On the Street

Michelle Bradley, a local professional fashion stylist also known for her role when she managed Hotel Durville shares with us her fashion style and tips.

What are you wearing today?

My typical look of jeans and jacket. I have on a We Are The Others Navy blue Jacket, Paula Ryan sleeveless top, Levi jeans and my super comfy R.M.Williams suede boots from Thomas’s.

Do you have a usual style?

Edgy, smart casual. Usually black or monochrome. I love a military style vibe. Comfort is paramount.

What item do you have the most of in your wardrobe?

Jackets and coats!! I have multiple black jackets in various styles also some in a pop of colour to wear back over black.

What looks or trends do you like right now?

I love that you can wear sneakers with everything from sports wear to evening wear.

Do you have a style rule you’d like to share?

My advice is to always wear your colour palette and pieces that suit your shape and personality regardless of the current trends.

What is your favourite all time buy?

My Heartwings black leather biker style jacket with hand painted tattoo art on the sleeves. It has just gotten better with age like your favourite cardi.

Worst clothing disaster?

Ordering a jumpsuit online. The fit and the fabric were shocking.

A wardrobe staple everyone should invest in?

A good quality classic style tailored jacket. It will never date and can be worn over casual wear, as a business look or with formal wear.

Which celebrity’s sense of style do you admire?

Coco Chanel. Effortless, simplistic elegance. Love her man pant.

Finish this sentence. You would never catch me wearing?

High stiletto heels! Love the look but can’t do the pain LOL.

A peaceful space to nurture your mind and body…

Sydne Lane Mind+Body, which opened 1st November on the corner of Battys Road and New Renwick Road, is owned by well-known local business woman Karen Sydne (Scott.)

As a qualified beauty therapist/hairdresser who owned clinics, Karen has always had a love for the beauty industry and a passion of caring for clients. Along with her qualifications as a hypnotherapist and high performance business/life coach, she can offer the complete nurturing mind and body package for overall well-being.

Karen says, “with the changing circumstances and uncertainties, it’s important to provide services which are uplifting for people, to give your time and expertise to make them feel special. Business and the challenging complexities, is what I truly love. I’m driven with the desire to create new ideas and implement them – my passion is helping define what my customers most want and need.” Previously having owned 14 different businesses, Karen has the expertise to deliver the ultimate experience to clients and is very excited to be able to welcome new and old clients. Maybe you’re a Mum who is running around doing 101 things feeling stressed and tired, an overwhelmed business owner, a sportsperson, a wrung-out over worked farmer, a grandma, or simply because you know you are important, we are there for everyone. For mind/body health it is important to take time out and treat yourself – it really is priceless. STOP, relax and take care of your overall well-being, to be nurtured and taken care of, to look good and feel great so you can put your best foot forward, go out and live your life with confidence. “I want people to leave my business feeling better than when they arrived.” “We also offer a great selection of gifts and skincare products including the beautiful well known Pure Fiji range and Matis Paris, a personal favourite of Karen’s as she has used it for over 15 years - beautiful, silky smooth creams that turn back time – it’s like botox in a bottle.” Karen, along with beauty therapist Courtney Corcoran–James, offers a full range of beauty services including gel nails/toenails, eyelash extensions, waxing and spray tanning, facials, eyelash/eyebrow tinting. “Our goal is to expand services, build the business, and take on more staff.” Hypnotherapy covers everything from hormonal issues, menopause, weight loss, stress/anxiety to confidence and quit smoking. As a Mindset Coach/Hypnotherapist, Karen offers consultations to help point you in the right direction. For more details, visit www.karensydne.com. Karen & Courtney look forward to welcoming you to the clinic where you can relax, have a tea or coffee, take time out and be pampered. With the roadworks finished and the new roundabout in place, there is easy access and plenty of FREE parking. For appointments at Sydne Lane Mind+Body, phone 021 025 78786 or send a message via Facebook.

