25 October Blenheim Sun Newspaper

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Blenheim Marlborough

October 25, 2023

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By Chris Valli

Halloween in Marlborough might not seem the obvious choice, given that October is spring here.

The fact that this writer’s family refused (or didn’t buy into) to celebrate Halloween was one of many umbrages I nursed through my own childhood.

Continued on page 2.

TWO COOL GHOULS: Blake and Lachy Parker from Witherlea School are all set for Halloween. A ‘Trick or Treat for Halloween’ community event is to be held at the Renwick Fire Station on Tuesday, October 31 from 6:30 – 9pm.

N E N C LS O LI O W N N O IC PE N

The Sun

2 Wednesday October 25, 2023

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‘Lifting our profile in a fun environment’

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Continued from page 1.

Raised on American sitcoms, my generation knew what we were missing out on; we’d seen the Tanners and Huxtables have a rollicking good time, and this just proved what we’d long suspected: our community needed to dress up.

The spooky holiday seems to be growing in popularity, especially with the Renwick Volunteer Fire Brigade.

The ‘good buggers’ in Uxbridge Street not only dedicate their time to responding to a variety of emergencies in the region but are keen to don a costume at the ‘spooky fire station’ next Tuesday.

‘Trick or Treat for Halloween’ is a community event which is to be held at the Renwick Fire Station on Tuesday, October 31 from 6:30 – 9pm. The call for locals is to join them in costume and enjoy a sausage sizzle at the station.

This year is the second year the event has been run in Renwick and according to Alan Trow it’s a great event to bring the community together.

“It gives us as a brigade an opportunity to lift our profile in a fun environment whilst

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Renwick Fire Brigade are holding a ‘Trick or Treat for Halloween’ event for the community from 6.30-9pm on Tuesday, October 31st.

giving out important fire safety and awareness material,” he says.

Alan, has 24 years’ service, mostly with the Counties Manukau Fire District and has been with the Renwick Station for two years.

The event indeed will be a fun and creative way to socialise with friends and neighbours making, buying costumes and decorations in the lead up.

As for Alan’s costume?

That’s undecided yet.

Halloween is a celebration observed in many countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Saints Day It begins the observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints, martyrs and all the faithful departed.

Witherlea School Year 6 student Lily Parker shows her ‘devilish side’ for Halloween.

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The Sun

Wednesday October 25, 2023

Musicians return home for Summertime

By Chris Valli

Four Marlborough musicians have ‘returned home’ to give back to the arts with the Marlborough Civic Orchestra’s ‘Summertime’ concert.

The concert on Saturday, November 4 features four young musicians who went to Marlborough Boys’ and Girls’ College and have gone on to university to pursue music among other studies.

Michelle Brown, currently at Otago University is joining the orchestra as a soloist for Summer

by Vivaldi while 23-year-old Kodi Rassmussen will be on trumpet and has arranged a song called Songbird for soloist singer Rosie McAllister.

The 19-year-old soprano is in her second year at the University of Otago and is studying for a Bachelor of Music endorsed in Performance, under the tutelage of Dr Tessa Romano, and a Diploma of Languages in French.

Rosie was a member of the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir in 2021, 2022 and is currently a member of the New Zealand Youth Choir. Whilst at secondary school, Rosie became the Marlborough District Council Anthem Singer, was a soloist for the Marlborough District Brass Band, and received a grant from the Inspire Foundation to support her performance endeavours.

Concert master, Sam Lee, has

recently returned to Marlborough (lead first violin player) after completing a BSC majoring in mathematics and minoring in music and computational modelling.

Sam will be the soloist for a piece called Oblivion.

Kodi says it’s great for the MCO to have Nelson based Jason Balla back and strengthen the connection between Blenheim and Nelson’s classical music scene.

Kodi has recently completed his studies graduating with a Bachelor of Music majoring in classical performance (trumpet) and instrumental/vocal composition.

He is working full-time as a composer/arranger for a performing arts group in Wellington and is involved with composition opportunities including conducting, teaching and performing.

“I’m very busy but very grateful to be fully immersed in the music scene, having it be my full-time job,” he says.

Kodi acknowledges many wonderful Marlborough teachers who helped him begin his musical journey in different ways from Yvonne MacSweeny, his first music (piano) teacher for three years to Kevin Moseley, for being his trumpet teacher for five years.

“Barbara Song, Ray Russel and many other music faculty staff at MBC. Toni and Coral Thiel, for teaching me the importance of musical expression, rather than musical perfection. And, all members

inbrief

The Sun

Omaka Tragedy A Marlborough man has died after a gyrocopter crash at Omaka Airfield at the weekend.

Seddon farmer Martin Pattie was killed after the gyrocopter he was piloting crashed at the Omaka Aerodrome in Blenheim on Saturday.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the closely knit community where Martin has lived and worked for decades.

He was a highly regarded and universally liked community stalwart who had a heart of gold, says one resident.

Liquidators give green light sale of Clubs Marlborough’s finest: Kodi Rasmussen and Rose McAllister will join Sam Lee and Michelle Brown in the Marlborough Civic Orchestra’s Summertime Concert at the ASB Theatre on November 4.

of the Marlborough District Brass Band and Marlborough Civic Orchestra.,” he recalls. “All of these people passed knowledge and opportunities to me that have allowed me to continue my music career in Wellington. Now I’m surrounded by even more teachers, colleagues and friends who continue to support me throughout this journey.”

Rosie echoes Kodi’s sentiments and says Robin Randall has been a huge influence on her as a choir director, music teacher and mentor.

“He has poured hours of his time and energy into inspiring and encouraging his students, and has

given me endless opportunities that have contributed immensely to my confidence and success. He truly is the best teacher I’ve ever had and I feel so privileged to have befitted from his passion, support and musicianship,” she says.

“I’ve also been lucky enough to receive teaching from many other amazing teachers in Blenheim over the years — too many to mention! I am particularly grateful for my lessons with Robert Tucker and the opportunities he has sent my way. I have really benefitted from his teaching and encouragement to trust my ability.”

Summertime is from 7 – 9pm.

Tickets at the ASB Theatre.

The property assets and chattels owned by Blenheim Working Men’s Club, trading as Clubs of Marlborough, (in liquidation) and the Marlborough RSA, are now officially on the market with a path forward for a clean sale confirmed by the appointed liquidators.

The Clubs of Marlborough was officially placed in liquidation on March 14 2023.

It has taken time for liquidators to work through details and logistics, and to provide useful information for buyers.

Clubs of Marlborough closed its doors last November due to multimillion-dollar debt and declining revenue and at that time, the RSA also vacated the building.

Tenders close 1pm 15th November, on an ‘as is where is’ basis including all fixtures, fittings and chattels included in the tender documentation, available on application.

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The Sun

4 Wednesday October 25, 2023

Educational trip of a lifetime

By Chris Valli

Senior students from Marlborough Boys’ and Girls’ College have opened their academic, cultural and historical eyes after an educational two week trip to the United States.

The History, Economics and Geography trip consisted of a college group of 87 students and teachers from Years 11-13.

The purpose of the school trip was to learn more in depth about the American Civil Rights movement, the nonviolent social movement campaign from 1954 – 1968 to abolish legalized racial segregation, discrimination and disenfranchisement in the country. As a result, it was a busy two weeks exploring a range of museums from New York down to Houston, Texas.

Year 12 student Sophie Kenyon says it was a privilege to get the opportunity to join her fellow akonga (students) in what was a trip of a lifetime.

She says her highlight was the connections that were made between the whole group outside of the classroom through the logistics of travel and shared experiences.

“I think the most authentic and special memories were not caught on camera and a lot of it came from when we were having vulnerable conversations in our rooms getting closer with everyone or the spon-

ENLIGHTENING THE WORLD: MGC Year 12 students Charlotte Thomas, Sophie Kenyon, Ayla Shaw, Anneliese Van Dijk, Jessica Bennett and Ella Barnes were part of a group of 87 History, Geography and Economics college students who travelled to the United States in the Term Three holidays to learn about the Civil Rights Movement.

TAKING IN THE SIGHTS OF ATLANTA: Home of the 1996 Olympic Games.

taneous moments,” she says.

Sophie, a History student says she found the museums fascinating and gave her greater understanding from the European colonisation of the late 15th Century to the slave labour in the southern colonies.

“There were also places we visited not based on the Civil Rights Movement such as the Coca-Cola factory, Rise New York, a steamboat up the Mississippi River and a lot of shopping,” she says. “I think the biggest challenge we can all say was tackling New York. The weather there wasn’t the most practical and it took a lot of perseverance and flexibility to get around a new schedule.”

The trip also included visits to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the UN Headquarters and the birthplace of Martin Luther King, as well as tours

of Capitol Hill and the Hurricane Katrina Tour.

Trip spokesperson Jenny Pullin from MGC says it’s not just the educational learning before, during and after the trip, it’s also at a personal level.

“Things like getting a job to pay for the trip, saving for a goal, budgeting for spending money, calculating currency exchange rates. There’s a lot of personal growth for our students as part of this experience.”

Sophie admits after seeing the land of the Stars and Stripes it has made her and her classmates grateful for the safeness of Marlborough and New Zealand.

“How nice it is to have authentic, healthy food. I am grateful for the learning experience as it was a fun, innovative way to learn outside the classroom,” she says.

Vivaldi to Jazz

with soloists Michelle Brown & Rosie McAllister

Sat 4 November Conducted by

Jason Balla

7pm ASB Theatre

The Sun

Wednesday October 25, 2023

Capturing a Marlborough moment

By Chris Valli

Just one word summed up how Cindy Griffith felt when she heard she was a finalist in the IHC Capture the Moment photography competition ‘wonderful’.

Cindy is an NMIT Te Pūkenga Community Living ākonga at the Marlborough Campus and her tutor, Mini Foley, says Cindy had ‘the biggest smile’ when they heard the news.

“We’ve been doing photography once a week-learning about a concept and then going out and taking photos,” says Mini.

“We heard about the IHC competition, and I encouraged the students to look at their work and choose one image.”

Cindy selected a photo she had taken of a Marlborough vineyard in winter, which appealed to her.

“It has got no shoots on it-and it has clouds,” she says.

