.

Please let the office know if your details have changed, email office@ greypowermarlborough.co.nz or phone 03 578 4950.

Our Grey Power Marlborough

Become a Bowler

The Witherlea Indoor Bowling Club, with members mostly of “Grey Power age”, is a small friendly club that on Monday evenings at Redwoodtown Community Hall at 7pm welcomes newcomers for a few nights to see if they enjoy bowls before paying a subscription of $30 for

the season. No equipment is needed, just a “give it a go” attitude and soft soled shoes with preferably little or no tread. All ages and capabilities are welcome.

For more information ring president Chris Dillon on 027-272-2739, or Heather Mortimer on 578-9350.

Planned events

We remind members that 30 days’ notice of intention is needed to leave GP Electricity otherwise a $150 fee applies. To be a member of Grey Power Electricity you must be our member as

well. Grey Power Marlborough membership costs $29 single and $43 couple. The savings possible with GP Electricity might well pay for your Grey Power membership several times. Check it out!

newsletter is published on the first Wednesday of the month in the Blenheim Sun. Copies are available from a stand in the foyer by Citizens Advice Bureau, in supermarkets and libraries, if not delivered to your home. Electronic copies of the newspaper are available on blenheimsun.co.nz

From this issue we intend also to email directly to members.

Museum Visit

The Marlborough Museum invites Grey Power members to a tour of the Museum and morning tea on the 8th March 2023 from 10.30 am – 12 noon at Brayshaw Park. The intention is for us to provide some transport to the venue. Contact our office between 9-1pm for details about this, ph 578 4950. Steve Austin, our host and executive director, is pictured below.

- Tuesday 7 March, 10am – 1pm Seniors Expo at the Marlborough Events Centre, Alfred Street.

- A NZ Retirement Villages Residents Association regional forum Thursday 16 March at 2 pm at the Redwood Tavern in Cleghorn Street. National president Brian Peat will discuss the review of the 2003 Act, the 2008 Code of Practice and retirement villages matters. You and your questions all welcome. Gold coin donation.

- 18 March, 2pm -3.30pm. Members afternoon tea at Alzheimers Marlborough, 8 Wither Road. Since we are restricted to 50 people, please RSVP to the office, ph 578 4950, first in first served. We can arrange transport, if necessary, when you RSVP.

- Outreach: Come along and chat with members of your local Grey Power Committee. Find out about our organisation, or if already a member, talk to us about any thoughts or issues you may have. Subscriptions may be paid, CASH only.

These meetings will be at:

Seddon Tuesday 21 March 1.30pm – 2.30pm in the Yealands Awatere Memorial Hall supper room.

Picton Thursday 23 March 1.30pm - 2.30pm, Picton Library, downstairs activity area.

You save money by joining GP. Using our discount book will save you more than your membership fee, along with GP Electricity giving even more savings as shown above.

Imagine the savings for example on a pair of spectacles at a possible 10%

discount, or carpet cleaning, gym fees, or house listings. On Monday I paid a bill for two new tyres. The Grey Power discount from that will fully pay for my $29 2023 membership.

Brian McNamara Publicity officer

Wairau Valley Tuesday 28 March 1.30pm – 2.30pm, Wairau Valley Peace Memorial Hall, 17 Morse Street.

Havelock Thursday 30 March 1.30pm – 2.30pm, Havelock Town Hall, Main Street, Havelock

MARLBOROUGH PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

An established support group meeting in Blenheim for men and their families living with a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Spouses, partners and family members welcome.

Meetings:

Time:

Venue:

MARLBOROUGH PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

First Tuesday of each month* 7.15pm

An established support group meeting in Blenheim for men and their families living with a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Spouses, partners and family members welcome.

October Meeting:

Cancer Society Blenheim House 76A Maxwell Road, Blenheim

Date: Tuesday 7th March 2023, at 7.15pm

Venue: Cancer Society Blenheim House, 76A Maxwell Road, Blenheim

For more information please contact:

Support Group Coordinator Murray Eyles

For more information please contact:

M: 027 608 5667

Support Group Coordinator Murray Eyles

M: 027 608 5667

E: marlborough@prostate.org.nz

E: marlborough@prostate.org.nz

W: www.prostate.org.nz/support-meetings

W: www.prostate.org.nz/support-meetings

0800 477 678

0800 477 678

Milne keynote speaker at Rural Women NZ conference

Turn stones into soil!

By Chris Valli

Katie Milne, Vice President of the World Farmers’ Organisation is a guest speaker at the Rural Women New Zealand conference in Blenheim next week.

Conference Committee member Glenda Robb says they were lucky to hear and meet Katie speak several years ago when she was with Federated Farmers.

“Two years ago we had arranged for Katie to speak at the regional conference in Westport, but unfortunately it had to be cancelled because of flooding. She agreed that she would try and come to speak at this year’s conference and luckily it has worked for her to attend,” says Glenda.

Katie, a West Coast dairy farmer is a former National President of Federated Farmers. She will be speaking about food security issues and will be on a panel discussion which includes; Evan White: Marlborough President of Federated Farmers of NZ, Garth Neal, a food exporter, Blair McLean, orchardist and horticulturist for PGGWrightson, Jonathan Large, President of the Marine Farming Association and Lynne Scanlen, Food & Plant Research, from the Cawthron Institute, Nelson.

