Blenheim Sun 15 December 2017

Sun The

Blenheim Marlborough

December 15, 2017

Sun Weather

Today 14-29

Saturday 14-26

Sunday 16-29

Monday 11-21

Outlook for Today Fine. Northwesterlies developing morning.

WE’LL GET YOU HOME

Phone us : 03 5777 868

Get your skates on

By Cathie Bell Blenheim’s new attraction opened at Liz Davidson Park yesterday, and it looks like ice-skating is the new big thing in town.

Ice-skating in the middle of a hot summer is a reality with an artificial rink set up on the corner of Queen and Charles Streets.

The rink is operating for four days, the last two days of the school term and the first two days of the holidays, finishing on Sunday.

Continued on page 2 Some of the first on the rink, from left: Ella Bartholomew, Miriama Smith, Arlie Bates, Pene Smith, Jack Bacon, Jemima Nation, and Lily Bartholomew.

Congratulations to the Marlborough Flyer!

WIN a FamIly Pass

Simply like and share our Facebook page between 15th - 20th December and you could win a Family Pass on the Marlborough Flyer. facebook.com/peterrayhomesblenheim/ Award Winning Registered Master Builders | Visit our show home | 194 Taylor Pass Road | ph 579-2368 | www.peterrayhomes.co.nz

2

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017

How to reach us

Katrina Whiteside

Les Whiteside

Publisher

Publisher

Telephone (03) 5777 868 The Sun 18,785 copies.

The largest circulating newspaper in Marlborough.

TWICE WEEKLY Delivering to: Blenheim, Picton, Renwick, Havelock & Seddon.

PICTON

Missed deliveries

PH (03) 573-6196 www.blenheimsun.co.nz E-mail: news@blenheimsun.co.nz ads@blenheimsun.co.nz Address: 72 High St, Blenheim P.O. Box 634 Blenheim Fax: (03) 577-7863

The Sun

quote of the week

Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lie before you.

– Denis Waitley brought to you by:

Fresh sausages, salami and smallgoods available at Blenheim New World, PAK’n’SAVE and Renwick SuperValue

www.blackballsalami.co.nz

Summer skate plan should be a winner Continued from page 1 The 60 metre by 10 metre skating rink opened at lunchtime yesterday, and there were already queues at 11.30am, council events manager Samantha Young says.

The rink is not real ice, but a plastic compound that acts

like ice.

Entry is by a $2 gold coin, and helmets and skates are provided, with each skater getting a half-hour slot.

Samantha says she isn’t surprised by the rink’s popularity.

The council announced the rink was coming some months

ago and all the feedback has been positive, she says.

“It’s great to see people getting out and getting moving. It’s great to hear all the laughter.”

Lily Bartholomew was one of the early skaters and she says she enjoys the rink.

“It’s a new experience, it gives

kids something to do.”

Arlie Bates says iceskating is fun to do, ‘but it’s hard’.

Ella Bartholomew says it’s ‘good to do something wintery when it’s really hot’.

The rink is open 10am - 6pm Friday and Saturday, 10am 5pm Sunday.

Christmas fare at John’s Kitchen

By Cathie Bell Anyone looking at a Christmas Day alone doesn’t need to be, Crossroads co-ordinator Janette Walker says.

John’s Kitchen is putting on a community dinner next Wednesday evening, and will be hosting a Christmas Day breakfast as well, she says.

“It’s a good thing to do at the end of the year for people and families. All sorts of people might be spending Christmas Day on their own, and they don’t need to.”

The community dinner starts at 5.30pm on Wednesday December 20, and is a free Christmas buffet, open to all, Janette says.

On Christmas Day, John’s Kitchen will start serving breakfast at 8.30am, and the breakfast buffet will ‘roll through the morning’, she says.

The team are expecting about 450 people to attend the two meals.

Janette says a lot of people have already rung to volunteer, and for some people, it is their third year they’ve come to volunteer and help out.

“One guy comes back to New Zealand from Australia especially to do it. Brian sets up the tables and decorates them.”

A school is supplying bacon and eggs as its fundraising effort for the year, she says, and a major hotel is supplying breakfast sausages and yoghurt.

Hams are rolling in and one man is donating all the hashbrowns, cream, and coffee.

“It’s great… it’s a bit of a big deal.”

Janette thanks the wider Marlborough

Richard McDonald and Janette Walker are welcoming people to Christmas meals at John's Kitchen.

community for the donations and help John’s Kitchen and Crossroads have had through the year.

“The place wouldn’t run the way it does without the support of the businesses and community.”

Crossroads will be open right through the Christmas and New Year, she says, closed only for the statutory holidays. Apart from those days, it will be fully-staffed, offering food parcels and help with housing issues.

STUART SMITH MP FOR KAIKOURA

P

03 579 3204

P

0800 STUART MP (0800 788 278)

E

stuart.smithmp@parliament.govt.nz

F

Facebook.com/stuartsmith.national

W

www.stuartsmith.co.nz

Corner Hutcheson & Parker Streets, Blenheim | 03 578 4719 Funded by Parliamentary Service and authorised by Stuart Smith MP, 22 Scott Street, Blenheim 7240

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017

Highway south re-opens

By Cathie Bell State Highway One re-opens today, with Transport Minister Phil Twyford cutting a ribbon just north of Kaikoura this morning.

However, the New Zealand Transport Agency are warning people work hasn’t finished on the highway yet and it will be some time before it becomes just another road.

NZ Transport Agency earthquake recovery manager Tim Crow says the road will be closed between 8pm and 7.30am every night from between Clarence and Mangamaunu and between Goose Bay and Peketa.

“People travelling on SH1 on the coastal route through the summer will need to allow enough time in their journeys to account for the 8.30pm closures,” he says.

Drivers need to be alert and follow all signs and the instructions of road crews when using the route.

“To keep people safe there will be a large maintenance crew and police presence actively patrolling the route.

“The two areas that will be

3

inbrief

The Sun

Christmas lights 143B Maxwell Road, Blenheim.

9 Page Street, Blenheim.

30 Westhaven Place, Blenheim.

Hope Drive, Blenheim.

12 Avery Place, Blenheim (conservatory open to the public).

3108 State Highway 1, Riverlands 291p Waikawa Road, down Elsmore Mews, Picton.

The caretakers cottage up behind the vintage farm machinery building at Brayshaw Heritage Park.

If you have Christmas lights up for public viewing, please email celeste@ blenheimsun.co.nz and they will be listed up to Christmas.

Whooping cough risk rises Heather Turnbull with Manawa and Awanui Doonan, at the Seddon Railway Station which will host a 'driver reviver' on Sunday as State Highway One re-opens.

closed overnight are the most earthquake damaged areas, and there will also be some restrictions during the day. We ask people to please only stop in the designated stopping areas if they need to pull over – all other areas are out of

bounds for safety reasons.”

A ‘Driver Reviver’ is being set up at the Seddon Railway Station on Sunday by Awatere locals.

Charmaine Hammond says the stop will hand out coffee, tea, cold drinks, and pamphlets to travellers

passing through the open road.

She says all are welcome as it’s not clear what driver numbers will be like or whether they will want to stop.

The Railway Station will be open from 8am on Sunday.

Ohau Point seal warning The Department of Conservation is warning that while State Highway One is re-opening, the seal pool at Ohau Point is not.

The famous Ohau Stream is closed as it’s unsafe due to earthquake damage and people need to stay away from the area for their safety, DOC South Marlborough Operations Manager Phil Bradfield says.

“The Ohau Stream waterfall

pool, where seal pups played from late autumn until October, is filled with rock from the earthquake. The rock face it fell from is unstable with danger of further rockfall.

“The best place to view seals currently is at Kaikoura Peninsula, just south of the township, due to earthquake damage and road reconstruction in other places. Seals can be seen by

walking a short way around the shoreline from Point Kean car park.”

He says people should keep 20 metres away from seals for their safety and to avoid disturbing them. It’s particularly important to keep distance from seals at this time of year when pups are being born and male bull seals are aggressive and territorial due to it being the mating season.

Whooping cough cases continue in Marlborough, with infants particularly at risk, and it has become a national outbreak, Medical Officer of Health with the Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service Andrew Lindsay says.

There has been an increase in the number of whooping cough notifications for infants less than one year-old in our region, he says, which is very concerning because infants are most likely to suffer the worst outcomes of pertussis and possibly death.

Renwick watches water Renwick residents are being congratulated by the council for their water saving efforts, and operations and maintenance engineer Stephen Rooney says if they can keep this up all summer as they did last year, water restrictions should not be necessary.

Renwick’s water demand has been kept below the sustainable level of 3,000 cubic metres per day except for one day late last week when the weather was very hot.

The aquifer water level at Renwick isn’t looking as healthy compared to this time last year, but it is still much better than it was leading into the summer of 2015/16, he says.

Taste the difference See how you can now enjoy the world’s best tasting barbecue food in your own backyard.

If you’ve never tasted food cooked on a Weber BBQ, then this

IfSaturday you’ve never foodeveryone cooked onisatalking Weber BBQ, then thisinSaturday find tasted out what about.

Drop to Taste find out what everyone is talking about. Drop in toputting Taste the difference. the difference.

The team from Weber will be Special model The teamBBQs from through Weber will be putting Weber their paces. Special model Weber BBQs through their paces.

COOKING GRAND OPENINGDEMO - COOKINGTHIS DEMO SATURDAY 16th!

Saturday 21st October

1,599

Weber Genesis II $ E310

Get a FREE Weber barbecue bible with every Weber® BBQ purchased at the demo session*. While stocks last.

Not in conjunction with any other offer.

Marine & Watercraft. 72 Grove Rd. Blenheim.

Ph 03 578 0569 www.mwcraft.co.nz

999 999

WeberFamily FamilyQQPrem Premium $ Weber Weber Q1200 $449 Weber Q2200 $599

$

4

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017

Business inbrief

Kaiuma sections for sale The last 14 sections have been released for sale in the Kaiuma Bay development near Havelock, and the developers are selling one section for Bitcoin, a digital currency.

Sounds Lifestyle Investments director Joe Lupi came up with the idea, which he says will enable the digital currency to be transferred into a hard asset.

However, banks will not grant a mortgage for Bitcoin.

Mt Richmond Estate for sale The Mt Richmond Estate holiday park, halfway between Blenheim and Nelson, is for sale.

The park is a configuration of self-contained luxury cottages, campervan plots and caravan sites, with a cafe-restaurant and conference and event-hosting facilities, set on 4.14 hectares.

