23 April 2025 The Blenheim Sun by The Blenheim Sun

Lest we forget

By Paula Hulburt

Its pages are well thumbed, the writing scurried and worn, capturing life as history unfolded in the trenches at Gallipoli. For Royal New Zealand Air Force Officer Cadet Sophia Wells, 24, the tattered diary is a precious link to her great grandfather, Edward Soper of Blenheim. As she stands at the ANZAC Day dawn service in Picton, she will pay tribute to him and the many others who served before.

Continued on page 3.

Marlborough Sounds - Picton - Koromiko - Tuamarina - Rarangi - Spring Creek - Rapaura - Grovetown

RNZAF Officer Cadet Sophia Wells will be attending ANZAC services in both Picton and Blenheim.

Photo: Paula Hulburt

1 for readership

for over 22 years

Council’s thirst for knowledge ahead of water decision

By Paula Hulburt

The future of Marlborough’s water management has taken a vital step forward.

At an extraordinary general meeting last week, councillors heard two proposals – to keep control in-house or to set up a council owned water services organisation.

It’s a move that will determine the future of the region’s drinking, wastewater and stormwater for generations to come.

Addressing councillors, Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor said the options were about moving forward as a region.

It was, she said, a time for honest reflection.

“We serve unique communities. We’ve done well but we don’t want to fool ourselves.”

The meeting is in response to government-led plans to improve the country’s aging water infrastructures.

Councils have until 3 September to put forward their initial proposals.

Focusing on ensuring future delivery is financially sustainable and meets quality standards is key, as is consulting with the public, Nadine said.

“How do we set Marlborough up

for water success? As governors, we are trying to look 20 to 30 years ahead.”

Assets and Services manager Richard Coningham told councillors they were “moving to a new playing field.”

He added staff believed the proposals encompassed the best ways to move forward.

In its assessment of the two options, council officers’ recommendations were in favour

of a standalone Water Services Organisation (WSO).

It would likely generate more benefits for the community and had the ability to remove the politics, Richard said.

Most councillors voted in favour while Councillors Deborah Dalliessi, Brian Dawson and Barbara Faulls voted against, saying they needed more information.

The motion was carried.

“I am delighted with the re -

sponse from this council,” said Wairau-Awatere Councillor Gerald Hope.

“This is not about rattling the public’s cage but to put the best options to the public after five months of scrutiny which, at times, has been a tortuous process.”

Public feedback will be sought on the proposals from Thursday 24 April to 26 May. Go to Have Your Say - Marlborough District Council

A new stormwater pipe at the Town Branch drain in Blenheim is laid.

Photo: MDC/Supplied. InSet: Asset and Services manager Richard Coningham.

Pledge to always honour our ANZACS

Continued from page 1.

It will be a proud moment, she said.

“His diary’s just been handed down to me along with his medals. It talks of the landings at Gallipoli and I plan to read it in full on ANZAC Day.

“It will be quite an impactful moment.”

Originally from Auckland, Sophia is ten weeks into her 19-week officer training programme at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.

Preparing for a career as part of the Defence Force has appealed to her for many years, she explained.

After joining Air Cadets as a 15-year-old and then serving as a volunteer firefighter, she has always wanted to be able to help people.

Her twin sister too wanted a career that helps care for others and is a firefighter now based in Canada.

“Our parents are very community focused, so they always jumped in to help out and we grew up with that; that’s one of the values they passed on,” Sophia said.

As thoughts turn to the significance of ANZAC Day, Sophia says the cadets have been sharing stories.

She is confident future generations will also step up to help safeguard history. It is a privilege to do so, she said.

“You look at the young people who are involved and want to hear the stories and the history from the veterans which is lovely.

“I feel quite confident that it won’t turn into a dusty piece of history that’s just forgotten.”

As for the future, Sophia is yet to choose a speciality but is delighted to be part of the RNZAF team, from those who served generations before, to those who are just beginning their journey.

“I hope to be able to look back at history and the positive contribution we [Kiwis] made coming from a small country at the end of the world.”

Council ambition

A Blenheim man has his sights set on Council’s top job. Mark Gillam, 65, has announced he intends to run for Mayor in this year’s local election. The former company director says he wants to see more done to improve Marlborough’s homelessness and to improve roads, drains and footpaths. He is currently seeking a nomination.

Native forest recognition

Nominations for the first Growing Native Forests Champions Award are being sought. Forestry Minister Todd McClay says it’s a chance for farmers, landowners, iwi and community groups to be recognised. Nominations close 9 May 2025. For more details visit: growing native forests champions.

Cruise ship success

The cruise industry has stepped up its efforts to protect New Zealand from biofouling. Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis says New Zealand has so far assessed 44 vessels for excessive marine growth on their hulls and other submerged surfaces. Only one vessel needed cleaning.

ANZAC Day is a proud occasion for RNZAF Officer Cadet Sophia Wells. Photo: Paula Hulburt

inbrief Sun The

Cuppa with your Councillors

Sounds ward councillors are available for a drop-in chat each month.

The Cuppa with your Councillors sessions are held at Waitohi Whare Mātauranga/Picton Library and Service Centre with the next one today. Councillors Barabara Faulls, Raylene Innes and Ben Minehan will be there from 10am until midday.

Alcohol policy consultation

Marlborough’s alcohol sales, supply and consumption will come under scrutiny during the implementation of the area’s Local Alcohol Policy (LAP). This gives people a chance to have a say, Council’s Chief Licensing Inspector Karen Winter explained. Submissions can be made at: www.marlborough. govt.nz/your-council/have-your-sayconsultations.

Submissions close on 30 May.

Amateur Radio Club

Marlborough Amateur Radio Club is running training sessions for people keen to gain their amateur radio license on 10 and 11 May.

Marlborough Emergency Management encourages people to go along, especially those living in remote communities or those interested in supporting emergency responses as a volunteer.

For more information please email marcbranch22@gmail.com or call Neville on 027 276 7682 or Greg on 027 568 9729.

Store smash and grab sparks warning

By Paula Hulburt

A Blenheim store owner is warning other businesses to be on their guard after a smash and grab left him thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Blenheim Mart on Scott Street was targeted on Monday night after the lone thief smashed one of the store windows repeatedly with a hammer

After then smashing his way through the store’s security grill, leaving it a mangled mess, he grabbed up to $1000 worth of vapes.

Police apprehended the suspect later that night and he has been referred to Youth Services.

Shop owner Nandu Yemula said despite the store’s security the suspect was determined to gain access.

Other shop owners needed to be aware that it hadn’t acted as a deterrent, he said.

“If he’d taken more stock, I would be happier,” Nandu said wryly.

“At least then it would have

been worth it. As it is it’s going to cost me thousands more than the lost stock.”

In Blenheim for a long weekend with his family while the store manager was away, Nandu said he did not expect this kind of occurrence.

He was disappointed, he said.

After leaving the popular store, Nandu said police contacted him at 11pm. He arrived at the shop to discover the pavement covered in broken glass.

Cleaning up on Tuesday morning, police tape still in place, Nandu said the thief was captured on security camera.

“He worked hard to get in but then looked kind of relax. He didn’t seem in any hurry.

“I never expected this in Blenheim and want others to be careful in their shops.”

Paula Hulburt

COLLEGE

Formal welcome from Principal Richard Washington

RIGHT: Store owner Nandu Yemula outside his Blenheim Mart store on Scott Street.

Photo:

Mural a bright reminder of community

By Paula Hulburt

A bright new mural has been created as a special centrepiece, connecting seasonal workers with their Kiwi home.

Created by artist William Bule from Vanuatu, the eye-catching work spans more than 10 metres.

It features individual pictures and flags unique to each country, as well as New Zealand.

“It is so the people here in Hor-

tus feel at home and think about home when they see this piece,”

William said.

Including countries important to those based at Hortus makes the mural special for everyone, he explained.

Talking on a video uploaded to social media to showcase his unique work, William explains the origin of each panel in the mural.

From Vanuatu to Papa New Guinea and Kiribati to the Solo-

mon Islands, each country linked to the Hortus village has been included.

“Obviously, all this is to do with us as Pacific Island nations,” William said. He also included a large centre panel, linking all the countries together, using a cascading wave to represent the Pacific Ocean.

“It then moves on to Hortus,” he explained. “This is New Zealand, and our bosses are mainly New Zealanders, so this is a way to

say thank you to them because they were there for us at the beginning.”

Village Manager Gus Lopez, said the mural is a wonderful addition.

“It’s a powerful reflection of what makes the RSE scheme so special — the coming together of diverse cultures, stories and strengths.

“It represents the pride our people carry and the mahi they put in every day.”

Open day

Picton Volunteer Fire Brigade are holding a family open day on Sunday 27 April between 11am and 2pm. Head along to see the station for yourself with colouring a BBQ and bouncy castle all on offer. There will be spot prizes for the best dressed firefighter.

Splash 50 exhibition

Join Watercolour NZ as they celebrate 50 years with their Splash 50 exhibition on now at the Marlborough Art Society Gallery on High Street, Blenheim. The exhibition is free to attend and features works from around New Zealand. English painter Hazel Soan is guest artist for the exhibition which runs daily until May 5th.