Our finishing touch to your home

Narellan Pools Marlborough

The team behind Narellan Pools Marlborough have been installing fibreglass swimming pools since 2005, we are super experienced at transforming backyards. We pride ourselves in providing New Zealand made quality products with a lifetime structural in-ground warranty to our customers. If you’re looking for a gorgeous pool and some fantastic fencing to compliment it, you can rely on Narellan Pools Marlborough for a holistic service. We at Narellan Pools will take you through the entire installation process, custom tailoring a solution that meets your needs, budget and we will provide you with all details right from the start, so you know you are making an informed and secure decision, with no hidden costs and nasty surprises. From conception to completion, we are with you every step of your new swimming pool journey!

After care pool maintenance is important and therefore we provide water testing, after hour services for faults as well as chemicals in-store.

Phone us on 0508 476 657

My home

Dion and Meg Simmonds have lived at 226 Wrekin Road for a little over a year and enjoy some of the best views in Marlborough. Their beautiful home has been designed to make the most of their hillside haven.

KAREN RANKIN

DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY: ROB DUFF

Where is your home, how long have you been there and who lives there?

We share our property with Toby and Tessa the rag doll cats, Ruby the kune kune pig, Isaac and Harry the Galloway cattle and three sheep.

What four words would you use to describe your home?

Views, views, views, views

What inspired the décor and how would you describe it?

There’s little need for decorating when you have views all the way to the North Island. I purchased the wallpaper mural before we had even moved in. I was nervous that it might look too outlandish, but we love it. There aren’t many homes where you can display something so large.

What do you love most about where you live?

The space and light and views. It’s wonderful to have friends and family visit. They can relax in their own wing. Every room has incredible views and with floor to ceiling windows there is always light. We only close the curtains on the coldest of winter nights. The BBQ area is such an asset. The landscaping is so well designed that it is rarely windy at the house even though we are at the top of a hill. Dion made the table specifically to fit the space.

What piece would you never part with?

I Love Marie Kondo’s advice about decluttering so we try to only have things around us that we love. If it doesn’t “spark joy” why have it in the house. I’ve always loved pot plants and they thrive in the light here. The huge fern in the entrance hall is over 25 years old.

Where is your favourite spot in the house to spend time?

Absolutely everywhere. Each room has its own ambience and slightly different view. You can even lie in the bath with the windows pulled open and gaze out towards Havelock.

It’s lovely for guests who can lie in bed looking over the pool and out to the lights over Blenheim. It’s amazing to look down on helicopters frost fighting in the valleys in spring and all types of vintage planes fly over. We are also surrounded by wildlife. The hawks have sometimes flown so low they swooped under the patio roof. There are geese in a neighbours’ pond and peacocks living a few hills away.

Where do you prefer to shop for homewares?

I like things that are a little out of the ordinary so Cinnamon House is always filled with inspiration. We really enjoy creating things ourselves or turning a bargain find into something no one else has.

Do you splurge or save on things for the house?

Save (well mostly anyway)

Have you done any renovations?

We’ve done lots and lots of maintenance to bring the property up to scratch. We added the wallpaper mural.

Favourite room in the house?

One of the guest bedrooms has the best view of the pool, vineyards and out to Wellington and you can see planes land at Marlborough Airport.

What should every home have?

Great big windows.

Best money spent?

The wood for the table at the BBQ. Dion is terrific at making things out of scrap. I just love it.

Best tip to keep a home looking good?

Give everyone a glass of wine and hope they don’t mind that you spent most of the day outside in the sunshine rather than fussing over the cleaning.

Do you always agree on décor?

Of course …… eventually.

Best memory in the house so far?

Swimming in the pool with two of Dion’s children Tahlia and George. We had huge, inflatable pool toys and so much fun.

Note: Dion and Meg have decided to move to start a new adventure in a new home and have put their property at 226 Wrekin Road on the market with Harcourts. Check out harcourts.co.nz/Property/967021/BL9814/226-Wrekin-Road If you could see yourself at home here, contact a Harcourts Sales Consultant to make an appointment for a private viewing.

Upgrade your home with an exterior repaint

Summer has arrived and it’s the ideal time to give your home some love with an exterior repaint by Marlborough Plastering.

