12 October Blenheim Sun

Rowing, family and Alison

By Chris Valli

Blenheim’s Brian Hutchison, 90, won four gold medals at the South Island Mas ters’ Games in Timaru at the weekend.

Proving age continues to be no barrier, the former post office linesman finished first in the indoor rowing events in the 100, 200, 500 and 1000 metre disciplines.

His age category was 90-94 years young. The goal of the Masters Games is to encourage participation in sport where camaraderie and competition are equally celebrated.

Continued on page 2.

Doing what he does best: Brian putting in the strokes on his erg in his Redwood town garage.

Family is a big part

It is obvious with age and wisdom

Brian possesses a sharp wit when asked about the various disciplines and the mind-set to succeed.

“I was nearly going to pull out of the 1000 as it wasn’t my favourite event. I had my family come down to see and support me, it was bloody brilliant. Going into the 1000 was a chance to warm up for the others.”

“I am bloody lucky at my age to be doing what I’m doing.

“Family is a big thing.”

Brian’s Redwoodtown home re sembles a Masters Games ‘Te Papa’ with all things historical when it comes to rowing. The wall in his garage reflects a sport which has provided various highlights over the years with clippings, photographs and medals.

The sport he says has provided ca maraderie for himself and his four sons, Barry, David, Ross and Neal.

Brian has had a long association and involvement with the Blenheim Rowing Club dating back to 1950.

“There have been wonderful

people involved with the club over the years and this continues to be the case.”

Brian says he is thankful at his age to have support from family who continue to be his motivation and the Blenheim Rowing Club. He would also like to acknowledge the Sun Newspaper for the coverage and ‘profile’ over the years and Mike from Meaters of Marlbor ough who dropped off a meat pack after hearing of Brian’s games success.

Brian says the progression from rowing the Wairau River, which he is still doing, to the indoor variety was a matter of ‘keeping busy’ especially after losing his late wife Alison to cancer 18 months ago. The couple were married for 64 years and she was his number one support in every definition of the word.

“I was asked to give a speech and a few words after winning the medals in Timaru. My only disappointment was that my lovely wife Alison couldn’t be there. She would’ve

been there in a heartbeat. It’s a big loss and it’s hard at times.

“It’s life and you just carry on.”

Or in the case of Brian Hutchison,

New support group recently formed

In New Zealand approximately 600 people die by suicide each year. Each loss is tragic and has a lasting impact on the lives of the family members and communities left behind.

The Marlborough Interagency Sui cide Postvention group (MPIG) hopes to support family members, friends, and associates who have lost someone through suicide, through linking them with the appropriate health and support services including specialist bereave

ment counselling.

I n consultation with Paul Martin, the Nelson Marlborough Suicide Pre vention and Postvention Coordinator, CARE Marlborough and Marlborough Supporting Families invited interested government and community services to form MPIG in May this year.

The MPIG has been coming together since June to plan the dissemination of information on local health and support services to the community and ensure

individuals and whanau in need are identified and offered help.

If you have any concerns about someone who has been affected by the loss of someone through suicide and you need someone to talk to, here is a list of local services.

Mental Help line Free call or text 1737 -24/7. Trained counsellors.

Depression Helpline Free 24/7 helpline - 0800 111 757 or TEXT 4202-Trained Counsellors

Brian and a picture of his late wife Alison who died from cancer 18 months ago. He says her love and support was fundamen tal in not only this games but throughout life.

row on.

“I’ll continue for a while and see what happens. I’ll be as good as I can, while I can.”

Youthline 0800 376 633 or text 234

Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865

Emergency dial 111

Local Marlborough Services: Te Piki Oranga 0800 672 642

Mental Health Advocacy Service (03) 5795304 or 0275754725 or 027575470

Supporting Families Marlborough (03) 577 5491

Marlborough Adult Mental Health Service 24/7 - 0800 948 497

Nadine wins mayoral race

By Maia Hart LDR reporter

Marlborough has a new mayor.

Based on a count of about 90 per cent of voters, Nadine Taylor will take the top council seat for the coming term.

Speaking from her parents’ house on Saturday afternoon, Taylor said she was “honoured and excited” to be voted in by the people of Marlborough.

“Waiting for that phone call, you start to think ‘have I done enough’. The chief executive [Mark Wheel er] rang and said ‘congratulations’, and the work starts now, it was just a really lovely phone call to get,” Taylor said.

Seeing the preliminary election results list for the first time, Taylor thought Marlborough had been very sensible in their voting.

She added it was good to see some younger councillors and wahine around the table – with Raylene Innes elected in the Marlborough Sounds ward for the first time, Deborah Dalliessi in the Blenheim ward and Allanah Burgess taking the new Maori ward seat.

“There’s a good mix of ex perience and new blood,” the former deputy mayor said. “I’m pleased we got that balance of experience back, we were always going to have the new blood and new ideas because of the number of councillors retiring, so there was no danger in not having the freshness, which is important.”

She said the rest of the day would be spent celebrating with friends and family, before kick-starting into the term.

“The next three weeks are going to be very busy internally,” she said.

“Meeting with the new coun cillors, understanding what areas that they’re interested in, what’s driven them to stand for council, what they think they would like to achieve, and making sure that I understand that.”

She was already talking about tweaking the committees to make sure there was an emphasis on climate change.

“Particularly the [climate change] adaption work that we are going to have to do as a province for the next 10 or 20 years, but I would like this council to be the council that sets up a good foundation for that,” she said.

“So I see the next three to four weeks being very much about getting the structures right, and building that team feeling because we do have a lot of new council lors coming in, and I want them to feel supported and integrated into the team.

“I talk about them as new coun cillors, but by the end of the year I don’t want to have a sense of new and old, I want to have a sense of a single team.”

She said she had given some thought to who she wanted as her deputy, but wanted to wait for the election results, and until she met with all councillors before making a final decision.

Meanwhile, she added the biggest challenge for this term will

be bringing Marlborough’s roads back up to standard following the latest weather event. “It needs to be our major focus. The community that lives out there, and is living with uncertainty at the moment, needs it to be our major focus, and it will be.

“I am really well briefed on it, having been assets and ser vice committee chair. I fully u nderstand everything we need to achieve. I just now need to get that work in and follow that work through.”

She wanted to thank the Marl borough community for voting, and her husband, Graham Taylor.

“You can’t do this sort of thing on

your own, it takes a huge support around you, and I just feel like I’ve had that support at every level.”

Preliminary results based on about 90% of votes:

Blenheim Ward: Jamie Arbuckle, David Croad, Deborah Dallies si, Brian Dawson, Matt Flight, Thelma Sowman, A close battle between Cyril Dawson and Jona thon Rosene. Marlborough Sounds

Wa rd: Barbara Faulls, Raylene Innes, Ben Minehan.