Glenda says the top priority for the Top of the South region is to have sufficient quantities of basic foods produced in New Zealand to feed not only the population but to feed those overseas who cannot grow due to circumstances.

“At the moment there is a scarcity of eggs, a

Katie Milne is a keynote speaker for Rural Women New Zealand Marlborough's regional conference in Blenheim next week. Katie is Vice President of the World Farmers’ Organisation and a former National President of Federated Farmers.

valued protein,” Glenda says. “Also there is likely to be a shortage of kumara, onions, and potatoes as well as fruit which is grown in the flood affected areas. We would like to encourage the Government to reduce the amount of regulation on food producers so they can feed the nation and have viable export earnings.”

The conference is on March 6 and 7 and will be held at the Scenic Hotel Marlborough.

Wild rabbits the focus of pest to plate drive

By Annette Scott - Farmers Weekly

There could be money in the rabbit problem on New Zealand farms.

The hunt is on for more wild rabbits to meet a growing demand for the delicacy on the dining table.

Demand for the healthy food resource on restaurant menus is outstripping supply despite rabbits being hunted as a damaging pest.

Premium Game, a Blenheim-based wild meat business, is exploring what it will take to get more rabbits on the table.

Director Nick Clifford would like to see more active work on the compliance end by the government to allow wild rabbits to end up on plates more often.

“Our biggest challenge is getting enough of it at a cost-effective rate,” Nick said. “At the moment it’s sought after as a delicacy but it ends up being one of the most expensive meat proteins given its weight to bone ratio.”

Eating one of New Zealand’s most damaging pests is, because of its menu value, currently pretty much restricted to diners in higher-end restaurants in big cities, Nick said.

So, what does it take to get a rabbit on the table and why should more of us be serving it?

Most countries hunt their endemic

species, but New Zealand hunts its pest species.

This philosophy underpins Premium Game, a peak to plate food business offering a range of wild game meat including rabbit, venison, tahr, goat, pork, wallaby and hare.

It has been estimated by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) that rabbits cost NZ more than $50 million in lost production and another $25m in direct pest control a year.

That’s effectively $75m a year of tasty, nutritious meat running around at a time when access to nutritious food is at an all-time low, Nick points out.

Rabbits compete with livestock by eating the best grass and they also cause extensive land damage from burrowing, causing erosion.

Pest control focuses on biocontrol and poisoning and there is no support in the way of subsidies for a company like Premium Game to shoot and process rabbits for food.

It’s a tough business shooting rabbits, Nick said, with significant regulations making it difficult for hunters and wild game processors, including a reduced timeframe to get rabbits to processing facilities compared to larger animals.

To make it worthwhile, a hunter needs to shoot 120-150 rabbits a night, so securing ideal hunting ground is key to

making it a financially viable operation.

Central Otago and the Dunedin Peninsula are currently the key viable hunting grounds.

“Access to land is our biggest challenge,” said Nick. “We are in Blenheim a nd that’s logistically a nightmare, there’s not enough in Marlborough.” Nick is looking for farms that are on reasonably flat country and preferably grazed.

“We have to work within the bounds of a lot of regulation and while there are other areas where rabbits are a pest in significant numbers, we also need to be working with landowners’ understanding of the regulation and close enough to meet the tight time frame of shooting to processing.”

Premium Game sells about 1000kg of processed wild rabbit a month, the equivalent of about 1200 rabbits, mostly to restaurants.

“We do sell some retail to the home cook but mostly higher-end restaurants in the big cities. There’s also a certain amount goes into pet food so there’s no wastage.”

Nick would like to hear from people who have rabbit problems, and is also keen to hear from licensed hunters who want to join the team. He can be contacted at nick@premiumgame.co.nz.

Ready to support you through the harvest

Kia ora, welcome to Cancer Society Marlborough

In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, we extend our aroha to all those affected as they continue to deal with the impacts of this extreme weather event. We are especially concerned for those with cancer and their whānau that have been impacted and the potential to postpone cancer treatment. If you are worried about travel or treatment postponements, please contact your cancer doctor or treatment team about any possible impacts.

Relay For Life 2023

We’re on the countdown to our major biennial event, Relay For Life this weekend at Lansdowne Park. We host this event every second year as the primary fundraiser for our community based services. This unique 18-hour community event provides a special forum to celebrate survivorship, remember those lost to cancer and to fight back by raising funds and awareness for local services and initiatives. We’re thankful to all participants, supporters, sponsors, volunteers and our committee for months of planning and work that has taken place to bring this special occasion to Marlborough.

Visit the Relay For Life website https:// relayforlife.org.nz/marlborough for information - late team registrations close tonight, Wednesday 1st March. Members of the public are welcome to attend the Kete Kai Street Market from 5pm – 9pm and support the teams on the track.

Picton sewer work resumes

Work is continuing on upgrades to Picton’s earthquake damaged sewer pipes.

As from Monday February 27 contractors will be working in Waikawa Road and Hampden, Devon and Scotland streets relining sewer mains and lining lateral connections to property boundaries.

Council’s Three Waters Projects Engineer Graeme Jackson said pipes in the area had been inspected by CCTV and those requiring repair were identified.