Mini was not involved in taking the photo, selecting it for the competition, or in the editing process. “Cindy was definitely in control. If I made any suggestions, she was quick to tell me, ‘I have done enough’,” says Mini.

The framed photo placed in the top 30 in New Zealand and was exhibited at FOTO FEST in Hastings City. All the photographs were up for sale with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the photographer.

NMIT has purchased the original framed image, and it will be displayed in the Budge Street reception area on campus.

Cindy received a certificate, and she says the money she gets is going ‘straight into a bank account’ and staying there.

She plans to continue photography but isn’t sure what her next subject matter will be: “Something different,” she says.

In the meantime, Cindy is not only celebrating her success behind the camera, but also her recent engagement-although there’s no date for the wedding set yet.

“When it is warmer,” she says.

Capture the Moment is a photography competition for New Zealanders who have an intellectual disability, or an intellectual disability and autism. Building on the success of the IHC Art Awards, it aims to showcase the talent of New Zealanders through a different medium.

Future Access Study wins national award Marlborough District Council’s Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study has won the Community Engagement category in the 2023 EMPA New Zealand Awards for Excellence in Emergency Communication.

The award was presented at the Emergency Media and Public Affairs NZ (EMPA) conference dinner last week at Te Papa in Wellington.

Mayor Nadine Taylor was on hand to accept the accolade.

TheMarlboroughSoundsFutureAccessStudy (MFAS) is a wide-ranging communications and engagement programme led by Council with engineering consultancy Stantec and Publik, a public relations agency, who both assisted with the communications and community engagement programme.

“This award reflects the extensive community engagement done to date. While we are not at the end of our journey, I am proud of the way Council has stepped up to face this challenge. I particularly want to acknowledge the Marlborough Sounds community for whom this long road to recovery continues and whose involvement in this study was critical and hugely valued,” Mayor Taylor says.

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Cindy Griffith with her photo she had taken of a Marlborough vineyard in winter, which appealed to her.

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The Sun

6 Wednesday October 25, 2023

Sun readers have their say... with the WORD on the Street.

What’s your best gardening tips?

Aaron Hamerson Blenheim Round up

Cathy Kempthorne Napier Compost/skins of old fruit you throw in the garden actually might just grow.

I have got a kiwifruit vine, peach and apricot all grown from just tossing the seed/ pip in the garden.

Daniel Sinclair Blenheim Get to know fellow gardeners in your neighbourhood.

An endless source of good advice, encouragement, cuttings, seeds and produce.

Letters 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.

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Dear Ed The fact that, among developed nations, our country has the highest proportion of those paying more than 40 percent of their weekly income on rent never rated a mention in the political blathering that goes with our choosing of leaders.

Likewise, and not coincidentally, our having the lowest number of residential buildings per 100 people, around 38 compared to say France which has 55.

Australia has 42.

Are we going to have a blitz on housing construction, using 21st century technology? Not while our rulers, the comfortably-off, can keep putting sprag under that wheel.

A one bedroom apartment with off-street parking fetching over $600,000 tells us all we need to know.

A samurai sword wielding creature who took to a passerby, leaving him bleeding in a ditch was a shining example of barbarism meeting decadence. Home detention for such an atrocity? ‘More police,’ we cry.

Heaven help us.

Your faithfully, Bill Holvey

Hannah Sanderson Blenheim Before you put tomato plants in the ground sprinkle a bit of milk powder in the hole. Not sure of the chemistry reasons but know it makes for better tomatoes.

027 481 3545 art.devine@harcourts.co.nz 175 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch 03 355 6677 holmwood.co.nz Holmwood Real Estate Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Sarah Johnson Blenheim Mulch everything, fine bark is the best.

Free speech Towards the end of his life my father observed, concerning the Americas Cup; “I’m glad I’m an old man. I don’t want to live in a country whose government gives money to rich men to play with boats.”

At a similar age to my father when he made that statement I feel much the same way in that I don’t want to live in a country whose recent prime minister is honoured by an American university for her campaigns

against free speech.

Given that these campaigns include her concerns about hate speech it is the height of irony that some of her own MPs described the 2022 protestors at Parliament as a “river of filth”.

If that’s not hate speech I don’t know what is.

Yours sincerely, David Tranter

Gaza Dear Ed During Yom Kipper in 1972, when Israel was attacked by Arab countries, the Arab people living in peace in Israel were advised to flee and many did to Gaza.

They were told that they could return when Israel was no more.

As Israel decisively won the war, those who fled and their offspring now blame Israel for their predicament and have generated much sympathy worldwide.

It is ironic that in Gaza, on May 29, they celebrate the fall of Constantinople to the Muslims in 1435.

After the fall, a Muslim wrote that the streets could not be seen because of the blood and the bodies of the slaughtered

Christians.

A follow up of this was as recently as 1945 when Turkey decided to get rid of Christians and up to two million were killed, many burnt to death. In 1529, a force from Poland broke the Ottoman siege of Vienna and saved the city’s people.

In 752, Charles Martell, a hero of Tarrant, the Christchurch shooter, defeated the Muslim invaders in France.

Incidentally, if New Zealanders had bred like the Palestinians since 1972, our population would now be around 14 million.

John Vile Blenheim

Where’s the view Have to agree with the person about the new library and no view from the restaurant.

Where it is, there’s no atmosphere and it’s cold. Only one person sitting there today as I went past.

A bit of forward thinking by the council before building the library would have helped.

After-all, just think of the gorgeous view and atmosphere the old Clubs of Marlborough

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restaurant had.

Over looking the river with a lovely atmosphere and welcoming.

One would have thought the council would have done the same for the library and put the restaurant upstairs over looking the river.

Signed, No 4ward thinking.

Name and address supplied.

The Sun

Wednesday October 25, 2023

Mayor’s message for milestone moments

Cemeteries looking sharp

Marlborough is now on the Department of Internal Affairs register of mayors providing congratulatory messages for significant birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

is made and a congratulatory card can be sent,” Mayor Taylor said.

Marlborough cemeteries are looking smart after recent improvements.

to help lead users to a search function on Council’s online cemetery smart map.

The Congratulatory Message Service is a free service for all citizens and permanent residents who live in New Zealand and is available for birthdays of 100 years and over, and 50th, 55th, 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries.

As well as routine upkeep, improvements at Fairhall Cemetery include the enlarging of the square around the statue and flagpole and installation of a new path to improve access.

Omaka Cemetery has also had some further improvement works with the driveway entrance and car park asphalted at the new cemetery shelter and bench seats.

The path leads from the main services area entry point through to the burial rows, Parks and Open Spaces Officer Grahame Smail said.

“It will be a welcome addition to allow access to the area for those with limited mobility,” he said.

Future burial space nearby has been resown with grass. Just across the road from there the old white concrete drainpipe posts have been removed with a more formal entry planted area to be established.

A plaque, commemorating the platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II was recently unveiled in the Services Area by the Royal New Zealand Naval Association. Two bench seats, previously used in the Blenheim CBD, have been renovated and installed as part of this project, with funding assistance received from the naval association.

Older burial plots in cemeteries continue to be a challenging aspect of record keeping with a number of unmarked graves, Mr Smaile said.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said she had received enquiries regarding congratulatory messages for 100th birthdays and milestone wedding anniversaries in the past.

“By adding Marlborough to the register of regions offering this service, it will mean we are notified when the request

For more information go to: www.govt.nz/browse/family-andwhanau/congratulatory-messages

New additions for visitors are two large cemetery orientation maps. These have a QR code which can be scanned by a smartphone

“A walk through these older areas can be a source of much interest due to the information displayed on headstones and history found there,” he said. “This information is particularly relevant to descendants, especially with the resurgence of interest in genealogy.”

Council aims to display photos in the cemeteries online database for this reason.

Mayor Nadine Taylor is poised to pen a message of congratulations for a milestone birthday or wedding anniversary

Council services on Marlborough Anniversary Day Council’s Blenheim office will be closed from 4.30pm on Friday 27 October until 8.30am on Tuesday 31 October.

Opening times for the waste sorting centre, transfer stations, re-use centre, resource recovery centre and e-waste on Marlborough Anniversary, Monday 30 October are below.

Havelock 8am to 2pm Rai Valley, Seddon and Wairau Valley transfer stations will be closed on Monday 30 October.

Kerbside rubbish and recycling collections

8am to 4.30pm

Rubbish bags and recycling crates normally collected on Mondays will be collected on Tuesday 31 October.

Please make sure your bag and crate are out on the kerb by 7.30am.

E Waste

Marlborough District Libraries

Closed 8am to 4.30pm

Te Kahu o Waipuna and Picton Library and Service Centre will be open as usual over the weekend but will be closed on Monday 31 October.

Transfer stations

Bus services

Picton

Bus services will not operate on Monday 30 October. Normal services resume on Tuesday 31 October.

Blenheim Resource recovery centre and re-use centre

Waste sorting centre

8am to 4pm

The new path in the square area at Fairhall Cemetery

Poplar trees on Taylor River to go Nine poplar trees on the Taylor River Reserve will be removed due to declining health.

At October’s Assets and Services Committee meeting, Parks and Open Spaces Officer Robert Hutchinson detailed the radio tomography technology tool (x-ray) used to assess tree health, measure trunk density and detect decay.

An initial arborist’s inspection raised concerns about the health of poplars on the riverbank.

Twenty-three trees were identified for further inspection using radio tomography.

The testing showed nine trees with varying degrees of decay, and it was recommended these be removed for safety reasons. This

includes three large poplars by the Munro Street car park, which will be partially closed until the trees have been removed.

While one of the trees in the group of three was healthy, it would pose a danger if it was left once its two neighbours were removed, Mr Hutchinson said.

Before removing trees Council considers the value of the tree and weighs that up against any risk to human health, life and property.

Once the trees were felled further plantings would go ahead in line with the Taylor River Floodway Reserve Management Plan which identified suitable species.

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8 Wednesday October 25, 2023

The Sun

one on one with the Sun

It’s going to be a huge learning experience Marlborough District Councillor and New Zealand First List MP Jamie Arbuckle speaks to Chris Valli about his new role at the Beehive and a party who might have a say once potential coalition and special votes have been counted on November 3.

National MPs and party leaders arrived at Parliament in Wellington on Monday October 16 as discussions about the formation of a new National-led government began.