Wairau-Awatere Ward: Scott Adams, Gerald Hope,and another close battle between Mike In sley and Sally Arbuckle for the final seat. Maori Ward Allanah Burgess.

inbrief TheSun

Council extends barge and water taxi subsidy

Marlborough District Council, with funding support from Waka Kotahi, will extend its barge and water taxi subsidies for residents, workers and visitors to areas that were previously accessible by road through until August next year.

Former Mayor John Leggett said it is important Council continues to offer this assistance to those who have been impacted by the recent storm events, particularly as many roads around the region remain affected.

The per-passenger water taxi subsidy is for scheduled and pre-booked services. Bookings can be made directly with water taxi service providers and also through the Marlborough i-SITE.

The barge services subsidy is run in partnership with Johnsons’ Barge Service Limited in Havelock, Kenny Barging in Picton and d’Urville Crossings at French Pass with services into the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds and from French Pass to d’Urville Island.

Over 200kms of road reopened throughout Marlborough

Over 200km of road throughout Marlborough was reopened for public access last week after being severely damaged during recent storm events.

Ronga Road through to the last 3km of the Croisilles-French Pass Road, Elaine Bay Road and the Okiwi Bay township roads all reopened to public access today. This follows the opening of the full length of Awatere Valley Road on Tuesday, October 4.

Marlborough Roads Manager, Steve Murrin, says the reopening of 213km of road across the province is a huge milestone in the recovery effort and it’s fantastic to restore access before the start of the busy tourist and farming seasons.

Public access on Queen Charlotte Drive also continues to increase, with access extended to between Havelock and Momorangi Bay.

Nadine Taylor, pictured with her husband Graham Taylor, is Marlbor ough’s new mayor. SUPPLIED: BRYA INGRAM/STUFF

Close battle with two seats - fiNal results will be available oN thursday

Facebook Auction for Cora

By Chris Valli

Two Blenheim people involved in the veterinary industry are utilising social media as a platform to help a friend who is fighting for her life.

Cora McConnell featured in the Sun Newspaper on September 21 for personal ised ‘ground breaking alternative therapy treatment’ to fight ovarian cancer. Cora will be based in Cologne, Germany where she will be for the next three months with three rounds of treatment.

IOZK Immunotherapy treatment will mo bilize Cora’s own immune response which

In

Since 1947

ultimately will enable it to fight against the growth of the cancerous tumours.

Katherine Bowen, Practice Manager of Vet Marlborough and Vetpak’s Jason Gray (a veterinary supplies company) have known one another socially and professionally for many years.

The duo wanted to show their support for Cora and have come up with a silent auction on Facebook with the group called ‘Cora McConnell-fighting for life fundraiser.’

Jason says his relationship with Cora came about through Cora’s previous employment in the veterinary industry.

“Personally, I really have only got to know Cora since I started calling on Vets on Alabama five, six years ago as a client. Two years ago, my wife and I went through our own cancer challenge. Cora was extremely supportive. When she opened up to what she was going through, I thought if I could support her in any way I’d like to try. Like most people, the intention was there but I failed to act.”

Jason says Katherine and himself dis cussed Cora’s plight after seeing her Give a Little page and reading the story in the Sun Newspaper.

Jason says they have been sourcing prod ucts from veterinary supply companies that have been working with Cora.

“They have donated products that can be auctioned off. This is a progressive auction. We keep posting new auctions every couple of days or as available. Each auction will run for 10 days. This keeps it fresh and also gives us time to secure more products.

Jason says they have the backing from approximately six - 10 companies with more coming aboard all the time.

Cora’s Give a little page is currently at

$29,000. Her treatment costs $150,000.

“After a few technical hitches and the help of young humans, we are underway now.

“Get on, bid and don’t forget to share.

“The more people who see, the better the success.

“We want to get her to it (treatment goal and costs).”

Jason says the reason behind the auction and fundraiser is simple.

“Cora’s been dealt a tough hand and this year has been especially tough, losing her mum as well.

If we can contribute to make life a tiny bit better for Cora, Euan and Niamh (husband and daughter) then we’ve succeeded.”

Standing by natural – at all costs?

KORU NUTRITION

In our world today, it is normal to be hand sanitizing every time you enter a store. These sanitizers clean away the bacteria but for some, it can be harsh on their skin. For Craig, being a sales representative, visiting multiple stores every day, this became a frequent routine and a nuisance - but not in the way you might think.

Craig’s company supplied sanitizer for all their employees. This was great until Craig found that not only was it irritating the skin on his hands but it was causing irritation to the skin on his face!

“Being a person who has to go into stores and sell, having red and flaky skin on your face isn’t great for your sales targets. I didn’t like to look at it and I’m sure my clients didn’t either. One day I overheard a client talking about my face; I knew I needed to do something.”

“I was in a pharmacy restocking some of our products, when one of the sales ladies there asked me if I had tried Koru Skin from

Koru Nutrition. I said, ‘No’, as it wasn’t a company that I was familiar with. She gave me a sample to take home to try.”

“I applied the cream when I got home that night and forgot about it. Over the next few days I kept applying and I really felt the calming effect and the redness diminish!”

As well as moisturizing, Koru Skin is designed to soothe, nourish, and protect

your skin. Dermatologically tested, Koru Skin is a nongreasy formula made in New Zealand without any nasty chemicals or fillers.

“I just love that what is in the cream is all natural. Being all natural it means I don’t need to question what it is that is nourishing and calming my skin. It just feels great.”

“It is just such a great product and I cannot

recommend it enough.”

With nineteen allnatural ingredients and no chemicals, fillers or nasties, Koru Skin soothes, nourishes and protects your skin with fast results.

If your skin is prone to redness, or is dry and itchy, then don’t just take our word for it; next time you’re in the pharmacy ask for Koru Skin from Koru Nutrition and try it for yourself.

Blenheim's Cora McConnell in Cologne, Germany where she is receiving three rounds of IOZK Immunotherapy treatment for her ovarian cancer. A Facebook auction group called ‘Cora McConnell-fighting for life fundraiser' has been set up by Blenheim friends Jason Gray and Katherine Bowen, practice manager of Vet Marlborough.

Leisure marching hits town

On Saturday 15th October the 28th South Island Leisure Marching Day 2022 will be held at the Stadium 2000 in Blenheim.

Hosting the event are the two Marlbor ough teams, Funseekers Leisure Marchers coached by Kaylene Hollard, and Kon Tiki Leisure Marchers coached by Vicki Stuart. Leisure marching is an ever growing sport in New Zealand with well over 100 teams from Northland to Bluff and everywhere in between.

Teams consist of lots of older ex marchers and total newbies - those who have never marched before, but saw it somewhere and thought that would be just the thing for them.

The motto of leisure marching is the three F’s, friendship, fitness and fun, with most members are over 40 and lots of ladies still marching well into their 80’s.

Teams do all sorts of fundraising, and heaps of it, to pay for uniforms, travel and accommodation and of course entry fees to each event.