“We found a lot were cracked or broken and leaking,” he says. “When it rains the sewer pipes often leak the other way causing

infiltration which causes issues for us with pumping and wastewater treatment.”

Damage to the pipes probably occurred during earthquakes and subsequent ground movements. Rather than replace the pipes, which would be expensive and disruptive, new stronger PVC pipes are installed within the existing pipe, helping sewage to flow and avoid leaks.

Work is expected to take about six months, however Mr Jackson said that was dependent on whether other issues were found during the course of the work.

Traffic management will be in place and

there may be some diversions and stop/go. Some of the work will take place at night to keep disruption to a minimum, particularly in the CBD and industrial areas, and to access critical sewer manholes in the middle of main roads.

Residents should only be affected when lateral connections are made to their properties, but contractors will work with them to coordinate and try to keep these minimal.

“Due to the nature of this work the contractors and I have had a lot of contact with residents and business to resolve any issues beforehand,” Mr Jackson says.

Leos putting the pieces together

Marlborough Boys’ College Leos at work at the Marshall Place Reserve recently. Adviser Malcolm Williams says the LEO motto stands for Leadership, Experience and Opportunities.

Special Lotto Draw for Gabrielle relief

Lotto NZ Chief Executive Chris Lyman says his organisation is “very proud” to be holding a special draw to support the people and communities impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The special draw, which was called by the Minister of Internal Affairs, will be held on Saturday, March 18.

Lyman says Lotto NZ would double its usual community contribution so that half of all ticket sales – or 50 cents in every dollar spent by players on Lotto, Powerball or Strike – will go to support those impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle. Similar special draws were held following the Christchurch Earthquake in 2011 and the Kaikoura Earthquake in 2016.

Cancer Contacts

Cancer Society Marlborough, 76a Maxwell Rd, PO Box 233, Blenheim. Phone 03 579 4379

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am-4:00pm

Email address: marlborough@cancersoc.org.nz

Cancer helpline: 0800 CANCER (226 237)

Cancer Society website: www.cancer.org.nz for reliable and up to date information, links and chat forums.

The Cancer Society is funded entirely by charitable donations and thanks the Marlborough community for its continued support.

cash!

Sun The txt talk with

Clubs

Question, what is happening to the Club, are the committee liable for running it broke. Bad management they should have done something sooner.

Forestry issues

Huge concern over the damage forestry slash causes in events like Cyclone Gabrielle. We can’t keep on logging hill country the way we do. There is only one answer and that is to stop clear felling. Go back to selective logging whereby only 30 to 50 per cent is taken from each compartment at a time leaving the bulk of the slash under standing trees. Loggers will scream that it’s not economic, but it’s not economic to the whole country to have this kind of damage done every time we get a weather event. It has to change ! !

Looted generators!

People in Gisborne area having their generators ‘’Taonga’d” (taken by the spear), is nothing short of life threatening but our ‘kindness’ allows scum criminals to rule. So now we in Marlborough must help by sending company sponsored generators we sent for use at Kaikoura north to help. Aha, but they are not held in reserve after the event-so where are they! Hand them back, to help others who helped you!

Cash is King

I wonder if any of those that have been affected by flooding etc would agree to a cashless New Zealand. ATM machines not working at a time when they were needed most. It pays to always have a bit of cash in your pocket. No point in saying it won’t happen again because we all know that it probably will.!!!!!

Re Amused

You get annoyed when an All Black says he’s gay, but you don’t mind when straight All Blacks are featured in the media with their wives. In a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to “declare” our sexuality because it would just be accepted - but the fact is homophobia is still a big problem, especially in rugby culture. His coming out will inspire young gay men who aspire to play rugby, who might have felt like they wouldn’t be able to because of homophobia in the rugby culture. You might not think your text was homophobic but it was. “I did not need to know his preference in the bedroom.” You could say that about any man who tells you he has a wife.

Rubbish & Re-Cycling Wheelie Bins Mistake?

Will be interesting to see how long it takes until the complaints start rolling in about the many problems associated with wheelie rubbish bins.

But, there will be the big plus of the logical 50% reduction in the refuse collection charge in our (already excessive) rates due to rubbish only being collected fortnightly under the new system!!!!!

Merge

Not a merge lane from Budge Street to Grove road, but a median strip where it’s stop to turn right. Read road code again as I know what it is and how to use it.

Out of order

Come on Westpac. Your machine in Countdown, in Blenheim town is always out of order, can’t use it to get a balance. Maybe time to replace it for a better one. Been caught out heaps of times.

Re Abuse

Re: Wed Sun Letter to Ed: Abuse? by John Vile: I’m with you all the way Mr Vile. These cold hard facts people loathe to front up to. Good on you!

Vineyard Half Marathon

Once again big numbers will be taking part in this brilliant event. Brings visitors from far and wide. Such a special setting passing through Marlborough vineyards. Only Marlborough can offer this experience.

Brownie points

Wouldn’t it be great if MP’s from all party’s worked together for the good of the country. All they can do is criticize. They don’t accumulate brownie points for this. Please start doing what you’re elected for.

Toilet upgrades

What happened to the million dollar toilets at the Taylor Dam reserve months to build closed all ready for UPGRADES !!!! REALLY bloody upgrades only open for a couple of months !!!! Just be honest they haven’t been built right. UPGRADES???