Solar buddies for power Trustpower has launched ‘Solar Buddies’, a scheme to allow people to sell surplus solar-generated power to other Trustpower customers.

The price paid is agreed between the panel owner and the buddies, so it creates an opportunity for panel owners to earn more for their power while also benefiting people they know, Trustpower marketing communications manager Carolyn Schofield says.

Jamaica Blue café possible The café chain Jamaica Blue is looking to open in the renovated Redwoodtown retail centre, advertising for someone to take on the café franchise. The advertisement says the café hopes to open in January.

LGNZ roadshow here Local Government New Zealand president Dave Cull and chief executive Malcolm Alexander visited the Marlborough District Council yesterday as part of a national roadshow.

Dave, the mayor of Dunedin, says the visit is to discuss Local Government New Zealand’s priorities of climate change and water, as well as to discuss priority issues for Marlborough.

Housing is proving a hot topic around the country, he says.

Shake causes historic loss

By Cathie Bell The impact of last year’s earthquake has caused Marlborough Lines to record its first-ever financial loss since the company was formed in 1993.

The lines company’s chairman David Dew and managing director Ken Forrest emphasise that the loss is due to accounting practices, and doesn’t take into account insurance payments to subsidiary Yealands Wine Group which had not been finalised by the company’s 30 June end of year date.

T h e t wo s ays b e c a u s e Marlborough Lines owns 86 per cent of Yealands, its financial performance is reflected in Marlborough Lines’ accounts, so it recorded an overall loss of $1.5 million to June 30, as a consequence of the accounting treatment required under the rules it reports under.

David says that means all the

Marlborough Lines’ Ken Forrest, in November, at the new St John ambulance handover.

costs of the earthquake are reported in this financial year but the insurance payments will all be recorded in the next financial year.

Without that, it would have

had a net profit after tax of $11.6 million.

“Marlborough Lines is in a strong financial position”, Ken says.

Because the insurance pay-

ments aren’t included in the accounts Yealands records a net tax loss of $7.2 million for the year.

Its assets were revalued during the year, which lifted its value by $70.1 million, meaning ‘a comprehensive profit’ for the year of $53.2 million, Ken says.

T he ea r thqua ke mea nt Marlborough Lines’ reliability suffered significantly, with 303 lost minutes, up from the 61 in the previous year.

It also increased maintenance and staff costs and the company did not meet capital works targets as staff were diverted to fix network faults after the earthquake.

Ken praised the efforts of staff who he says worked ‘without regard of clock or calendar until the job was done’.

The company’s network is resilient, he says, saying the earthquake caused about $600,000 damage, mostly minor.

Marine farmers bag beach rubbish Marine farmers from across the top of the South removed hundreds of kilograms of debris from beaches in their annual Big Day Out beach clean-up on and around last Friday.

More than a dozen industry vessels from mussel, salmon and oyster-rearing companies took part across the Marlborough Sounds, Tasman and Golden Bays. One New Zealand King Salmon team did a clean-up at Waikawa marina collecting more than 40kg of debris.

Marine Farming Association president Jonathan Large took his vessel and half a dozen volunteers out to Tory Channel, cleaning up beaches in Oyster Bay and Ngaruru Bay. More than half a woolsack of plastic bottles, rope, strapping, fish bait bags and other debris was collected, he says.

“Some of that comes from marine farming and we acknowledge it’s our duty as people operating in public space to do all we can to minimise that debris entering the water and clean up

The Marine Farming Association‘s Debbie Stone, Brianna Hendriksen, Emma Hunter and Jonathan Large at Oyster Bay in Tory Channel.

any that does. All marine farm vessels are equipped with scoop nets to collect debris that may fall into the water.”

Jonathan says the association times the Big Day Out to help ensure the top of the South beach users over the holiday period

have a better chance of finding a clean spot.

“None of us want to see debris on our beach if we go for a picnic. I’m a regular Sounds user with my family and I want my children to be able to enjoy it as much as I did growing up.’’

He suggests other top of the South and Sounds users could also do their bit and take a rubbish bag to a beach as part of a visit.

“If everyone just did 20 minutes on a beach we’d all be so much better off.”

Council asks about Waitohi Domain use

By Cathie Bell Several businesses have asked to use Picton’s Waitohi Domain, and the Marlborough District Council is surveying ratepayers and residents to see what uses they think the area should have.

It has been proposed to use Waitohi Domain as a temporary truck park while the State Highway One rebuild continues

to generate more truck traffic in Picton.

There is also a proposal for a helicopter take-off and landing site in the north east corner of the Domain, which will go through a resource consent process. If approved this would enable sightseeing trips for cruise ship passengers and other tourism-related uses.

Council communications manager Glyn Walters says there may be other ideas for Waitohi Domain.

“This is an opportunity for locals to tell us what they think.”

The survey closes at 5pm, Sunday 7 January, and can be accessed at https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/WaitohiDomain

The domain has some significant limitations. It was once the site of a landfill, meaning it contains potentially harmful subsoil which restricts its use for some activities.

It is also an overflow area for the Waitohi Stream during flooding, and so a large part must be kept as floodway reserve.

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017

5

He korero no te Kaunihera o Wairau NEWS FROM THE MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COUNCIL

Toxic algae appearing in rivers

The hot weather means toxic algal mats are appearing in rivers all over Marlborough, a health risk to dogs and stock as well as people.

People should avoid any contact with the dark brown algal mats.

Swallowing water containing the algae may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhorea and skin contact with the mats can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and mouth.

Dogs are particularly susceptible to the toxins as they are attracted to

Multicultural Marlborough

the strong musty odour of the mats.

Prompt veterinary attention should be sought for any dogs or other animals that get sick after being in a river.

The algae occurs naturally in rivers around the country where the flow drops to very low levels and is a common sight in Marlborough rivers in summer.

For more information and images of the algae: www.marlborough. govt.nz/recreation/swimming-andboating/toxic-algae

Summer Reading Programme Registrations are open at the District Library in Blenheim and open at the Picton Library and Service Centre on Monday 18 December.

The programme is for children aged 5 to 12 years old and is free of charge for participants. Parents or caregivers need to visit the library to register. Children do not have to be present at enrolment.

This year 275 places are available for participants at Marlborough District Library (Blenheim) and 70 places available at the Picton Library and Service Centre. Places are expected to fill fast so visit your local library early to ensure you don’t miss out!

Proposed Road Stopping In exercise of the power contained in section 342(1)(a) of the Local Government Act 1974, and in accordance with the Tenth Schedule of that Act, public notice is hereby given that the Marlborough District Council proposes to stop a portion of legal road containing 0.0039 Ha adjoining Lot 1 DP 8842 and Lot 2 DP 382699 Marlborough Land Registration District, and shown as Section 1 on plan SO 516964.

The applicant has applied for the stopping of a portion of legal road adjoining their property at 7 Herbert Street, Blenheim as the area to be stopped is fenced and used exclusively by the applicant.

Should the road stopping be completed the land will be transferred to and amalgamated with the adjoining landowner’s title at market value.

Further details of the proposed road stopping, including the plan of survey showing the portion of road to be stopped, may be inspected at the

office of the Marlborough District Council, Seymour Street, Blenheim.

Anyone wishing to object to this proposed stopping can submit a written objection to the Council no later than . The submissions should be addressed to Nicole Chauval, Committee Secretary, Marlborough District Council, PO Box 443, Blenheim 7240 or email nicole. chauval@marlborough.govt.nz

Boil water notice - Awatere and Seddon Water from Council’s reticulation system in Seddon and the Awatere should be boiled. It does not currently meet the NZ Drinking Water Standard and may contain bacteria or protozoa that are harmful to human health.

Treated water is available at the public tap on the corner of Marama

Road and Foster Street.

A new Seddon water treatment plant is scheduled for construction this year and will supply treated water to the NZ Drinking Water Standard.

For further information contact our Customer Service Centre Ph: 03 520 7400.

www.marlborough.govt.nz

There’s been a steady rise in the number of new arrivals to Marlborough deciding to take out citizenship. This year, 10 citizenship ceremonies have been held at the Marlborough District Council chambers with the number of new citizens up by 70 compared with 2016.

At last week’s ceremony, the last for 2017, the new citizens came from Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Czech Republic, India, Samoa and the United Kingdom.

One consistent trend is that the majority of our newest citizens are of British or Pacific origin. This year though, seven of our new citizens have come from across the Tasman – that’s more than the total to come from Australia over the last four years.

The Mayor officiates at the ceremonies where

candidates affirm their allegiance to the Crown, promise to obey the laws of the land and to be good citizens.

Candidates are able to invite family and friends to attend the ceremony to witness the change of citizenship – from the country of birth to the country of choice.

Marlborough today is the new home of a diverse range of more than 50 nationalities ranging from Argentinians to Zimbabweans.

• Citizen application packs are available from the Council.

• More information about citizenship can be found on the Department of Internal Affairs website www.dia.govt.nz; or ph 0800 22 51 51; or email: CitizenshipCeremonies@dia.govt.nz

Positive Ageing – don’t spend Christmas alone Please extend a hand to others this Christmas – it’s one time of the year when you can make a real difference to older people who don’t have family or friends close by.

If you live alone, make sure you are not spending the whole day by yourself this Christmas. Get together with a friend and share a meal or exchange gifts.

Don’t feel reluctant to accept an invitation to join neighbours or friends or family – or, if you have no plans, extend an invitation to someone else to

join your table.

In Blenheim, Crossroads at 2 Redwood Street opens its doors to the community – meals are free and everyone is welcome: • Community Christmas dinner on Wednesday 20 December from 5.30 pm.

• Christmas day breakfast - served between 8.15am and 10.30am.

Donations and volunteers are welcomed; phone 578 5395 or Janette 027 859 0281.

arranged a mini (10m x 16m) artificial ice rink to come to town. Complete with music from MoreFM, bubble machine and a whole lot of laughter, this is sure to be heaps of fun for everyone. Perfect for children but teens and adults are welcome too!

Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 December Various times – go to www.follow-me.co.nz for details Queen Street Carpark/Liz Davidson Place $2 gold coin donation Blenheim Christmas Festival Blenheim will come alive with Christmas cheer on Thursday 14 December. Come along and enjoy the magical Christmas entertainment including music from one of Blenheim’s top music groups, ‘The Big Kahuna’, a circus extravaganza, kids’ entertainment, fireworks and of course Santa and his helpers. Some shops will also be opening late so you can get tick some gifts off your list.