Among them was fifth term Marlborough District Councillor and New Zealand First List MP, Jamie Arbuckle who had a successful weekend including picking up six gold medals in Athletics at the South Island Masters Games currently held in Blenheim last Sunday.

New Zealand First reached the five per cent threshold required to enter Parliament (ending up with six per cent) meaning Jamie will join the likes of Northland whip Shane Jones who became quite the online celebrity during the election campaign with his unique TikTok videos showcasing him singing about NZ First policy.

With special votes still to be counted (New Zealanders living overseas), accounting for around 20% of all votes, New Zealand First will be in the conversation when it comes to a potential coalition partner alongside ACT and Prime Minister elect, Chris Luxon’s National.

Former NZ First MP Ron Mark has been involved in coalition talks before and says Winston Peters has always demonstrated that he will not enter into negotiations until he was absolutely clear, and his counterparts were clear, on what the ground was.

“No-one will know that until the final specials,” Mark says. “It could quite well be that the specials go against the norm.”

Asked whether Peters would hold a grudge that Luxon may not have spoken to him since Mark says Peters had “the skin of a rhino and the memory of an elephant”.

Mark says Peters operated on a different level of understanding of MMP than others and understood once coalition deals were done it was into FPP (first past the post).

“You have to have a clear majority in the house and you have to be strong enough and stable enough to withstand the storms that are going to come along the way in a three-year term.”

“When I reached here at 7:30am I looked at the Parliament building and went wow” He believed Peters looked long-term and that trust and stability of the parties he was working with would be key.

Jamie’s first day on the new job – induction day – included getting issued with electronic devices and getting up to speed with the logistics and centre of democracy of the four buildings including the house, the Parliamentary Library, the Beehive and Bowen House.

The Renwick local conceded the reality of being in Wellington as a member of parliament was yet to sink in.

“When I reached here at 7:30am I looked at the Parliament building and went wow….I’ve been here for four or five hours now and the amount of people and stuff happening is pretty intimidating,” he says.

Jamie says comparisons to his 13

Greetings from Parliament: The NZ First team assembling in Wellington last week. With two weeks remaining for special votes to be counted - around 20% of all votes - NZ First will be in the conversation when it comes to a potential coalition partner alongside ACT and Prime Minister elect, Chris Luxon’s National.

INSET: A PRODUCTIVE WEEKEND: Jamie pictured at Athletic Park after competing in the Masters Games.

plus years as a councillor at local government and central are a different playing field altogether.

“Local government will give me some grounding but this is totally different. Being told that you have an office and that you will be having staff members is foreign to me. It’s going to be a huge learning experience for me,” he admits.

Jamie says he had a conversation with Mayor Nadine Taylor

prior to the election and says he will be ‘standing back’ from his role as Chair of the Economic, Finance and Community Committees. He says he will be taking a role as a stand-in councillor.

“The first thing will be to get through to Christmas and see how that is progressing,” he says.

“Next year, I’ll have a better understanding of how busy I will be here in Wellington,” he says.

Jamie says his wife Sally has

been ‘absolutely amazing’ with her continued support throughout the campaign with ‘getting him in the right places at the right time’ while keeping the home fires burning.

He says his campaign team including manager Bruce Partridge has been invaluable and much appreciated. Jamie says he was looking forward to his new role including getting to grips with the legislation and doing his best.

The Sun

Wednesday October 25, 2023

9

The Sun

10 Wednesday October 25, 2023

A few seconds of being uncomfortable - isn’t it better to live?

Blenheim’s Murray Eyles and Phil Taylor sit down and talk to Chris Valli about Prostate Cancer and why early detection and awareness is key to preventing more men with the diagnosis. to live?” says Murray.

Phil, 67, concedes every man’s prostate experience or story is different with no two the same with regards to how it’s been treated, their outcomes or how they have handled it mentally.

Phil still has his prostate and his treatment consisted of various forms of radiation. His was aggressive and he says two surgeons ‘did not want to’ remove his prostate because if it was ‘cut’ his cancer would spread and would be best treated as it was. Fortunately, it hadn’t metastasized.

The overall numbers depict a cancer that is taking too many quality gentlemen. Every year more than 4000 are diagnosed and over 700 die from the disease. More men die of prostate cancer than women from breast cancer.

Murray and Phil inform this writer that prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men.

In its early stages, prostate cancer may cause no signs. However, if it is more advanced symptoms can include trouble urinating, blood in the urine or blood in the semen.

For some, erectile dysfunction is a symptom too.

Murray, 72, is the Marlborough Prostate Cancer Support Group Coordinator in Marlborough and has led the awareness and advocacy of the disease since September 2020.

He is transparent about his role in the advocacy.

“When you get diagnosed there is a lot to get your head round first. I don’t ring up and say Phil, I heard you’ve got prostate cancer. You have to wait for each individual to get their head around the word…. once the word is in your head, there’s not a lot that gets past it for some time.”

Murray Eyles and Phil Taylor, Marlborough's Prostate Cancer Support Group coordinators.

In August 2021, Murray liaised with Stadium 2000 to get Prost-FIT up and running locally, an exercise programme designed specifically for men initiated by the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Prost-FIT is delivered in a supporting environment with an emphasis on fun and social interaction. The camaraderie is evident through shared health and holistic experiences. The programme is supported and funded by Dry July New Zealand Trust and is delivered by trained, registered exercise professionals like Liam Warren, a new instructor to the Stadium.

The group meets twice weekly on Mondays (6 – 7pm) and Wednesdays (10:30 – 11:30am) and on average fourteen-twenty chaps turn up weekly. Phil says the classes start off with a warm up period of about

10 minutes and often some chaps get there early and go through the routines of throwing a ball around and ‘connecting’ by calling each other’s names.

“It works on coordination and memory,” says Phil. “Simple stuff but it works. There are a variety of stations set up with rotations such as press ups or lifting dumbbells.

Balance-type exercises. You can work to your ability.”

Phil says a key component of the class is the pelvic floor exercises, important he says for guys that have had prostate cancer. They also focus on breathing technique to bring their heart rates down followed by meditation with the lights out.

“The general fitness levels have come up. The whole body is getting a work out. If I wake up early in the

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morning I now find those breathing exercises help me get back to sleep,” says Murray. “It’s tuning in with your mind and body,” adds Phil. “Tuning it yourself.

Sometimes we wake up with a busy mind, unless we do other stuff to get it out of our head.”

Phil concedes ‘we don’t want anyone in our support groups’ or to get prostate cancer.

“Sadly we are doing well,” says Murray. “That’s the reality. If guys get diagnosed younger then there is a better chance of treatment and recovery.”

If Sun readers know of a male, a loved one who perhaps isn’t being as proactive as he should when it comes to his health, contact Murray @ Marlborough@prostate.org.nz or 027 608 5667.

Your life matters.

turnin r’ e 5.11.23 g

!

21

Celebrating 21 years of success!

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Behind the cheery disposition and banter, there is a story.

A story of finding one’s self after a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Men reevaluating life and how precious, invaluable quality time with their partners, children and grandchildren is paramount.

So why aren’t blokes being proactive and saving their own livelihood? Is there still that stigma of getting a finger up the jacksie? It’s 2023, surely as a society us blokes are able to leave their comfort zone and get off the couch?

There are blood tests these days to check, known as a Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA which measures the level of PSA in the blood. The substance is made by the prostate.

As a guideline, the higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present. But many factors, such as age and race, can affect PSA levels. Some prostate glands make more PSA than others.

Underneath the capsule of two Marlborough Men, Murray Eyles and Phil Taylor – is their own backstory.

Murray, 72, got tested every second year between the ages of 40 – 50, then every year after he turned 50. Diagnosis was confirmed October 2014 as a 64-year-old. Murray had ‘radical surgery’ where he was cut from the pelvic bone up to his belly to get the prostate removed.

A prostatectomy.

Treatments for Prostate Cancer are radical surgery, robotic surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and brachytherapy, the various options would be discussed with your specialist.

Awareness and education to what the prostate does and can do is fundamental he says.

“For about four or five seconds of being uncomfortable, isn’t it better

t s 21 y r a s r e Anniv

The Sun

Wednesday October 25, 2023

11

MARLBOROUGH CANCER SUPPORT AWARENESS

Your pathways to support

Caring for our community In the heart of Marlborough, there exists an organisation that quietly but resolutely fights against the shadow of cancer that looms over our community.

Cancer Society Marlborough, led by Centre Manager Felicity Spencer, embodies a mission that resonates deeply: “our mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer for people living in Marlborough.”

Cancer is a battle that affects us all, either directly or through someone we know and love. It’s in these moments of need that the Cancer Society stands as a beacon of hope, ready to extend a helping hand. As Felicity herself emphasises, “We want to ensure that anyone, at any stage of cancer, has the option to speak to someone confidentially. They may want more information, have questions they’re afraid to ask, or have a specific need or request for support.”

What makes Cancer Society Marlborough unique is its

unwavering commitment to our community. As Felicity reminds us, “We’re not a government-funded health service; we’re funded by our community.” This means that every programme, every act of support is tailored to meet the specific needs of Marlborough residents. Whether it’s volunteer driving services, assistance for those traveling outside our region for treatment, or simply connecting with other local support or people living with cancer, the Cancer Society is here to provide a lifeline.

Importantly, the Cancer Society’s help is for everyone. As Felicity states, “Our programmes are free and confidential and available to anyone. You may be supporting someone with cancer or have recently completed your treatment. Recovery can take several years, and often the fear of reoccurrence never leaves.”

No one should go through this alone. The Cancer Society is

Prost-FITisproudlysuported byDr JulyNZTrust.

a safe space where you can seek solace, information, and support at any stage of your cancer.

It’s important to note that the Cancer Society are not notified of everyone diagnosed with cancer. They rely on referrals from health professionals, or anyone can self-register by contacting the office or asking your health provider. As Felicity urges, “Please get in touch with us.” Whether you’re recently diagnosed, in the midst of treatment, or navigating life as a cancer survivor, we’re here to guide you, answer your questions, and ensure that you’re not alone in your journey. There is an amazing network of people, cancer support programmes and services in Marlborough.

Cancer Society Marlborough is a lifeline, a support network, and a caring hand for all of us in Marlborough. Together, we can work toward reducing its incidence and impact for all those living in Marlborough.