Marlborough Plastering is the region’s premier exterior plastering company, which specialises in a wide range of exterior plaster cladding and waterproofing systems.

As well as new builds, the team are experts in exterior cladding maintenance including house washes and plaster repairs and repaints. Marlborough Plastering owner Mike Douglas says while there are clear aesthetic benefits to giving your home a fresh coat of paint, there are other logistic advantages to maintaining the cladding of your home. “A fresh coat of paint gives an instant lift to any property, improving its street appeal and adding value to your home,” Mike says. “An exterior repaint is one of the easiest and most costeffective ways to increase your home’s value, and absolutely worthwhile if you’re thinking of selling.” While repainting your home provides one of the least expensive investments for one of the biggest returns on investment, other advantages of cladding maintenance can accumulate over time as cost-saving measures. Regularly maintaining the cladding on your home, helps spread your maintenance costs, provides protection from the elements and improves the longevity of your home’s cladding, Mike says. “We recommend keeping the bottom edges of your cladding free of dirt and garden vegetation, washing regularly with low pressure water and brush and addressing any cracked plaster, deteriorating paint or leaking windows and junctions quickly to prevent further damage.” “Think of paint and cladding maintenance as protection for your home. A well maintained exterior prevents moisture from seeping in and causing mold and mildew damage which can create a real headache further down the line.”

When it comes to paint, not all are created equal. After more than 25 years in the industry, Mike knows it’s worth spending a little extra for the best quality paint for the job. “You want an exterior paint Owner/Operator Mike Douglas that has been specifically designed to provide a tough, hard wearing finish and provides protection from all the elements,” he says. Whether you are looking at selling your home or maintaining and protecting your biggest asset, there are few improvements as practical as house painting - and summer is the ideal time to get the job done. For more information and home inspiration, check out Marlborough Plastering online: www. marlboroughplastering.co.nz and Facebook/ marlboroughplastering. Or for free advice and quotes, give Mike a call: 0800 944748 or 021572800

Blue sky thinking

Two recent builds by award-winning building company George Guthrie Construction are fantastic examples of the high-end designs they’ve been working on of late.

ROB DUFF

Built with efficiency and comfort in mind, they’re each architecturally designed homes, albeit in rather contrasting settings.

The variety of work is part of the fun for George Guthrie and his team, who pride themselves on their ability to work on all sorts of homes, at all sorts of price points.

A clever meld of wood and steel make the build pleasing to the eye.

AWATERE VALLEY Designed by Rural Workshop Architecture, RWA, this compact home on an exposed site in the Awatere Valley was designed for a couple who previously spent the majority of their time in warm climates of the Northern Hemisphere. A desire to achieve the ‘Gold Standard’ in terms of thermal performance and construction set the tone of the design, which includes a fully insulated slab, structural insulated panels, and European-style timber window and door joinery. “SIPs [Structurally Insulated Panels] are engineered, and that’s a different way of building than your traditional frames,” George says. “Because they are so high performing, they create a super efficient home, they are highly insulated; the R-Value is very high on them. They are airtight, and a warmer, healthier option.” Situated to take in the stunning scenery surrounding the property, it has windows and doors which on some angles look out toward Cape Campbell and Wellington, while others take in breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and Mt Tapuae-o-uenuku. “Our clients are originally from Singapore, and they’ve never lived in the Southern Hemisphere before. They took their time to order blinds for windows as wanted to establish where the sun rises and sets during different seasons. “They came out here and stumbled across that land, really,” George says. New to the area, as well as to building their own home, the couple placed a lot of trust in their designer, Jarrod Midgley, and the George Guthrie Construction team. Between Jarrod and George, the couple were able to work through a series of design options to suit their vision and their very specific budget. Outside, the home is clad in Coloursteel in the rustic colour ‘Scoria’, with a little bit of timber added to the mix, alongside the timber joinery. The two bedroom, two bathroom home features a ducted air conditioning transfer system, keeping the home at a constant temperature and bringing fresh air from the outside in, circulating it throughout the house. Despite no underfloor heating, the home is so passive that warmth is absorbed and held in the floor, and outside noises are calmed thanks to high level insulation and quality materials. George Guthrie Construction marketing manager, Kate Guthrie, says the home offers a feeling of serenity amid the area’s sometimes harsh natural elements.