Get Your Skates On To kick-start the Christmas holidays and celebrate the festive season Marlborough District Council has

Street Address: Phone: 03 520 7400 15 Seymour Street Fax: 03 520 7496 Email: mdc@marlborough.govt.nz Blenheim 7201 New Zealand

Ignite Marlborough A perfect way to welcome the New Year, this fantastic free community event allows Marlborough communities to celebrate together and party with friends and family. Get your dancing shoes on and enjoy main stage music and entertainment from bands, The Hollywoods, The Noodles and everpopular Puree as well as the legendary over the water firework display. Once again there will be free bus transport from Blenheim to Picton and return (must be booked in advance).

Sunday 31 December 7.00pm Picton Foreshore

6

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017

txt

talk

The Sun Many thanks Many thanks to the passerby who helped me after a fall.

Thanks too to our awesome ambulance officers.

Let’s not take them for granted.

Novel idea I reckon there’s an opening for some crafty person to make Christmas crackers to sell each year.

The ones in the shops are always filled with junk!

Truck yard Sorry guys, this time I agree that the NZTA appealed the decision for your truck yard.

Couldn’t believe consent was given in the first place!

Different issue I know...... but the old Koromiko school property could not get resource consent for what they wanted to do.

Maybe they also could have done with MDC support in the first instance.

May have sorted out the freedom camping issue, which hasn’t been resolved by dumping boulders.

Re: Home security

Free handouts

Bilingual signage

It is understood a Council Committee under councillor Sloan who brought us the ‘bus shelter’ with the now famous hole are to consider installing self serve sun block dispensers to mitigate the risk of sunburn to departing visitors.

Tenders are also to be let for the supply of disposable rain wear in the event it rains.

It is not known the impact on rates at this time.

When most people in New Zealand speak English and the majority of the rest of the world learn English as a second language, why are many signs only in Maori?

Picton library is one amongst others.

Dual signage is surely better?

Make more water As an island we are surrounded with water water levels are rising - why, oh why then are we not building desalination plants in coastal towns to pump water where and when it’s needed?

Softball park Still no doors on dugouts, is it going to take someone to get hit in the head and die?

Then who’s going to carry that on their shoulders, the person who didn’t want the doors on in the first place?

It’s about safety, not ‘look at me everyone I’m standing in the door of the dugout.’

What a big stuff up you have done, it’s all wrong.

Broken bottles Went to river by Wairau bridge on highway near Tuamarina and found several broken beer bottles in the water.

Idiots who threw them there won’t be reading this as have no brains.

Picked up all l could see, won’t go back there now.

People with children and dogs just be aware.

I have complained several times to that newspaper without success.

The driver with an old newspaper aims and it lands most of the time where it belongs... in the gutter.

How can they run a business if they cannot listen to others?

Dangerous dog

Freebie papers

Government

I’ve been trying to stop them for at least three months.

Still trying.

The Jack Russell that nearly killed my little dog at Marfells beach Sunday 26th, you are a dangerous dog and irresponsible owners.

The sooner Trevor Mallard is axed from parliament the better for the country.

To much of a loose cannon.

Get him gone.

Well done workers I would like to thank...all the awesome workers on the re-build of SH1. You all deserve a medal.

The Wizard of Oz

Stop the blame game With the new government in power l believe they should come up with solutions for problems rather than waving a big stick placing the blame.

I do have to say that Bill English looked very relieved to be out of government.

Perhaps he had an insider’s knowledge of the water crisis plaguing our country.

From a good dog owner I am pretty sure I paid $58 for my dog registration for 2017, so where is the discount if it’s now going to be $60, or have I misunderstood?

Hospital messages To the people who message this page to give feedback on hospital visits.

You can write a compliment through their website which ensures it goes through to the right people.

That way the recipients’ bosses also see what good work they do.

Noisy vehicles Why is there no control over excessively noisy vehicles?

It seems to be acceptable for people to make vehicles as noisy as they can.

There are even after-market products to increase noise.

If this noise was in the workplace the employer would be liable.

Hearing protection would be a requirement.

So why are the public subjected to this excessive noise and why is that OK?

Amazing road workers Could the road workers go to the Manawatu Gorge and do some road magic like you have done in Kaikoura?

ONLY A FEW MORE SLEEPS LEFT!

txt talk of the week

Went along to the Vanessa Bryant Studio of Dance production of “The Wizard of Oz”.

It was great!

The dancing, choreography and stage props were outstanding and made for a very enjoyable show.

Well done Scarecrow - your interpretation of this character was brilliant and very entertaining to watch.

Painted power boxes Love the beautifully painted power/phone boxes around on street corners.

Absolutely stunning artwork of birds which is so much nicer than the grey metal box.

Whoever thought of the idea and to the artists who paint them, thank you.

Seddon pool We went swimming at the Seddon swimming pool over the hot weekend.

What an awesome asset this is to the Seddon community and a big thank you to the pool staff who man it and all the effort that goes into keeping this facility running.

Awesome!

We welcome your texts on 027 242 5266.

Limit to 70 words please.

Name supplied please. We reserve the right to publish at our discretion.

Please note the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Sun management.

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough?

Text your thoughts to: 027 242 5266

Cnr Nelson & Hutcheson Street

SEE US FOR YOUR FREE PRE-HOLIDAY SAFETY CHECK NOW.

Wishing all our customers a happy and safe festive season, and a prosperous New Year.

WE ARE CLOSED FROM MIDDAY ON SATURDAY FOR BOTH LONG WEEKENDS, OPEN ON THE DAYS IN BETWEEN.

5 star service at no extra cost...

Ph: 03 577 9980

e-mail: tgblenheim@snap.net.nz

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017

Special exhibition showcases Helen’s WOW garment

By Celeste Alexander Local designer Helen Millen will have her 2017 World of WearableArt (WOW) entry displayed in an exhibition held in Nelson.

The National WOW Museum’s new exhibition of finalist garments from this year’s show has already opened to the public.

It showcases 50 garments chosen for the exhibition, including Helen’s titled O2H2O Nano Solar.

For those who did not attend the show held in Wellington earlier this year, this exhibition is an opportunity to see Helen’s.

This was the seventh time that Helen has had a garment selected for the finals.

Right: Marlborough Sounds designer Helen Millen pictured with her finalist garment, O2H2O Nano Solar.

Photo by Tim Cuff.

Concern voiced over band parking

By Cathie Bell The Marlborough District Brass Band can lease carpark space on the land it leases from the council to neighbouring businesses, councillors agreed yesterday at its full meeting.

The band leases a building and land in Auckland Street from the Marlbor-

ough District Council for a peppercorn rent, and plans to lease out space as carparks to raise funds.

The move was opposed by councillor Laressa Shenfield, who says the land is zoned recreational so it is not appropriate for commercial activities to happen on the space.

Council chief executive Mark Wheeler says the zoning issue will be checked by staff.

Mayor John Leggett took no part in the discussion or decision, as he has a conflict of interest.

He is the band’s president.

can start your TONE E P .. so now you e.

T on A et P W in ch NO ! our new bran ly opened gton region We’ve recent both ends of the Wellin om adventure fr

NOW ON!

SO MUCH SCENERY

AND SO EASY TOO! • Rimut aka cycle trail • Wairarapa explorer tours • Aot earoa/NZ explorer tours • Electric bikes • Mart inborough cycle hire & tours

1 Jackson Street, Petone 0800 2 EXPLORE tours@greenjersey.co.nz www.greenjersey.co.nz

16 Kitchener Street, Martinborough 0800 2 EXPLORE tours@greenjersey.co.nz

paknsave.co.nz

7

8

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017

Caitlin’s sunflower a competition winner

By Bill McElhinney Caitlin Alexander loves dancing, reading – and her big sunflower.

Caitlin, four-and-half, goes to Witherlea Kindergarten in Blenheim, and over the past few months she and more than 200 children from Marlborough kindergartens have been attempting to grow the tallest sunflower and widest sunflower head.

Seeds were provided by the Daltons garden group, who announced this week that Caitlin had the tallest sunflower, the third time a Witherlea pupil has won the competition.

“Caitlin brought the seeds home and Dad, Ben, helped her plant it,” Mum Michelle says.

“It’s the first time she has tried this. She filled her drink bottle and watered the plant most days, and it’s still growing. The flower at the top is just coming out.

“Caitlin’s had great fun planting, watering and watching her sunflower grow,” Michelle says.

“She was particularly excited when it grew taller than her!”

The organisers say the biennial project is intended to create a fun environment for pre-school children to learn valuable gardening skills. The seeds provided are for the ‘Skyscraper’ sunflower, which can grow up to four metres tall.

Eckford Lodge Freemasons gathered to honour Harry Halliday.

From left: Chris Hobbs, Buks Lundt, Rob Angelo, Owen Hughes, Azher Mir, Bill Ross, Peter Callahan, Patrick Johnstone, Bryan Lawless, Rowan Ingpen, Harry Halliday, Chris Williams.

Freemasons honoured

It’s still growing! Caitlin Alexander with her award-winning sunflower.

All of the winners from around the country will receive a prize from Daltons and The Warehouse, who came on as a project partner this year.

By Bill McElhinney When Harry Halliday became a Freemason in Invercargill over 50 years ago he knew nothing about Freemasonry.

“I was a young man simply looking for an organisation to join where I could enjoy the company of other men,” Harry says.

“What I discovered was a fraternity founded on the principles of tolerance, care, kindness, honesty and trust –values which I hold dear.”

Harry and his wife Thelma moved to Marlborough and Harry joined the Eckford Masonic Lodge in Charles Street, becoming Lodge Master in 1993 and in 2003.

Harry has also served as Lodge secretary/treasurer, assistant Pro-

many life-long friendships,” Harry says.

“We have our serious side of course, with our ceremonies, but we also have a lot of fun.

“We have many young men now joining the Craft, as we call it, and I hope I can give them the same support and encouragement that I have received from other members over the last 50 years.”

The Freemasons also operate a charitable trust and have made donations to organisations such as Hospice Marlborough.

Harry served on the Board of Benevolence from 2001 to 2006 and has also been chairman of the Nelson/Marlborough Freemasons Charity.

VO NO !

LE P A TO IN P W LA

Let’s celebrate the Sun’s 15th Birthday!

vincial Grand Master and District Grand Master, visiting lodges throughout the Top of the South to meet and encourage members.

Harry’s service to the craft was recognised at a special gathering of Freemasons on Saturday, when Grand Master Mark Winger presented him with a special apron and collar and Harry was invested as a past Grand Warden.