Marlborough Prostate Cancer Support Group coordinator Murray Eyles with Marlborough Breast Cancer Support coordinator Paula Olliver, and Cancer Society Marlborough centre manager Felicity Spencer.

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WHEN: Mondays 6.00 pm and Wednesdays 10.30am WHEN: Mondays pm Wednesdays 10.30am WHEN: Mondays 6.00 6.00Lines pm and and Wednesdays 10.30am WHERE: Marlborough Stadium 2000, Kinross St, Blenheim WHERE: Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000, Kinross WHERE: Marlborough St, Blenheim Blenheim COST: FREE (T&Cs apply)Lines Stadium 2000, Kinross St, (T&Cs apply) COST: FREE (T&Csinformation apply) COST: FREE CONTACT: For more and prior to attending CONTACT: information prior to your first class pleaseand contact Eyles CONTACT: For For more more information and priorMurray to attending attending your first class please contact Murray email marlborough@prostate.org.nz your first class please contact Murray Eyles Eyles email marlborough@prostate.org.nz email marlborough@prostate.org.nz ABOUT: www.prostate.org.nz/prostfit/ ABOUT: ABOUT: www.prostate.org.nz/prostfit/ www.prostate.org.nz/prostfit/ Prost-FIT is proudly supported by Dry July NZ Trust.supported Prost-FIT is proudly Prost-FIT is proudly supported

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Everyone deals with cancer differently, which is why the Cancer Society offers a range of support services to suit your needs.

Don't know where to start? Contact our friendly team and we can go from there.

Any cancer, any question.

0800 CANCER (226 237) Cancer Information Helpline Cancer Society Marlborough 76a Maxwell Road, Blenheim 03 579 4379 | marlborough@cancersoc.org.nz www.cancer.org.nz/marlborough @cancersocietymarlborough

@cancersocietymarl

The Sun

12 Wednesday October 25, 2023

MARLBOROUGH CANCER SUPPORT AWARENESS

Your pathways to support

Simply the Breast Recently diagnosed with breast cancer or some time ago?

Simply the Breast is a dragon boat team based in Marlborough, supporting those who have had a breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast cancer survivors’ dragon boating is an internationally recognised sport with The Christchurch office Support Coordinators visit Blenheim on a regular basis and hold support groups that are part educational and part social.

We also provide a range of free individualised services for people in the region living with a blood cancer or blood condition.

Contact - Helen McDermott Senior Support Services Coordinator 021 523 173 Upper Southern Regional Office 20 Cashel Street Christchurch 8013 0800 15 10 15 - option 5

Visit us online at

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teams in over 38 countries around the world which aims to promote wellbeing, participation, inclusiveness and exercise as a way to strengthen body and soul during and post recovery.

We train on the Wairau river, attend regattas and dragon boat festivals and bring through

it, friendship and support.

Come and give it a go and join us for a paddle and some fun. No previous experience required - all fitness levels and age groups catered for. For further information contact STBdragons@gmail.com or call 0204 037 8906.

Well-being and camaraderie Blue Brothers was established to promote group exercise and movement opportunities for men living with cancer.

The goal is to foster camaraderie, connection and offer mental health and well-being support to members living in the South Island, New Zealand.

We offer free, gym-based, light physical movement exercise classes, as managed by qualified Personal Trainers.

These quality, planned classes are scheduled once per week throughout the wider Canterbury region and Nelson/ Marlborough.

Each class runs for approximately one

MARLBOROUGH PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

hour.

The classes are tailored to suit the attendees on the day, with modifications offered on each exercise, and set according to the individual’s stage and ability.

Participants are strongly encouraged to go at their own pace, in their own time, and complete each session with a cuppa catch-up at the local cafe or onsite.

Because sometimes, it’s simply about the chat!

For more information about Blue Brothers in Marlborough visit www.bluebrothers. org.nz or contact David Cattermole on 027 202 7525 or david@bluebrothers.org.nz

The Blue Brothers Marlborough team: trainer/ instructor Hannes Schoeman, and Support and Information Co-ordinator Dallace Lilley.

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.

An established support group meeting in Blenheim for men and Meetings: First Tuesday of each month* their families living with a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Time: Spouses, 7.15pm partners and family members welcome.

Venue: Cancer Society Blenheim House 0800 477 678 Next MeetiNg: INFORMATION LINE 76A Maxwell Road, Blenheim Date: Tuesday 7th November 2023, at 7.15pm. iNForMAtioN liNe *No meeting December and January Venue: Cancer Society Blenheim House, 76A information Maxwell Road, Blenheim For more please contact: Support Group Coordinator Murray Eyles For more information please contact: M: 027 608 5667 Support Group Coordinator Murray Eyles E: marlborough@prostate.org.nz M: 027 608 5667 W: www.prostate.org.nz/support-meetings e: marlborough@prostate.org.nz W: www.prostate.org.nz/support-meetings www.prostate.org.nz SUPPORT | EDUCATION | RESEARCH | ADVOCACY www.prostate.org.nz

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The Sun

Wednesday October 25, 2023

MARLBOROUGH CANCER SUPPORT AWARENESS

Your pathways to support

Free sessions to help you feel better Look Good Feel Better provides free services for any person with any cancer at any stage.

This ranges from the signature skincare and make-up programme held in Blenheim at least three times a year, through to online wellbeing sessions such as chair yoga or gentle Pilates, and on-demand videos and podcasts.

“We know the impact cancer has so it is important to us that we offer a range of ways to help people feel that they are not alone, and to give them practical tools and tips to help them face cancer with confidence,” Clare O’Higgins, LGFB general manager, says.

“Participants tell us it helps them feel like a person again, not just a patient, and helps them feel more in control of their cancer journey. For some that is

knowing how to disguise the visible side effects of treatment when picking up children at the school gate, for others it is learning how mindfulness can combat anxiety.”

Look Good Feel Better has a wide range of online wellbeing content.

The live sessions include chair yoga on Mondays, gentle exercise mat Pilates every Thursday, and monthly classes – in mindfulness and expert Q&As. There are also dedicated men’s online sessions held bi-monthly.

Look Good Feel Better’s on-demand offering includes practical how-to videos on skincare and make-up, breathing exercises, hand, nail and feet care, dealing with neuropathy, hair and wig care, and tips for tying scarves.

This year Look Good Feel Better also

introduced the Cancer Conversations podcast series featuring advice from people who have navigated a cancer diagnosis. They include former head of the NZ Defence Force and CEO of Fire and Emergency NZ Rhys Jones talking about his cancer journey and how his career helped him stay calm during times of adversity. Experienced stylist Emma John – founder of Sisterhood of Style – is passionate about empowering people to find their style and offers tips on how to dress during treatment having learned from her own diagnosis experience.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors,” O’Higgins says, “these sessions and programmes are all free.”

To find out more or join a session, go to lgfb.co.nz

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand Being diagnosed with a blood cancer or blood condition can be overwhelming.

You and your family/whanāu may be facing a range of challenges from the time of diagnosis through treatment and during recovery.

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) is a national NGO dedicated to providing patient support, information and Advocacy to those with Blood Cancers like Myeloma, Leukaemia, MDS and Lymphoma as well as blood conditions including Aplastic Anaemia and others.

The Christchurch office covers the

top of the South Island and visits Blenheim and Nelson every two months, which includes a support group; the next will be in early December.

This is an opportunity to connect with others going through a similar experience, provide education, resources, and share stories in a welcoming and private environment.

These are open to patients and their support people.

There is also a range of online support, including online webinars, group calls and guest speakers.

For more information, contact Helen McDermott 021 523173

We know the impact cancer has FREE programmes for people with any cancer Go to lgfb.co.nz to see how we can help

Free prostate cancer support services for men, their families and whānau.

Information Service Counselling Service Welfare Grants Online Support Forum Local Support Group Local Prost-FIT Exercise Group More Information: 0800 66 0800 infoservice@prostate.org.nz

skin

hair

body

mind

prostate.org.nz/support

13

The Sun

14 Wednesday October 25, 2023

Kick breast cancer to the kerb

By Chris Valli

A Marlborough local is heeding the call to kick breast cancer to the kerb this October by collecting for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, and she’s encouraging others to take part too.

Laurel Rockliff will be one of 10,000 volunteers hitting the streets all over New Zealand this Friday and Saturday, raising vital funds for breast cancer research, education and patient support.

Laurel takes part in the street appeal for her mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1967 at the age of 49.

“She had a radical mastectomy, which was very distressing for her over the years. But lived until she was 86,” says Laurel.

The appeal has the backing from Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor who says there are likely, very few women whose lives have not

been affected in some way by breast cancer – be it through the experience of a mother, a sister, a friend, or perhaps themselves.

“Every year around 120 people are diagnosed from across the Marlborough and Tasman/Nelson areas. Tragically, 20 will die from it. Breast cancer is often survivable though, if caught early, so education is key. That is one of the reasons why I fully support the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s Pink Ribbon Street Appeal to raise vital funds for breast cancer research, education, and patient support,” she says.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is still looking for more people in Marlborough to sign up for a two-hour collection shift.

The Foundation’s chief executive, Ah-Leen Rayner, says the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal is one of their biggest fundraisers and it couldn’t go ahead without amazing volunteers like Laurel.

“As a charity doing vital work to stop Kiwis

dying of breast cancer, we rely entirely on the goodwill of generous New Zealanders. By contributing just two hours of your time, you’ll be making a massive difference to help us to kick breast cancer to the kerb this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

All of the money raised from the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal goes towards Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s work to advance breast cancer research, educate Kiwis about the importance of early detection, and support patients through their treatment and recovery.

Donations can be made to the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal through volunteer collectors who will be out in force shaking pink buckets across the region on 27 and 28 October, or online at pinkribbonvolunteer.org.nz.

BCFNZ’s programmes are evidence-based, and overseen by its medical advisory committee. The pink ribbon symbol is a trademark of BCFNZ.

Two hours can make a big difference: Trish Suyker and Jeanne van der Merwe collecting for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s Pink Ribbon Street Appeal. The appeal is once again on this Friday and Saturday.

Protozoa barriers on the way for Marlborough

By Chris Valli

Most of Marlborough’s drinking water is safe to drink.