Life membership

Congratulations to Sam Rutherford who has been awarded a Life Membership certificate by the Marlborough A&P Committee. Paying tribute to Sam for his hard work, the committee said they were so grateful for all he had done and for his leadership, passion and commitment. His wife, Jan, was also thanked for her assistance behind the scenes and on Show days.

First past the post

Well done to the team at Future Post, this year’s winners of the Supreme Award and Wine Industry Category at the 2025 Port Marlborough Environment Awards.

Artist William Bule in front of his new mural at the Hortus village in Riverlands. Photo: Caitlin Brodbeck/Hortus

We should remember those who went to war and those who died there for us to be here today.

Evan Chappell Blenheim

It’s important to me. To remember all those people who fought and died fighting for us is something that should be done in a nice way. It’s important the community remembers.

Lee Chappell Blenheim

I have family in the UK who served and it’s something that’s always been important. We need to be aware of the sacrifice that people made to help others in another hemisphere.

We always mark ANZAC Day, especially for the last 15 years. We go to the dawn service in Picton, there’s something extra special about it, it’s very touching.

Bob Rangi Blenheim

It’s about paying our respects to those who served and reminding us what they went through and what they did.

I always observe ANZAC as I served in the army for 20 odd years. My children always go to services too, it’s a very important tradition and one we must make sure never gets lost.

Butter up 64% - food prices rising faster than ever

By Chris Valli

Annual food prices have risen at their fastest rate in more than a year, driven by dairy, meat, and some grocery prices.

priced around $9.85 while at PAK’nSave it’s around $9.39.

last year,” she said.

High export prices have underpinned local prices for meat and dairy, while bad harvests, disease, and weather have driven world cocoa prices.

Over the same period, fruit and vegetable prices fell more than two percent. Stats NZ say petrol prices, international airfares, and some accommodation charges were “softer” last month.

Stats NZ say prices for the 12 months ending March were up 3.5 percent, the highest since January last year, following a 2.4 percent annual increase in February. It said butter, milk, lamb, and beef had double-digit percentage rises over the past year, as did chocolate and coffee.

Milk prices increased 16 percent, while butter prices increased 64 percent in the period. Anchor Butter 500g at Blenheim’s Woolworths is currently

“The average price for a 250g block of chocolate was $5.99 in March 2025, that’s $1.60 more expensive than three years ago,” Stats NZ prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden says.

“The weighted average price of 1kg of beef mince was $19.96 in March 2025, nearly $2 more expensive than this time

Marlborough’s unique Sea Salt is often paired with butter to create delicious treats like butter caramel spread. The salt, known for its distinctive flavour, complements the buttery richness, making it a popular ingredient in local confections, such as Makana Confections Sea Salt Caramels.

Building Act Fees consultation open

Council is inviting public submissions on proposed Building Act Fees to be charged by Building Control from July 1, 2025.

Building Control Manager Dhyanom Gala says the Building Control group reviewed its fees and charges every year to ensure they remained fair and reflected the actual cost of providing the service.

“This review allows us to adjust fees to reflect changes in service costs, ensuring they are up-to-date and reasonable. It also helps us collect fees for any new processes or costs, in line with Council policy,” Mr Gala says.

For 2025-2026, an overall increase of 2.2 per cent is proposed to Building Control group fees and charges and swimming pool inspection general rates to adjust for inflation along with several targeted amendments to better align fees with costs. These include a new charge for processing of alternative plans and specifications for consent applications and new officer charge-out rate for Certificate of Public Use application processing.

It also includes an increase in charges for lapsing consent applications and extension of time to commence/complete building work under a building consent.

“The special consultative procedure gives the public an opportunity to make submissions and provide feedback on the proposed fee changes. Once the submission period closes, hearings will be conducted if people indicate they want to speak in support of their submission,” Mr Gala says.

The ‘ Statement of Proposal - Revision of Building Act Fees and Charges’ is available now on Council’s website or by visiting Council’s Customer Service Centre or the Marlborough District Libraries in Blenheim and Picton. Submissions close 5pm on Wednesday 14 May 2025.

Jenny Fyfe Blenheim

Keira Marwick Blenheim

Israel Reece Blenheim

Annual

report shows a year of recovery

and achievement

Council’s annual report for the 2023/24 financial year highlights major progress across key projects.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said the year saw excellent progress on the Marlborough Sounds roading recovery, with the Sounds Future Access Study concluding a successful public engagement.

The successful rollout of the new kerbside waste and recycling service marked a milestone with wheelie bins replacing rubbish bags, and five new remote transfer stations built.

Water infrastructure remained a focus, with new treatment plants in Renwick and Wairau Valley. Additionally, efforts continued to enhance flood protection in Spring Creek, incorporating community feedback into planning and implementation.

A coastal inundation assessment provided valuable insights into Marlborough’s vulnerability to sea level rise over the next century, informing Council’s future climate change mitigation strategies.

“Te Kahu o Waipuna, Marlborough’s state-of-the-art library and art gallery, earned three prestigious awards,” Mayor

Taylor said. “Further demonstrating Marlborough’s leadership on the national stage, the inaugural WinePRO trade fair, hosted in Blenheim, attracted 1,700 attendees.”

Mayor Taylor said Council’s dedication to public services was reflected in the continued rise of resident satisfaction, now at 68%, above the national benchmark of 54%.

“Marlborough continues to do welldespite the challenging national and global economic environment - thanks to the dedication of councillors and staff and the important input of Marlburians and the many partner organisations Council works with every day.”

The financial statements show that Council came in ‘on budget’ and net debt was $88M, which is significantly lower than Council’s debt cap of $230M. Net assets increased to $2.24 billion from $2.11 billion in 2023.

The annual report is available on Council’s website, go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/ long-term-and-annual-plans-policiesand-reports/annual-report

Double celebration at Ward

Hundreds of people attended the opening of the Flaxbourne Heritage Centre last Friday. The beautiful new museum demonstrates the commitment and strength of the Ward community and its bounce back from adversity.

Ward suffered severely in the 2013 and 2016 earthquakes, losing its pub, church, museum and water storage, with considerable damage to homes, roading and farmland. The new heritage centre is a tribute to the locals who have worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition and make it a reality.

The centre showcases a wide range of memorabilia detailing the rich depth of the area’s history - including first arrivals and Māori settlement, moa hunters, shipwrecks and the Cape Campbell lighthouse.

The day also heralded the opening of the Flaxbourne section of the Whale Trail, running from Te Ruakanakana/Lake Elterwater to the new centre. The 10km round trip section has lovely views and is another marker on the trail connecting the communities between Picton and Kaikōura.

Help us support Marlborough’s newcomers

Council is asking the Marlborough community to share their thoughts on what should be included in the region’s welcoming plan.

The survey, which is open until 30 April, asks people to share their ideas about activities, resources and events that have the potential to make newcomers feel welcome and create a sense of belonging in Marlborough.

Those who fill in the survey will go into the draw to win one of two shopping vouchers. The survey can be found at: links.marlborough.govt.nz/WS25.

People are also invited to have their say at one of two drop-in sessions:

Te Kahu o Waipuna, Blenheim - Tuesday, 29 April from 4:30pm to 5:30pm

Picton Library - Wednesday, 30 April from 10:30am to 11:30am

The Welcoming Communities - Te Waharoa ki ngā Hapori programme rolls out the welcome mat for all newcomers to the region. It provides a framework for Marlborough to become even more welcoming and attractive to newcomers - a place where people want to come, stay and make their home.

Council services on Anzac Day

Council’s Blenheim office will close on Friday 25 April for Anzac Day. If you have an urgent issue during this time, phone 03 520 7400.

Waste Services

All Council waste facilities including Transfer Stations, the Recycling Centre, Hazardous Waste Centre and the Dump Shop will be closed until 1pm.

Landfill

The Bluegums landfill will operate from 12 noon to 5pm.

Kerbside collections

There will be no kerbside collection on Anzac Day. If your collection day is Friday, please place your wheelie bin out for a 7am Saturday collection. To download the Wheelie Bin Collection Schedule, go to: links.marlborough.govt.nz/collection-day

Marlborough District Libraries

Marlborough Library (Blenheim) and Picton Library and Service Centre will be closed. Bus services

Bus services will not operate on Anzac Day.

Anzac Day Services

Thursday 24 April

2:00pm Ward War Memorial

Friday 25 April

6:00am Picton War Memorial

6:30am Seddon War Memorial

9:00am Renwick War Memorial

9:30am Spring Creek Spring Creek Hall

10:00am Havelock Town Hall

10:00am French Pass War Memorial (followed by light refreshments in the Memorial Hall, please bring a small plate to share)

11:00am Rai Valley War Memorial

12:00pm Blenheim Cenotaph, Seymour Square

12:00pm Mary's Bay Homewood Memorial

12:00pm Wairau Valley Community Hall

Contact the Marlborough RSA for the most up to date information.

We can’t forget them

Marlborough District Council employee Sandy Snell always wanted to do an overseas deployment. Sandy sat down with Chris Valli to talk about her role in Afghanistan nearly 20 years ago to support reconstruction efforts as part of a Provincial Reconstruction Team.

Around 3500 Kiwis were deployed to Afghanistan, at a cost of 10 lives and hundreds of millions of dollars. One of those deployed was Blenheim’s Sandy Snell.