Not wise

Re letter in Sun 15 February. Agree, is it wise to be spending $1M of rate payers money to Destination Marlborough funding i-sites that other tourist areas like Nelson and Kaikoura have closed yet still attract more tourists than Blenheim? Times are tough and rates will be going up - maybe time to have older volunteers do this work like in Aussie after all works well for cruise ships by meet and greet in Picton. Is it value for ratepayers $s?

Recycling

Why do we bother with recycling bins at homes, it all seems to go into the same truck as rubbish bags now.

Cats

I sympathise with these people who they say it’s cats causing the damage, but just wish to say I live on a farm and the only animals who don’t leave their poop above ground are cats, they bury it all, unlike hedgehogs, rodents, rabbits, dogs etc it’s all left above ground, on steps, decks, paths and so on.

Car sick baby

The speed limit isn’t the reason the baby gets car sick, it’s the driving style, smooth out the corners. Those that can’t drive to the speed limit, weather conditions permitting, need to pull over and let traffic past instead of being arrogant and holding the traffic up.

Netflix

Wednesday Feb. 15th. Re: Netflix... what is Netflix? Never had it. Don’t want it... end of.

Scum bags

For the third year some scum bags have trespassed onto our Renwick property and completely stripped our wonderful Greengage tree. Just ripening one day and all gone the next day . They would have required a large ladder and transport. I hope they can’t sleep at night.

Talk of the week

New Library

The new Library/restaurant is a stunning impressive building just like its elder brother The Clubs of Marlborough. I hope it doesn’t share the same fate.

Re roundabouts

I agree you don’t need indicator on when going straight ahead, but you would need to indicate left to exit roundabout. That’s what I do so am I one of those “idiots”.

Great deliverer

I would like to thank the older man that delivers papers in Faulkland Drive. He picks rubbish up on the way and if peoples letter boxes are full he puts them in his rubbish bag as well. What a wonderful man.

We welcome your texts on 027 242 5266.

Limit to 70 words please. We reserve the right to publish at our discretion. Please note the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Sun management.

Mandy Li

Chair of Chinese Association Marlborough

 Are you a dog or cat person?

Cat person. Even though my cat thinks himself as a dog.

 What did you want to be when you grew up?

I’m still learning new things and trying new challenges. Never too old to step out of your comfort zone.

 One thing we’d be surprised to know about you?

Depend on what you already know.

 Have you met anyone famous?

Saw Queen Elizabeth 11 years ago through a gate. Does that count?

 My favourite food to cook or eat is...?

There are so many interesting foods around, if I can eat over and over, it must be Sichuan hotpot.

 The shop you can’t walk past is...?

Gift shops, there is always something you can find to brighten someone’s day.

 What’s your favourite game of sport to watch?

Football, really enjoyed last football world cup.

 Your dream weekend involves....?

Good company is a must. Beautiful scenery and good weather are additional bonus points.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Just finished “Breaking Bad” and started “House” now.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list? Have my own airplane and fly my family around New Zealand.

Weeds (a new way to deal

This week I received a book from an old friend of mine, Julia Sich which she has written and called ‘Julia’s Guide to Edible weeds and Wild Green Smoothies’.

Many of you will know the ‘Weed Lady’ through her previous book and workshops.

In your gardens you will likely have a number of plants we call ‘weeds’ which are of benefit to your diet and health.

The definition of a ‘weed’ is simply ‘a plant that is growing where we do not want it to grow’.

Many of the plants we grow for food or for their flowers; when allowed to self seed they become weeds.

I recommend that you obtain a copy of Julia’s book and learn to your benefit, many of the plants you pull out, kill and compost which could be better off been cultivated and consumed.

The book is available in two formats as a download E Book or as a printed publication.

The web site is https://www.juliasedibleweeds.com/ and the book is available for NZ$19.95 for the Ebook OR $34.95 plus postage for the printed version.

The book gives you both the common names and the Botanical names as well as coloured pictures to assist in identification.

Each weed has a written description along with its nutritional values and how to use them for your benefit.

Mind you if the Government had its way it would ban the use of these natural plants and their ancient uses in favour of Big Pharma’s bottom line. (Therapeutic Products Bill)

Pharmaceutical companies hate natural remedies even though many of their concoctions were originally derived from plant’s properties.

If you have the knowledge such as given in Julia’s book then you can look after your own well being as our fore fathers did from all races on the planet. (And at no expense if out of the weeds in your gardens)

We have to read and learn about the advantages of these plants but in Nature animals know what is best for them as far as their well being is concerned.

For instance if you place cattle into a paddock that has a wide range of plants including weeds, the cattle will consume the ones that they need for better health beside eating a lot of grass.

Which is an interesting point in so much as grass is also very good for your health and in particular, wheat grass and barley grass.

That is if you apply all the known minerals and element to the growing medium. Reason is that grasses will take up all the minerals available where other plants such as tomatoes only require 56 of the known 114 mineral and elements.

That is why some farmers will apply what we sell as Ocean Solids to their paddocks to the great benefit of their stock’s health.