Each year the South Island event is hosted in a different area, with the North Island doing the same.

The National Leisure Marching Days are held in March each year and alternate between the Islands. Wellington will be hosting the 2023 National Leisure March ing Day and Invercargill, 2024.

There is always over 80 teams attending this event, which is held over two days.

The event in Blenheim has attracted 31 teams, with over 330 ladies attending.

The teams will assemble at 9.30am for the March Past and official opening with the Salute being taken this year by our ex Mayor Liz Davidson, who has been a great enthusiast of our sport.

The displays will start at 10.30am with Funseekers marching first, followed by Kon Tiki, then the other teams in the order

of the draw.

The displays have a time limit of five minutes, and most teams these days do not use a whistle, so that keeps everyone’s brain working having to memorise approx imately 600 steps of movements.

A Maze March finishes the day where all teams are mixed up, and follow two leaders to create a very colourful sight with different shapes.

The marching should finish around 3pm to 3.30pm.

The public are most welcome to attend this event and support the teams and ENTRY IS FREE.

Sailor’s Home Irish

Spooky

Kon Tiki Leisure Marchers, led by Sharon Kerry.

Funseekers Leisure Marchers, led by Kay lene Hollard.

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

Q: What was the best thing you did in the Term 3 school holidays?

Jayden Forlong (7) Blenheim

The best thing I did was go ing to the skating club and learning to do crosses.

Noah Forlong (6) Blenheim

My favourite thing in the holidays was painting the rainbow butterfly.

Oliver Dight (7) Blenheim

Having lots of fun and go ing to Nelson to see Frozen Junior.

Brought to you by... to the editor

Letters

Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. A maximum of 150 words please.

They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even when a nom de plume is provided for publication.

The editor reserves the right to

abridge letters or withhold letters from publication.

Email them to news@blenheimsun. co.nz or present to our office at 72 High St.

Please note that your name and street address MUST be provided with emails.

Sybella Russell (9) Blenheim

The best thing I did was go ing for a long swim with my best friend at Stadium 2000.

I’ve also been going for a late walk with Dad to walk my dog Ben.

Katelyn Falvey (7) Blenheim

Superkids and going to Christchurch for a wedding.

Lincoln Falvey (10) Blenheim

Doing fun stuff with my family and seeing my cous ins and grandparents. And we got to go to new places we haven’t been before.

Have an injury related to your foot or leg? We are ACC accredited with funding to help you.

In the dark

Dear Editor

On returning to Blenheim after being away for some time I decided to surprise some friends at their local tavern. When entering the tavern, it felt like I had board ed the Mary Celeste, areas closed off, activities removed, but what was most disheart

Keeping their word

Dear Ed,

Congratulations to all the new councillors and the mayor.

Now is the time to honour your pledges.

Firstly, the one about reducing spending.

Let’s start with NO FREE LUNCH ES, so when a meeting runs over lunch time - and they frequently do - demand to go out and buy your own lunch, not a council paid one. Secondly, you will be given some

mess

ening, the lack of customers.

Speaking to my friends later, they mentioned how frustrated they were becom ing, watching the tavern they had used for many years slowly losing its identity.

Losing this tavern, that’s been a centre of activity for this part of town for many

years would be a shame, and I do hope it will not come to that, personally though I feel my friends and other patrons deserve to know which direc tion the tavern is heading in the near future?

Regards Mr Hope

Dear Ed,

I went out into the garden this morning to find that a lovely flow ering plant had been flattened and in the middle was a stinking mess.

good quality A4 binders filled with useful info.

Please keep using this first set and don’t accept subsequent sets, but only refill. Remember, small savings add up to BIG ones.

Thirdly, you will be given a new iphone and ipad, which the council hierarchy will want to frequently replace.

Please decline these unnecessary updates.

Fourthly, constantly challenge

every decision of the CEO who will tell you something is vital. It is not and it’s up to you, as our represent ative, to keep costs down. Our rates have been increasing at +5%/annum which equates to a 50% rise in 8 years or with rate reviews in just six years. That is 100% in just 12 years. As the majority of ratepayers are retirees, we cannot afford such increases.

Thank you

Chris Davies

Reminds me of an agony column in a Hawaiian paper on cats. A lady wrote ‘that she saw that cat in her garden again, so she went and got her gun and shot the damn thing dead’.

GREAT HAIR DOESN’T HAPPEN BY CHANCE, IT HAPPENS BY APPOINTMENT.

The comment was that her frustra tion was understood, but perhaps she should not have done what she did.

I do not own a gun!

John Vile

Marlborough District Council election results

He kōrero nā te Kaunihera o Wairau

Your local news from the Marlborough District Council

Prep work for new ferry terminal underway

‘Enabling works’ to get the Waitohi Picton ferry terminal site ready for main construction early next year is underway.

By 2025 we will have a brand new ferry terminal and the first of two hybrid-electric Interislander ferries will be in service.

Local construction company CMT is on site, moving the mechanical rail turntable to its new home behind the private vehicle check-in area.

A temporary terminal building is going into the spot currently used for long term car parking. Work is also starting to relocate the car rental kiosks to the lower car park beside the Edwin Fox Museum. These early works are pretty low key on excavation – the temporary terminal is prefab so doesn’t involve piling. The deck and slab for the car rental kiosks involves ‘augering’ or screwing in wooden piles so there will be noise and vibration specialists on site as that gets underway, just to be sure it doesn’t create excessive noise or vibration.

Other work coming up involves retaining walls on Auckland Street where the Dublin Street overbridge will go and increasing capacity for the Waitohi Culvert.

Council extends barge and water taxi subsidy

Marlborough District Council, with funding support from Waka Kotahi, will extend its barge and water taxi subsidies for residents, workers and visitors to areas that were previously accessible by road through until August next year.

The per-passenger water taxi subsidy is for scheduled and prebooked services. Bookings can be made directly with water taxi service providers and also through the Marlborough i-SITE.

The barge services subsidy is run in partnership with Johnson’s Barge Service Limited in Havelock, Kenny Barging in Picton and d’Urville Crossings at French Pass with services into the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds and from French Pass to d’Urville Island. People wanting to access the barge services subsidy should book directly with the provider. For more information visit:

www.marlborough.govt.nz/civildefence-emergency-management/ august-storm-event-2022/generalrecovery-information-august-2022storm-event Recovery Manager, Dean Heiford says the Recovery Team is actively reviewing solutions with Port Marlborough to assist with parking after this date to work with the upcoming busy season. Details will be made available soon. Council can also confirm that Waka Kotahi’s unspent emergency funding of $42M can now be spent on the 2022 emergency repair programme. This funding will be used to achieve emergency/essential service access where possible to continue with repairs to sites damaged during the 2021 event on priority routes that have not been affected by the August event, and to assist with the development of a longer term recovery plan.