Sandy who grew up in Whāngarei works as the HR Advisor for the Marlborough District Council. As a 19-year-old, Sandy was walking the streets of Hamilton when she came across the army office.

“Next minute, I was sitting tests,” she said. “They said they had no vacancies and suggested to join the navy to be an officer. I didn’t hear from them until one year later and had forgotten all about it. My dad had received a letter in the mail saying we want you to pack your bags and come to Waiouru (Military Camp).” She joined the New Zealand Army in 1990.

The initial training was 12 weeks where Sandy was pushed to her physical and mental capacity.

“I learnt how to do press ups pretty quickly,” she said.

A post to Burnham Military camp ensued where she started off as a clerk all arms, in the rank of craftsman (person skilled in trade or craft) – a private equivalent of a corps they gave her which was a Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Back then women were distinguished says Sandy with a (w) beside their name, which was phased out in the late 1990s.

Eventually Sandy changed her beret, badge and corps belt to the Royal NZ Infantry Regiment.

Throughout her career, Sandy had several postings to Linton, Waiouru and Burnham, and eventually found herself at RNZAF Base Woodbourne. In 2006 she was asked if she wanted to go to Afghanistan working in the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT), to support stabilisation and reconstruction efforts. PRTs primarily work with local governments,

NGOs, and international organisations to provide security, facilitate humanitarian aid, and assist with development projects. The NZPRT was a military deployment of the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition, later transferred to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), of which Sandy has been recognised with the ISAF medal.

Pre-deployment training (PDT) in Tekapo consisted of battle fitness tests, mock battle simulations, convoy driver training, gas chamber exercises, language training, range shoots and grenade throwing, followed by a farewell in Christchurch bound for Darwin – Dubai (where there was a base) and into Afghanistan in a C130 Hercules aircraft. The C-130H aircraft provides strategic airlift (inter-theatre) and tactical airlift (intra-theatre) as well as participating in international training exercises.

“The kids were just happy playing with a stone”

“We landed in the Bamyan province and were stationed there for six months over Christmas time and came back after Anzac Day in 2007.”

“I was sitting there in uniform in an office job in Woodbourne one moment and then I was in Afghanistan. I always wanted to do an overseas deployment, it was one of my bucket lists and I was really fortunate to be given the opportunity.”

Sandy’s role was as an S1 – Head of Administration – a diverse role, which included handling “lots of US cash” with payments of wages to the interpreters in cash weekly and the New Zealand military uniformed soldiers, and responsible for sorting the mail

MDC employee Sandy Snell was deployed to Afghanistan in the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT) in 2006 to support stabilisation and reconstruction efforts. She says a highlight was visiting the Samar Orphanage on Christmas Day delivering humanitarian aid. “We got to visit local villages in mud houses and sat on the floor while we had dinner…I even got to ride a donkey,” she said.

from loved ones at home.

An interesting experience for Sandy was teaching English to boys at the local Women’s Development Centre. However, women weren’t allowed in the building. Twice a week, Sandy would team up with the padre (religious leader providing pastoral care). The girls were set up outside in the cold and snow with desks and chairs (the winter season).

She learnt the local Dari language, one of the two official languages of Afghanistan along with Pashton. “It’s a form of Persian language, I really enjoyed

it,” she says

A highlight was visiting the Samar Orphanage on Christmas Day delivering humanitarian aid.

“The kids were just happy playing with a stone,” she says.

“They love playing football. The locals in Afghanistan are lovely and the culture is wonderful. We got to visit local villages in mud houses and sat on the floor while we had dinner…I even got to ride a donkey,” she says.

When asked if she suffered trauma Sandy says it wasn’t until later on in what she referred to as “unfortunate events”. New Zealand lost 10 soldiers and spent at

least $350m on the war. The first soldier to die was Lieutenant Tim O’Donnell from Feilding, who died when an insurgent attacked his vehicle in Bamyan in 2010.

As the Marlborough community reflects on Anzac Day 2025 and those gone before us, Sandy is adamant of the significance.

She attends the Picton Dawn Service and is a flag bearer for the Seymour Square parade at this Friday’s service.

“We will remember them”…. she begins to cry and displays a connection that is intrinsic.

“We can’t forget them and that’s why it feels so purposeful now.”

The Photo on the Wall

By Chris Valli

Blenheim’s Wendy St George has spent 21 years waiting for an answer and closure about her uncle Edward ‘Ted’ Saywell.

When Wendy was a child she would often visit her grandparent’s house. There was a picture on the wall which they both never mentioned a word about. Affectionately referred to as ‘boy’, his name was Edward and he had never returned from World War 2.

“I started my search in earnest,” she says. “It meant going to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Defence Force, and emailing the world.”

Wendy hired a private investigator in the United Kingdom who went through a number of files and found a sole survivor of a plane which was shot down. He found the address of one Ron Wilson’s sister. “He gave me the address and I wrote Doreen Wilson a letter. She passed it on to her brother (in 2004). I emailed Ron in the U.K. who was then 81. He became very interested and also wanted to search for the plane as he had parachuted out before it went down and was captured and became a POW (prisoner of war) in Germany. My uncle was the pilot of the plane – a Halifax bomber which had seven people on board. He was only 25.”

The fatal day, Wendy says, was July 14, 1943. The mission Ted went missing on was his 17th. He was considered an experienced pilot as there were many pilots killed in training and in their initial flights.

The research with Ron lasted four years. However, he died in 2008. During that period Wendy contacted four Dutch plane researchers. The location of where the plane went down was never documented.

“I found out later the authorities must have known a great deal more than what they told my grandparents,” she says. “It was very upsetting thinking they died with the hope that Ted would walk through the door.”

In 2020, the ‘Plane Hunters’ a Dutch WW2 research group found a RNZAF cap badge of her uncle’s when they

on the Wall: Blenheim’s Wendy St George has been searching for answers and closure about her uncle, Edward ‘Ted’ Saywell, a Halifax bomber pilot whose body has never been found.

excavated the crash site in a paddock in Germany. “We know it’s his because he was the only New Zealander there - all the others in the plane were from the UK.”

She says the significance of the return of the cap meant when her mum held the badge, some of the questions had been answered.

In March 2022, Wendy wrote the book - Photo on the Wall - after advice from Blenheim’s Debbie Walton-Derry. The book diaried Wendy’s communication and search entries over the years. She concedes she has asked a lot of questions of many people. Unfortunately progress was hindered by poor weather and granting permission of excavation sites.

After the book was published, local John Kershaw was so moved by the narrative that he made a model plane, a true copy of the correct version of the Halifax, dropping it around to Wendy.

“We used Photoshop and made the plane fly again.”

The forgotten heroes

By Allen Diamanti

Continued from page 21, April 16

It was the 17th June 1919 that the NZMR Brigade finally received orders to hand in all horses and move to a “demob” camp. The men of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles (CMR) sent their remaining 389 to the Imperial Depot at Ludd. It was a sad time for their riders who could not help a sigh of regret at losing such old “friends”.

The Anzac horses were not to go home but were graded – the mainly fit to be used by the British post-war occupation army; the “unsound” but still fit for work, were to be sold locally; and the unfit for any work, were to be destroyed. Nearly all NZ horses were graded as sound and fit but when some were classified for local sale, several of the men managed to have their animals transferred, to receive a kindly bullet. About 800 horses were shot on the beach near Ayun Kara. For those men who took part it was the saddest day of the War.

Many of the horses had more battle scars than the men who rode them. The troopers had become naturally close to the different mounts they had ridden throughout the long campaign. Some, being relieved when their loyal horse was chosen to go to the British depot, would quietly take their “mate” out into the desert one last time to say goodbye, before being loaded onto a train.

Indeed the horse was the true hero of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. New Zealand bred mounts were envied by all other nationalities for their strength, speed and endurance, with a Turk or Arab generally being unable to escape a mounted rifleman in pursuit. The Australian Light Horsemen may have worn far smarter uniforms, but their steeds seldom matched their like from across the Tasman. The total weight carried by a NZ troop horse was around 18 stone (114 kgs), 11st (69.8) for the rider, 44 lbs (20) for saddlery; and the balance for clothing and personal effects, rations, weapons and ammunition. Strapped to the excellent British UP1902 saddles were

two leather wallets (emergency rations, toiletries, spare clothes etc), a greatcoat, groundsheet, canvas water bucket, shoe case, sand muzzle, a second saddle blanket, picketing peg with rope, mess tin and a nose-bag or sack for horse feed (grain). Later in the war, a second ammunition bandolier was placed around the animal’s neck.

During WWI New Zealand sent away 10,117 horses in total, 5908 as remounts for the NZMR Brigade alone, such was the attrition rate. In the NZMR, 1402 horses were casualties with 370 being killed in action.

On operations it was the bond between man and horse that determined the success of the NZMR. Although a New Zealand trooper in the Mounteds was in a constant battle with the harsh climate and sands of the Sinai Desert, followed by the rugged hills and disease of the Jordan Valley, it was his horse that always came first whenever he bivouacked...

Upon the order to dismount, built-up ropes would be quickly taken off the horses’ necks and tied up into one long line. Then while the horse holders in each section looked after the steeds, the remainder would set to work with pick, shovel and bayonet, to stretch and anchor down the horse line. This done, the horses would be fastened to the line, off-saddled, perhaps given an opportunity to roll if the ground was soft, groomed and then fed. The patient animals always knew the order “feed up” which was greeted with a chorus of hungry whinnying and much stamping of the ground. Then and not till then, would the men set about making themselves as comfortable as circumstances allowed.