I remember a farmer telling me one time about his practice of spraying diluted sea water over his paddocks which was much

By Wally Richards

to the annoyance of his farming neighbour, because a certain amount of the sea spray would fall onto the neighbors side of the fence and when the neighbour let his stock into that paddock they would rush over to the area by the fence line and demolish the mineral rich grasses growing there.

Julia mentions ‘your’s truly’ in her book and in particular in regards to ‘Smoothies’.

I presume many of you have or still do on occasions, if not regularly, go out and pick a range of greens and put them into a high speed blender with a banana and wizz up a very beneficial brew.

The banana addition takes away some of the unpleasant taste of some plants and makes your drink very palatable.

Julia tells the story of how smoothies solved health issues that she once had as I found the same many years ago when I first started making smoothies from as many different plants as I could get my hands on.

Some plants are nice to eat raw and have flavors that make them appealing such as salad crops.

The rest including grasses are better taken raw in a smoothie.

Besides being of great benefit to your health another very good reason to find out what weeds you can eat is the unusual weather that has affected New Zealand recently.

Here is a update from a Food Producer in the Hawkes Bay: ‘Hi everyone, food producer here. Just wanted to write an easily digestible post so people can understand how severe the destruction in H.B is for the whole of N.Z

The media aren’t really discussing it fully and people I speak to can’t seem to wrap their heads around how serious this is for us as a country.

What’s been lost: It’s called the fruit bowl for a reason, not just grapes and apples but also pears, onions, corn, carrots, blueberries, strawberries, honey, dairy, beef, sheep products including wool and also apiaries, nurseries and seedbanks.

Wineries and orchards have had heritage trees and vines utterly wiped out. We’re talking 30-40-year-old plants gone. Countless beehives and fields of crops

buried under a metre of silt.

These aren’t just for fresh produce but also wine, vinegar, honey, bread and processed fruit and vegetables for things from muesli bars to ice cream and condiments.

The layer of silt now covering the once fertile land has been completely smothered. There’s so much cleaning up to be done before people can replant and fertilise it will take years to get back even close to normal.

In that time we’ll see massive shortages of all the above, affecting almost all food items you can think of.

A very apt warning and not only in NZ but also in many major food producing areas of the world, either through Floods or Droughts millions of acres of crops have been lost.

Think about that. You might want to start cultivating a few weeds for a ‘Rainy Day’.

Of course as we have seen this spring and summer a lack of blue skies with nice fluffy white clouds which has also greatly affected us home gardens as well as commercial growers.

Direct sun shine is what all plants use to create carbohydrates which is the energy that makes them grow, flower and produce seeds.

Hazy skies and cloud cover that prevents direct sunlight being available for plants and solar panels is a very big concern.

In 2006 this matter was brought up at the United Nations and the speech about it can be heard here https://rumble.com/v256alg-the-2006u.n-council-chemtrail-presentation.html

Well worth 18 minuets of your time to be better informed. (Now days they talk about ‘Planet Shading’ which would be a bit like a ‘Nuclear Winter’ no sun plants dont grow.

Playing with weather or the ability to produce or prevent weather patterns is a fact and now days it is harder to determine what is natural and what is man made.

If severe weather events we have experienced are not natural then a lot of people that have been badly affected would not be very happy for sure.

Marlborough Multicultural Festival parade

GREAT HAIR DOESN’T HAPPEN BY CHANCE, IT HAPPENS BY APPOINTMENT.

Anybody up for a tango? Argentine gentlemen and Imanon Cabana and Santiago Bergos.

FROM LEFT: Suezine Kalo, Jessy Vara, Leisau John, Hellen William, Presilla Jimmy, Nawap Iolopua, Rossie Erikan, Rose Merry Tony and Mercy Tommy.

Friends from Vanuatu enjoying the parade. Shrungali and Shreeya Gypte.

CROATIA REPRESENT: Anastasia Shumqo and Gulnara Shumkova.

Deborah Dalliessi, Oscar Chamorro Iguaran and Wendy Esmeralda lguaran Gaviria.

Ewa Zielinska leads the Multicultural Festival parade around town on Saturdaty morning.

MALO E LELEI: Joshua and Fataimoemanu Malimali, Victoria Fotu and Nunia Malimali.

Jo Lorraine Debby Arthur

027 256 0808 aaron@carspa.page carspa-detailing.com

what’s on in marlborough

Thursday 2 March

MAKING MARLBOROUGH FILM:

To celebrate the annual Multicultural Festival there is a special screening of the new film “Making Marlborough - the Migrant Story” at Event Cinemas, 7pm Thursday 2nd March.  Tickets $16 - from www.eventbrite.co.nz

Social Badminton:

9am-noon: Thursday mornings. Simcox Stadium, Battys Road.  $5. All adults welcome.  For more details phone Cathy 021 503 348.

Ulysses Retreads Group:

11am: Meet Brayshaw Park Thursdays. Ride to various destinations for lunch. Come by bike, tin top or magic carpet. Bring your laughing gear, a thermal to wear and a story to share.

Keep U Moving:

11:30am to 12:30pm: Gentle indoor walking exercise for seniors. 11.30am–12.30pm each Thurs except the 4th Thurs of the month. Followed by a cuppa & chat. Cost $2. Sign in & masks please. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld Street, Contact Diana Brooks, Ph 0212694198, Eldercare Coordinator.