Dublin Street works

Work to relocate underground services on Dublin Street between the intersections of Devon, Market and Auckland Streets is underway so that early next year work can begin on the Dublin Street overbridge. This bridge will greatly help the flow of traffic through the southern part of Waitohi Picton, and facilitate a better connection through to the town centre. It includes a shared path to enable walking and cycling connections between the town centre and the Queen Charlotte Drive intersection.

Parts of Dublin Street will need to be closed between now and 23 December. Sections will be opened to motorists whenever possible. The project team is mindful of busy times, particularly when cruise ships are in town and will do what they can to work around these. Pedestrian access will remain open if possible, but this won’t be confirmed until more is known about the position of the underground services.

If have any questions please email: info@pictonferryprecinct.co.nz or visit: www.irex.co.nz

Wheelie bin consultation - calculating the cost of waste

Marlburians are encouraged to calculate the cost of how they deal with their rubbish and recycling before the upcoming consultation on the introduction of wheelie bins.

Council’s Solid Waste Manager, Alec McNeil says the data gathered from the online waste calculator tool provides people with a reference point when comparing their current costs to proposed costs.

“Marlburians might be surprised at the amount of money they spend each year on recycling and waste disposal,” he said. The calculator works out costs associated with fees paid, time involved and distance travelled in relation to people’s recycling and rubbish.

Once you have completed the questionnaire you will be sent the results

of the calculation by email. The results are based on how you answered the questions. You will need a few pieces of information before you start filling out the waste calculator form:

• Return distance to your nearest recycling/refuse point per trip

• How often do you make these trips per month?

• How long do these return trips take in total per month?

• How many extra council bags do you buy (if any)? Individual response details will not be made public.

To calculate the cost of your waste visit: www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/ recycling-and-resource-recovery/wastecalculator

Moving the mechanical rail turntable to its new home behind the private vehicle check-in area

Nadine Taylor has been elected as the new Mayor of Marlborough

Reaping the benefits of singing and music

The generic definition of a teacher is one who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence, or virtues inside and outside of the classroom. In effect, one who has strong relationships with students.

Relationships take time of course. However, in the case of Marlborough’s Robin Randall, the knowledge and competencies he has passed on to music and choir students in the region have been significant to say the least.

Often in a school choir students might learn how to use and implement proper vocal technique, music terminology, general music theory or indeed confidence in performing.

Dunedin born and bred Robin Randall attended Kings High School in his secondary years. However, the south Dunedin school didn’t provide the then 15-year old, much in the way of stimulation.

“By the time I was 15 I was dissatisfied with school. I left school with no qualification whatsoever,” he reflects. “At that time you could pretty much walk out of school and into a pretty decent job.”

As an 18 year old, he joined the New Zealand Army and played brass band tunes to villagers in Singapore and Malaysia, then taught himself guitar to entertain in the officers’ mess back at base.

His first teaching role was at Marlborough Girls’ College in 1997. So how exactly did the music curriculum and the subsequent passion evolve?

“When I left the army band I wanted to become an itinerant music teacher teaching instrumental music in high schools. I soon discovered it was a closed shop and those in the profession were not in a hurry to leave any time soon.

“That was the stimulus to go to (Christchurch) teachers college and get an actual teaching qualification. When I was at school music played a big part of my life. I started playing a brass instrument when I was about eight. My whole family was musical whether that was his mother and older sister who both played piano and my Dad’s involvement in brass

bands and older brothers playing guitar and saxophone also.”

Robin says the best way to get any students to learn is through doing and in this case, playing the instruments.

“I built my music programme through performing and practical music. Incorporating theory was or is important but it wasn’t the type of class where you sit in your seat for an hour kind of thing. Knowing from my own schooling experience, there is nothing that is going to turn kids off more than sitting and writing down theory.”

His own musical influences were developed through his Dad who always encouraged but never pushed him, allowing Robin to ‘find his way’ as he discovered various brass instruments.

“If I needed a tutor he would find one for me and if I went on a band camp both Dad and Mum did what they did financially to get me there. As I got more proficient on trumpet the likes of Miles Davis and (American jazz trumpeter and vocalist) Chesney ‘Chet’ Baker was two especially that I really looked up to. The other was (Canadian) Maynard Ferguson, I loved listening to him.”

After 25 years at Marlborough Girls’ College, the opportunity to fulfill a role as Director of Performance Music at Marlborough Boys’ College was too good to pass by.

The 63-year-old has longed for such an oppor tunity from the outset of his teaching vocation.

“To think that it’s come to fruition now in a regional town like Blenheim is unbelievable really. Those sorts of roles are usually only found in the big cities.”

The role includes overseeing performance and teaching various instrumental groups such as brass and or the jazz and funk bands along with giving invaluable insights to the boys’ choir aptly named No Girls Aloud

“Who knows what is around the corner? I’d love to re-establish the Marlborough Boys’ College stage band but we need to build up our stocks of saxophone players at the moment which are few and far between. The numbers

for students taking music is really encouraging including three rock bands that Barbara (Songmusic teacher) got started with. We really drive it to keep it going and keep it at the forefront.”

Robin says the music curriculum for all schools in Marlborough requires people who are passionate about what they do.

“It’s all very well learning music but if you are not practising or doing it for a purpose or reason, then what’s the point? The recent MBC concert at the ASB Theatre which was a great success is a good example of this.”

Robin was nominated by his students in 2015 for an inspiring teacher award. The recognition he admits, albeit humbling, reiterated to him that what he was doing was working with his students wanting to pursue and achieve in music as a possible pathway after the college years.

His choral and musical highlights have included taking students to perform and showcase in Hawaii, Japan and Australia for various festivals and competitions.

for

“There is no better education for young people than to get overseas and see what is going on all around the world. The difference in their growth and maturity was incredible.”

Other highlights that stand out were getting choirs through to the ‘Big Sing’ finales. The Big Sing is a highly successful, national group-singing competition for secondary school students. Secondary Schools’ Choral Festivals began in 1988 as a development of the vocal section of the Westpac Schools’ Chamber Music Contest.

Past choir members include soprano Olivia Sheat, who received the national Kapiti Chorale Award in Vocal Performance for 2014-2015, and mezzo soprano Rachelle Pike, who was one of the step-sisters in New Zealand Opera’s La Cenerentola (Cinderella) in 2015.

“It’s always very satisfying to see students on the national stage representing their school. Their drive to succeed is what I enjoy about teaching.”

The name Robin Randall and music has been synonymous with choir students of Marlborough Girls’ and recently Marlborough Boys’ College for a number of years. Journalist Chris Valli caught up with the ‘choir guru’ who began his teaching career at MGC in 1997 and explains the love of what he does and the benefits of togetherness, collaboration and singing.

SINGING FROM THE SAME SONG SHEET: Marlborough Girls’ College ‘Ovation’ Choir competed at the Nelson/ Marlborough Big Sing regional competition in Nelson back in June. The choir was successful in winning both categories it was entered in. Excellence for Choral Art Music and Excellence for Directors Choice. The songs were, The Seal Lullaby by Eric Whitacre and Baba Yetu, (Swahili prayer), respectively.