To the men of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, their horses were not just their wartime companions, but were truly their “Cobbers in Arms”

Contributed by local author Allen Diamanti whose new book “A PELORUS BOY” is available locally or direct from the publisher: diamanti@xtra.co.nz

Photo

The same great range of products will be available at the new premises including leading brands of on and off road bikes, quads, side-by-sides, parts and accessories, all backed-up by expert advice and excellent after sales service.

Iconic local business set to relocate

Bigger and better

An impending relocation for Marlborough Motorcycles will see a larger workshop while creating greater efficiency.

Director Amanda Morton says they are relocating to 92 Middle Renwick Road and says the new space will benefit the business with a bigger workshop and more collaborative work space for their team.

“The larger open plan workshop will be a better workspace for our team and create efficiency. We are also more visible and accessible for our customers, a lot of who are farm and vineyard (personnel) and will likely be shopping at nearby Westwood for PGG and Farmlands,” says Amanda. “Also handy that we are located right next door to the Tuck shop where our customers can pop in and grab a drink and a snack while they wait for the WOF or workshop job to be done.”

Marlborough Motorcycles have the whole family covered!

Locally owned

The locally owned family business is run by Daniel and Amanda. Director Daniel Morton has over 20 years experience in the industry, through his time as a mechanic, and in sales and parts roles.

Currently located at 2 Warwick Street in Mayfield, Amanda says they are renovating the new premises and will be relocating their new shop closer to the end of April.

“We plan to be fully working out of the new premises by May 1. We are trying to do so in a way that we have as little disruption to our customers as possible,” she says.

Passionate

The Marlborough Motorcycles team consist of eight with four mechanics, one delivery driver, one service/workshop manager and Amanda - parts, administration and account while Daniel is in bike sales.

“We are all passionate about what we do. We are there to provide the best level of service to our customers and care about what they want and need. We want to make sure that what they buy is perfect for them and the purpose they need it for, and not just sending someone out the door without taking the time to really get to know what they need,” says Amanda.

Whether it’s for work or play, talk to the Marlborough Motorcycles team about their range of Kawasaki Mules and the Kawasaki Ridge.

“We have our onsite service available so that our farm and vineyard customers can have us come to them for servicing to minimise disruption to their business. We are community focused and believe in the brands we sell. We want to see more people enjoying bikes for leisure on and off road and are looking to run regular shop rides for customers,” she says.

When asked how they know they are making a difference Amanda believes the feedback they get is positive while continuing to serve their existing customers.

“We have been seeing a lot of new faces and referrals too. We have seen a real increase in road bike numbers as we are now able to offer a large range of bikes across our brands, Kawasaki, CF Moto, Suzuki and Sherco. We aim to have something for everyone to enjoy, whether for business or leisure, and be able to provide excellent after sales service and apparel and accessories to go with this,” she says.

Talk to the team about the CFMOTO range for comfort and control on and off the road.

50 years of Watercolour in New Zealand

Watercolour New Zealand celebrate 50 years

Growing from a small group of artists in 1975, Watercolour New Zealand is New Zealand’s only society dedicated to the appreciation and promotion of watercolour painting.

We have a diverse range of watercolour talents, and members, both professional and amateur, number over 500, take part in yearly events including workshops, critiques, painting days and major exhibitions. Whether artist, student, art lover or collector you will find much of interest here. The society is based in Wellington but new members from throughout New Zealand are welcome.

Growing from a small group of artists in Wellington in 1975, Watercolour New Zealand is this country’s only society dedicated to the appreciation and promotion of watercolour painting.

It carries on the long association New Zealand has with watercolour, starting with the work of prolific early surveyors and scientists recording scenes and information for employers in Britain.

The strong pure light, unique culture, landforms, bush and relative isolation from the rest of the world, have combined to give a recognisable New Zealand character to contemporary watercolour works.

Members, both professional and amateur, number over 500 and take part in a yearly calendar of events including workshops, critiques, painting days and major exhibitions.

Their annual “Splash” exhibition reflects a diverse and interesting range of approaches to the medium of watercolour. Guest artists are invited to exhibit each year.

The society is based in Wellington but new members from throughout New Zealand and overseas are welcome to join.

Watermark

Reaching 50 years is quite a milestone and should be celebrated, and that’s exactly what Watercolour New Zealand is doing.

Marlborough is fortunate to be hosting Watermark, Watercolour NZ’s 50th celebration event which includes an exhibition, Splash 50, at The Marlborough Art Society and a week of workshops and pop-up galleries, and a live demonstration.

Watermark will reach a crescendo in the week of 30th April to 6th May with:

• Splash 50, Watercolour NZ’s National exhibition at the Marlborough Art Society Gallery which opened Friday 18 April and runs until Monday 5 May, featuring English painter Hazel Soan as the guest artist.

• A Watercolour NZ ‘Paintaway’ weekend where watercolourists from throughout the country invade a town for 4 days painting

up watercolour magic, with attendant social occasions and a pop-up gallery.

• Workshops in the MAS studio with Hazel Soan, the internationally acclaimed watercolourist and author of more than fifteen books on the subject.

• A two-day workshop Marlborough Magic with Jacky Pearson, a leading NZ painter and popular teacher who has been at the forefront of watercolour inspiration for her students for many years.

• A one-day workshop Marlborough Landforms with Charlotte Hird, a Wellington based artist with serious design credentials who is blazing a trail both nationally and now in Japan.

• An evening live demonstration with Hazel Soan on Friday 2 May.

• A plein air painting competition on Saturday 3 May.

• A Gala Dinner at Wither Hills Winery.

The Exhibition is free to the public to view, and while some of the events are already fully booked by Society Members, there are opportunities to attend Hazel Soan’s demonstration, and to see the competition results after Saturday 3rd May, again at the MAS gallery. You are, of course, welcome to stop and see the visiting painters painting ‘en plein air’ (outdoors), at multiple locations throughout the district. A good spot to see them painting autumn colour might be the Taylor Dam, or in Pollard Park, or near local vineyards. Painters love to talk about their paintings! Marlborough has been selected by WNZ for this premium art event due to its central location, stunning scenery, and great autumn weather. Of course, one of the key features of the Marlborough Art scene is the outstanding facility and organisation we have in the Marlborough Art Society, who are hosting this event with Watercolour NZ.

The Herd by Hazel Soan. An example of Charlotte Hird’s work. Charlotte will be teaching techniques to paint landforms using local scenery including the blue mountains of the Wairau Valley and Wither hills.

Guest artist at the Splash 50 exhibition, English painter Hazel Soan will also conduct workshops in the Marlborough Art Society studio followed by a live demonstration on Friday 2 May.

Leading New Zealand painter Jacky Pearson will be conducting a two day workshop, Marlborough Magic, in the Marlborough Art Society studio Thursday 1st May - Friday 2 May.

Charlotte Hird will be holding a one day workshop, Marlborough Landform, on Friday 2nd May at the Marlborough Art Society Studio, 9am - 4pm.

Hazel Soan

The Splash 50 exhibition will feature guest artist Hazel Soan, a British artist working out of studios in London and Cape Town and on location throughout the world. She paints in watercolour and oil and is known particularly for her direct wet-into-wet watercolour approach and her use of rich pigment and strong contrasts of light and shade.

Shape, interval and tone are her predominant subject matter. Fig-

Jacky Pearson

Marlborough is in for a treat.

Leading New Zealand painter Jacky Pearson will be conducting a two day workshop, Marlborough Magic.

Jacky is a full time award winning watercolour artist and tutor, selling her work through galleries and commissions, and teaches master classes internationally and around New Zealand on a regular basis.

Jacky defines her painting style

Charlotte Hird

Charlotte Hird, a Wellington based artist with serious design credentials who is blazing a trail both nationally and now in Japan will be conducting a one-day workshop, Marlborough Landforms.

She will be teaching techniques to paint landforms using local scenery including the blue mountains of the Wairau Valley and Wither hills using an overhead camera projected onto a large TV screen for easy viewing and step by step painting.

ures, African wildlife and action are the main source of reference.

Hazel will also be conducting a series of two-day workshops in the Marlborough Art Society studio on Wednesday 20th April - Thursday 1st May, and Sunday 4th May - Saturday 6th May. She will also be giving a live demonstration on Friday 2 May at Connect Baptist Church in the Hall from 4.30pm - not to be missed.

as realistic-impressionistic.

“I am aiming to add more abstract shapes in my paintings”, Jacky says.

“I like to paint abstract marks along with detail. I don’t want to lose detail. I am trying to be more bold, more fluid and exuberant in my paintings. I am naturally a tonal artist, but I love to explore colour. I want to celebrate life. I get moved to tears by beautiful music. I want to paint like that.”

“I love painting watercolours and teaching others to paint watercolour”, Charlotte says.

“Capturing the magic of light and colour in the medium is challenging and satisfying. Every stroke of the brush is exciting; every drop of water brings unexpected surprises.

“There is beauty everywhere I look, in the light on the planes of the face, or dancing light on the surface of the water.”