Blenheim Rock N Roll Club Nights:

7.30-9.30pm: Top of the South Rock n Roll Club, club nights downstairs at Clubs of Marlborough, bring comfy shoes and water. Great music, have fun and exercise at the same time.

Library Book Club:

6.30pm-8pm: Marlborough District Library. We meet on the last Thursday of the month. Simply bring a book to recommend to other members, and enjoy listening to other member’s (including librarians) book picks. To attend please wear a mask.

Picton Library Book Club:

6.30pm-8pm: Picton Library and Service Centre. Join us in meeting new people and chatting about books. We meet on the first Thursday of each month. To register please email pictonlibrary@ marlborough.govt.nz. To attend please wear a mask.

Community Choir: Thursdays 7-9pm, during school terms. St Ninian’s Hall, 1 Riley Crescent, Redwoodtown (opp church). Come and join the community choir Creative Voice.  All musical abilities and new members welcome. CreativeVoice@singforfriendship

Friday 3 March

AA Meeting:

7:30pm Friday Blenheim Spring Creek Meeting at St. Luke’s Church Hall, 20 Ferry Creek Road, Spring Creek.

Vintage Farm Machinery:

Open daily, 10am to 3pm, Brayshaw Vintage Farm. Phone John 577 7442.

Marlborough Museum:

Open daily, 10am to 4pm, free entry to the museum on Saturdays. Brayshaw Heritage Park, 26 Arthur Baker Place. 03 578 1712.

Saturday 4 March

AA Meeting:

7:55am Saturday Morning Boom Town AA

Blenheim Salvation Army Rooms, 35 George Street, Blenheim

Blenheim Chess Club:

Meets at Delicia Café, Scott Street, every Saturday 10am – 1pm. All welcome.

Repair Cafe:

We’ll fix your small repair on site, on the day while you wait and have a cuppa. Sewing/darning, bikes, small furniture/wooden items, toys; electronic items and mobile phones.  Every 4th Saturday monthly. John’s Kitchen, 2 Redwood St. Donations for repairs accepted.  Enquiries to Gerrie 0273030762.

Sounds SeniorNet:

Meet at the newly refurbished Linkwater Hall for Saturday information afternoons at 2pm. Entry free and afternoon tea provided. Everyone is welcome.

Whitehead Park Bowing Club, Redwoodtown:

Saturdays mainly tournaments from 9.30am to 3pm. All welcome. Contact John 573 9086. Also Mondays and Wednesdays. Summer timetable starts October.

Sunday 5 March

AA Meeting: 7:30pm Sunday Night Blenheim Sunday Renwick Meeting, Renwick Church, 54 High Street, Renwick.

Marlborough Farmers’ Market: 9am-noon. Marlborough A&P Showgrounds. Fresh produce from your local farmers. Tasty line up of fresh and seasonal, gourmet and artisan produce and products that this region has to offer.

Picton Rail and Sail:

On the Foreshore - mini train rides and mini yacht hire to sail on our pond every Sunday 11am-3pm,

operating every day during school holidays. Only 20 cents per ride/yacht hire!

Blenheim Bonsai Group:

Islington Gardens, Rowberry Road on the 2nd Sunday of the month 1pm-3.30pm.

Marlborough Tennis Club:

3pm to 5pm Parker St. Every Sunday– Social Tennis. Non Members $2 All welcome. Contact: Joanna 027 578 6436

Blenheim Country Music Club Day: Door entry fees; $4 per non-member, $3 per financial club member. Afternoon tea provided. Singers and performers are welcome. Held fortnightly, starts at 2pm, finishes 5pm. Contacts: George 0211467140 or John 0273555209 for information.

Ulysses Rides Calendar:

Sunday Rides depart Railway Station carpark as listed. Thursday Rides depart Brayshaw Park carpark 11am. Every Saturday, Coffee at The Runway Cafe 10am. All Rides are weather dependent.

Monday 6 March

AA Meetings:

7:30 pm Mondays in the Plunket Rooms at 21 Bythell Street, Blenheim.

Marlborough Stamp Collectors Club: 34 Arthur Baker Pace. Phone 021 157 3496 for more information.

Rotary Clubs in Blenheim:

Monday & Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm. Rotary is a world-wide service club for men and women –doing great things in your community. For further phone Kevin on 0211 738 784.

Blenheim Scottish Country Dance Club:

Every Monday at 7.30pm at Whitney Street School Hall, Whitney Street. Come and try it! You don’t need a partner. For information ring Miriam 928 4479.

Blenheim Badminton Club:

Every Monday: Juniors 5.30-7pm, seniors 7-9pm, St Mary’s Hall, corner Francis and Hudson Streets. Anna or Mike, email blenheimshuttlers@gmail. com.

Whitehead Park Bowling Club, Redwoodtown:

Every Monday afternoon from 12.30pm to 3pm. All welcome. Contact Mike 572 4013 or John 577 5295. Summer timetable starts October.

Tuesday 7 March 2023

Toastmasters Club:

In Blenheim meets 6.30pm every second Tuesday. Friendly group encourage shy people how to give a speech, how to tell stories, how to make business presentations etc. Ideal for young people entering the workforce. Older adults are welcome to share their experiences. No charge for guests. Contact: Brian Morris 0211922936.