“This is a mark of the respect in which we hold Harry and recognise his service to Freemasonry,” Mark says.

“I have been fortunate to be Master of my Lodge on two occasions and also to have served as District Grand Master for Nelson Marlborough, and I have made

We’re celebrating in conjunction with BP Computers by giving away a Lenovo laptop package worth $2000 BPComputers & Blenheim Sun Lenovo laptop competition.

Name



To win, simply fill out the form below and bring it to The Sun office at 72 High St, Blenheim, by December 18.

Address Phone What year was The Sun first published?

What street is BP Computers on?

Ph: (03) 577 9498 Est. 1997

sales@bpcomputers.co.nz 17 Kinross Street, Blenheim, 7201

Wednesday

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017

Council quick to rescue stranded eels

By Bill McElhinney A phone call from an alert member of the public sparked an aquatic rescue by Marlborough District Council staff on Tuesday.

Blenheim woman Chris Hutchison regularly walks her little Jack Russell terrier along the Taylor River, and on Monday she spotted a patch of the river that seemed to be full of native eels, but was rapidly drying up.

“I phoned the council and spoke to someone in the rivers department,” Chris says.

“They said they would look at doing something about it, and they did!”

On Tuesday morning council staff, Council staff Mike Aviss and Pete Hamill use an electric fishing device senior environmental scientist Peter to rescue native eels and inanga from a section of the Taylor River. Hamill and biodiversity coordinator

Mike Aviss led a team down the end of Munro Street and on to the section of river where the eels were trapped.

“You could see they were becoming distressed and some had already died as they were running out of oxygen,” Peter says.

Using an electric pulse rod to bring the eels to the surface, Peter and Mike recovered about 100 native short-finned eels and a large number of inanga.

“They obviously liked the habitat in that part of the river,” Peter says, “but they became trapped as the area dried up.”

As Peter and Mike fished the creatures from the water, a group of Downer contractors took them down

9

stream and released them into an area where the water was running deep and clear.

Council staff have been called a number of times in the past to rescue aquatic creatures in risk of being stranded.

“We rely on the public to be our eyes and ears,” Peter says. “We can’t be everywhere, so we’re happy to hear from people who see something that needs attention.”

Chris was thrilled with the response from the council to her call.

“Full credit to them for acting on my call,” Chris says. “I was really worried about what would happen to the little eels. It’s so good to know they’ve been relocated.”

Sunday concert features local talent

By Bill McElhinney There will be a feast of glorious music on Sunday when the Marlborough Singers join with the Marlborough Civic Orchestra and the Marlborough District Brass Band for a special performance.

Conductor Robert Tucker and choral group will present a programme of short works in conjunction with the orchestra and an ensemble from the brass band, with guest soloists Elin Tomos and Barbara Graham.

The Marlborough Singers will perform Vivaldi’s “Gloria”, an uplifting example of Baroque music, accompanied by the orchestra.

“The Road to Bethlehem”, a Christmas themed choral piece by the New Zealand composer David Hamilton, will be performed by the singers, with piano accompanist Kathy Moseley.

Several other short works will also be included such as the theme tune from the popular television series The Vicar of Dibley, and Mozart’s popular “Laudate Dominium”.

The all-comers choir, formerly the Blenheim Choral Society, is the longest established choir in Blenheim.

The Marlborough Singers currently has about 38 members, choir

member Tessa Sutherland says.

They meet weekly at the Wesley Centre throughout the year and have been rehearsing since June for the Sunday performance.

The choir is conducted by Robert Tucker, a professional baritone singer.

“The choir has gone from strength to strength under Robert’s direction,” Tessa says.

The Marlborough Singers present “Gloria”, with the Marlborough Civic Orchestra and the Marlborough District Brass Band at the A few of the Marlborough Singers take a break from rehearsing for ASB Theatre, Blenheim, Sunday their Sunday performance. From left: Natalia Shabanava, Kate Logan, Deborah Errington, Rien Waggenvoort, Derek Harding, and Janet Clark. at 4pm and 6pm.

Wishing the people of Marlborough a very merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday Local knowledge, local skills, local service and locally owned since 1985

SS AWAR INE D

2017 Large Business Award

US

SS AWAR INE D

US

Simcox Construction

Committed to building better lives for our people and our community.

MARLBOROU

First Place Simcox Construction

HAMBER O

2017 Supreme Award First Place

S

C GH

OMMERCE B FC

US

MARLBOROU

HAMBER O

Simcox Construction

HAMBER O

2017 Investment in People & Skills First Place

S

OMMERCE B FC

MARLBOROU

C GH

S

C GH

SS AWAR INE D

Winners of the Supreme Award Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards 2017

Ph: 03 578 5930 simcoxconst@xtra.co.nz www.simcox.co.nz

OMMERCE B FC

10

Friday December 15, 2017

Weddings uke Radich Juanita Garcia and L

tree, 2017 at The Pepper er ob ct O 23 on d Marrie Blenheim. elch.

Celebrant Leonie W Ingram. yn rm Ka er ph Photogra

an Matena Jemma Teece and Reg

eloped to The Jemma and Regan moment for , on els N m fro th l Bo kiwa. A very specia Sounds Retreat, Ana d. rie them both to be mar r ylo Ta l ro Ca nt ra Celeb Jones Photographer Jessica

Nadine Aston and Lin

coln Sayers

Married at The Old from Nelson with a Barn on November 3rd both ne special friends atten w life overseas. Family and ding and not a dry ey e anywhere at the rehearsal.

Celebrant Carol Ta ylo Photographer Sara r h Island from Nelso n

Nick Nguyen and Julie

Wood

Both from America , address in Picton on they were married at a private family members an May 30th 2017 attended by four d Celebrant Carol Ta a close friend. ylor Photographer Jessic Jones

Planning a special event or occasion?

Our function and event centre is the perfect location you are looking for.

Come in and see for yourself.

Weddings - Parties - Conferences in a venue with atmosphere & style.

Giesen Sports and Events Centre 8 Uxbridge St, Renwick 03 572 9688 • 027-572-9688 info@renwicksportscentre.co.nz www.renwicksportscentre.co.nz

Now offering two unique venue options for your wedding reception.

Full catering, theming & accommodation options available.

Contact us today to find out more.

T. +64 3 520 8558 E. venuehire@mcyy.co.nz W. asbtheatre.com

Here to help make your wedding day special Carol Taylor Marriage Celebrant mobile: 021 399 649 e : carol@nzweddingvows.co.nz www.nzweddingvows.co.nz

The Sun

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017

11

Christmas Greetings from Marlborough businesses to their clients

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!

• Driveways • Culvert Installation • Site Excavation • Soak Pits • Farm Drainage • also Vineyard Development & Maintenance

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year

o o o o o o

GRAVEL & TOPSOIL SUPPLIES

NEWMAN EXCAVATIONS

14 HIGH STREET, RENWICK PHONE WK 027 446 4230 PHONE A/H (03) 572 8758 FAX (03) 572 8896 EMAIL: newman.excavations@xtra.co.nz

14 HIGH STREET, RENWICK PHONE WK 027 446 4230

PHONE A/H (03) 572 8758 FAX (03) 572 8896 EMAIL: newman.excavations@xtra.co.nz

WAYNE WIFFEN & TEAM WISHES EVERYONE A VERY John Thatcher, Wayne Wiffen and Chris Black MERRY FESTIVE SEASON

Blair 027 618 8654

Weto are closed ono Exporters the stat days Wine, grapes wineries Marine, Fishing o Cyber Insurance but open in between to assist Education, Schools o Life & Health, Shareholder you with all your insurance needs.Protection Construction o Professional Covers - PI, D&O Farming & Agricultural o Schools & tertiary training Level 2, Rangitane House, Buildings, Plant & Machinery

Main and Street, Blenheim 7201 For meaningful2advice relevant risk solutions Ph: 03Street, 578Blenheim 0228 7201 Visit: Level 2, Rangitane House 2 Main Call: 03 email: 578 0228 blenheim@crombielockwood.co.nz Email: blenheim@crombielockwood.co.nz

ALL OF US JOIN IN WISHING YOU A

MERRY CHRISTMAS & PROSPEROUS

For all your residential and commercial paintinG needs

NEW YEAR

Wishing you all a joyful and safe Christmas and New Year.

We will be back from Jan 8th Call Steve Get it done riGht! Find us on Facebook email: steve@premierpainting.co.nz online: www.premierpainting.co.nz

Ph 0800 080096 or 021 264 8235 For a Free, no-obligation quote

Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all our clients.

Thank you for your support this year.

Wishing you all the best over the festive season.

Your preferred Airconditioning and Commercial Refrigeration service provider.

24/7 - Phone 578 0030

Wishing all our residents and their families the warmest wishes over the holiday season

Phone Naomi on 03 577 5208 or 021 136 6504 • Email: naomi@slv.net.nz 5 Battys Road, Blenheim • www.springlandsLifestyleVillage.co.nz

Springlands Lifestyle Village is the pre-eminent option for retirement living in MARLBOROUGH.

Call 577 9278 www.mph.co.nz

Grey Power Marlborough The Association for people 50+

We wish to advise that our office closes 1pm on Wednesday 20th December and re-open 10am on Monday 8th January.

Age Concern Marlborough 03 579 3457.

We will be closed from 22 Dec 2017 and will reopen 15th January 2018.

All your heating and plumbing requirements

We wish you a merry Christmas

Happy holidays

Have a safe and happy Christmas Season Emergency plumbing call 03 5777 806

TRILLO METALS LTD 2B Cloudy Bay Drive, Cloudy Bay Business Park, Blenheim trillometals@xtra.co.nz

62 Grove Road, Blenheim e:furnishing.centre@outlook.com

1 Freswick Street, Blenheim | www.martella.co.nz

We are closed from Dec 22nd, re-opening on Jan 8th.

Ph 03 578 0340

(03) 578 5398

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wishing all our members a special merry Christmas and a happy new year Phone 03 578 4950 or visit our website on www.greypowermarlborough.co.nz

12

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017

Christmas Greetings from Marlborough businesses to their clients

Wishing all our loyal customers a very Merry Christmas and safe new year • Specialty Coffee • Gluten Free • Vegan/Vegetarian & Dairy Free Options • Fresh Juices/Smoothies • Menu 11 Charles Street, Blenheim PH 03 579 1739

s a m t s i r h Merry Ced customers Trust Fisher.

New Zealand 1st in aluminium windows and doors.

lu to all our va

Closing at 3pm on 21 December and reopening on 17 January 2018.