Charlotte says making art is her daily flow – to eat, breathe and paint.

Celebrating 50 years of Watercolour in New Zealand

Retail Therapy by Hazel Soan.

An example of Charlotte Hird’s work.

A Man with His Cat by Jacky Pearson.

Endeavour Inlet by Jacky Pearson.

Ventilation for healthy air

Good ventilation is essential for maintaining air quality and removing excess moisture from your home. Having a draughty house is not the same as having good ventilation. As houses get more airtight, they become easier to heat, but good ventilation is still important to stop inside air getting stale and damp.

Open doors and windows

Air your house a few times a day with wide open doors and windows to create a cross-draught - even in winter. This will quickly replace stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, and remove moisture from your home.

Overnight

Ventilating your bedroom overnight is also important for a better sleep by main-

taining air quality, reducing excessive moisture and the risk of mould growth. Keep a window slightly ajar - a finger’s width should be enough in winter. Use security stays, bolts or latches for your peace of mind. During cold winter nights, use an electric heater on a low thermostat setting in your bedroom. When you turn off heating

To avoid condensation problems, ventilate when you turn off the heating, for example before you leave the house in the morning and just before you go to bed. Extractor fans

Use extractor fans that vent to the outside in your bathroom, kitchen and laundry. Fans should not vent into your ceiling space. Make sure extractor fans

are:

• Properly sized and located for the type of room. Undersized fans or ducting will be noisy but ineffective. Ask your supplier for advice.

• Turned on before having a shower or bath - and shut the bathroom door. Leaving the bathroom window open slightly allows air flow into the bathroom and will improve the extractor fan›s effectiveness.

• Left running for a few minutes after a shower or bath - until most of the moisture has cleared, with the bathroom door shut and the bathroom window open.

• Cleaned regularly - to maintain their performance.

Keeping warm

• A really good heater in the room you use most makes a world of difference to health and comfort. A smaller, cheaper one is fine for rooms you use less, like a spare bedroom or study.

• Making sure your home is properly insulated will mean your heat pump or heater won’t have to work as hard and you won’t pay as much in bills each month.

• Use a timer to warm the room before you need it, and switch off when you don’t need it. You can buy a separate timer plug if your heater doesn’t have one built in.

• Make sure your thermostat is not set too high 20°C or 21°C maximum this keeps your home warm and dry, while saving power.

• Use and maintain your heater as recommended by the manufacturer.

• Put portable heaters on the cold side of the room or near a window - it helps to distribute the heat.

• Hold onto your heat shut doors and curtains, and block drafts.

• Stay safe - keep heaters away from curtains and anything else that could catch fire. Plug in only one heater per socket.

WINTER WINTER Warm up this Warm up this

WITH THESE HEATING AND COST SAVING TIPS

Home heating trends

In the latest advancements in home heating, expect to see increased focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and smart home technologies, with options like heat pumps, underfloor heating, and smart thermostats gaining popularity.

Key Trends and Innovations:

Heat Pumps

Is your home winter ready?

The evenings are chilly and the mornings are crisp – winter must be close by!

Is your home winter ready? Or do you have a to-do list which is getting longer by the day?

Leaving those jobs like installing heating, insulation, double glazing and upgrading your hot water cylinder until the cold season has really settled in won’t help you to keep your home warm, dry and healthy for the whole family.

When it does get cold our homes can become damp and a breeding ground for mould.

If you are ready to take action here is a list of things to consider.

Insulation: Insulation is often overlooked as we focus more on the ‘instant heat’ in our homes. But it’s important to remember that heat rises so your roof space is the best place to start with insulation.

Flooring: Cold feet? Dampness can enter from under your house, and heat can escape down there too. Insulating under your house will keep your home warm and dry. If you have wooden floorboards, consider adding a thick rug for extra warmth.

Walls: Again, it’s another area we don’t often think about when it comes to insulation and it can be more difficult to insulate. But it is worth checking to see if they are and make a note of it for when you decide to renovate.

Hot water cylinder: Heating water is one of the biggest household expenses, especially in winter when all you want is to warm up in a nice hot shower. First of all, check the age and condition of your hot water cylinder and have it replaced if need be. Otherwise you could purchase an insulating wrap to help trap the heat.

Windows: Heat easily escapes through windows so ensure you have thermal backed curtains in place that reach the floor to keep the heat in. If your windows have a gap between the window and its frame you will need to seal those gaps.

Double glaze: This is an effective insulation option so call the experts and request a measure and quote.

Double glaze: Not only will this reduce outside noise, it will keep your home warm. As this option can be hard on the wallet, a window film may be a more cost effective insulation option.

Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular for their energy efficiency, ability to heat and cool, and low running costs.

Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating offers consistent and even warmth, eliminating cold spots, and is a popular choice for new builds and renovations.

Renewable Energy Integration

Solar thermal systems and heat pumps that utilize renewable energy sources are gaining traction for sustainable heating solutions.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats allow for precise temperature control and energy savings through automation and remote access.

Ductless Systems

Ductless heating and cooling systems are a good option for homes without existing ductwork, offering flexibility and efficiency.

Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces are not being left behind, with emerging technologies and innovative designs reshaping how they operate, offering unprecedented levels of comfort and performance.

Boilers

Boilers remain a viable and cost-effective choice for keeping a home warm.

Electric Heaters

Electric heaters are becoming more and more popular because they’re considered efficient and eco-friendly.

DECODER

Across: 1. Absorb, 5. Mascara, 10. Cheat, 11. Gondolier, 12. Irksome, 13. Execute, 14. Eject, 16. Dangerous, 19. Bystander, 20. Fed up, 22. Opposed, 25. Optical, 27. Loose ends, 28. Bloat, 29. Theatre, 30. Yearly. Down: 2. Bee’s knees, 3. Outdo, 4. Bigheaded, 5. Mince, 6. Stone-deaf, 7. Adieu, 8. Airless, 9. Scribe, 15. Transient, 17. Nervously, 18. Old school, 19. Booklet, 21. Polite, 23. Probe, 24. Dense, 26. Tibia.

teal, ted, ten, tend.

net, tad, tael, tale, tan, tea,

lend, lent, let, DENTAL, neat,

late, lea, lead, lean, leant, led,

23. Investigate (5)

24. Solid (5)

26. Leg bone (5)

elan, eland, eld, end, eta, lad, lade, laden, land, lane, lat,

dean, delta, den, dent, eat,

dale, dan, date, deal, dealt,

ale, and, ant, ante, anted, ate,

South Island Secondary School Athletics

Watercolour exhibition

Some of New Zealand’s most renowned watercolour artists, friends and supporters gathered at the Marlborough Art Society Gallery and Studio on Friday for the opening of Watercolour New Zealand’s 50th anniversary exhibition, Splash. the show is on until 5 May and is free to attend.

MGC students performed with distinction at the recent SISS Athletics Champs in Nelson. Six of the ten athletes achieved personal best performances.

Annette Michna-Konigstorfer with her work, Happiness.

Roy and Mary Boston.

Sara Hunter, Pete James and Jenny Walker.

Sarah Cunningham and Ross Walker.

Pete James and Alyson Howell.

The U16 girls’ 4 x 100m relay tea had a fantastic win. Pictured are Brooke Goodsir, Leia Shaw, Ryleigh Gale and McKenzie Haronga.

Nataliay Tychinskaya, Yulia Tychinskaya, Tamara Jansen and Gregory Velichko.

Marg Jackson, Lee-anne Rose and Francie Ryder.

Let’s chat with…

Minnie

 Are you a dog or cat person?

I’m a people person, but I do have some friends who are dogs, and I’m very keen to meet a cat. The one next door, actually.

 Favourite global cuisine?

Definitely chicken and vegie dog roll. And sometimes dad helps me eat his lunch.

 What would you buy if money was no object? Money?

 Celebrity-wise who would be at your dream dinner party?

Puss-in-Boots, for sure. Oh…you mean as a guest…?

 Veggies or fruit? Meat.

 The shop you can’t walk past is...? I do like visiting the ladies at Springlands Vet. But not when they weigh me. So undignified.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Mum and dad have been watching MAFS. I usually watch the inside of my eyelids.

 What do you do for your own mental health? Meat.

 What’s your favourite colour? Meat.

 If you had to choose another job what would it be?

I don’t need a job, I have humans. But I guess they’re my job, now I think about it…

 What truly matters to you?

My family and friends. And meat. Not neccessarily in that order.

 The best advice I ever received was? Get outside! And….get out of that!

 My friends would say I am… Soft and cuddly, and a bit sulky. And a good girl!

Recreational anglers cry foul

The Marlborough Recreational Fishers Association (MRFA) is calling the Ministry of Fisheries recently announced limits for commercial snapper quota for local waters as unfair and discriminating against the recreational fishing public.

MRFA Chairman Aaron Hodson says the Ministry had continually refused to increase the recreational bag limit from three fish to six fish per person yet had allowed a considerable increase in the commercial quota for snapper.

“MRFA has taken up Minister Shane Jones’ invitation to submit any concerns directly to him, so we have done that,” he says. “The matter goes a long way back to the mid-1990s when the bag limit of ten was slashed by the ministry to three with very little, if any, consultation.”

Over the years, MRFA has endeavoured to call for revision of the bag limit and raise it, not to its original ten, but instead to six fish per person.