Yealands Wines, in conjunction with the Marlborough District Council and the Blenheim Sun, are calling for applications for the Yealands Wines Marlborough Sustainability Initiative. The programme supports not-for-profit efforts to enhance biodiversity across Marlborough.

In its four years of operation, the Yealands Marlborough Sustainability Initiative has provided groups with funding to support weed eradication, waterway enhancement, wetland preservation, education and wildlife breeding programmes.

What is on offer?

The Yealands Wines Marlborough Sustainability Initiative will make available $50,000 every year for local environmental projects. Projects can apply for individual grants of up to $10,000 per year.

Who can apply?

The Initiative specifically supports not-for-profit community efforts to improve biodiversity across the Marlborough district.

Application dates

The next round of applications:

» open on October 1, 2022

» close on October 31, 2022

» winners will be announced on November 23, 2022

For more information on the Yealands Wines Marlborough Sustainability Initiative, terms and conditions, and the application form, please visit: www.yealands.co.nz/sustainability-grant/

Yealands is committed to playing a long-term role, alongside its community, to enhance Marlborough’s natural environment.

Funding available for not-for-profits looking to enhance Marlborough’s environment

Wednesday

More than a walk in the park

By Chris Valli

Parkrun is the name, but you don’t have to run or be a runner to get involved in this free weekly five kilometre event which takes place at 8am every Saturday near the amphitheatre on Taylor River.

While walkers have always been welcome and celebrated at the 39 Parkruns around New Zealand each Saturday, the month of October will be dedicated to encouraging even more people to walk. Thousands of people who complete the Parkruns do so as walkers, and the organisation is keen to significantly increase this number.

The campaign will see Parkrun change its logo to ‘Parkwalk’ for the month of October, with bright pink branding de signed to capture the attention — and the imagination — of people who might not think that Parkrun is for them.

Blenheim parkrun volunteer event direc tors Phil Muir and Carey Dickason said “Parkruns are social events where there is no time limit and people of all ages and abilities take part, including people pushing prams or with their dog on a short handheld lead. It’s all about getting involved in a way that is fun and comfortable for you.

“Walking is a great way of soaking up the Parkrun atmosphere and chatting with people while being active. It’s one of the best entry points into Parkrun, especially for those who may be taking their first steps towards healthier and happier lifestyles. Walking at Parkrun is a great way to meet new people too, or you can walk with your family or friendship group.

“One of the great things about Parkrun is that you can never come last. Each week we have people who volunteer as tail walkers, who provide support and encouragement

for walkers and are the last people to finish.”

In addition to the tail walkers, a new volunteer role of ‘parkwalker’ is being introduced from the first Saturday in October. These volunteers will wear a blue vest labelled ‘parkwalker’, and their role will be to mix with other walkers and have a chat during the walk.

Thousands of people at Parkrun take more than an hour to complete the event. In fact, the average finish time at New Zealand Parkruns is getting slower all the time — a statistic the organisation is incredibly proud of because it shows that Parkrun now appeals to a broader range of people.

Registration is free at www.parkrun. co.nz/register

For further information please contact Carey or another member of the team by emailing: blenheim@parkrun.com

Get ready to be wowed!

This year’s Bride of the Year show is happening on November 5 at the Rangitane Cultural Centre.

Always a lovely event with local brides entering, giving them a chance to wear their beautiful dresses one more time.

There is also a new category - Bridesmaid of the Year.

The committee and organisers have been working hard behind the scenes and are very excited to be able to go ahead with this fabulous show, after it being skuttled by a Covid lockdown in 2021.

Convenor Carol Taylor says you can expect to enjoy a fun evening - so get your tickets now.

Proceeds from this years show will benefit the Marlborough Women’s Refuge and IDEA services.

Tickets are $45 which includes a compli mentary drink on entry and a light supper during the break.

Ph Carol for your ticket requirements on 021399649.

For any late bride entries - be quick - contact Carol ASAP!

LEFT: Get your tickets now! Contact Carol Taylor on 021 399 649

BELOw: A few of the fantastic prizes to be won.

ABOVE: Committee members Barbara Taylor, Sue Murdoch, Maureen Wright and Tricia Dawson.

A tail walker volunteer with Bill Hunter following behind.

Call for Christmas Parade Floats

By Chris Valli

Pure Events Marlborough is excit ed to be bringing Christmas cheer to Blenheim on Saturday, December 3 with the Blenheim Christmas Parade.

However, they need your help.

Get your group, club, and business together to help build a float and dress a vehicle up or just enter yourselves as a walking group. Like Kate Horrey and the collaborative team effort from Triton Hearing and Barnados.

Kate works part time for both Barnardos and Triton Hearing.

“I am combining my roles in a joint project to help the Barnardos Blenheim team get a walking float in the upcoming Christmas parade.”

Kate says Triton Hearing has a community day each year to devote to something completely non-hear ing related and to ‘give back’.

“Triton Hearing is delighted to be involved in this great community project – it’s a fun and creative way for us to give back to the commu nity” said Karen Adams, Clinic Manager, Triton Hearing Blenheim.

Meanwhile, the Barnardos team

have had a long held dream of having a Thomas the Tank Engine themed walking float with the design made from mainly recycled materials.

The team at Barnardos are passion ate about the upcoming Christmas pa rade and couldn’t wait to get started on creating a very special Christmas Thomas the Tank Engine themed walking float.

They enlisted the help of Blenheim Triton Hearing staff who chose to donate their annual community work day on October 6 to the good cause.

Karen Savage, a Triton Hearing Health Specialist, has particular creative talents which the Barnardos team were delighted to harness.

In record time she designed and crafted five Thomas themed engines which her combined band of helpers (adults and children) painted bright colours.

Erin Sheehan, Service Manager for Barnardos Nelson and Marlborough came over from Whakatū to help on the day with her two children.

“It was so much fun. We encour age all community groups to get i nvolved in the Christmas Parade this year. Thank you so much to

the wonderful Triton Hearing team and Resene Paints for making our dream of a walking float become reality”.

“The Barnardos team were par ticularly pleased to work on Bruno t he Brake Car, a bright red new member of the Tank Engine family and its first character on the Autism Spectrum.” Barnardos works with many families including those with children who experience different ways of perceiving the world.

Thomas the Tank Engine, Percy the Small Engine, Bruno the Brake Car, along with other train friends, will be able to be spotted chugging along in the upcoming parade.

The parade will feature a pre-pa rade concert at 2.30pm following on from the Blenheim Lions Mis tletoe Market to keep all the kids e n tertained while they line up their fabulous variety of Christmas themed floats.

The parade will start from Blen heim School at 3.30pm.

