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Thursday 1 April 2021
Old Thumpers, young champ
Flying machine: Veteran Malcolm Smith pilots his 1968 Rickman BSA around the Onekaka course at Old Thumpers on Sunday. Photo: Jo Richards. JO RICHARDS
Old Thumpers classic motorbike scramble witnessed the emergence of a young star rider on Sunday. Battling against his peers and seniors around the muddy circuit on Alan and Shelley Palmer’s Onekaka farm, 14-year-old Wills Harvey from Nelson was crowned Old Thumpers Grand Champion at the Mussel Inn post-race prizegiving. Event organiser Richard “Wattie” Watson said the award was unprecedented. “It’s the first time in our 27 years that the Grand Old Thumper has gone to a junior.” Wattie explained that Wills bent the rules by sneaking his YZ80 mini-motocross bike onto the start line alongside experienced competitors piloting full-sized small-bore machines. “He was a bit cheeky and entered himself, but he came second, which is incredible.” The annual festival of mud, motorbikes, and men behaving sensibly was unexpectedly blessed with perfect motocross conditions, confounding a doom-laden weather forecast.
“It was brilliant, says Wattie. “We had drizzle all around us, but the rain held off until the last race.” Traditionally the event has been held at the height of summer, but increasing concern over fire risk prompted the move to early autumn. “It was becoming a problem,” said Wattie’s wife Mary. “We had to have a lot of water on site.” She believes the shift has an added bonus. “It’s good for local businesses; we’re bringing people into the Bay as it starts to shut down.” The entry criteria for Old Thumpers are simple and unchanging: all machines must be pre-1980s, twin-shock, air-cooled, and fitted with drum brakes. Competition is divided into age categories: Juniors (up to 16), Veterans (50 and over) and Super Vets (60 and over). But the event is not really about serious racing; it’s about preserving and showcasing classic bikes and, of course, having fun. One of those clearly enjoying himself was Golden Bay enthusiast Malcolm Smith who entered his 30 horsepower 1968 Rickman
BSA in several races, including the final race in which man and machine unfortunately parted company. “Malcom came off and his bike continued downhill on its own,” said Mary, adding that it was one of several minor mishaps that occurred when the promised rain finally arrived and turned the circuit to mud. Apart from a break for lunch, the action was pretty much non-stop but, of course, only a handful of the 85 entrants took to the circuit at any one time. One of few everpresent was official race starter Steve Webster, performing a role he has filled for the past 26 years. “I missed the first one,” said Steve, while marshalling a dozen revved-up bikers at the start line. Taking a breather between races, Rob Holtham from Nelson was carefully checking over his ride – a 1980 Suzuki RM250 – which he’s owned for 14 years. “I’m just seeing if any bolts have come loose, “ said Rob examining the machine’s oily bits. Continued on page 6
Workcentre services RONNIE SHORT
Speakers at last week’s Community Whanau meeting were representatives from the Golden Bay Workcentre Trust. General manager Cait Tomlinson led the informative session and co-workers Tui Kraal (community connector) and Alison Gardener (co-ordinator community development and properties) each spoke from their specific areas of expertise. Given an overview of all the Workcentre has to offer, the interested listeners learned a lot about the role this entity plays in our community, as the following summary explains: Youth Services for 16-19-year-olds One -to - one coaching, financial assistance, life skills and assistance with WINZ procedures. Community Connector Assisting individuals and families who have been affected by Covid and need help finding out where to access services and support. Heartland Services For anyone - providing a link for rural communities who do not have the same access to services as city dwellers. YETI Youth Education Training Incentive for youth aged 16-21 who have left school, this programme offers NCEA Levels 1 to 3 training. Akonga Youth Hub For 12-21-year-olds whose lives have been impacted by Covid and who haven’t had a very positive experience. Outside the school environment. Frontline For beneficiaries, aged 18-64. A 13-week job-seeker skills development training course. Community Classes Learning opportunities for ages 16 upwards, at a nominal cost. Two subjects are offered each term. Zoom Classes In collaboration with Zentech, this course teaches people and groups how to get the most out of Zoom and all it has to offer. Community Development Bringing communities together to find solutions to problems. Pastoral Care A national pilot programme for agricultural workers soon to be launched. For more information visit the Workcentre’s website www.gbwct.org.nz
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Inside:
Science Roadshow
THE GB WEEKLY, THURSDAY 1 APRIL 2021
MenzShed
Betty Manson
Grey Matters
ISSN (PRINT) 2538-0923 ISSN (ONLINE) 2538-0931
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