The Blenheim supply, which delivers water to 10,700 households, is protozoa compliant with UV treatment in place to ensure cryptosporidium and giardia doesn’t enter supplies.

Picton and Seddon’s water supply to 1,775 and 210 households respectively are also compliant.

Taumata Arowai, New Zealand’s water regulator, has written to 27 councils around the country, including Marlborough, outlining the Water Services Act 2021 which states suppliers must use a multi-barrier approach to

managing risks to protect drinking water from contamination.

Head of Regulatory Steve Taylor says Taumata Arowai expected protozoa barriers to be in place by the end of 2024 for surface water sources and the following year for bore water.

Currently Blenheim’s water supply is protected with ultraviolet light disinfection Council’s Operations and Maintenance Engineer Stephen Rooney says.

This means all households supplied from the Blenheim supply are protected from protozoa and bacteriological contamination.

Water supplies in Marlborough at risk include rural households in the Awatere Valley, Have-

lock, Renwick and Riverlands Industrial Estate, affecting about 4750 people.

Seddon already has a compliant treatment plant and Wairau Valley’s just completed water treatment plant, which cost $2.6m, is delivering compliant water to the community as it goes through a commissioning phase.

Ultra-filtration systems and UV filters were installed in the Wairau Valley treatment plant – the same as are being installed in the new Renwick plant, which has cost about $8.7m and due for completion next year.

The Renwick plant will have membrane filtration to provide protozoal compliance while bacterial compliance will use UV and chlorine.

There is a plan in place to install barriers on the remaining three supplies before the end of 2025 with land already set aside in Havelock and Riverlands.

Given the Awatere was a rural scheme plans were to install point of entry treatment devices at each household.

Havelock and Riverlands Industrial Estate are budgeted for in Council’s current Annual Plan at $8.145m and $8.515m respectively.

“Taumata Arowai will soon require water suppliers to install residual disinfection (chlorination) on supplies where none exists. This is going to affect Blenheim and Riverlands’ water supplies,” Stephen says.

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The Sun

Wednesday October 25, 2023 15

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The Sun

16 Wednesday October 25, 2023

‘Empowering Kids’ Charity Dinner

By Chris Valli

CONFUSION: MGC Drama students Ruby Cook, Brea Gifford, Malin Svoboda and Storm Lee at a recent rehearsal for the college junior production of Romeo and Juliet.

Student’s creative input

By Chris Valli

The junior drama programme at the colleges is centre stage once again with a modern retelling of a tragedy.

For the first time since 2017, Marlborough Girls’ and Marlborough Boys’ Colleges are putting on a combined Junior Production with Romeo and Juliet.

Created and adapted by MGC teacher Shalom Del’Monte-Aberhart the production has had creative input from several students; including the Creative Writing Club and the cast themselves.

The play is still set in Verona (northern Italy) but instead of a family feud keeping the young lovers apart, it is school rivalry.

Winterville High - a rich private school and Summerton College a public school have been rivals on the rugby field for as long as anyone can remember.

Their rivalry frequently spills out into public brawls which upset the ruler of Verona, Duchess Antonia (played by Alya Burrows). It also upsets her cousins, Viola (Emily Pitcon) and Olivia (Amelia Prentice) who are Verona’s social media superstars.

They view the frequent fighting as bad for business and wish to bring peace to Verona.

Viola and Olivia decide to hold a mask ball to start the Spring Festival celebrations and hold a competition to win tickets. Romeo (Austin Quinn) and Juliet (Nova Bino) along with their partners Rosaline (Malin Svoboda) and Paris (Ethan Mills) win tickets.

It is at the ball that Romeo and Juliet meet, fall in love and then despair as their friends and family - especially Romeo’s best mate Mercutio (Kalena Landen-Lane) and Juliet’s

brother Tybalt (Annabelle Simmonds), will never allow them to be together.

Shalom says students have been at the heart of creating this production, not only helping with writing the script, but also helping art teacher Wendy Murphy paint the set.

“Two of her Year 9 Art classes and some individual students worked with Wendy and her husband Craig to create various locations such as the town square, Juliet’s house, the two schools and the ballroom,” says Shalom.

“Students Chelsea Craig and Jessica Bell are designing costumes and technology classes are creating the masks that the students will wear for the ball. MBC student Bronson Blissett is working with other talented students to provide the music for the play, students will be working the lights and sound and running Front of House.”

Shalom says there have been many community members who are supporting the production with their skills including Chris Holdaway and Phillip Rayner supporting the technical students. Geoff Anderson has taught the cast stage fighting and Dave Davidson is putting together the set.

“After many years of no junior production, it is exciting to see it come back with students so firmly in the centre and the community supporting the process so strongly.”

Tickets are available from MGC finance office and will also be available at the door.

The performances are at 7pm at the MGC hall from tomorrow October 26, 27 and 28.

There is also a matinee performance at 3pm on Saturday, October 28.

Tickets are $20 for an adult, $15 for a student and a family pass of two adults and two children is $60.

A charity dinner to reduce the impact of poverty on the education of Marlborough children is on the cards next month.

School Start First Impressions Marlborough works to reduce the impact of poverty on the education of Marlborough children.

The charity identifies that a child’s fifth birthday and entry to school presents an impossible challenge to some Marlborough families in financial crisis.

Their initiative is designed to give Marlborough’s at-risk five-year-olds the opportunity to commence school on an equal footing with their peers, enable them to embrace the challenge of school, focus on learning, and give them a chance to be the best that they can be.

Chairperson Michelle Munro says they have wanted to have a fundraiser since they began the charity. However, for multiple reasons, notwithstanding Covid, Michelle says they agreed rather late into this year to ‘having a dinner’ as they could sell tickets and have great auctions to bring in money.

“I approached quite a few venues and The Fancy Cow generously offered their venue and has been wonderful to work with, which I was so pleased about. Blenheim shuttles will also be doing pickups and drop offs so you can enjoy the night with a few beverages and not worry about driving,” says Michelle.

One of the features of the night will be drag queen Cherry Poppins who is new to Marlborough and doing wonderful things for the rainbow community such as hosting a night as Cherry Poppins the first of every month for people of all kinds to gather and

celebrate diversity.

Michelle says he is ‘a beautiful person’ and just as gorgeous as a drag queen so when he offered to host and perform to make the dinner extra special, she was excited to have him on board.

The dinner will have a ‘huge list’ of wonderful auctions; some will be silent auctions and other larger items will be live auctions.

Michelle says there will be everything from beauty and massage services, wine and gin, cafe and restaurant vouchers, a 2023 signed Tasman Mako rugby jersey and wine tours to name a few.

“Marlborough has really come through for us with donations,” she says.

Michelle says an ideal outcome would be for the tickets to be sold in advance. Tables of eight are discounted and the SSFIM team encourages people to bring friends and make a night of it, having fun and supporting Marlborough’s kids.

“Ideally, we would like to sell out before the end of October. It’s going to be a wonderful night of good food, wonderful entertainment and great auctions so come, get into the bidding spirit and help keep providing this vital service to the kids of Marlborough.”

“I know Blenheim likes to leave new things to the last minute to book, but please get your tickets as soon as possible if you want to come, we would love to see you there,” says Michelle.

The three course dinner is at The Fancy Cow, 309 Rapaura Road on November 18 from 6pm – 10pm. Tickets are $150 each OR table of eight, $1100 with a bubbly on arrival. The return transport ticket option, $20. To book visit www.ssfimarlborough.nz

School Start First Impressions Marlborough Secretary Brenda Munro, Trustee Margaret Smith and Chairperson Michelle Munro with auction items up for grabs at the November 18 fundraiser at Rapaura’s Fancy Cow Restaurant.

Writers’ Walk unveiling

By Chris Valli

A unique school poem will be presented and added along the Taylor River Writers’ Walk Walkway next month spreading the message of how precious water ways are.

Now in its 13th year, this year’s poem is from Wairau Valley School making it a total of 21 schools represented on the Taylor River Writers’ Walk. There has been positive feedback about the Writers’ Walk by the amount of people commenting they have stopped to read the poems when they are walking along the Taylor River.

Each year all of Marlborough’s schools are invited to submit a poem and so far, there has been a poem or two added yearly.

The student’s goal is to have every school in Blenheim represented along the walk.

In 2010 a group of students from Springlands School decided to take action after doing a project focused on water conservation.

Part of their studies included partaking in the Marlborough District Council’s Whitebait Connection programme where students get the opportunity to do instream field trips and assess the health of the waterways by looking at and measuring bug life, water temperature, water clarity, water flow and catchment area.

During their field trip the Springlands School students found that there were not as many fish and wildlife as there could be in the Taylor River. So, it made them realise that as the future generation they needed to start taking action to save the precious resource before it is destroyed.

As a motivated group of young people

and part of a Green-Gold Enviro School they wanted to take action and do something to change people’s attitudes and educate them. The idea of creating a Writers Walk to help educate the community was the action the students came up with.

After research and consultation with community experts they found a sponsor in Geoffrey T. Sowman. The students then took their proposal to the then Mayor, Alistair Sowman, who came on board and provided the funding for the placement of the rocks along the Taylor River Walkway. He also attended each of the poem unveilings and congratulated and encouraged the students/schools for their involvement in the project.

A group of Springlands School students are introduced to the project yearly to keep the project alive. Yazmin now a

student at University of Canterbury was one of the original students is still part of the Taylor River Writers’ Walk Group and attends each year.

As far as the school is aware, there are only three Writers’ Walks in the country.

The one along Wellington’s waterfront with quotations from some of New Zealand’s best-known writers, Katikati’s Haiku Pathway and Marlborough - which is unique, as it was created by a group of motivated primary school students passionate about their environment.

The poems are listed on the Top of the South Branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors website.

This year’s unveiling is on Tuesday, November 7, 11am. Sun readers are asked to meet at the Henry Street Bridge (Nelson Street side).

The Sun

Wednesday October 25, 2023 17

txt talk with The Sun Unacceptable

Mail

Yes doctors surgeries are more concerned with their criteria, rules than people. The system as said, is broken.

Why do Posties NOT put the mail RIGHT into the letterbox?

Sick and tired of wet mail!! Do your job properly!