• Installed by craftsman www.fisherwindows.co.nz • FREE measure and quotes

Merry Christmas We are closed on the stats from midday on the 22nd & 29th Open on the days between

• BATTERIES • PARTS & ACCESSORIES • ELECTRICAL REPAIRS

17 franCis street +64 3 579 5470 Ph 578 1436 Fax 578 1430 Email: fisher.marl@xtra.co.nz

2017 has been a great year for me in real estate and thank you to all my clients for their business, it is appreciated.

0800 FISHER 0800 347 437

BATTERIES

CLOSED FRIDAY 22nd December 2017 RE-OPEN MONDAY 8th January 2018

Fisher Windows Marlborough • Manufacturers of the new Euroslider™, Eurostacker & Foldback® Bifold 22 Bomford Street, Blenheim 578 1436 • Large range of styles and colours FISHER WINDOWS MARLBOROUGH 22 Bomford Street, Blenheim

To suit all vehicles and applications

Wishing all our Wonderful Clients & their families a merry Christmas & the very best of a neW year!

www.fisherwindows.co.nz

Merry Christmas from Greg

Call Greg Lyons

you’re good to go.

Thank you to all our clients and wishing you a very merry Christmas.

M 027 579 1233 E greg.lyons@pggwrightson.co.nz

www.pggwre.co.nz

We are closed both weekends including Saturday Off Dodson Street, Blenheim Open: 7.30am-5pm Monday - Friday 8am -12.30pm Saturday • Ph (03) 577 9942 •

5 Opawa Street, Blenheim. Ph: 578 9239

100% LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED We will be closed over the Christmas break from Saturday 23rd – Tuesday 26th

Come in for a free quick 5 minute tyre check to make sure you travel safe these holidays.

Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year to all our customers.

Merry Christmas from your Award Winning Team Our Christmas hours are: Dec 22 9 -3pm Dec 23-26 Closed Dec 27-29 10-3pm Dec 30-Jan 02 Closed Jan 03-05 10-4pm Jan 06 9.30-12.30pm Jan 08 Normal hours

Wishing all our clients a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year We will be on-call throughout the holiday period

Thanks for your Business IRRIGATION / METERING / COMPLIANCE

Phone: 578 5859 www.elitetyres.co.nz • 41B GROVE ROAD MON - FRI 8AM - 5.30PM • SAT UNTIL 1.00PM

98 Market Street | Phone:03 578 8575 blenheim@helloworld.co.nz

T: 03 572 8443 M: 021 550 867 E: info@liquidaction.co.nz

Have a happy and safe festive season Specialists in all aspects of • Radiators • Oil coolers • Heat exchangers • Inter coolers

Wishing you all a Happy & Safe Holiday Season Open daily until 5pm (Closed Christmas Day)

44 Main St, Blenheim • Phone 578 8176 anytime

79 Aerodrome Rd, Blenheim / www.omaka.org.nz

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017

13

Christmas Greetings from Marlborough businesses to their clients

Merry Christmas Have a safe and happy holiday.

See you next year.

from the team at

Merry Christmas to all our valued customers from the Team at One Stop Brake & Auto

96A Middle Renwick Rd, Phone 578 3703

Email: info@haack.co.nz

s g n i t e e r G s n o s Sea The team at Endeavour Homes would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. We will be closing for our annual holidays at 5pm on Wednesday 20th of December 2017 and will be re-opening at 9.00am on Wednesday, 10th of January 2018.

Endeavour Homes

SHOWHOME & OFFICE 1 Corsair Crescent, Blenheim Phone 03 579 2282 (Omaka Landing Subdivison)

Wishing all our clients a very merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

We will be closed from Friday 22nd December.

Re-opening Monday 8th January.

For all urgent calls a technician will be available.

Ph. 578 8410

6 OPAWA ST, BLENHEIM Email marlbtvservices@xtra.co.nz

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS We will be closed on both long weekends, but open on the days in between.

24hr emergency service available throughout.

Norm Fowke Glass A division of the Viridian Glass Limited Partnership

P: 03 578 0850 | F: 03 578 0977 15 Bomford St, Blenheim • www.viridianglass.co.nz

ck ris Bla Chch Director &

rma Financial

2 Redwood St, Blenheim.

Call Us Today! 03 579 2000 www.onestopbrakeandauto.co.nz

Bran Senior Advisor

03 579 1186 021 527 882

chris@rmageneral.co.nz

rmafinancial.co.nz

Open Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm • Closed for the public holidays only

Thank you and Merry Christmas to all our loyal customers

TEXT 0275792550

LANDSCAPING Merry Christmas and have a safe New Year

for FREE pickup & delivery (Mobile Eftpos available)

Specialising in

A1 DRYCLEANING & LAUNDRY

TILING • BRICKLAYING • BLOCKLAYING PLASTERING • LANDSCAPING STONEWORK & ALL PERMANENT CLADDING

We are closed on the stat days but open on the days in between 9am - 12pm.

Phone 579 2550

Clyde Robertson Phone/Fax (03) 578 9819 Mobile 0274 468 027 P.O. Box 816 Blenheim

152 High Street, Blenheim, 7201 A1drycleaners@msn.com

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year MARLBOROUGH READY MIX LTD COME & ENJOY DELICIOUS SUNDAY BRUNCH WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS EVE & NEW YEAR’S EVE Showcasing the freshest food in Marlborough with plenty of festive cheer.

Don’t miss out on our raffle, or your last chance to buy berries before Christmas!

Cherry Christmas

EVERY SUNDAY, NINE TIL NOON A&P Showgrounds, Cnr Maxwell & Alabama Rds

PH. 03 570 2170 M. 0274 831 997 2021 State Highway 1, Spring Creek

YOUR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED CONCRETE SUPPLIERS

SIMPLYJOINERY

ROCCO’S RESTAURANT

F I N E T I MB E R CR AF T

Authentic Italian Cuisine with pasta, seafood, steaks, chicken dishes.

Join us at Roccos for great family dining over the holiday season.

SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL 5 Dodson St (next to Grove Park Motel) Blenheim Ph 578 6940

MERRY CHRISTMAS We close on December 22nd and re-open January 15th



Ph 021 126 2514 or 579 3147 simplyjoinery@rocketmail.com

14

Friday December 15, 2017

what’s on

The Sun

in marlborough

- weekend event guide Friday 15 Get Your Skates On Kick start the Christmas holidays and celebrate the festive season by having a go at ice skating. Today and Saturday 10am6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm, suitable for all ages. Adult supervision is required at all times. $2 per person gold coin donation per session, skates, helmets and gloves are provided. Liz Davidson Place, Blenheim CBD. Renwick Christmas Tree Festival Come along and view a wonderful display of Christmas trees decorated by local community groups and businesses. Open to the public daily, 11am-10pm, until Christmas Eve. Renwick Anglican Church Hall, 54 High Street, Renwick.

Friday Knockout Pool Tournament Open to anybody except 1st division players. Come along learn the rules, some tactics, and maybe even improve your play. Limited to 16 people on a first come basis. Every Friday night at 7pm Clubs of Marlborough.

Yealands Estate Marlborough Gallery Figures exhibition on until Friday December 22. Marlborough Arts Society, 204 High Street, Blenheim. Normal opening hours 10.30am-4.30pm daily.

Hot Art in Havelock The Gallery Havelock, open 10am-4pm, seven days a week. Enjoy browsing some of the excellent art on show from talented local artists. Come and have a look in the friendly little gallery at 60 Main Road, Havelock.

The Diversion Gallery Natural Forces a group exhibition. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 12-5pm. 10 London Quay, Picton.

Marlborough Golf Club Half price green-fees after 4pm every day.

74 Paynters Road.

The Edwin Fox Ship Visitor Centre open daily from 9am. Explore the decks and depths of the Edwin Fox Ship. Dunbar Wharf, Picton Foreshore.

Heritage and Whaling Museum Picton has a collection of 2000 items of Maori, whaling, maritime, heritage and textile displays. 10am-4pm daily, 9 London Quay.

Marlborough Museum Open 10am–4pm daily. Brayshaw Heritage Park, 26 Arthur Baker Place.

If you have an event email Susan at The Sun office@blenheimsun.co.nz

Detour Gallery Highlights 2017, a selection of the most talked about artwork from this year’s exhibitions. On until January 18, 2018.

Wednesday to Monday 11am-5pm and 11am-3pm weekends. 67 Market Street.

Saturday 16

Redwood Market 8.30am-12pm, Redwood Tavern car park.

Plants, produce, cards, jewellery, flowers and hand crafts.

Round’A’Mini Golf Picton Picton Foreshore, 9am Saturday and Sunday.

Abel Tasman Shield MNWC Area Show Jumping Champs A great opportunity to watch some of the best Pony Club show jumpers and show hunters, competing over two days, in five different classes. Today and Sunday 9am-4pm, Marlborough Equestrian Park, Bothams Bend Road, Spring Creek.

Blenheim Rotary Car Boot Sale Every Saturday 8am–12.30pm at the Railway Station car park, Grove Road.

Eastern States Speedway Christmas meeting, BNT Remembrance Champs. $12 adults, $25 family, gates open 5pm with racing starting at 6pm.

Blenheim Menz Shed 4 Dillons Point Road. Open 9am-12pm Saturday and 1-4pm on Monday and Thursday.

Dawn Chorus A Celebration Of Our Bush And Birdlife Presented by the Sharon Rennie School of Dance, featuring colours and sounds of the New Zealand Bush. Today 11am and 7pm, $15-$25, door sales available. Main Auditorium, ASB Theatre Marlborough, 2 Hutcheson Street.

Picton Men’s Shed “Where men can do what men do best” 9am-12pm and Wednesday 9am-4pm. 2 Market St. Picton.

Havelock Lions Stocking Filler Market Great gifts for Christmas, don’t miss out.

9am-1pm, outside the Havelock Town Hall, Main Road, Havelock.

White Xmas BBQ Salsa Party Enjoy a night of dining and dancing with a white Xmas theme. BBQ pot luck dinner, BYO meat, food and drink, $5 entry. All ages and abilities welcome. 6.30-11.5pm, Harlequins Rugby Club, Lansdowne Park, Lansdowne Street.

Marlborough Artisan Market Highlighting the best of Marlborough’s art, craft, food and produce. Pop on down every Saturday, 9am-1pm. The Quays, 2 High Street, Blenheim. Wet weather venue is the Alfred Street carpark building.