For more information see Pure Events Marlborough Facebook page or to enter a float or walking group please contact events@pu reeventsmarlborough.nz

Service

Members of team Barnardos making hats for the train conductors. Back left to right: Olivia Roth, Erin Sheehan, Irmi Watt. Front row: Clara Watt.

Meabh Anderson and Jess Eaton adding the final touches to their float.

SeniorLivingSeniorLiving

Tips for Seniors

Plan, plan, plan. As we age it is important to have a senior living plan that is flexible and fit for purpose. Many senior people have experience with the generation older than them

that didn’t have a plan, and as a result have been involved in lengthy expensive legal disputes or problems, where the person who didn’t plan had said they would leave it to the family to sort. As you may decide to future proof your home to be accessible or close to facilities for later in life, so too we should all plan for legal issues later in life. The curve ball of a death or other family tragedy or a dispute can be planned for to hopefully avoid the common pitfalls following such tragedies.

A plan for issues around capacity, personal care and property management could be addressed with well thought out enduring powers of attorney, possibly advance directives, or possibly trusts, and discussions with family or close friends.

A plan for relationships later in life, and complications over occupying family homes, residential care applications and financing for care could be addressed with contracting out agreements, and updated wills.

Multi-generational living could be as sisted with property sharing agreements, wills and enduring powers of attorney.

Each person’s circumstances are differ ent, and seniors should contact a trusted professional to talk through their potential issues, and put in place a senior living plan. But remember like all good plans there should also be a review and reset of your senior living plan from time to time.

Marianne Startup

Supervising Solicitor

Marlborough Community Law

Seniors can sharpen tech skills

Communty Education Team will be holding the sessions on Wednesdays for seniors who wish to become more in dependent online, and gain confidence with using digital technologies to pursue hobbies

and communicate with family and friends. The sessions are FREE, but bookings are essential so phone the REAP Marl borough office on 03 578 7847 to book your spot.

Living

The best is yet to come...

Just because your paid working life is finished doesn’t mean you’ve reached your use-by date – not even your best before date!

Though retired, you can still make a valua ble contribution to your community and find a place where your experience and wisdom is needed.

Volunteer Marlborough works with over 150 non-profit, non-governmental organisa tions who are looking for your help and they have some amazing opportunities.

There are a number of reasons for volun teering. As well as enabling young people to build up a CV, it can provide renewed purpose in retirement, another in that people who retire here to our Marlborough warmth and sunshine need to build networks and meet people.

There are so many organisations you could volunteer with and some you might not have thought about.

Positions can include anything from administrative support, environmental conservation, befriending and mentoring, event assistance, animal welfare, governance roles, and more.

Volunteers come from many backgrounds and with all levels of skills and abilities. Whether you have one free hour a day, week, or month, there’s sure to be a voluntary

position for you.

SECURITY AT

TOUCH

Volunteering can take as little as one hour per week. Different roles require different amounts of time. Have a look at the role description to find out more.

You can volunteer on weekdays or evenings and weekends – it’s up to you. Some roles can only be performed at certain times, but there is something available for everyone.

You don’t need to have specific skills or experience to volunteer. Many roles provide complete training and support, so it’s a great chance to try something new!

Here’s how to get started:

Think about what you would you like to achieve? Who would you like to help? What will you get out of it? These are important questions and will help guide your choice of role.

Check out the current opportunities. Browse the website type of role, location and hours, or search for keywords.

Register your interest. If you find a suitable role, then complete the application form on the Volunteer Marlborough website and you’ll hear back from them about how to proceed.

There is no obligation if you do this – it’s simply an opportunity to find out more about the role and how to get started.

If you’re new to volunteering and unsure

something Volunteer Marlborough can

individual consultation to discuss

Arrange a discussion with one of the Vol unteer Marlborough team –by calling them to chat on (03) 577-9388.

The professional and caring staff at Geoffrey T Sowman

Funeral Directors will assist you to plan a funeral so your wishes are known. You can pay in advance or simply record the details with us.

a free funeral

arrange

wishes, please

MBC students in NZ Barbarian

U18 side

Cooper Roberts and Hugh Robinson have been selected in the NZ Barbarian U18 rugby side.

34 schools and 10 clubs from across the country are represented in The U18 Quadrangular Tournament kicks off in Hamilton this week.

New Zealand Rugby High Perfor mance Pathways Manager Ben Fisher said it was a special moment for both the players and whānau of those who have been selected.

“We’ve seen a great season of rugby from this age group following last year’s disruption with Covid 19. To have selected a talented cohort of players across the three teams take part in the quadrangular tournament is exciting. It is a great honour for those selected and will be a proud moment for all.”

DRAW

Tuesday 11 October

NZ Barbarians vs. Fiji Schools –12.30pm

NZ Māori Under 18 vs. NZ Secondary Schools – 2.30pm

Saturday 15 October

NZ Barbarians vs. NZ Māori U18 –12.30pm

NZ Secondary Schools vs. Fiji Schools – 2.30pm

Tramping Club celebrates 90 years

By Chris Valli

The Marlborough Tramping Club will celebrate 90 years in November with a walk up Blenheim’s Mount Vernon.

On Sunday November 13 following the walk there will be a lunch at the Vintage Car Club, Brayshaw Park.

The club was formed in May, 1932 where 17 foundation members came together for the inaugural meeting. The first tramp was to Mt Dobson, with other early outings being to Mt Robertson, The Ned, Mount Riley and the Waikakaho Saddle, all still familiar destinations today.

Spokesperson Mary Jobberns says Mt Vernon was the first trip that allowed the ladies to attend in November 1932.

At the first general meeting it was decided not to admit women, and it was to take until November of that year for them to be finally accepted, albeit only then on a split vote.

The club was in recess from 1937 until it was reformed in 1949.

Tramps at that time were graded either strenuous or less strenuous with eligibility for the former needing nomination by the committee. The decision on the weather was left to the president and secretary.

Transport in those days was often by Deluxe Rea Coach, driven at times on fortnightly outings by the Club Captain.

Mid-week tramps commenced in 1989 and the club organised the first Top of the South Combined Tramping Clubs Camp at Pelorus in 1992.

Mary says some of their current members

The ‘first ladies‘ tramp in 1932.

Their 2022 counterparts on Mt Vernon last month.

have been in the club since the 1960s and although they don’t hit the hills now they love a social event and are always willing to share their wealth of knowledge. The 2023 calendar will reflect the changes over the years as the club has been able to

source slides from the 1930s and 1950s, the 1990s plus the latest digital photos.

“Over the years we have been involved in many volunteer events but most recently we have been attacking the serious wilding pine invasion in Marlborough,” says Mary.

WHY THE MARVEL HEALTH SCREENING IS AN IDEAL MOT FOR OVER 60S

ASwe grow older, especially over the age of 60, specific health problems may become prevalent.

Getting to the root cause of any disease, especially chronic diseases, requires examining the entire body since all organs and systems are interconnected and function as a whole.