Medical Centre

Re: election

We have turned into a nation of self centered intolerant, objectionable people. To the person complaining they could not get Redwoodtown Medical to look at a cut on an old ladies hand, then publicly slagging them off because they were turned away. Do you not read the paper or watch the news ? The doctors all over NZ are run off their feet. Clinics are booked up for weeks ahead everywhere.

A&E means accident and emergency. There’s one in every hospital and that’s where you should have gone. I appreciate that you were concerned for the woman, but that is a poor excuse to run down the Medical Centre because they couldn’t fit you in. If people like you publicly put MORE pressure on our doctors and Med Services it won’t be long before they all up sticks and move to Australia and there won’t be any. Have a think about things before you go off in public because something didn’t suit YOU !

How can you have a election on a day where all the votes are counted and then you can’t get a true result until all special votes are counted and that takes three weeks!

Shouldn’t all special votes be in before the official date of election so all votes are counted at once or is that just too simple.

The name Te Kahu O Waipuna Don’t worry about it. It is only “window dressing”. It has a variety of meanings and interpretations, all subjective.

Even the Maori Language Commission could not provide an answer.

Grit and determination Great story on Stuff about Mr Van Velthooven just shows what grit, determination and a positive work ethic can achieve. RIP

Who is it?

Complete with mobile home-sack barrow & sleeping bag. Residing outside the old post/ savings bank on Scott Street only 100 yards from the Police Station, every night! Is there no bed at our multitude of agencies and do gooders. No toilet or wash facilities around.

Our own Mysterious Vagabond!

Re Hamas Yes most would concur it is barbaric. Though interestingly, how can one be a terrorist in one’s own country? I seem to recall the Israelites, called themselves freedom fighters, when they killed nearly 200 British troops and civilians in 1947 in establishing their new homeland.

Supermarket commissioner Doing a great job New World last week Pepsi 1/half litre $4.20 alongside Pepsi 2 Litre bottles $2.80 Yes we have too many in Parliament.

Talk of the week

Ferry traffic Stuart Smith quotes “getting that traffic through Blenheim will be a challenge“. Pity he didn’t see this problem like so many of us did before they built the new bridge. State highway should have by-passed Blenheim We will have bigger bottlenecks than we have now. Look ahead to the future...

Vaping Unsafe!

It was hardly rocket science yet we were assured by the powers that be in The Beehive ‘It’s safer than smoking cigarettes’. Certainly got that one wrong.

And who pays for the fallout?

Yes, the Consumer/Insurance Policy Holders due to the costs of damage caused by uncontrolled (unpunished!) ram-raiders.

And let’s not forget the affect the medical care required for un-enlightened vapers has on hospital services & waiting lists.....for treatment for non-self-inflicted medical conditions.

Lost seat A recent article stated “The Labour candidate was still smiling despite losing the seat”. Didn’t realise that it was a Labour seat. Maybe “not winning the seat” would have been correct.

Baby Loss service I recently attended the Baby loss service at Cloudy Bay Funeral Services.

It took me a lot of strength to attend but I can’t thank Janice and staff enough for such a beautiful Service.

Thank you Doomsayers If Ian Foster brings home New Zealand’s 4th world cup I doubt that there are enough eggs in New Zealand to cover the embarrassment of the doubters and doomsayers of the nation not to mention the razor gang supporters.

To those who kindly assisted Robin after a fall in town on Monday 16th.

A very big thank you to you all from her and her family

Spring Show

Official language NZ is a country with many languages spoken.

It makes sense to have a formal and precise language for business and law etc.

English is understood by the majority and has served us well.

Joining Maori and Sign, there is a need for English to have it’s use formalized as an official language asap.

Facts The contributor “Hamas” last issue should read History and get some real facts. Israeli terrorism is no different to Hamas terrorism.

I loved seeing all the happy faces from the Out & About page on the 18th. It looks like Rapaura School had a great day at their Spring Show!

I especially loved the tin foil athletes.

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.

One job 15m apart! 30kph or 50kph? Take your pick!

“Hey Karen, you only had one job”

Humour is still alive Finally, after residing in Blenheim for over a decade now, I’ve discovered somebody who actually laughs at my silly jokes and story’s .

Which reminded me of the comedian Bob Monkhouse, who when he first told his parents that he wanted to become a stand-up comic they started laughing, he said “they’re not laughing now.”

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough? Text your thoughts to 027 242 5266

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The Sun

18 Wednesday October 25, 2023

. h t i w s e t u n i m Maxwell 5Mollie

Exclusive Interview!

Maxwell Coaching, Health and Life coach, wellness advisor, mentor and volunteer coordinator.  Are you a dog or cat person?

I am definitely a dog person. I volunteer for Canine friends pet therapy and take my Dachshund “Dascha” to visit rest homes in Blenheim, which is a wonderful way to share doggy love with the residents. We do also have a lovely cat who is very sweet natured.  My friends would say I am…

Empathetic, well organised and a good cook.  The best advice I ever received was?

Don’t ever be afraid to admit that you made a mistake.  What would you buy if money was no object?

I would probably take my family on a lovely holiday.  Local coffee haunt?

CPR, I love their coffee and they make amazing scones.  Favourite takeaway?

I rarely get takeaways, but I do love the delicious bakery goods at DeBroods bakery.  The shop you can’t walk past is...?

Dress Code in Blenheim for Jackie Halliday’s quirky style and wonderful laugh.  What’s the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received?

A hug from a friend when my husband was desperately ill.  Where is your happy holiday place?

Anywhere that I can totally switch off, in the sun with sea swimming, great food, good company and lovely views.  Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Currently I am watching the series of John Le Carre’s “The Night Manager” which is quite engrossing, well acted and has some beautiful scenery, all of which are my requirements for good TV.  What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To visit the ancient sites of Egypt and cruise down the river Nile.

gardening this week Codlin, Guava Moths and Army Worm: By Wally Richards Guava moth is mostly in the upper north island but there has been a few cases in other areas likely as a result of fruit been transported south from infected areas.

So share with family and friends as there is nothing worse than loosing your crop to these pests.

There are two moths in New Zealand that attack fruit namely, Codlin Moth which have apples, pears and walnuts as their host fruit.

Guava Moth which has ALL fruit and nuts as their host.

The Codlin Moth is seasonal active while there is fruit on their host plants but the Guava Moth is all year around going from one host tree to another including citrus.

Both are relatively easy to control so that you can obtain a reasonable amount of your crop as long as you follow my proven advice. Firstly, let us understand how these two pests operate.

Being moths they only fly at night and they find their host tree by the smell of the forming and ripening fruit. So if they cannot smell your tree/fruit they will fly on by to a tree they can smell.

This is the first step in reducing the damage to your fruit by disguising the smell of the tree/fruit.

To do this you need an overriding smell that negates the smell of the tree’s fruit.

Wallys Neem Tree Granules scattered on the ground underneath the tree from the trunk to the drip line will assist with this.

Then by making some little bags out of curtain netting, hang more of Wallys Neem Tree Granules in the tree on the lower branches about head high at the four cardinal points.

So we use the Wallys Neem Tree Granules as described after flowering and when the fruit has formed to a reasonable size. One application then is all that is needed for each crop to disguise the fruit as the granules last over 2 months, slowly breaking down..

The next step in control is to prevent any grubs that hatch out near your fruit from eating their way into the fruit. Once a grub enters the fruit you have lost the battle.

You need a non toxic substance on the outside of the fruit that is going to prevent the grub from eating its

way in.

Wallys Super Neem Tree oil with Raingard is the perfect answer.

You spray the fruit, not the tree so there is a coating of Wallys Neem Tree Oil on the skin of the fruit protected from washing off in rain with Wallys Raingard which will need to be reapplied every 14 days.

The Neem Oil is an anti-feedent which means when the young grub takes it’s first bite it will get some Neem Oil in it’s gut and will never eat again, starving to death fairly quickly being so young.

On your mature fruit you will have a little pin pricked scar that where it took it’s one and only bite.

So all you do is just spray the maturing fruit every 14 days that are relatively easy to reach and spray.

Fruit that are more difficult to spray will likely be eaten by birds later on anyway and as long as you are getting a nice amount of fruit to harvest that is all that really matters.

Then there is also another way to control moth problems by which you set up a moth lure to attract them and kill them.

Take 1L of hot water, add 100g of sugar, one teaspoon of Marmite, half a tablespoon of Cloudy Ammonia and half a tablespoon of Vanilla: Mix well and divide the mix between two plastic milk or soft drink bottles.

Punch some holes in the side of the bottles just above the level of the mix.

Place on a stand about a couple of metres away from the tree at about waist height like on a small folding table.

When a number of moths are caught dispose of them and make up a new solution.

Cloudy Ammonia used to be common once upon a time from a grocery store if not so easy to find

try hardware stores, there are two chains in NZ and they may have it.

If you do all three procedures for control or at least the first two then you should be able to once again enjoy your own fruit.

The Codlin Moth traps are useful as if you monitor them they trap the male Codlin moths which tells you it is the time to start using the Wally Super Neem Tree Oil spray on your apples, etc.

If after a month you find no new male moths in the trap you can stop spraying as it is all over for the season, unless you have Guava moths in your region.

Guava moth pheromone traps are a waste of time because they are all year round so there is no time to start or stop control sprays as with the Codlin Moth.

Army worms are the caterpillars of the Fall Army Worm Moth and these hungry little pests can devastate crops of vegetable and lawns.

Some of the methods mentioned above such as disguising the smell of your vegetable by using Wally Neem Tree Granules would likely help.

The liquid trap may also help catch a few of the moths.

My thoughts are to set up an Insect Killer trap safely outside. It is powered by 230 volts, so must be sheltered from rain.

The UV light shining out over your back yard will attract night flying insects and they will be electrocuted on the high voltage static electricity on the grid.

Same thing that used to be in old butcher shops for flies, now days there are smaller modern ones.

Regular sprays of your lawn and plants that the army worm is devouring using Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil with Raingard added should also help control.

MIX & MATCH 3 for $12

Any 6-pack of vegetables or flowers Normally $4.50 each VISIT SELMES NURSERY - 141 BATTYS RD, BLENHEIM • PHONE 03 578 1511 Proudly supported by Selmes Trust

The Sun

Wednesday October 25, 2023 19

Pet Day

Renwick School held their annual pet day last Wednesday on a glorious Marlborough day.