“It’s quite an exposed area, but you walk in and there’s just the most calm feeling. It’s quite a surreal feeling when you walk in for the first time,” she says. “It’s got such an amazing feeling about it; it’s calm, and you can still hear the wind outside but it feels very serene inside.” High spec, quality materials and low energy homes are increasingly being requested in New Zealand, with many taking inspiration from overseas, George says. The couple are in the process of having a new office space built, which will be a high spec, low energy building once complete, likely next year. “The co-shared office space will be a super cool, innovative and forward-thinking space that focuses on wellness architecture, sustainability, durability and minimising our waste,” Kate says. “Now more than ever there is an opportunity to do better environmentally and design for health and wellness, and we’re embracing that … the interior will focus on biophilic design, designing for health and productivity for our tenants.” The couple and their team enjoy working on modern homes that are comfortable and healthy for their clients, while also being eco-friendly. Their new office space will help them to showcase and educate people on what can be done in this space. “It’s very exciting for us,” Kate says.

SPRINGLANDS Set in one of Blenheim’s most established suburbs, Springlands, this new build was designed to provide a modern space for the young family who lives within it, while also paying tribute to the original cottage that occupied the site. Looking from the outside, one would be forgiven for thinking that they were visiting the original home, however inside, it is a modern, brand new space. Also designed by RWA, this home was constructed with a mix of materials, creating three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan living area. A central courtyard creates a centrepiece for the home, accessible from both the living areas and bedrooms, and is complemented by high raking ceilings and high-level glazing inside. The modern, airy space makes the perfect family home.

Exposed polished floors with underfloor heating add to the home’s warmth.

Pro Clima Intello wrap has been used on the interior walls to create an airtight home, contributing toward the client’s vision to explore ‘best practice’ options when it comes to thermal efficiency. The George Guthrie team were only too happy to work with the Pro Clima Intello Wrap system, presenting a challenge in that it requires a completely different approach to construction than traditional weather-proofing options. “This was a lovely home to work on for a lovely family, and it’s always nice to create beautiful homes for great people,” Kate says. “We love working with new and innovative products.”

Wood and brick work harmoniously together to create the perfect outside space.

George and Kate established George Guthrie Construction in Marlborough after moving to the region in 2008. Last year, the company won Gold at the House of the Year Competition for their work on a compact family home in Marlborough’s Omaka Valley. The team works hard to build strong relationships with both clients and local architects, earning themselves a trusted reputation in the industry. “We work closely with the architects; we’ve got really good relationships with them … we are a solution driven company and we like to get to know the people we work with,” Kate says. “George, while he’s not so much on the tools now, he’s the one behind the scenes project managing, and he’s got a really good relationship with our clients.” The couple are supported by a talented team, who all make their own mark on the business and contribute to the high quality workmanship and service. “We’ve got a really cool group of guys; they all get on really well and there’s a lot of respect among the old guys and the young guys,” George says. From Jane in the office to young

Aaron, whose completing his apprenticeship with us, we’re very lucky to be surrounded by and attract brilliant people. They have invested in top-quality building software, BuilderTrend, and offer extra value for each of their clients where they can. Using BuilderTrend, the team is able to manage projects and liaise with clients wherever in the world they may be. “BuilderTrend is a fantastic tool for our clients, and for all new clients we also offer two hours of interior design expertise from one of Marlborough’s leading designers, Jenny Saggers, of Collaborate,” Kate says. “Collaborate works closely with the client to help them understand things like materials, products and colours … making it easier for them to visualise their new home.” While the business has naturally progressed to working on high end residential builds, alongside some light commercial work, the team is only happy to work on projects of all budget levels, George says.

Ola and Marie Höglund at their Höglund Glass Studio.