To illustrate, chronic diseases of the digestive system may not necessarily arise from the stomach and intestines. They may originate from damages in the immune system that promote the growth of microbes which in turn cause inflammation and diseases of the gut. Also, atherosclerosis which refers to narrowing of arteries can restrict blood flow to the stomach and intestines and cause gut problems.

And then, there are environmental factors. Sensitivity to natural foods and food additives in processed foods can cause digestive

symptoms such as chronic stomach pain, bloating, or diarrhoea. Nutrients play a crucial role in keeping our systems healthy and preventing diseases. Magnesium deficiency is a common cause of chronic constipation. It is not always the case that a symptom will originate from an associating organ or system of the body.

The Marvel Health Scan is unique. It examines the entire body to pinpoint the hidden causes of health problems. The Brain, Heart, Lungs, Stomach, Intestines, Liver, Kidneys, and other organs in the body are inspected in detail. The scan searches the body for likely diseases present and possible underlying causes. It can identify microbes, nutrient deficiencies, food allergens and environmental contaminants.

After the scan, Marvel Health international doctors review the reports and can recommend science-based natural therapies and lifestyle changes to encourage the body›s healing processes.

CLINICS IN: Christchurch, Rangiora, Rolleston and Blenheim

Summer Dining

Welcome to Restaurant Sasa!Ritual Cafe

A real gem on Maxwell Road, in the CBD of Blenheim.

Where you’ll find yourself in a unique homely setting with a great vibe.

Owner Julie McDonald welcomes you to enjoy their breakfast menu, cabinet food including vegan and gluten free options.

We have a large variety of drinks on offer, perfect for summer just around the corner. Whether it’s smoothies, fizzy, juices or Kom bucha along with healthy delicious food... Come and see the team at our relaxed retro cafe today!

Serving modern Japanese and Asian food made with tradition in mind, we offer you a unique dining experience in the Riverside Hotel along the river in Mayfield. You will enjoy from your favourite classic Japanese dishes to modern “Izakaya” style dining which is all about eating, drinking and being happy! Why not start your night with fresh sashimi, tempura or spicy chick en along with a cup of gold flake sake, then, go for Korean stone bowl beef or salmon bibimbap to complete your dinner. For someone who wishes to have something simple and delicious, try our sizzling surf n turf menu - ribeye steak, teriyaki salmon and prawns are served on a siz zling hot plate. Whether you are stopping by for quick dinner or special occasion, Sasa will have you covered. So pay us a visit here on 20 nelson St - we can’t wait to have you in.

Thai 9

The distinctive taste of Thailand is what brings customers back to Thai 9 Restaurant time and time again.

Located in the CBD of Blenheim, we offer an extensive menu for your enjoyment. Checkout our popular lunch specials, consisting of a starter and a main. Thai 9 has also become well known for its Keto selection from the menu as well as gluten free choices and convenient takeaway snacks from our cabinet.

The restaurant is open seven days with Sunday and Monday only open for evening dining. Discover the taste of Thai.

31 Scott St, Blenheim

.30am

14.00pm,

21.30pm

Speights a le House

Generous To A Fault...serving

Good Home

THERE IS A PLACE LIKE HOME.

Come on in, put your feet up, stay a while... We are a pub with an eye for the different and the delicious. We are your new local, look forward to our enticing array of drinks at the bar, the tempting treats on the menu and the smiles of the friendly folk who’ll serve them to you. Even though it’s hard to define what home means to everyone, there is something it does share. It’s a feeling. We’ve recreated this feeling by fashioning spaces for you to feel at ease in and call your own. Spaces to relax; hang with a bunch of friends or the GOOD crew from the office.

03 5776

Queen Street,

AND WIN

AND WIN

BMW Car

Well done walnut farm

TheSuntxt talk with

Walnut Farm David St. Thank you for the open day for the kids to come and enjoy all the animals it was an amazing day out. Your time and effort was enjoyed by all. The smiles that you had put on the little ones faces said it all. So thank you.

Perhaps reading road code again will enlighten you to realise it’s sort of polite to stop at yellow marked pedestrian crossing. Mind you if you had been doing 30km in Seymour Street you would have time to stop. Instead of worrying lady if you are late for hair appointment, how about leaving home a bit earlier. Will save all the drama everyone has to listen from you if you knock someone over.

Murder

This govt is knowingly killing a young qualified, educated man, with cystic fibrosis, life curable, denying one drug. Instead spending so far $16 million on local and overseas recruitment sham for just one 3 waters job, which does not exist and is already a preselected co-govern ance tribal appointment. This is criminal and repugnant on a tiny island group of few! Guilt proven. Be kind-yeah right!

Lower the fees

Criminal fee of $65.87 per cubic meter for grass clippings,2.5 catcher fulls $7.58.

New guy in training at exit, paid it under pro test as waited 10 minutes for truck before me to process a charge that would of had 3 figures. First decision of new mayor and councillors. Suggestion, LOWER THE FEES, encourage more people to do the right thing.

Waste of money

Rate payers money. If you want to see how it’s wasted go to Nelson St and watch the CWT workers. They may even be there until the end of the month if not Christmas. Council would you please publish the costing. This is why people don’t vote.

Walkway not cycleway

Why is it a minority of cyclists still believe Taylor walkway was put in for them. I have heard they are doing time trials now. Please sort it out council. Put them back on the road.

English also please

Went to have lunch at the Jolly Rodger, noticed the street name is in Maori now.

Don’t have a problem with that but could the English name be put underneath please.

Wow for Wairau

Travellers to Nelson will be needing more coffee stops, E car charging, meals, fuel, toilet breaks-with SH6 shut even up to and over xmas-to predict earlier would be a ‘Trans mission Gully’ NZTA media fax paux. Try the food, the fishing-why rush folks. Embrace a safe paradise.

Thank you

Congratulations to the Mayor and 2022 Coun cillors from Ni - Aniva Fruean. And thank you to the people that voted for me. Keep voting for me - see you again.

Keep Picton

Mr Picton may have done some bad things in his time but l think slaughter and cannibalism are far worse, don’t you?

Re renaming Picton

I applaud Tony Orman for his comments. You are spot on. But no doubt this government will allow it.

Amazing service

Amazing service. James Tree Surgeons, after attempting to take out a medium size tree became too difficult, called the company and same day very obliging man came and removed it, thank you Steve great service.

Cashless society not far

Why does a Dr’s surgery not give change, instead gives you a credit if you don’t use a card, you’re getting interest off that, especially if you don’t go to doctor’s often.

Use it or lose it

If Countdown Redwoodtown is as bad as all these people writing to the Sun paper are saying why not close it down then, just like the post shop did when all the customers used to complain about that. Obviously you don’t need a supermarket or a post shop in Redwoodtown! Easy sorted.

Town planning?