Aaron says in the absence of scientific research, the Ministry had “concocted a fanciful theory” that snapper in the Marlborough Sounds are a different sub-species to the snapper in Tasman Bay, the difference being defined by a line on the water at French Pass.

“Fish do not recognise a line on the water or drawn on a map,” he says.

MRFA has a marine biologist on its committee - as well as others with degrees and within its membership, a scientist with considerable experience in sea fishery issues.

“All agree the ministry’s notion is nonsense and absurd,” added Aaron who says commercial fishermen had declared at fisheries meetings there are now too many snapper which are a “nuisance” to their catching of other species and that recreational anglers are encouraged to catch more.

In the early 1990s a commercial fisherman claiming customary rights had beach seined spawning snapper in the Kenepuru Sound while the Ministry despite complaints from the public, did nothing to stop the plundering.

“It was killing the goose that lays

The Good Life

By Gillian Swinton. Published by Allen and Unwin. Price

$39.99.

Reviewed by Tony Orman

Gillian Swinton and her partner

Hamish live off the land on their 2.7 hectare farmlet in Central Otago, where they aim for self-sufficiency, growing vegetables, fruit, herbs, raise sheep for meat, bees for honey and chickens for eggs.

For the life styler this book is an absolute must. But it’s of great practical value to anyone whether town or country. It’s all about a healthier and

the golden egg,” he says.

As snapper are slow growing with a long longevity - up to 60 years, it took decades for the population to recover. Over 30 years later, snapper in the Pelorus Sound have rebuilt and are also now common in the Queen Charlotte Sound, Port Underwood and are being caught down the east coast.

“Hence MRFA is appealing to Shane Jones to overturn the ministry’s stubborn and ill-founded refusal and increase the recreational bag limit to six,” says Aaron Hodson.

more affordable life style. And after all, doesn’t the soaring cost of living affect everyone whether in town or on-farm?

The book is divided into seasons with ideas ranging from composting, making garden fertilisers, homestead gardening, raising livestock to preserving produce from the land. There are 25 recipes for pickling, preserving and mouth-watering meals.

Top quality in production, very practical, an exceptionally reasonable price make it very highly recommended.

Bull Mastiff-Boxer cross

MRFA Chairman Aaron Hodson says the Ministry had continually refused to increase the recreational bag limit from three fish to six fish person yet had allowed a considerable increase in the commercial quota for snapper.

BOOk review

Alive?

With another two big stores heading out to Westwood how can we keep our town hub vibrant? Let’s support the retailers and businesses in town.

Thank you Ahmed

Bless Ahmed! The Catalyst to meeting him was when I blew my tyre hitting the sharp curb in front of the cafe in Westwood. No jack! Ahmed appeared with one and even changed the flat and wouldn’t accept payment.

Are council acting on our behalf?

If Council are now only taking their directives from the Government, and no longer considering or acting on behalf of their local community they are no longer fit for purpose. Are they worth our vote? Time for change to address real issues not fake ideologies.

Listen to New Zealanders

NZ is a democracy, not a dictatorship or a communist state. Have National forgotten this when they helped put the current Labour Party law in place, agreed with it and said they have no plans to change it. Mandating fluoridation goes against the NZ Bill of Rights Act 1990. They will not listen to the many councils and NZ citizens nationwide who are opposed to this. Thank God for NZ First who consistently stand up for our democratic rights.

Re ‘Wine Industry’

Gosh, you’ve got a charming choice of language. I’m surprised your text was printed but then again, maybe I shouldn’t. You obviously don’t appreciate the millions and millions of dollars which pour into the region from the wine industry. Perhaps next time, do some more research before you text in with an uneducated message.

Weather

Wild weather seems to be everywhere around the world incl cyclones, quakes etc. Does this mean anything or not?

WHO to blame?

MDC cites World Health Organisation, a criminal entity responsible for untold health suffering globally, as the authority regarding adding chlorine to Blenheims water supply. It must be a joke!

Fair media reporting

Our media aren’t very sharp are they 17% INCREASE in ice mass in Antarctica. If it was a decrease it would be headlines. Only asking for true fair media reporting. Not asking much, is it?

Re government cuts

Remember Luxon is John Keys mate, and he did the same.

Weather protection for Green Waste workers?

Nice to see lovely comments about Green Waste workers. Always obliging and polite. Still no weather coverage for them though. An umbrella under a tree! Come on council what about a small shed? Protection from sun and rain. Just basic treatment of good people. You (or whoever employs them) don’t deserve such good people.

Fixing the Health System

Can’t believe Chris Hipkins on TV1 saying he hasn’t seen any progress on rebuilding our health care and hospitals. National is just picking up what the labour Government left under Jacinda and now we have another election. Go figure.

Re The Diploma Tavern

What on earth was the point of your text?

Wonderful Wairau Hospital

We Marlborough residents are incredibly fortunate. After being flown from Greymouth hospital, I have received nothing but the very best of care. Specialists, x-rays, outpatients, overnight stays, surgeons. Yes, I’ve been accommodated by them all, and have nothing but the highest regard for each and everyone I have been assisted by. And you don’t get to leave until the physiotherapist is convinced you will cope. We in Blenheim, are incredibly fortunate. Were I able, I would jump for joy.

Good old Health NZ, eh?

Not enough funding, lack of staff and surgery wait list times exploding. Why? The previous Labour government, of course. During the “covid regime”, the amount of money thrown at health by Labour was absolutely atrocious. The services provided were insanely ridiculous, and primarily focussed on a minority “few” in our community: panadol, food and medications delivered ‘free’, 7 days/week by health staff. 7-10 days isolation in accommodation for hundreds over a 2+ year period, all paid for by health. What a rort! No wonder Health is stuffed now!

Thank you Blenheim Electric House

Great Service. Thanks to Carol at Blenheim Electric House. After I had recently bought a new Freeview box from her to receive the Sky Open channel, the satellite was changed and I lost the channel. Carol helped me over the phone to change the factory settings and I now have the channel back.

Roundabout speed limit signage

New challenge. We have beaten the Felton record by 30 klm, but right here coming into Blenheim SH6 at Bells Road is a new 80kph roundabout. No other warning signs especially at night. We got onto 2 wheels at 65, can Simeon show us this record, or does Marlborough Roads need a new sign before the crash Easter tourism rush to the air show. We know so!!

Talk of the week

Autumn in Blenheim

The liquidambar trees in the town center, and around the town are a stunning colourful show at present. Blenheim is a lovely place in autumn.

Thanks from Jenny Airshow

Jenny Sweet would like to thank all the amazing staff she encountered during her recent stay at Wairau Hospital. Jenny is very grateful for her treatment and great care in the Surgical Ward, all staff were wonderful.

Sad for our region this event had to be cancelled. Understandably of course due to the weather forecast. Safety first! Thanks to all those involved and affected in many ways I’m sure. Your efforts were thwarted but look forward to the next one.

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.

Mouth Open While Chewing

While visiting a local super market the experience turned out to be awful as I reached the counter to be served by a staff member chewing something big enough for her mouth not to close. Not a good look. Or am I just too “old school”?

Skin checks with a difference

The Skin Hub team have been undertaking skin checks with a difference in the Marlborough Community for the past three years.

When opening the clinic, owner Dr. Martina Suleiman knew she wanted to use the latest technology available and ended up choosing a specialised software called Dermengine.

Dermengine is specifically designed for documenting and analysing skin cancer and images are taken with a mobile device but only stored in patient’s files, making them incredibly secure.

Opting to use mobile devices and Dermengine software has enabled The Skin Hub to work more efficiently, and they now

have increased availability.

Martina says “our clinic has a relaxed, yet professional approach, tailored for each patient and we wanted to work towards the entire clinical team being qualified with the most up to date training available”.

Their two doctors are fully accredited skin cancer doctors who hold advanced qualifications in dermoscopy and skin cancer surgery and all four nurses are qualified dermoscopists, meaning they have completed additional training and certification in dermoscopy.

The Skin Hub has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and undertakes skin checks, spot checks and a wide range of surgery for both suspicious and cosmetic lesions.

Death notices

BERGEMANN, Leslie (Les):

Passed away very peacefully at home, Tuesday April 15th, 2025, aged 84 years. Dearly loved husband of Rosemary, loved father of Brian (deceased) and David, father-inlaw of Annie and Bernadette, grandad of Mandy and Rachael and great granddad of Rhys, Angus and Carter. At Les’s request a cremation has already taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Messages to c/- PO Box 9, Blenheim or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

Cloudy

SWEENEY, Hannah Leonie “Leonie”: Passed away peacefully with family at her side at Marlborough Hospice on 17 April 2025, aged 82 years. Much loved mother of Terry, Sharyn, Wendy & Paula. Loved Nana of Belle, Jordan, Chanel, Gene, Paora, Johnny and Justin. Dearly loved Sister, Aunty, Mother-inlaw, Great Grandmother, cousin, friend, and extended family. Special thanks to the staff at Wairau Hospital and Marlborough Hospice and to all the Doctors and nurses who looked after our Mum. Messages may be sent to the Sweeney family, 77 Stephenson St, Blenheim 7201 or c/- Sowmans Funerals, PO Box 110, Blenheim 7240. In Lieu of flowers, a donation to the Marlborough Hospice would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made at the service or sent directly to The Marlborough Hospice. A Celebration of Mum’s life will be held at Sowmans Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutchenson & Parker Str at 1pm, on Tuesday, 22 April 2025 followed by Cremation at the Sowman Crematorium.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

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.