The magic of glass

Glass can be mesmerising and at the Höglund Glass Studio just out of Richmond, Nelson, there is a world of beautiful glass objects to be mesmerised by in all colours of the rainbow. Famous the world over for their extraordinary level of glass crafting skill, the Höglund family have never lost their desire to make glass art affordable.

To that end the extensive gallery is a showcase of the diversity of their work that includes many beautiful gifts under $100. Some items such as their twisted oil and vinegar bottles and goblets remain as sought after as they ever were. “We would be unpopular if we stopped making them,” laughs Marie. Their birds in many colours may look delicate but have travelled all over the world as gifts. Jewellery is a passion for Marie and long-serving staff member Mel who work together to produce gorgeous pendants, earrings and cufflinks from dichroic glass, a process that combines melted glass with tiny layers of metals and oxides to give a diversity of colour hues and iridescence that is unique to each piece. From $75 to $95, and these can be beautifully gift-wrapped too. Höglunds is very much a family affair. Along with Marie and Ola who established the business in Nelson in 1984, glass pieces are now made on site by themselves, son Ossie and daughter-in-law Annie. Their other son Oliver produces glass lampshades in Australia which are also sold in the gallery. “We really enjoy all working together,” says Marie. “Even our grandchildren are involved with one currently sewing masks that are for sale in the shop.” Marie and Mel have recently developed their own brand of glycerine soap with no animal fats or petrochemicals in their makeup. Providing moisture to the skin and leaving it soft and smooth, even they look like blocks of coloured glass. Most mornings, from Monday to Friday, the public can enjoy watching the glassblowers at work. This is completely free of charge and an opportunity to see the depth of skill that goes into every single piece. “People just love watching the workshop in action. It is such an ancient art form that never loses its fascination.”

Back in the extensive gallery with its magnificent displays, the swirling colours of the glass objects capture the light and shine. From small bowls and vases that blend pinks, purples and blues to the jellyfish paperweights that sit on lighted stands and on to the large art vases in rich orange and black, there is a world of pieces to choose from. The Top of the South is so fortunate to have such a gallery and making it a destination from wherever you are is a must.

Höglund Art Glass 52 Lansdowne Road, Appleby, Richmond Ph 03 544 6500 Visitors welcome 10am – 4pm hoglundartglass.com

Sporting fraternity honour their own

By Peter Jones

ROWING NZ

It took Tom Murray and his crew-mates in the Kiwi eight just a tick under five and half minutes to cement their place in New Zealand rowing folklore. However, the 2021 Marlborough Sportsperson of the Year’s journey to get to the finish line at the Tokyo Olympic Games took much, much longer and began in underwhelming fashion. The 27-year-old began his glittering career began as a “somewhat reluctant” schoolboy novice at Marlborough Boys’ College, 12 years ago. Tom recalled his early reluctance to throw his lot in with the rowing community. After being persuaded to try out on the rowing machine he produced a score good enough to excite the coaches, but immediately declared that he “had absolutely no interest whatsoever in rowing”. “I don’t think I had even seen a rowing race at that stage. I managed a polite ‘no thank you’ and said, ‘see you next year’. “Then, in 2010, I also posted a good score and this time I was not given a choice,” he recalled. “I was told to get down to the Wairau River and I haven’t really left since.” The rest, as they say, is history. Success at Maadi Cup and national regattas as a member of the Blenheim Rowing Club quickly followed, leading into a trip into the 2016 Olympics as part of the Kiwi big boat crew. Marlborough Sportsperson of the Year Tom Murray, pictured rowing a single at the 2021 New Zealand champs.