Summer Bootcamp With fun games, AB training sessions, HIIT sessions, to name a few, suitable for all fitness levels. $10 per person, children free. 10-10.45am, on every Saturday until March 3, 2018. Pollard Park, located on the left hand side of the tennis courts.

Millennium Public Art Gallery JS Parker the Poetry of Surfaces. An exhibition of paintings and drawings by the late Marlborough abstract artist J.S. Parker.

Corner of Seymour Street and Alfred Street, koha appreciated.

EcoWorld EcoWorld Aquarium & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Picton Foreshore. Saturday & Sunday 9.30am-5.30pm.

Vintage Farm Machinery 10am-3pm, open every day. Brayshaw Park guided tours available, on Sunday Thomas Tank Engine rides are available.

5km Taylor River Fun Run Free timed 5km run along the Taylor River, meet at the Amphitheatre, corner of High and Symons Streets, 8am every Saturday.

Brooklyn Croquet Club Whitehead Park off Brooklyn Drive. Play days are Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday at 1pm. Come and have a go.

Sunday 17 Gloria Take a break from the rush of Christmas to enjoy a late afternoon interlude of choral music. Featuring the Marlborough Singers, Marlborough Civic Orchestra and the Marlborough District Brass. 4-6pm, $7-$35, ASB Theatre Marlborough, 2 Hutcheson Street.

Christmas Carols Come along to join in the Christmas cheer with Christmas carols at the Old Tua Marina Church with Barry Parker. 1pm-2pm.

Brayshaw Heritage Park, 26 Arthur Baker Place.

River Side Park Community Use of Scout Canoes & Rafts Free use of Marlborough Scout Zone 20 sit on canoes, life vests, helmets plus a few rafts. 10am-3pm, gold coin donation for equipment use. BBQ, food and drinks available for purchase. Children will need to be supervised by parents. Taylor River, River Side Park near Saveur Café.

Chess Joocy Loocy Café, 4 John Street, 10am1pm. Please bring your own board and pieces.

Get ready for the weekend with our list of what’s on!

Marlborough Farmers’ Market Every Sunday, 9am-noon at the A&P Showgrounds. Grab yourself a delicious brunch, lots on offer.

Picton Rail & Sail Open (subject to weather) Sundays, public holidays & everyday during school holidays. Picton Foreshore.

Marlborough Golf Club – Community Golf Sunday afternoon play 18 holes $15 or 9 holes $10. Must be a Marlborough resident. 74 Paynters Road.

Model Aero Club ARA Wairau Valley 9am. Phone Murray 578 9199.

Petanque 10am Sunday and 1pm Wednesday, 65A Weld Street.

Blenheim Riverside Railway Train Departs from Brayshaw Park as follows; 1.15pm and 3.00pm to Omaka and return, 1.45pm to Beaver Station, Riverside Park, central Blenheim and return. Adults $10 Child $5 (Omaka $6 & $3). Cash only.

Marlborough Rock and Mineral Club Brayshaw Park, come and see our large rock, mineral, crystal and fossil collection, work room and books. Free admission.

Picton Table Tennis Meets at the Picton Little Theatre every Sunday and Tuesday, Dublin Street, 10amnoon. $3 bats, tea/coffee supplied. Adults only.

Blenheim Roller Skating Club College Park, Stephenson Street. Every Sunday 1-3pm. $5 for hire of skates or $2 if you have your own. Come along and have a go, all ages and skill levels welcome.

Kapa haka Every Sunday at Tuamarina Hall. 1-3pm.

All welcome.

WC Area Abel Tasman Shield MN - Sa tps am Ch ing Sh ow Ju mp m- 4p m, ur da y an d Su nd ay 9a Pa rk , ian str ue Eq Ma rlb or ou gh ring Creek.

Bothams Bend Road, Sp

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017 15

5 minutes with: Graham Brooks

Q A Q A Q A

My ideal day is spent....

Continuing to breathe at the end of it.

One of my best holidays was...

Holiday? Is this a new Government coalition idea? If it is I like it, and will look forward to one.

One thing on my bucket list is....

To get some more buckets.

Q A Q A Q A

Photographer and life-long Renwick resident

Yes, I definitely would!

What’s your favourite meal?

The next one!

My guilty TV pleasure is .....

Is there such a thing these days? But TV One Nitwit Views at 6pm every night is good for a laugh.

Usually three inches away from the tips of your fingers in a town water drain.

Who would you love to share a meal with and why?

Fred Flintstone, as I have never had a brontosaurus pepper steak with two pterodactyl eggs and fries.

Just wonder if they had garlic back then?

Looks like dry days ahead

GIFT ERS VOUCH

GIFT RS HE VOUC

urbanbeachnz www.urbanbeachnz.com

urbanbeachnz urbanbeachnz www.urbanbeachnz.com www.urbanbeachnz.com

The unusual dry times so early in the season have caught a lot of gardeners out.

We now have drought conditions in November/ December, which would be more common for February/March. At least at the normal times we can look forward to the autumn rains and dew.

Many areas could currently be without any significant rain for a few months, or a deluge causing flooding as water can’t be absorbed into the parched soil.

We waste a lot of water from our washing machines, baths, showers and sinks which is referred to as grey water.

This water may contain traces of dirt, food, grease, hair, and certain household cleaning products.

While grey water may look “dirty,” it is a safe and even beneficial source of irrigation water. If grey water is released into rivers, lakes, or estuaries, its nutrients become pollutants, but to plants, they are valuable fertilizer.

Aside from the obvious benefits of saving water (and money on your water bill), reusing your grey water keeps it out of the sewer or septic system.

The easiest way to use grey water is to pipe it directly outside and use it to water ornamental plants or fruit trees.

Grey water can also be used to irrigate vegetable plants as long as it doesn’t touch edible parts of the plants. In any grey water system, it is essential to use “plant friendly” products, those without salts, boron, or chlorine bleach.

The build-up of salts and boron in the soil can damage plants.

Water from our washing machine is easy to collect as it is pumped out into the washing sink or into a pipe to the sewage system.

You can either put a plug in the sink to collect

GIFT ERS H C U O V T

GIF ERS VOUCH

6968388AA

The keys to happiness are...

EST

SSUUM

6968388AA

“Get outta there and leave that alone!”...quite a bit.

this week with Wally Richards

ST HOTT E T S T 616OOK 7/18 HO OKS 1155/1/L RR UMMER 1 E E LOMM M S M U S U S ST E T T HO OKS 1155/1/616 R LOMM MEER

6968388AA

My parents used to say...

gardening

T S E TT S 1616 O H OK 1155/ / RR E E LOMM M

SSUUM

Q A Q A Q A

If I could, I would....

BEST international & NZ labels in store.

Hi summer ranges arriving daily!

BEST international & BEST international &in store.

NZinlabels NZ labels store.

Hi summer ranges Hi summer ranges arriving daily!arriving daily!

TRAFALGAR STREET, NELSON

the water or into say 20 litre cans.

A word of warning: Do not leave your washing machine when pumping out or you will likely have a big mop up job.

Bath water or showers above baths are also easy to collect by just plugging the plug hole to collect the water and bucket it out.

Grey water should never be stored and should be used within 24 hours, if not before.

If you store grey water, the nutrients in it will start to break down, creating bad odours.

With vegetable gardens you need to make a trench between the rows of vegetable plants so the grey water can be directed into the trench and thus to the root zones of your vegetables.

In days gone by we always planted out vegetables in rows and had a trench between rows.

This was used to water the plants in summer with either tap water or grey water.

The foliage of the plants growing over the trench would help keep the moisture in the trenches from evaporating in sunlight or wind.

Grey water applications can help keep some moisture in the soil and prevent soil building up surface tensions which makes water shed off the area applied.

The possibility of soaps in the grey water will greatly enhance this aspect.

That means when you water, or it rains, the water will go where it does the most good, into the root zone of your plants.

Dry times are times to sacrifice your lawn.

Grasses will brown off but not die unless the soil becomes so dry and the roots bake. You will have seen in summer playing fields that are totally brown with the exception maybe of some hardy weeds. They look dead, but it does not take much rain to bring them back to green.

16 Friday December 15, 2017 public notice Alterations and Repairs Quality tailoring at competitive prices Ph/txt Christine 021 703 020 / 579 5267 Same day service Blenheim Writing a book?

We print and publish books and e-books.

No-obligation discussion. 03 5794709, www. prismaprint.co.nz info@ prismaprint.co.nz

public notice

txt

Nu-Look Clothing

Text your thoughts to:

027 242 5266

Two Strong Men & A Truck Available by the hour.

Can also do single item pick-up & delivery in Blenheim region.

public notice

situations vacant

Grovetown School Parent Support Group

We are looking for someone friendly & reliable for the cleaning of our estate cottage and kitchen-hand duties during our busy lunch service. Casual contract, Monday – Friday.

Cleaning experience necessary. If this sounds like you, then we’d love to hear from you.

For an application form or more information call us 572 8770 or email Amanda at enjoy@herzog.co.nz

Christmas Raffle

Hamper 187- Sue Sergent Christmas Cake 81- Jenny Springer

talk

The Sun

The Sun

Classifieds Advertising Ph 03 577 7868

Board of Trustees' election

Many thanks for your support

Declaration of Parent Election Results Parent representative votes: FISHBURN, Fiona

38

DAVIES,Carolyn

31

SAMPSON, Tony

27

SUNBEAM-PORTEOUS, Dinah

11

I hereby declare the following duly elected: Fiona Fishburn and Carolyn Davies Angela Taylor Returning Officer

Summer Fruit Season has arrived Pre-packed in various sizes All fruit available in town at the forum Open 9am to 5.30pm Pick your own cherries, boysenberries, raspberries and strawberries

Phone 0800 223 6632 & 027 558 3260 Winz quotes available

Rapaura Tennis Club Drylands Marlborough 40th Anniversary Doubles Tournament Friday, Saturday, Sunday 29-31 December 2017 Entry forms available from http://www.sporty.co.nz/marlboroughtennis/ Marlborough-Clubs/Rapaura-Tennis-Club closing on Sunday, 24 December 2017 Any inquiries contact: Barry Doig 578 7599

WHAT'S ON

Tonight

183 Old Renwick Road, Blenheim Open 7 days

Members Draw 1st draw $1700.00 Karaoke with Dale - Club Bar Members Draw $800.00 Rockova - Club Bar 7.30pm

Tuesday Reminder The Club is Closed from 3pm Sunday 17th December

Members, their guests and Affiliates Welcome P: 5781059 • www.clubsofmarlborough.org.nz

Board of Trustees Election

Declaration of Parent Election Results At the close of nominations, as the number of valid nominations was equal to the number of vacancies required to be filled, I hereby declare the following duly elected: • Ben McLauchlan • Brendan Varney Declaration of Staff Election Results Votes: Otway, Giselle 3 Funnell, Phil 4 I hereby declare Phil Funnell duly elected:

Have some junk that could be treasure?