Art therapy group for pregnant women:

Every Tuesday 5pm to 8pm. Call Tatiana 027 901 9807.

Persistent Pain Group: Meet every Tuesday at Biddy Kates, 2 Market Street, 5pm-6pm. For people with persistent and chronic pain and their supporters. All welcome. Picton Line Dance Classes.

Tuesdays 9.30 - 11.30am  Anglican Church hall. $6 per class. Beginners welcome. Enquiries to Carol 021-2125252 or Raewyn 021-715484 .

SAYGO (Steady As You Go):

Balance/Exercise Class Tues 11:30am-12:30pm St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld Street, followed by a cuppa & chat. Cost $2. Sign in & marks please. Phone Diana Brooks 0212694198 Eldercare Coordinator.

Marlborough Tennis Club: Parker St. Every Tuesday 9am to 12 Noon - Social Tennis. Morning Tea 10.30am. Non Members $5. All welcome. Contact: Joanna 027 578 6436.

Coming Up

Ulysses Rides Calendar:

Thursday 1st March, 11am Retreads Group. Sunday 5th March, 11am Kaikoura for lunch. Thursday 9th

March, 11am Retreads Group. Sunday 12th March, 1pm Rai Valley

Wednesday 1`5th March, 7pm Committee

Meeting Kevin Watson. Thursday 16th March, 11am Retreads Group. Sunday 19th March, 11am St Arnaud. Thursday 23rd March, 11am Retreads Group. Sunday 26th March, 1pm Social ride to Pelorua. Thursday 30th March, 11am Retreads Group.

AA Meetings: 7:30 pm Mondays in the Plunket Rooms at 21

Bythell Street, Blenheim. 7:30 pm Wednesday

Picton Marina Group at Picton Model Railway, 1 Picton Wharf 7:30 pm Friday Blenheim Spring Creek Meeting at St. Luke’s Church Hall, 20 Ferry Creek Road, Spring Creek 7:55 am Saturday

Morning Boom Town AA Blenheim Salvation Army Rooms, 35 George Street, Blenheim. 7:30 pm

Sunday Night Blenheim Sunday Renwick Meeting, Renwick Church, 54 High Street, Renwick.

We need experienced painters to join our team, top rates and conditions.

GOLD BUYERS

Harvester and Tractor drivers 2023 Grape Harvest in Marlborough

Start date: Mid to late March 2023

End date: Late April 2023

Tractor drivers need full licence. Harvester drivers need wheels licence. Drug and alcohol tests prior to employment.

Competitive rates dependant on experience.

Applicants to reply to Mack Pouwhare 021 775 981 or email to admin@grapeworx.co.nz

Promotions Manager

0.6FTE (24 hours per week) permanent

Would you like to make a difference in your community?

Hospice Marlborough is keen to welcome a Promotions

Manager to the team.

The position is initially 0.6FTE and does involve some weekend/evening work from time to time which are planned and known in advance.

Hospice Marlborough has provided care services to the people of Marlborough since 2003. The Marlborough Hospice Trust receives contract funding from Te Whatu Ora with other funding raised from the community through events, donations, bequests, grant donations, and the Hospice Shops sales.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), you will be responsible for the promotion of Hospice as the charity of choice in the Marlborough community, seeking and encouraging donations. You will oversee all marketing and media, manage social media and produce newsletters. You will need to set up and maintain a communication plan as well as an annual marketing plan. You will also have oversight of the Hospice Shops. Budgeting for the shop and promotions will also be your responsibility.

Ideally you will be able to demonstrate:

• proven marketing and communications skills

• strong networking and relationship skills

• great negotiator and influence attributes

• good at planning and well organised

• excellent verbal and written communication skills

• an intermediate or higher level of expertise with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher, PowerPoint).

We’re looking for someone who is friendly and approachable, self-directed with excellent time management skills, that can prioritise, keep track of work in progress and meet deadlines. You will relate and communicate effectively with people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. You need to be discreet and diplomatic when dealing with confidential and sensitive matters, work positively in a team environment, be able to delegate in an effective manner, stay calm under pressure, have a good sense of humour and fun.

You will have the right to live and work in New Zealand and hold a New Zealand drivers’ licence or equivalent without restrictions.

Hospice Marlborough promotes equity and inclusivity, welcoming applications from diverse backgrounds and cultures, especially from Māori and Pacific people.

If this sounds like you, we welcome your application letter and curriculum vitae (CV) to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief.Executive@mht.org.nz prior to 3pm Friday 10 March 2023. A full job description is available on request - telephone 03 578 9492.

Marlborough Table Tennis Association

ANZ to keep Blenheim netballers on the court with subsidy

With many families feeling financial pressure, ANZ Netball Grants aims to ensure kids can still play netball by subsidising Blenheim kids’ registration fees.

ANZ is providing $100,000 in netball fee subsidies to ensure Kiwi kids can play the game they love. The financial help could be the difference between a child getting into the game or having to watch the season from the side-lines.

ANZ Bank New Zealand

Chief Executive Antonia Watson says more and more families are under financial pressure and registration fees are one of the first barriers of entry to sport.

“Sport is such an important part of a child’s wellbeing and we don’t want families who might be doing it tough to miss out. Nothing brings Kiwi families together like weekend sport and, particularly at times of stress, it’s a great way to strengthen community spirit,”

says Antonia. “We hope this support helps remove that financial barrier and allows everyone to continue to enjoy netball this season.”