Ben Sutherland and his prize winning calf.

Out & About

Photos: Anita Ireland.

...with The Sun your local paper

Boe Powell and his prize winning lamb.

Poppy Stocker and her lamb.

Have an event ?

Contact 03 5777 868

Cultural Festival

The Taiopenga Kapa Haka Cultural Festival was held over two days at Marlborough Girls’ College last week with numerous preschools, kindergartens, primary and intermediate students taking part. Chris Valli was there to capture some of the action.

Chase Clarke, Dylan Gifford, Jonty Craig, Toby Rose and Jed Griffiths.

Rapaura seniors Rebecca Case and Ruby Taylor.

Redwoodtown students Chaz Karaitiana-Tawhai, Meleseni Tahavalu and Jack Wickens.

Tiahuia Finch and Amelia Rojas Beque

Junior Rapaura students watching the seniors.

STUDIOS AND APARTMENTS

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118 - 130 Middle Renwick Road, Springlands | ph 03 577 9990 | ashwoodpark.co.nz

The Sun

20 Wednesday October 25, 2023

Air Conditioning

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Bike tracks pay dividends

By Chris Valli

Marlborough is in line to host more largescale mountain bike events thanks to the highly successful Skoda Cycling NZ Schools National Mountain Bike Championships held early October.

Marlborough District Council’s Regional Events Advisor Samantha Young says the secondary schools’ mountain bike nationals had really put Marlborough on the map as a region that could excel at hosting successful mountain bike events.

“Based on the number who entered and all those who came from outside the region, most of whom stayed an average of five nights, this event generated a total economic impact of nearly $2.4m. It is one of many events we have supported through Council’s Commercial Events Fund, and it demonstrates the tangible benefit of this support - events are drivers of the local economy.”

“We are now in line to host more mountain bike events of this scale,” Samantha says.

The Wither Hills Farm Park, Gentle Annie Skills Area, Taylor Pass Forest, Homebrook and Jentree in Taylor Pass played host to

nearly 500 riders, with 1,400 people descending on Marlborough as part of the event.

Hosted by the Marlborough Mountain Bike Club the event had cross-country, cross-country relay, enduro and downhill categories.

Marlborough Mountain Bike Club’s Neil Sinclair says hosting the cross-country at the Wither Hills Farm Park was made possible due to the newly constructed Gentle Annie Track which Council approved earlier this year.

“Officials, riders and parents all loved this new track, loved the features, and loved the proximity to the Rifle Range Event Area.

This track really was critical to our ability to host a big event like this one,” he says.

“The event was a great success with many involved saying it was the best organised event they had been to. Our aim was to raise the bar and we think we achieved that, as Cycling NZ have been complimentary of our facilities and organisation. This event was only possible thanks to the huge volunteer effort from our club and supporters, and we are very appreciative of everyone’s efforts,” Neil says.

Wednesday October 25, 2023

Public Notices

21

Situations Vacant

Clothing Alterations:

by Lynette Atkinson-Parker For your sewing requirements Phone 03 578 1010 or 027 578 1010 Quality Service Guaranteed

Notice of AGM Hospice Marlborough Tuesday 14 November 2023 4.30pm Start To be held at Hospice, Hospice Marlborough Lounge, Gate 2, Wairau Hospital, Hospital Road, Blenheim Followed by light refreshments.

Room attendants wanted permanent part time This involves bed making and cleaning in a busy hotel. Must be available weekdays, weekends and public holidays. Hours of work between 8am and 3pm as advised on a weekly roster and number of hours per week dependant on number of days willing to work. Attention to detail is important but previous experience not necessary as employer will provide on the job training.

Must have a valid New Zealand work visa and advise expiry date when applying. apply to rooms Division manager email: jan@chateaumarlborough.co.nz

PICTON CLINICS

Insurance - Broker Support Role

Community Law Marlborough will be running it’s Picton clinic this Friday by appointment only.

Are you looking for a new challenge?

Do you have experience in Personal Lines or Commercial Insurance?

To make an appointment please contact Reception Phone: (03) 577 9919 or Email: reception@commlawmarlb.org.nz.

We are looking for a Broker Support to join our team based in Blenheim.

You will already hold some experience and be proficient in MS applications, keying data and attention to detail.

ICIB BW supports returning to work and flexi working hours.

A full Position Description is available, as is a competitive salary and career pathway.

November 18th & 19 th

COUNTRY GARDEN TOUR of gardens in the Rapaura area Marlborough’s growing number of bike tracks means it is now poised for more large-scale mountain bike events. Photo Credit: Blissfield Photography.

Wanted 18yr male old attending NMIT at Woodbourne airbase from Feb 2024 seeks place in est.flat. ns, nd, nv, sociable. Will consider private board. Contact Russell 0210342563

Wanted to Buy S ta m p a nd coin collections, old toys, post cards etc Cash paid. Local Ph 021 138 8949

For Sale Double slat bed, timber frame, mattress and bedding.

Excellent condition $190 Ph: 021 1124 764

txt talk

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough?

Text your thoughts to: 027 242 5266

Public Notices

Plant Stall, Cake stall and Refreshments available Programmes $25 Cash please from: Devon Nursery, Islington Gardens, Selmes Garden Trust, Roselands Pets and Plants and Renwick FreshChoice

- Tickets on sale SOON! Kindly sponsored by Tractor Repairs and Spares & Newman Excavations

Retirement Villages Residents Association of New Zealand You are cordially invited to attend a Regional Forum of the RV Residents Association Friday 3rd November 2023, 2.30pm (for afternoon tea) The Wesley Centre, 3 Henry Street, Blenheim gueSt SpeAkeR: Brian Peat - RV Residents National President Brian will be reporting on current developments concerning the review of the Retirement Villages Act 2003.The structure of the RV Residents organisation.

The advantages to village residents, intending residents and associate membership including families.

The importance of village contacts and future focus.

There will be time for questions.

Friends and family are most welcome to attend this forum COSt: A gold coin donation would be appreciated to help defray expenses Please RSVP to - office@greypowermarlborough.co.nz - Ph: 03-578 4950 We acknowledge the valued assistance of Grey Power Marlborough in organising this event

“We look forward to seeing you all there”

Applications in confidence to: Wayne Wiffen ICIB Brokerweb 027 700 6647 wayne.wiffen@icib.co.nz

Visit us online at blenheimsun.co.nz

Situations Vacant

ESS At RNZAF WOODBOURNE We are looking for 2x enthusiastic Permanent Full Time Catering Assistants to work at our site at NZDF Woodbourne in Blenheim.

From 30hrs a week, rostered across a 7 day week Roster on weekends rotation,with flexibility to suit your lifestyle.

Our amazing Kitchen Team is in also un need of 2x Full-Time Chef rostered across a 7 day week rotating roster.

A rewarding Job/Career serving our Defence Force personnel with Sociable hours including down time over Xmas and New Year.

Please contact Ronnie Asciutto on – veronicaasciutto@yahoo.co.nz or call 0210489945 anytime before 5pm.

Trustee Vacancies The Marlborough Civic Theatre Trust was formed in 1974 to govern over the Marlborough Civic Theatre, now the ASB Theatre Marlborough, and to promote the Performing Arts in Marlborough.

At least two Trustees each year must retire and applications are now open for two (2) positions. Retiring Trustees may re-apply. These are voluntary positions.

All applications will go to the Appointments Committee for final selection.

If you are interested, nominations must be emailed to: ceo@mctt.co.nz Subject Line: Appointments Committee By 5 pm Friday, 10th November 2023 All applications should be accompanied by a Curriculum Vitae and include two Referees/References.

The email and covering letter should state how you, as an applicant can add value to the Trust.

news tips?

Send your news to news@blenheimsun.co.nz

The Sun

22 Wednesday October 25, 2023

URGENT services Urgent Care Centre: Wairau Hospital Grounds. Entry off Hospital Rd, Blenheim, 8am-8pm daily. Phone (03) 520 6377.

Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non urgent 578 0797.

Dentist: Wairau Hospital, every Saturday morning, ph (03) 520 9999.

After Hours Chemists: Springlands Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 8.30am 6pm. Saturday 9m - 5pm. Sunday 10am 4pm. Public Holidays 10am - 4pm. Closed Christmas Day. ph 578 2271 Community Care Pharmacy: Within the Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am8pm. Only closed Christmas Day. Lifeline Marlborough: 0800 543354, 24hr helpline.

Women’s Refuge and Sexual Violence Support Centre Marlborough: Crisis line number phone 0800 refuge or 03 5779939.

Victim Support: 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846) Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 AA WORKS - 0800 229 6757.

Citizens Advice Bureau: Free, friendly, confidential advice. Mon - Fri 9.30am 4pm. Phone 578 4272.

Wairau Hospital: Hospital Visiting Hours: Daily 2.30pm - 8pm, children under 12 may visit parents only.

Maternity Ward: 10am-noon, 4pm-7pm.

Children's Ward: Daily 10am-8pm. Visiting at all times is subject to the discretion of the nurse in charge of the ward.

Picton: Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non-urgent 579 4870.

Chemist: Picton Healthcare Pharmacy. Ph 573 6420 Mon -Fri 8.30-5.30pm, Sat 9-2pm.

Medical Centre Pharmacy, Ph 928 4265, Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm

Death notices COIA, Anthony “Tony”: Passed away peacefully at Wairau Hospital, on Saturday October 21, 2023. Aged 81 years. Loved husband of Gwenda. Much-loved father and father-in-law of Richard and Andrea, Phil and Fiona and grandad of Natasha, Katarina and Tiffany; Grace, Jon and Mitch. A private cremation has been held and a celebration of Tony’s life will be held at the Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, Blenheim at 1pm on Friday October 27. The service will be livestreamed and details may be accessed from our website www.sowmans.co.nz/upcoming-funerals T: 03 578 4719 E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz W: www.sowmans.co.nz

DARLING: Judith Ann. On 18th October 2023 passed away peacefully at Maxwell Life Care, Blenheim, aged 87 years. A funeral service for Judith will be held at 19 Phillips Rd, Ngakuta Bay on Wednesday 25th October at 1.00pm followed by interment at the Picton Cemetery. Please visit our website for full notice.