Don’t throw it out!

Notice of Annual Public Meeting

The meeting is to: • Report on the operation of the Trust and the Company during the preceding financial year and on the financial statements of the Trust and the Company for the financial year ended 30 June 2017.

• Confirm appointment of auditor.

• Enable general public discussion and information to beneficiaries of the Trust.

In accordance with the governing Deed and S100 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 the Trust’s Annual Reports and Financial Statements for the year ending 30 June 2017 will be available from 13th December 2017 at the offices of Blenheim Accounting Ltd, 36 Maxwell Rd, Blenheim (office hours 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday).

Brenda Munro Trust Secretary

Refrigeration & Airconditioning Engineers and Installers

Contact Craig Martella, or email: craig@martella.co.nz

April Morris Returning Officer

The Marlborough Electric Power Trust advises that it will be holding its Annual Public Meeting on Thursday 21st December 2017 at 10.00 am, to be held at the St John’s Building, 93 Seymour St, Blenheim.

WANTED

We have full-time positions available now.

Join the Winning Team We provide excellent rates and opportunities

Saturday

1st Draw $5000.00* *unless struck prior

Jeffries Road, RD3 (off Rapaura Rd) Blenheim

Advertise a garage sale today and turn trash into cash

Ph 5777 868

for sale CARAVAN Pop-Top 2 berth, $12.500. Toilet, gas hob and fridge.

Phone 5784952.

TENT Kiwi Camping Co, 3 compar tment $ 18 0 o n o . B r e v i l l e healthsmart grill and recipe book $40ono.

Breville juicer fountain plus and recipe book $40ono. 2 bikes Giant 26inch wheel, 21 speed, new helmet $450ono.

Phone 5793392.

Phone 577 7868 to place your ad here

Wednesday Sun The

Sun

Blenheim Marlborough

The

Blenheim Marlborough

Phone 578 0030

1 Freswick Street, Blenheim | www.martella.co.nz we’ll take care of it

Carpet Cleaning and Flood Restoration Technician Required Potential Candidates Must: • Have an excellent work ethic, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn • Be able to work to a high standard independently and as part of a team • Be able to do after-hours call-out work (on a rostered basis) • Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and a genuine respect for clients • Have a strong attention to detail and excellent time keeping skills • Have a tidy and professional personal presentation • Be physically fit and capable • Hold a full, clean, New Zealand drivers’ license • Be honest, reliable and trustworthy • Clear pre-employment screening: Physical, Drug and alcohol and Ministry of Justice checks The successful applicant will be provided with all the tools of the trade including a company phone and a GPS tracked (work only) van.

You will need to be comfortable working with our phone app, and maintaining a clean and professional appearance of yourself and your company owned vehicle and good working order to equipment, at all times.

Experience with IICRC standards and in carpet laying would be beneficial, but not essential.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Please call the number provided and leave details outlining your skills and experience.

Please call 027 595 8560

The Sun

Classifieds Advertising Ph 03 577 7868

situations vacant

church notice

Motel Cleaner Required

Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Senior Citizens Hall, 166 High Street. Sundays 10 a.m. All welcome. 5785030

Must be reliable, hours usually from 9am - 12pm will include some weekends

Phone 027 491 2217

Relief deliverers wanted for all areas Are you a hard worker and looking for a relief job?

Do you have parental or caregivers support?

If this sounds like you, please discuss with your parent or caregiver and give us a call.

Please phone 577 7868

Wednesday Sun The

Sun

Blenheim Marlborough

The

Blenheim Marlborough

ADVERTISING TERMS & CONDITIONS All advertisements are subject to the approval of Blenheim Sun newspaper. Advertisements are positioned entirely at the option of The Publisher & no guarantee of placement is given. Applicable loadings apply only to the specific placement of strip or island advertisements. Placement & approval is at the discretion of The Publisher. While every effort will be made to publish as instructed, The Publisher accepts no liability for any loss caused through loss or misplacement. The Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement considered unsuitable for publication. Advertisements will be charged on the size of the material supplied or the space ordered whichever is the greater. It is the responsibility of the Advertiser or Advertising Agent to notify Blenheim Sun newspaper of any error within 24 hours of its publication. The Publisher is not responsible for recurring errors. To obtain a classified space order (defined as annual commitment of advertising space or spend) please speak to your advertising representative. (Surcharges may apply if commitment levels are not met or cancellation of a space booking & or contract). Cancellation: neither display nor classified cancellations will be accepted after the booking deadline. No credits will be issued to classified package buys that have commenced their series. If an advertiser at any time fails to supply copy within the deadline, it is understood & agreed that the last copy supplied will be repeated. Specific terms & conditions apply to certain classifications. These may relate to either requirements & conditions set by industry standards for the advertising of certain goods & services, or set by The Publisher. Please speak to your advertising representative to obtain a full copy of these. Advertisers agree that all advertisements published by Blenheim Sun newspaper may also appear on a relevant website.

The Sun

Nativity Anglican Church

Births This Week

76 Alfred Street, Blenheim.

All welcome to our services Sunday - 8am Traditional Eucharist Service 10am - Family Service

Gregory, Jasper-Jhett Michael December 9, 2017

Thursday - 10am Communion Service

wanted FLOOR Polisher. Phone 5785317.

VISITING ANTIQUES & GOLD BUYER

Jacobson, Isobelle Rose: December 4, 2017 Kapua-Tevita, Ezekiel John: December 7, 2017 Petherick, Finn Robert: December 10, 2017

Will be in Marlborough region and would like to purchase for CASH any Gold & Silver, including Broken Jewellery, Pocket Watches, Wrist Watches, Rings, Brooches, Chains, Sovereigns, Alluvial, Gold etc. Ivory, Chinese & Japanese Antiques & Collectables, Pre War Post Cards, Old Hat Pins and Costume Jewellery, Early NZ Photo’s & Paintings, also Silver Coins & Banknotes, Coin Collections, Military Badges & Medals, Stamps & Stamp Collections, Old Clocks, Old Lights & Lightshades, Paintings & Books, Old Violins & Musical Instruments, Vintage Toys etc, Paying up to $500 for old enamel advertising signs.

Please Phone Ronald Proctor on Freephone 0800 746 022 or 027 4322 907 Anytime for an obligation free appraisal.

garage

SALES

The Sun

Death Notices FAIRHALL, John Benjamin: December 8, 2017

GRASSMERE Road, Seddon, 8am Saturday. From a double door fridge freezer to a pop-up trailer camper. Moving, ever thing for sale, all must go.

FLYNN, Erin Wayne (Wayne): December 9, 2017

Monster Garage Sale and Sausage Sizzle/Carwash Fundraiser Saturday 16th December Blenheim Baptist Community Church 8 Beaver Rd Door open 8am Come score a Christmas Bargain

GOULDING, Dianne Ina: December 8, 2017

Advertise a garage sale today and turn trash into cash

Ph 5777 868

WORKING FOR

YOU

Our experienced sales staff know advertising.

We work with our clients to generate local business.

Give Bonnie, Gemma or Simon a call today!

GAMBLE, Mary (nee Muldoon):

HOLT, John: December 11, 2017 LOGAN, Margaret: December 9, 2017 MacDONALD, James Nicholas (Cappy): December 9, 2017 PACKHAM, Doreen Mavis: December 5, 2017` PETER, Richard John (Dik, Dikie): December 8, 2017 STUART, James Gerard: December 11, 2017

friday fact

Friday December 15, 2017

17

death notices

CHRISTIE, William Gordon (Bill): On Monday December 11 2017, at Ashwood Park Retirement Village. In his 100th year.

Beloved husband of the late Flora, loved father of Christina and stepfather of Ashley Sturrock and Lee Stacey. Special thanks to the staff at Ashwood Park Retirement Village for their wonderful care of Bill. A private cremation service for Bill has been held.

Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN FDANZ Tel 03 578 4719 MASON (MEIHANA), Ian Martin (“Marty/ Charlie”): Passed away peacefully at Wairau Hospital on Thursday December 14 2017.

Dearly loved partner of Roimata and muchloved Dad of Reene, Eli, Ani and Leon.

Treasured son of Noeleen and the late Len Mason. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Louise and Ashley, the late Anne, Ruth, Julie and Bart, Lenny and Nicola, Noel and Carrie-Anne, Stuart and Renatta, Harena and Glen, Haromi and Brent. Much-loved and respected uncle to all his nieces and nephews.

Messages may be sent to 15 Buller Street, Picton 7220. A graveside service will be held for Marty at Te Hora Urupa, Canvastown at 2pm on Monday December 18 2017. “A brave fighter to the end”.

Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN FDANZ Tel 03 578 4719 PAGET, Dennis Robert, MNZM: Passed away peacefully at Maxwell Care Home on Thursday December 14 2017. Aged 90 years.

Now united with his beloved Jessie. Treasured Pop of Ken and Sue and their partners Janet and Gary. Loved and admired Grandad of all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Waterlea Rest Home and Maxwell Care Home, and Dr Steve Young. Messages may be sent to the Paget Family, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. A celebration of Dennis’s life will be held at the Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, at 1pm on Monday December 18, followed by cremation at the Sowman Crematorium.

Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN FDANZ Tel 03 578 4719 acknowledgement

ROCHE, Frances Joy (Fran): Tony, Ricci and Sarah, Karl and Michelle, Sean and Ave, Justin, and families (and her beloved dog Patrick), wish to thank everyone for the kindness shown to them on the recent passing of Fran. Your expressions of sympathy, cards, letters, phone calls, gifts, flowers, baking and visits have been a great comfort to us. A huge thank you to all who shared in Fran’s final farewell and to Dr Wegener, Poswillo’s Pharmacy, Sowmans Funeral Directors, the special people at Hospice Marlborough, and Kontiki Leisure Marchers. She has left a huge irreplaceable gap in our lives. God bless you all.

In Memoriam Remember your lost loved one on their anniversary.

Total market coverage in Marlborough

Wednesday Sun The

Sun

Blenheim Marlborough

The

Blenheim Marlborough

03 5777 868

A hard-boiled egg will spin. An uncooked or soft-boiled egg will not.

The deadline is Monday 5.00pm.