Netball NZ CEO, Jennie Wyllie says the initiative from ANZ will make a huge difference in

Golf Results

Picton Golf Club

Feb 5: Opening Day – American

4somes- Anita & Tim McCaffrey 62; Judy & Rodger Jones 64; Jock Mannington & Ian Aldridge

65; Margaret Frisken & Graham

Couldrey 66; Jenny Hart & Nick Wright 67.

Feb 16: Stableford – Gary Aldridge

Blenheim Golf Club

Feb 20: Stableford Ladies Jan

Pegler 24 Jill Hurcomb 21 Jac -

qui Hurcomb 20 Barbara Looker 20 Jenny Adams 20 Men Leo

McKendry

Wairau represent

the community.

“Families who might have had to sacrifice the game, can reconsider entering their child thanks to ANZ. Future Silver Ferns and ANZ Premiership players will get their start at grassroots games across the

37; Jeff Pascoe 36; Ian Aldridge 35; James Fattorini 34.

Feb 17: 9Hole Stableford- Lin

Stone 22; Dido Harper 17; Margaret Frisken 15.

Feb 18: Holloway Cup – Phil Hawke 42; Bill Rainbird 41; Richard Avery 41; Jeff Pascoe 37; Jock

Marlborough Golf Club

21 Feb: Mixed 9 Hole Stableford Div.1:Joanna Ainge 19, Suzanne Clifford 17, June Maslin 16. Div.2:Debra O’Keeffe 21, Bev Lindsay 18, Pam Morris 17, Leana Gargiulo 17.

22 Feb: Avril Watson Stableford Div.1:Jane Anderson-Bay 33. Div.2:Pru Jensen 41, Karen Morris 38, Lynn Dowler 33. Div.3:Helen Lissaman 41, Ann Duncan 40, Elaine Porter 35.

country this season. ANZ’s support will mean every kid will have the chance to follow their dreams into the game.” Teams can apply directly for financial support from ANZcourtside.co.nz until entries close March 24.

Mannington 36;Ian Aldridge 36; Len Barlow 35; Mike McGuire 35. Holloway Plate- Anita McCaffrey

45; Jenny Hart 35; Ricky Ashworth

35.

Feb 21: Stableford- 0-21.5 helen

McIsaac 35; Jo Prescott 34; Rete Kydd 28. 21.6-29.0 Mary Butler

Wairau rower Kobe Miller has been selected for the New Zealand U23 Rowing Team. Kobe's selection in the squad, comes off the back of a successful NZ Club Champs in Twizel last week. He flies out on July 6 to prepare with the team who are flying in from the US based at colleges. The World U23 Rowing Champs will be in Bulgaria from July 18 - 23. Fellow Wairau rower Fred Vavasour has made the New Zealand U21 team. The U23 quad team is; Evan Williams (Waikato Rowing Club), Ben Olifiers (Waikato Rowing Club), Kobe Miller (Wairau Rowing Club) and Edward

Wairau Valley Golf Club

42; Jenny Hart 41; Linda Stone

36. 29.1- 54.0 Vicki Eastgate

45; Margaret Frisken 41; Ricky Ashworth 40.

Feb 23: Stableford- Leigh S/Smith

42; Jeff Pascoe 39; Ron Peters, Ian Aldridge 37; Ian Berrie, Trev Gullery, Gary Aldridge, 36.

69 Luke and Brian Yarrall 70 Tere + Trance Poa 70

Graeme Parker + Sa-Nga Grupp

Feb 25: Skerrett Trophies (All Irons): Ladies: Jan Rutherford 68, Mel Hampton 75, Yvonne Wallace 80, Robyn Pupich 80 Men: Brian Roughan 66, Grant Hagen 72, Richard Bruce 73, Tim Latter 74, Mike McKenzie 75, Bill Linklater 75, Rex McGarry 75

71 NTP Fairweathers 9/18 Tom Bainbridge Clive Drummond 4/13 Ezra + Vickie Lane

23 Feb: Men’s stableford Div.1:Jon Nicol 41, Ross Goodall 39, Robin Whiting 39, David Lightfoot 39, Andrew Petherbridge 37. Div.2:Paul Ham 42, Hugh Bay 39, John Wadsworth 36, David Wilkins 36, Ross

Inder 35. 24 February, Alzheimer’s

Tournament: Bridget Quaife 42, Jane Anderson-Bay 41, Jason Kennedy 38, Chas Craig 37, Julia Brooke 37, Ian Newport 37, Paul Robinson 37. 25 Feb: Women’s Stableford: June

Maslin 42, Kirsty Hardie-Boys 38. Men’s stableford: Div.1:Bruce Snowden 37. Div.2:Ben Blackman 39, Guy Latham 35, Robin Whiting 35. Div.3:Terry Shagin 36, Jeff Clarke 36.

Kobe Miller and Fred Vavasour at the Rowing NZ Club Champs in Twizel last week.

Lopas (Waikato Rowing Club). The coach is Malcolm McIntyre.

ANZ is providing $100,000 in netball fee subsidies to ensure Marlborough netballers like the Legion Netball Club can play the game they love.