Cloudy Bay Funerals 03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

KAMPERT, Derk: Passed away peacefully, at Wairau Hospital on Monday October 23, 2023, after a short but intense illness. In his 83rd year. Survived by his wife Maya, and two sons Evert and John. His family, friends and grandchildren will dearly miss their “Poppa”. In accordance with Derk’s instructions, a private cremation has been held.

T: 03 578 4719 E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz W: www.sowmans.co.nz

In Memoriam Remember your lost loved one on their anniversary.

The deadline is Monday 5.00pm. Please contact the Sun for further details. 72 High Street, Blenheim, email office@blenheimsun.co.nz or phone 577 7868.

MASTERS, Thomas Duncan (Tom): Died suddenly and unexpectedly in Blenheim on Saturday October 21, 2023, after completing his much-loved boot sale stall. He was just three weeks short of his 57th birthday.

Thomas leaves two sons Dylan and Connor, his father Barry, and his sister Clare. Tom was a good mate to his friends and will be missed by them and his family. Messages may be sent to 11 Terence Thomas Crescent, Redwoodtown, Blenheim 7201. A private family service has taken place.

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

T: 03 578 4719 E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz W: www.sowmans.co.nz

McConaghey: Paul (Cabbage). On October 19, 2023, passed away at Hospice Marlborough, Blenheim, aged 75 years. All are welcome to a memorial gathering for Paul to be held at the Pelorus Tavern Trout Hotel on Saturday 4 Nov at 2pm. Please visit our website for full notice.

Cloudy Bay Funerals 03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

PATTIE: Martin James Dollar. On 21 October 2023, as a result of an accident in Blenheim, aged 63 years. Much loved partner of Lyn. A Funeral Service for Martin will be held at the Awatere Memorial Hall, Seddon on Saturday 28 October at 2.00pm followed by private cremation. Please visit our website for full notice.

Cloudy Bay Funerals 03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

ROBINSON: Douglas Ronald (Doug).

Passed away at Wairau Hospital, Blenheim, on 16th October 2023, aged 81 years. In accordance with Doug’s wishes Doug was privately cremated in Blenheim. A Mass was held to celebrate Doug’s life at Our Lady of the Woods Church in Whataroa, South Westland. Please visit our website for full notice.

Cloudy Bay Funerals 03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

THWAITES: Linda Beatrice. On Sunday 22nd October 2023 at Wairau Hospital, aged 74 years. Much loved wife of Roger and mother of Richard and Linton and families.

At Linda’s request a private cremation has been held.

In Memoriam

JONES, Grosvenor 24.10.2022

Dad has gone but our memories live on.

Missed more than words can tell.

Now he roams his heaven “The Woods” at Dyserth North Wales.

Dai and Jill

Annual Mass

AnnuAl MAss On Thursday 2 november at 7pm Our annual Mass for the bereaved and their loved ones will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Maxwell Road.

All who have ever suffered a bereavement are welcome to attend.

You are invited to bring a flower and a photo that will be placed in front of the altar while Mass is being said.

There will be a shared light supper at the conclusion of the Mass.

This advertisement is kindly sponsored by

Bible Meeting Straight is the gate and narrow is the way which leads unto life, and few there be that find it. Sunday 10:30, Eltham Rd Guides Hall.

Cloudy Bay Funerals 03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

UDDSTROM; Robert James (Rob).

Passed away at home, October 20th, 2023 aged 79 years. A private cremation has taken place with a celebration of Rob’s life to be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Friday 27th October at 1.30 pm. The service will be livestreamed. Please visit our website for full notice.

Cloudy Bay Funerals 03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

90 McLauchlan Street, Springlands Saturday 28th/Sunday 29th October 9am-3pm both days. Moving house. Household goods, tools, garden tools.

OLD Renwick ROAD. Garage Sale, kitchen items and small appliances, crockery, utensils, linen, some garage tools, pot plants. Flags out at 8am Saturday morning.

Book your space now in our next Garage Sale Column!

Phone McQuarters 5777 868

By Russell

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The Sun

sport

Wednesday October 25, 2023

23

‘Bokke for the win’ v ‘NZ playing at their best’ Marlborough Boys’ College teachers Jarrod Dunn and Patrick Mulcahy spoke to Chris Valli about their national allegiances ahead of the Rugby World Cup final on Sunday morning.

There might be a bit of healthy chat in the Marlborough Boys’ staff room on Tuesday morning at 8:30am October 31.

Physical Education teacher and Assistant Principal Jarrod Dunn doesn’t mind some rugby chat. Whether that was the glory days of playing for three years in his beloved Central Southland College First XV, Winton, taking the line as an attacking inside/ outside centre.

You can hear the Southland dialect from Jarrod, a proud Southlander from the rolling hills and the ‘rolling r’ with the distinctive regional accent, authentic as a Southland cheese roll.

Extra-curricular activities are encouraged at CSC College, which has a reputation for punching above its weight in competition, participation and contributions to the community.

Speaking of competition, there’s a wee rugby game of note to be played on Sunday morning (NZ time) with the Rugby World Cup Final coming to a dramatic climax with defending champions South Africa taking on New Zealand at Stade de France, north of Paris.

Jarrod has fond memories of previous Rugby World Cup encounters between the old foes who have been playing test match rugby against each other since 1921 when the All Blacks beat the Springboks in Dunedin 13–5.

The 1995 final at Ellis Park in

Johannesburg is one that had huge impact on the Southlander with the union having three Stags represented in the All Blacks squad at the time with fly half Simon Culhane, hooker Norm Hewitt and flanker Paul Henderson.

Indeed, the after match mood soured a little during the end of the tournament banquet when South Africa’s rugby president, Louis Lut said in his speech that there were no true world champions in the 1987 and 1991 World Cups because South Africa were not there. The claim that South Africa was the first true world champions led the New Zealand team to walk out of the dinner.

“There were some legendary players…Jonah Lomu, Francoise Pienaar,” he recalls. “More for the food poisoning scandal. Students and staff at Marlborough Boys’ are very passionate about their rugby. Pity they will be sad around 10am next Sunday with the ABs win. If New Zealand plays at their best no side can stay with them.”

Meanwhile, upstairs in the English department, teacher Patrick Mulcahy is quietly confident about his countrymen’s chances.

The main reason for relocating to New Zealand five years ago he says was to provide their children with a ‘safer environment and more opportunities’. His wife, Gayle, was the driving force after she was offered an accounting position at Leslie & O’Donnell Ltd, now BDO Marlborough. Patrick joined MBC in the Language Department in 2019 after assisting with some relief work.

Hailing from East London (eMonti

- Xhosa name) in the Eastern Cape, a city on the Indian Ocean, Patrick grew up during the end of Apartheid and says he was fortunate to attend a multiracial Catholic School, called St Anne’s Primary School. His mother, Bess raised three siblings (including David and Lauren) as a single parent after his father, Francis Mulcahy, passed away from a heart attack when Patrick was 10 years old.

“He was an accountant and of Irish extraction with his parents having emigrated when he was a toddler.

My mum raised us with the help of her Mum, Margaret Hill, who lived a few houses away from us. My mum worked at MBSA (Mercedes Benz SA) as a personal assistant. We were raised in the Catholic faith and enjoyed various sports and headed down to the local beach, Nahoon.”

Patrick says rugby had a major influence in his upbringing although he always found cricket entertaining to watch but rather ‘boring to play’.

“Rugby was not offered at St Anne’s so when I made it to Hudson Park High School it was rugby as soon as winter sport season rolled around,” he says.

So what impact did the Rainbow Nation’s (a term coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu to describe post–apartheid South Africa) win in 1995 have on Patrick?

“I was only in my third year in high school and integration in schools was still at an early stage. I remember it being fairly tense between the various racial groups leading up to the World Cup. The Apartheid flag vs the New South African flag, the changing of the national anthem,

Marlborough Boys’ College PE teacher Jarrod Dunn and English teacher Patrick Mulcahy are both hoping for a win when their respective countries, New Zealand and South Africa, face each other in the Rugby World Cup final on Sunday morning (NZ time).

the political power shifting from the white minority to the black majority was all bubbling away in the background to the tournament.”

“Segregation was so entrenched that for many South Africans rugby was just seen as a white, privileged and racist sport. The bridge between these charged political times was Nelson Mandela’s support of the Springboks. The Springboks were a common identity all people could connect with, blending the proud history of rugby in South Africa and the inclusive New South Africa Mandela envisioned. Winning the final with Mandela in the 6 jersey.

Everyone ran into the streets and celebrated, truly a country in unison.

Patrick believes it’s been Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erusmus, who have been the drivers of South African rugby fortunes in recent years.

“Siya is surely one of the best captains we’ve ever had, wearing

that famous jersey just like Francois Pienaar and Mandela. Rassie is the genius coach behind recent Springbok success. I think his ability to shake things up and be a dynamic coach has allowed South Africa to remain competitive on the world stage.”

So who will win on Sunday morning?

“My heart says South Africa will triumph. However my head says that the All Blacks have definitely hit their stride and should win on the day…..Bokke for the win.”

Wayne Barnes, 44, the most experienced referee in the history of Test Rugby, is set to take charge of the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa.

Barnes is appearing in his fifth consecutive World Cup campaign since his debut in 2007 and has refereed in the last week of each of those tournaments.

Nothing like a swift kick in the grass

By Chris Valli

Two Marlborough women’s football teams placed well in their respective competitions at the South Island Master Games held in Blenheim recently.

‘Swift Kick in the Grass’ in the Over 35’s got gold, and ‘Blenheim Bangers’ in the Over 25’s got the bronze.

36 teams entered into six different age group competitions from the Women’s 35 plus to the Men’s 50 plus Social. There were seven local men’s and women’s teams across the competitions, with the other 29 teams coming from various areas of the South Island.

Marlborough Football have been host to seven National and Regional tournaments in nine weeks

throughout September and October bringing over 120 teams to the province, with the next / last tournament in memory of Matt Neal set to take place on Marlborough Anniversary Weekend.

The Matt Neal Memorial tournament is in its seventh year and Marlborough Football welcome 14 teams to the tournament held at A&P Park.

Gold Medal Winners Swift Kick in the Grass took out the Over 35 plus football competition at the recent South Island Masters Games in Blenheim.

The Sun

24 Wednesday October 25, 2023

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