After Hours Chemists: Springlands Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 8.30am6pm. Saturday 9m - 5pm. Sunday closed. Public Holidays - phone us to be advised Community Care Pharmacy: Within the Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am6pm. Closed on Public Holidays. 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 9.30am4pm. Phone 578 4272.

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

BUCK, Sheila Mary Julia (née Newton): Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Waterlea Lifecare, Blenheim. Aged 90 years. Formerly of Rototuna, Hamilton. Long time member of Waikato Embroiders Guild. Loving and loved wife of the late Colin, mother of Ian, Kevan and Bob. Mother-in-law of Yan and Deb. Grandma to Andrew, Simon, Chris and Suzie, Hamish and Cushla, Fin, Ben and Wils, Michael and Lex, Claire and Khada and much loved “GGma” to Noah, Coco, Te Kahui and George. Very special thanks to everyone at Waterlea rest home for your heartfelt care and support. Messages may be sent to the Buck family at P.O. Box 1131, Blenheim, Blenheim 7201. A private family farewell for Sheila has been held.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

ELLIOTT, Gwenette (Gwen) (née Cunningham):

5 Dec 1934 - 14 April 2025 Dearly loved wife of Royce. Proud Mother and Motherin-law to Greg and Jan, Steve and Jackie, Deirdre, Lindy and Pete Knowles and Kate and Stu. Loving Nanelle to Emily and Chris, Alice, Stevie and Darcy, Ruby Frankie, Jim, Greg and Shevaun, Tom and Sophie. Great Nanelle to Thea, Frankie, Sunny, Reef and Marley Rose. Much loved sister of Ian Cunningham and his family. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Sincere thanks to the staff at Bethsaida Retirement home and Marlborough Hospice. “If music be the food of love, play on!” A service for Gwen has been held.

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

GIBB, Rex Alexander

Passed away peacefully in Picton on Tuesday 9th April 2025 aged 66 years. Loved eldest son of Bob and Marge Gibb. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Cherrie and Kevin (Oamaru), Mandy and Ali (Timaru), Tony and Judith (Temuka), Brian and Estelle (Auckland). Special uncle to Christopher, Natasha, Ashlea and Ava. Dear friend to Annette, Rachael and Hunter. A private service for Rex has been held. A special thank you also to the staff at Blenheim Hospital and Marlborough Hospice for your care of Rex, and of course Sowman Funerals for their wonderful services.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

LAWRENCE, Shirley Lois:

REEVES, Allen (Red):

Passed away peacefully on 13 April 2025 at Ashwood Park Rest Home. Dearly loved father of the late Daniel. Much loved son, brother, uncle and great uncle. Will be dearly missed by his sister Colleen. Messages to PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Special thanks to the Ashwood Park staff for their wonderful care of Red. Thank you Red for the hugs, lollies and chocolates, love you, Ayla xxx At Red’s request a private cremation has been held.

Cloudy Bay Funerals

03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

SIMONSEN, Ngaire Dawn: Passed away peacefully at the Marlborough Hospice on Wednesday 16th April, aged 76 years. Loved wife of Tony (dec). Adored mother and mother-in-law of Julie and Stephen and Ricky and Louise. Cherished grandmother of Ethan and Ella and Caitlin and Luke. Treasured great grandmother of dear wee Aubrey. Special sister/sister-in-law and aunt of all her extended family. Very beloved friend of Carol and Joe, Glenys and Mike, Shirley and Leister. Messages to 14A Wither Road Blenheim 7201 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz We are deeply grateful to the amazing staff at Hospice Marlborough and all the friends and family that have supported Mum through her journey. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marlborough Hospice Trust via their website. In accordance with Mum’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place.

Cloudy Bay Funerals

03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

Babies Babies Sun

JOUBERT: Lucy Diamond

Born April 8, 2025

Weight 3.74kg

Hospital Wairau Hospital

James and Krystal Joubert are delighted to announce the arrival of their beautiful daughter, Lucy Diamond Joubert, born on 8th April 2025 at 1:55pm at Wairau Hospital, weighing 3.74kg. A precious little sister for Jethro. Our hearts are full!

Scottish Country Dancing Scottish Country Dancing. Come and enjoy the fun we have, physically and mentally. Monday 7pm, St Andrews Church Hall, Alfred St. Contact Heather 02102587325.

cess. (A 40 ft container is also available via second access at $110 per month additional) rates excl GST. Suit builder, boat, machinery or simply storage. Phone Interlink 021 305 865

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. Emergency Dentist: Contact Wairau Hospital 5209999.

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 Picton:

On April 17th 2025, Shirley passed away at Bethsaida Retirement Village, aged 96. Much loved wife of the late Arthur (Artie) Lawrence. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Gary and Sue, Havelock, and Kevin and Stephen (West Melton). Beloved Nan of Gavin, Matthew, and Jamie, and great Nan of Jordan, Abbey, Emily, and Kayleigh. Nan/Shirley to Nick, Dion and Georgie, Carmen and Jim, and to Tré, Damon, and Gracie. Loved sister and sister-in-law of the late Maybell; the late Clarrie and Pam; the late Trevor and Maureen; and Julie and Ray. Special thanks to the staff of Bethsaida for their loving care and attention. Messages to – The Lawrence Family, 7 Takorika Street, Havelock 7100. A service for Shirley will be held at Sowman’s Mayfield Chapel, Cnr of Hutcheson and Parker Sts, on Thursday 24th April, at 11am.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

HiTcHcOck , Oliver Robert

Born January 26, 2025, 00:36am

Weight 2.960kg

Hospital: Wairau Hospital

Mum and dad Ashleigh and Damin are so proud to welcome baby Oliver to the world. Thank you to our Midwife Caroline Simpson and the Maternity and Paediatrics teams at Wairau hospital for taking such good care of our dinky boy.

Sun The

Thursday

Marlborough Camera Club

- meetings on 2nd Thursday of the month at St Mary’s Community Centre, Maxwell Rd at 7pm. Workshops are held on the 4th Thursday of the month. Everybody with an interest in photography welcome.

Cancer Society Marlborough Ladies Support Group

- Coffee and connecting. Peer support for women partners of men living with cancer. Every 3rd Thursday of the Month - 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm. Cancer Society Rooms, 76 A Maxwell Road. Marlborough Museum

- 11am-3pm. Adults $10, children free. The Museum celebrates an inspiring collection of items which tell the story of Marlborough and its people.

Picton Poets

- 4th Thursday of the month, 10.30-11.30am, Picton Library, all welcome. Phone Lyn 021 129 4342.

Keep U Moving

- Gentle indoor walking exercise for seniors. 11.30am-12.30pm $3.00. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St. Ph 0273852333 or donna@stchristophers.co.nz

Older Persons Seminar

– Held 4th Thursday of each month. $6.00. Contact Donna 027 385 2333 or donna@ stchristophers.co.nz

Table Tennis Summer Season

- Blenheim Indoor Sports Centre. Table Tennis session every Thursday, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, $6 per person to be paid at front desk.

Social Badminton Club

- 9am-11.30 Thursday mornings. Simcox Stadium, Battys Road. $6. All adults welcome. For more details phone Cathy 021 503 348. Ulysses Retreads Group

-11am at Brayshaw Park every Thursday. Ride to various destinations for lunch. Bring your laughing gear, a thermal to wear and a story to share.

Library Book Club

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

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

Knit and Natter at the Marlborough Library from 10am. Come along and join the friendly group of social knitters upstairs in the library each Thursday morning. Bring along your knitting project and/or get inspiration from other knitters. No need to register.

Company Café

– Picton Library 10.30am Thursdays. Pop in and spend a while with us chatting, chilling and relaxing. Tea, coffee and snack provided. Everybody welcome.

Friday

Blenheim Family History Group in Picton - Fortnightly at Picton Library, 1.30pm-3.30pm Need help with your family history research? Meet members of the Blenheim Family History Group. Contact Helen 0210390106. Marlborough Vintage and Farm Machinery Society - Brayshaw Heritage Park, open weekdays 10.00 am - 3.00 pm and Saturday mornings. For further details contact Gerard (Secretary) 022 039 2460. Link Board games and Puzzles – Fridays 1pm-4pm Nativity Lounge, Church of the Nativity, 76 Alfred Street. A time of board games and afternoon tea. No strangers

here, only friends we have not met. Gold coin donation is appreciated. Transport to and from Link can be arranged if needed ph 5783909

Tunes 4 Tots

– every Friday during term time 9.30am10.30am. Music, play and morning tea for 0-6 year olds. Donation of $3 per child/$5 per family. For more information contact 5783909

Play and Learn

– Blenheim Library 9am-12pm during term time. No cost. Care-giver led play-based learning for children under 5. Books, toys, games, puzzles and activities available for use.

Saturday

Redwoodtown Market - 8am-12 noon, Cleghorn St. Supporting Marlborough Food Bank. Variety of stalls.

Something for everyone.