A sixth place in Rio merely fuelled Tom’s appetite for success and, despite enjoying considerable success in the national pair over three seasons, he opted to return to the eight and a shot at gold in his sport’s blue riband event. After being forced to travel to Europe for the ‘last chance regatta’ in early 2021, racing through a Covid-ravaged landscape, the eight qualified their boat for the deferred Tokyo showpiece and, between stays in MIQ, set about perfecting the technique that would strike gold at the Sea Forest Waterway. Beaten in their opening race on the Olympic course, the Kiwis were forced to row a repechage, using the opportunity to perfect a game plan that would ultimately propel them past traditional front-runners Germany, Great Britain, USA and the Netherlands. Their success elevated the 2021 big boat alongside the much-feted 1972 eight who won in Munich, this country’s only previous eights gold. Being born and bred in provincial Marlborough, then rising to the top of international sport, has given Tom a unique insight into what sets New Zealand athletes apart and allows us to punch above our weight on the world stage. Tom put it down to two things – the support teams who had put their personal lives on hold to provide a framework for success, and “small town New Zealand”. “And it’s not just in rowing,” he added. “We are constantly punching above our weight on the world stage.

Jade Otway – Junior Sportswoman of the Year. William Exton – Junior Sportsman of the Year. Ella Greenslade – Sportswoman of the Year. Photo supplied Maurice Symes and Craig MacDonell – Team of the Year. Photo supplied

“It starts at grassroots level … the fundraisers, the volunteers. The people of Blenheim who have given so generously over the years to sports teams to try and get our young athletes around the country and around the world, to try and be a better version of themselves. It’s unreal and not just in Blenheim, it happens all around the country. “They get right behind their young athletes that are trying to find some direction. “I am so humbled when I get out the medal now and see how that has affected those that have followed my journey.” While Tom’s effort was an obvious standout, he had some stiff competition when the other four category winners at this year’s Marlborough Sports Awards were chosen. The Sportswoman of the Year was Olympic silver medalwinning rower Ella Greenslade, a member of the Wairau Rowing Club for the past four seasons. Ella was part of the NZ women’s eight at the Games, who finished second in a thrilling final. She also bagged a silver medal in the women’s pair at the national championships. The Junior Sportsman of the Year is karter William Exton. During his first year in senior ranks William won all three of the Kartsport NZ titles available to him, taking out South Island, National Sprint and NZ Schools crowns, in varying track conditions and against top-level opposition, underlining his status as one of the nation’s leading drivers. Jade Otway has dominated the Junior Sportswoman of the Year category in recent times and this year was no exception. The 18-year-old took out the New Zealand under-18 singles title, among many others during another superb season. Jade was named New Zealand Tennis’s female Junior Player of the Year and is currently ranked New Zealand's top junior player and sixth overall. Team of the Year are local lawn bowlers Maurice Symes and Craig MacDonell, the 2021 national fours champions. The seasoned performers represented Marlborough with distinction at the 2020-21 national championships. Maurice, from the Blenheim club, and Craig, from Riverside, joined forces with Te Puke’s John Gray and Steve Beel of Mount Maunganui to form an unstoppable composite four. They prevailed 20-19 in a nail-biting decider, getting the better of a four stacked with national representatives. Due to Covid restraints, the 2021 Marlborough Sportsperson of the Year dinner, organised by Marlborough Weekly, Sport Tasman and Blenheim Round Table, was unable to be held as planned. A visual link to the awards is available on YouTube and Marlborough Media’s Facebook site, with footage of Tom receiving the trophy from last year’s winner Callum Saunders, and a recap of the eights final.

MARLBOROUGH SPORTS AWARDS WINNERS 2021

Glenn Kirby, Bayleys Marlborough Junior Sportswoman of the Year - JADE OTWAY Redwood Trust Junior Sportsman of the Year WILLIAM EXTON MoreFM Sportswoman of the Year - ELLA GREENSLADE New World Blenheim Sportsman of the Year - TOM MURRAY WK Advisors and Accountants Team of the Year MAURICE SYMES AND CRAIG MACDONELL Sport Tasman, Blenheim Round Table, Marlborough Media Sportsperson of the Year - TOM MURRAY

Captivating displays, amazing stories, joyflights and excellent coffee! Open 9am - 5pm (Last entry at 4pm) Closed Christmas Day 79 Aerodrome Rd, Blenheim Ph (03) 579 1305 www.omaka.org.nz