Please contact the Sun for further details.

72 High Street, Blenheim, email office@blenheimsun.co.nz or phone 577 7868.

18

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017

Past pupil principal leaving special place

By Cathie Bell Picton School principal Alister McCosh, who retires today, has had a long history at the school.

He has been principal at Picton School for 10 years, but he started his own schooling at Picton School, and his mother went there too.

“I still have relations who are pupils at the school today.”

Alister says the school is a lovely, special place.

He is not sure what he will do next, whether he will travel, go to university, travel, or he may ‘just put my feet up and read a few good books’.

“Reading has been very much a holiday occupation the last 10 years.”

Ward School principal David Sullivan takes over as principal at Picton School next year and St Mary’s School Blenheim teacher Carey Huria is to be principal at Ward School.

Mason Lucas shows off his bowls medals with proud parents Linda and Jim Lucas and Mason's little nephew Samuel Lucas-Quay.

Mason’s a winner, with the medals to prove it

By Bill McElhinney When Mason Lucas was five-end-ahalf years old he was diagnosed with a debilitating brain tumour.

The cancerous tumour was inoperable, and doctors told his mother, Linda, and father, Jim, that Mason wasn’t expected to survive.

But Mason is now 46, and recently returned from a New Zealand Disabled Bowls National Tournament in Palmerston North with two medals,

gold and a bronze.

“They treated Mason with some radiation,” Linda says, “But they couldn’t remove the tumour, so it has affected his right arm and leg and his vision as well.”

But that hasn’t stopped Mason from following Jim’s footsteps, joining the Riverside Bowling Club in Budge Street, and developing his sporting skills.

“I play bowls every week,” Mason

says, and he’s grateful for the support from his club members, who made a donation to help cover his travel to the North Island tournament.

Mason returned won a bronze medal in the pairs and a gold medal in the triples, and hopes to travel to Wellington next year for the national Disabled Bowls Tournament.

He has competed in the past three national tournaments and won a bronze medal each time.

Left: Renwick mum Mary-Jane Thompson enjoys getting about on her bicycle with two-year-old daughter, Sienna.

"I've biked down to kindy twice today and then down to Tunes with Tots at the Anglican Church Hall," Mary-Jane says.

"Then we'll bike down to Thompson Electrical to see Dad (Richard).

It's so much easier than getting Sienna in and out of the car seat!"l

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Katrina and the team wish you all a safe and happy festive season.

Fri 22 - We will be closed from midday Sat 23 - Tue 26 - Closed Wed 27 - Fri 29 - Open 9am - 5pm Sat 30 - Tues 2 - Closed Wed 3 - Fri 5 - Open 9am - 5pm Sat 6 - Open 9am - 2pm Normal hours resume from Monday 8th January 2018

40 Main Street, Blenheim Ph 578 7900 www.guthriebowron.co.nz

Rose Francis has published a book for the Christmas season.

Book for the season

By Cathie Bell Rose Francis has put a series of stories she wrote for radio into print form, and they are just the thing for the Christmas season.

The former journalist, now living in Blenheim, has written several educational books and this latest one, ‘Fit for a King’, brings words and pictures to a series of radio scripts she wrote for Christmas airing.

It’s designed so there is a story for each day in the build-up to one of the most important events in the Christian calendar.

Rose says the stories were written for radio, and have been played on radio stations such as Radio Rhema.

“But they’ve never been put into book form.

“I lost my sight in the earthquake and my ability to paint has been restricted so I thought I’d better do it now… I’m making the most of what I’ve got.”

The stories are told from the points of view of different characters involved in the Christmas story, and highlight how people feel better giving and be-

ing generous, rather than receiving, she says.

“If you haven’t got money, you can give by serving – doing chores or making an effort. Not everyone can afford a commercial gift.

“That’s the message of Christmas.”

Rose says 10 per cent from the books’ sales will go to the Church Mission Society, as she has a neice working as a medical missionary in Uganda, and any sold at Nativity Church will see five dollars go to the church’s earthquake rebuild fund.

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017

sport

Sport

sports talk

inbrief

With Jacob Page

Up to England to ignite lame duck Ashes series The Ashes series had better find a spark soon or it could be a long summer for cricket fans.

The reality is the 2017 versions of Australia and England aren’t that good and the dizzying heights of quality series between the two nations more than a decade back seem a lifetime ago.

Each team has its weaknesses - Australia their fragile top and middle order, England their top and middle order and the fact they have a spinner who can’t buy a wicket.

Aussie captain Steve Smith has so far outplayed his counterpart Joe Root and the pace bowling has been edged by the Australians in their home conditions.

Besides the battle of the captains, the other area Australia are earning the upper hand is through off spinner Nathan Lyon.

Lyon has taken 11 wickets compared to just two for England’s chief spinner Moeen Ali in the first two tests and the Australian cult hero dubbed ‘Gary’ by teammates is a key reason, along with hundreds by Smith and Shaun Marsh, as to why the team is up 2-0 in the five year series.

England are yet to have a batsman score a century in the series and Root aside, it’s hard to see where one could come from.

Veteran Ashes hero Alastair Cook looks like Father Time has passed him by and the new

crop of English batsmen seem to go weak in the knees at the pivotal moments.

Flashy 50s are never as memorable as gritty tons.

Not even a recall for bad boy Ben Stokes would be enough at this point. Stokes hasn’t set the world on fire in New Zealand’s domestic competition with bat or ball in three appearances so far but it is undeniable that on his best day he can give the English team the balance it is currently sorely lacking.

Expect a mediocre Aussie whitewash and a forgettable one at that, unless England can play with the passion currently only being displayed by the Barmy Army in the stands.

Axemen do well at Nelson

Blenheim axmen Finn Sloan was the most successful local competitor at the recent Nelson A&P Show. Photo provided.

19

Marlborough axemen did well at the recent Nelson A&P Show with Robbie Brownlee, Willie Abel, Ivan Smith, Geoffrey Hocquard, Tim Abel, Finn Sloan, Billy Sloan and Wera Stafford all being placed in various finals over the two days.

Ivan and Wera picked up at least one first place and Willie, Tim, Robbie and Geoffrey each had a win in five of the eight standing and underhand open chops.

Finn teamed up with Neil Hateley (Westport) to win the double sawing on both days.

Geoffrey teamed up with Adam Lowe for double sawing both days and the two man combination chop on Sunday.

Geoffrey won the Fraser Family Memorial Underhand Chop for the second year. He was rewarded with an axe engraved in the memory of Donald (Don) Fraser of Motueka.

It was a popular win especially as he was the second to last to start on his handicap of 40 seconds with Adam Lowe on 42 seconds.

Don Fraser, who passed away in May 2017, and Bill Fraser who passed away in June 2016, had spent most of their chopping days at competitions with the late Geoff Hocquard.

When Geoff Hocquard Snr was competing most of his axes were named after his wood chopping New Zealand team mates. Geoffrey will be able to follow the tradition with engraved axes.

Nelson/Marlborough won the teams race against an invitation team. Adam Lowe, Willie Abel, Geoffrey Hocquard, Ivan Smith, Ross Birchfield and Finn Sloan made up the local team.

The most points trophy for the eight open chops went to Tim Abel with 17 points followed by Willie with 15 and Geoffrey on 12 points.

The most points trophy and new axe for the six restricted chops went to Billy Sloan with 20 points, closely followed by Zabrina Lowe with 19 and Ashleigh Radfield on 18 points.

Pony club event Some of the best pony club show jumpers and show hunters will be competing on Saturday and Sunday at the Marlborough Equestrian Park in Bothams Bend Road, Spring Creek.

The event, hosted by the Marshlands Pony Club, will feature competition in five different classes to see who can win the Abel Tasman Shield this year in this exciting teams event.

There are teams of riders coming from all over the top of the South Island and as far away as Greymouth, so there should be some great competition. A good opportunity to come along and watch some of the best pony club show jumpers and show hunters compete.

Ride the highway Beatnik Motorsport is organising a motorcycle ride on Saturday to celebrate the opening of State Highway One between Blenheim and Kaikoura.

Start at the Beatnik parking lot in Main Street at 9.30am for a ride to Clarence for a 30 minute break, then head to the Pier Hotel in Kaikoura for lunch At your own expense. You can spend some time in Kaikoura or head back to Blenheim when you are ready.

A free event being organised by Beatnik to help bring some good will to the people of Kaikoura.

Send us your sports photos We will select the best and publish them for free. Please include name, contact and details of event.

Sports events or news tips Please contact Bill, Cathie or Celeste at news@blenheimsun.

Wednesday

Streetstocks to race in memory of Gerald

By Celeste Alexander One year ago Eastern States Speedway said farewell to one of its streetstock drivers and head scrutineer, Gerald Flintoff, who tragically passed away.

Tomorrow’s Remembrance Champs held by the club will pay tribute to Gerald, with the fourth race of the streetstock class being in his memory.

There will also be seven super saloons racing including NZ1’s Shane McIntyre and NZ3’s Peter Dickson.

“This will be a great race to watch considering these guys are travelling for away racing quite a bit, plus it’s a good lead up to the MVIP South Island Super Saloons Champs and the Vertex Cup which are being held in Blenheim in February next year,” committee member Jason Green says.

The race meeting will also have a Christmas theme, beginning at 6pm with some fun.

Club drivers and committee members will be having a bike race on the track which the crowd will be able to enjoy.

There will be around 12 streetstocks racing at tomorrow's Eastern States Speedway's Remembrance Champs, including rivals from Nelson.

SpeedNut Photography.

20

The Sun

Friday December 15, 2017

Rikstay Auto

Wishing all our valued customers from 2017 a fun and prosperous Christmas and New Year.

Open 8am to 5pm weekdays and 8am - 12 midday Saturdays.

Closed for the public holidays

We look forward to seeing all our old and new customers in 2018!

The one-stop shop for tyres in Blenheim We have over 24 years in the business, come and talk to Mark about your vehicle needs.

When it comes to new tyres you want the peace of mind that you can get the right tyres at the right price. You need to come into the tyre shop that Blenheim has been trusting for over two decades.

At Rikstay Auto, we love to give our customers the best deals on tyres, offering the biggest range in the area. We stock only the top tyre brands and the latest advancements, such as fuel efficient tyres from EECA. Open six days a week for your convenience, we are also exhaust, battery and lube specialists, offering a selection of services for your vehicle. Please call or email us for more information and to book your vehicle in with us today.

Ph 03 578 7074 • 36 Grove Road, Blenheim • www.rikstay.co.nz