Marlborough Quilters meeting

- every 2nd Saturday of the month at Marlborough Vintage and Farm Machinery, Brayshaw Park. 10am - 4pm. Learn quilting or bring your own projects. Sewing Machines available. Newcomers welcome. Liz 0212067382.

Blenheim Chess Club

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

Ulysses Club

- Every Saturday, coffee at The Runway Café, Woodbourne, 10am. Depart The Runway at 10.30am.

The Blenheim Rotary Club Boot Sale Market - Saturday mornings 8am till midday. Blenheim Railway Station Car Park.

Marlborough Artesian Craft Market - Cnr Market Street & High Street, 9:00am2:00pm Saturdays. Stallholders include local artisans both casual and regular attendees as well as visitors from around the country. Entertainment area for kids.

Sunday

Repair Café Blenheim

– Sunday 26th April, 9am-12pm. Crossroads Café, Redwoodtown. Get some assistance from volunteer experts who will offer free small repairs – sewing, bikes, toys, small furniture, electronics and more.

Riverside Railway, Brayshaw Park Station

– Sunday 27th April. Train is being hauled by

a Vintage Diesel Engine on the Beaver Line at 1.45pm along the Taylor River and the Omaka Line at 1.15 & 3.15pm. Check Details at www. riversiderailway.nz and Facebook for other information.

Marlborough Museum

- 11am-3pm. Adults $10, children free. The Museum celebrates an inspiring collection of items which tell the story of Marlborough and its people.

Marlborough Farmers’ Market

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

Picton Rail and Sail

- On the Foreshore - mini train rides and mini yacht hire to sail on our pond every Sunday 11am-3pm. Only 20 cents per ride/yacht hire!

Blenheim Bonsai Group

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

Marlborough Tennis Club

- 3pm to 5pm, Parker Street. Every SundaySocial Tennis. Non Members $2. All welcome.

Contact 027 578 6436 for information.

Ulysses Social Ride

- Sunday rides are now by WhatsApp under Marlborough Ulysses lets ride. All rides are weather dependent.

Lego Club

- Picton Library@ 1-4pm. Marlborough Library

@10am-4pm, Come along each Sunday afternoon to build a Lego kit in the Library. Each

RepaIR Café Blenhe Im – Sunday 26th april, 9am-12pm. Crossroads Café, Redwoodtown. Get some assistance from volunteer experts who will offer free small repairs – sewing, bikes, toys, small furniture, electronics and more.

week there is an assortment of kits to choose from to build in a designated area. Everyone is welcome to have a go. This free activity is great fun for the whole family!

Marlborough Vintage Car Club

- 1:30-3:30pm, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl, Blenheim. Other times by arrangement. Ph Bill 0275784322. Donation appreciated. New members welcome

Monday

Target Rifle Shooting

- Athletic Park Range. Blenheim Club 7pm, cost $10, contact 02102464417. Target Rifle Shooting Table Tennis Summer Season

- Tua Marina Table Tennis, every Monday at the Tua Marina Hall, Tua Marina 6.00pm - 8.00pm

$5 per person. Contact Janice 027 422 9095

Marlborough Stamp Collectors Club

- 34 Arthur Baker Pace. Phone 021 157 3496 for more information.

Rotary Clubs in Blenheim

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

Blenheim Scottish Country Dance Club

- Every Monday at 7.00pm at St Andrews Church Hall, Corner Alfred and Henry Street, Blenheim. Come and try it! You don’t need a partner. For information ring Heather 02102587325.

Whitehead Park Bowling Club Redwoodtown

- Monday afternoons from 12.30pm to 3pm. All welcome. Contact Mike 572 4013 or John 577 5295.

Beginners Line Dancing

- Senior Citizen Hall, 172 High Street, 2:003:00pm & 6.00-7.00pm. Come along and enjoy the music, make new friends, have fun and learn to dance. You don’t need a partner. All welcome men, women and children over 12. The first lesson is free for new beginner’s then $7 per class. For information phone Judith 5787554 or 0212341095.

Tuesday

Blenheim Badminton Club

- Tuesdays from 7-8.30pm for adults at Marlborough Boys’ College Gym. Junior Club in Terms 2 & 3 on Tuesdays from 6-7pm, also at MBC Gym. For more information visit: www. sporty.co.nz/blenheimbadminton

Target Rifle Shooting - Athletic Park Range. Services Club 7.00pm, cost $10, contact 0276522640. Cancer Society Marlborough Blue Brothers Exercise and Comradery

- FREE exercise and peer support. Every Tuesday, 10 am at Stadium 2000 Kinross Street. Cancer Society Marlborough Breast Cancer Support Group

- Every second Tuesday of the Month 7pm

- 8pm, at the Cancer Society Rooms - 76 A Maxwell Road. Blenheim. Peer support and connection in a safe welcoming space. Next meeting May 13th.

Marlborough Museum

- 11am-3pm. Adults $10, children free. The Museum celebrates an inspiring collection of items which tell the story of Marlborough and its people.

Steady As You Go (SAYGO)

- Gentle Exercise/Balance Class for Seniors. 11.30am-12.30pm, $3.00. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St. Ph 0273852333 donna@stchristophers.co.nz.

Toastmasters Club

- In Blenheim meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6:30pm, Community Centre, St Mary’s, 59 Maxwell Road. Friendly group that encourages people. Learn how to give a speech, how to tell stories, how to make business presentations etc. Ideal for young people entering the workforce. Older adults are welcome to share their experiences. No charge for guests. Contact: Vivienne 021 0544003.

Marlborough Tennis Club –Social Tennis Parker Street. Every Tuesday 8.30am to midday. Morning Tea at 10am. Non Members $5. All Welcome. Contact 0275786436.

Lions Club of Havelock

- Providing community service in the Pelorus area. Meeting every 3rd Tuesday, at Havelock Hotel. Inquiries to Ian Cameron phone 574 2558.

Knitters and Spinners

- Picton Library and Service Centre from 10.30. Bring your morning tea along and current project to work on. Share your ideas, skills or simply enjoy time with fellow creators. There’s no need to book a spot, simply turn up on the day.

Cheeky Monkeys

- Marlborough Library. Join one of our sessions of fun and creativity for children under five years old. Session 1:10am to 10.45am or Session 2:11am to 11.45am Sessions include stories, songs and simple fun craft. No need to register, just come along and join in.

Picton Line Dancing

- 10-11.30am. Anglican Church Hall $7 per class. Beginners welcome. Phone Carol 0212125252 or Raewyn 021715484.

Renwick Arms Country Club, Card Section 1pm Redwood Tavern, Cleghorn Street. Meet and play EUCHRE. Beginners are welcome to learn and play. $7 Ph Christine 0272077631. Pencil Pals

- meets at Connect, corner of High Street and Beaver Road every Tuesday 1.00 to 3.00pm. Come and join Sydney and Issie to practice your drawing skills and enjoy the company of like-minded people. Sydney 0211568398; Issie 0204668008.

Wednesday

Blenheim Probus

– First Wednesday of the month, 10am Lansdowne Hub. For retired or semi retirees looking for fun, friendship and fellowship. Ph Anne 5787046, 0226353919.

Indoor Bowls

– Every Wednesday 7pm at The Foundry, John Street, until mid September. Equipment and instruction provided. 0223804730 for more information.

Target Rifle Shooting

- Athletic Park Range. Riverside Club 7pm, cost $10, contact 021667746.

Cancer Society Marlborough Live Stronger - Women’s Exercise peer support and wellbeing - Exercise classes for women living with cancer. Wednesdays 6pm - 6:45 pm - Well & Good - 1 Grove Road. Cost $5 members - $10 casual.

Cancer Society Marlborough Stretch & Breathe

- Gentle strength/balance class for seniors. 10-11am, $3.00. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St, Ph 0273852333 donna@stchristophers.co.nz.

Lions’ Club of Blenheim - Like to know more about the Lion’s Club? Meet on the1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. For more details Contact Delphine Lee 029 942 5004.

Picton Mahjong - Marina Cove Club Room, 53 Waikawa Road, Picton at 1pm. Phone Adrianne 02102591639 or Kaye 0211312331 for more information. Whitehead Park Bowling Club, Redwoodtown - 9.30am to 12noon. Mixed roll – ups, all welcome, contact Bob 577 9436. Summer timetable starts October.

Blenheim Rock N Roll Club Nights - 7.30-9.30pm: Top of the South Rock n Roll Club, club nights at the Blenheim Bowling Club, bring comfy shoes and water. Great music, have fun and exercise at the same time. Phone Erin 0272341709.

Death Café - lifting the taboo: share what is on your mind and heart about death and dying in a safe and open environment. Meet every first Wednesday of the month at 7.00 - 8.15pm, at Speights Ale House (separate alcove). For all ages. More info call Joss 035794771 or deathcafe.com Next meeting May 7th.

Picton Scottish Country Dance Group - 7.30pm at Picton Little Theatre. Beginners welcome. First night free. No partner needed just a pair of soft soled shoes. Phone Lynda on 0212600860 for further information. Marlborough Vintage Car Club -1:30-3:30pm, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl, Blenheim. Other times by arrangement. Ph Bill 0275784322. Donation appreciated. New Members welcome

Providing quality care and education for children aged 3 months - 5 years, Omaka is a space for children to grow, explore and flourish as unique individuals, through a child-led, nature play based environment, where children are given the wings to fly.