Congestion. Yes Marlborough roads are addressing traffic problems by putting Boys’ College also onto Nelson St. NO town planning what so ever, ten years remember these town planners names, can’t see into the future . Guys, that’s the definition of town planning.

Fair go

The New Zealand Rugby Union asked us to support the Women’s world cup. What did they do? Give the TV rights to Spark. They have already lost cricket heaps of supporters. The is happening to rugby.

Why don’t hungry Spark stick to making their multi millions from cell phones and other de vices and leave our sport alone? Have stopped following cricket and rugby is going the same way. We can’t afford spark.

Cool cats chat

Loving the clips on facebook posted in the cool cats chat from our very own local Superheroes. Learning and laughing every week with Fist Puncher and Foot Kicker, informative but entertaining, keep up the good work guys!

Private property

Cars. Regarding the comments about the cars etc on private property on way to Picton. It is private property and what they have on it is nobody’s business. All those complaining what if you got told you weren’t allowed things on your property as some around town are an eyesore also. So best look in own backyard first.

Not so live

So disappointed. All set up to enjoy watching womans rugby world cup to find its not live broadcasts. How stupid is that for our countries game. Rest of the world must think we are a joke.

Talk of the week

Great job

Thank you to the person who arranged the trimming of Omaka Landing trees on New Renwick Road. Looks real tidy now.

Interesting Dump fees

Interesting segment on Fair Go about a lot of postboxes throughout the country not getting cleared regularly. No wonder mail can take forever or not turn up at all. Poor from NZ Post considering their massive profits.

Having recently lived in Queensland, I note their dump charges are free for households, seems sensible?

We welcome your texts on 027 242 5266.

Limit to 70 words please.

We reserve the right to publish at our discretion. Please note the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Sun management.

Language, names

The issue of Te Reo and place names seems to really divide us as a community. It would be nice if both sides of the debate could be less stubborn and more open minded.

Great event poor venue

Feast Marlborough: Well done to all the vendors, amazing food and drinks. SUCH a shame about the venue, less atmosphere than the car boot market. Wine Marlb should take note - this is how Wine & Food at Renwick Domain will feel. Hardly selling our region, we can do better!!!!

5 minutes with...

Ainsley Bell

 Are you a dog or cat person?

Cat

 What did you want to be when you grew up?

I don’t think I really wanted to grow up, I loved being a kid, but once I realised it was non-negotiable, I wanted to be a teacher.

gardening

Plant’s immunity: By Wally Richards

Plants, just like ourselves, have built in protection against diseases though their immunity systems.

We build up our immunity nat urally over the years by surviving disease attacks and by having a healthy nutritionally rich diet.

That is not to say that we are im mune to disease attacks but under normal situations we can fend off most health problems when we have very good health.

If we get into stress then our metabolism does not have the same stamina and we catch a cold or worse.

It is said the leading cause of heart disease and cancer is stress. I think its the stress that is the straw that breaks the camels back, after unhealthy living and insufficient nutrient rich food.

The same applies to plants, place them into stress and they will more likely catch a disease.

One thing we’d be surprised to know about you?



I am scared of the dark.



Have you met anyone famous?

My friends have never let me live down the time I met Ben Lummis ( Winner of NZ Idol) at Riccarton Mall, I was starstruck.



My favourite food to cook or eat is...?

Really simple. Roast veges.

 The shop you can’t walk past is...?

My husband would say any clothes shop but I would say Pak n Save, I always just need one more thing.



What’s your favourite game of sport to watch?

Anything my kids are playing- tennis/cricket/dancing/ rugby.

 Your dream weekend involves....?

Being at home, with no plans and a good book or podcast.

I have written a lot in the past on how to build the health of plants by building the health of the soil; having soil that is rich in humus, minerals, earth worms and soil life.

Even when we have the best soil on earth, plants can still catch a cold when they are placed into stress and our current spring weather is very stressful to our plants and to us keen gardeners.

Chilly winds, too wet, too dry, only the occasional nice day does not make for great gardening and our plants don’t do so well either.

We can however increase the immune systems of plants by a few monthly sprays of Perkfection Supa for roses and other plants.

The active ingredient of Perk fection is ‘Phosphite ion’ or Phos phonic Acid. (Potassium ions are also present).

problems: Black spot, Downy Mildew, Phytophthora Root rot, botrytis, Canker, heart rot, damping off, crown rot, leaf blight, silver leaf, late blight, collar rot, pink rot, brown rot, Armillaria, and gummy stem rot.

Now that’s a big list of com mon plant diseases which means that many of your disease related problems can be overcome with applications of this product.

Besides using Perkfection over your roses for the likes of Black spot and Downy mildew you can also use it as a spray over all your fruiting plants and trees including your strawberries.

is to use Perkfection at 4 ml per litre of spray once a month for about 6 times in a season.

(Note a season is the normal period of time for that crop or plant. Roses are from Spring till Autumn. Most annuals 5-6 months.)

The reason is that, you can over load your plant with organic phos phates causing a clogging of the cells and halting growth until the system clears.

If a plant has a problem spray the first month with Perkfection at 7 mls per litre.

For plants you wish to fortify use at 4ml per litre for 2 to 3 months.

Prevention is better than cure and by spraying your plants in the spring you give the greatest pro tection to leaves and fruit, autumn spray will give greatest protection to roots and tubers.



Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Currently watching The Empress on Netflix but holding out for the new ‘The Crown’ season to begin.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list?

Hire a boat on the Murray River in Australia with a group of friends.

Perkfection is very safe to handle and spray and when used on food crops there is no withholding period other than your normal washing of produce before eating.

Perkfection is used extensively by commercial growers of produce and fruit as its safe, effective, in prevention and control while not restrictive on exports of produce.

We have suggested Perkfection Supa for Roses and Other Plants as an alternative to more toxic sprays, for the assistance in recovery from/ or prevention of, the following

It can be used also over your potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, beans, cubits (cucumbers etc) lawns, onions, passion fruit, Cauliflowers, cybidium orchids and ornamental plants and vines.. In fact there is no where you cannot use Perkfection to advantage.

Being ‘Synthetic Organic Phos phates’ what you are doing, is placing this valuable material, onto the foliage of your plants, where it is very readily absorbed and transferred through the whole of the plant.

This fortifies the plant’s cells, increases the plant’s immune sys tem and makes your plants less susceptible to invading pathogens.

There is however a down side, as with any good thing, you can use too much and the recommendation

I have suggested that on the 1st of the month to spray your roses and other preferred plants with Perkfec tion, MBL (Magic Botanic Liquid) and Mycorrcin. Then 14 days later (15th) spray with Mycorrcin and MBL.

What we are doing is boosting the plant’s immune system, sup plying a large range of minerals and elements, feeding the beneficial microbes to increase their popula tions which also work to eliminate diseases.

If insects problems occur then include Wallys Super Pyrethrum as it is a quick knock down control.

STUDIOS AND

The

Stanton.

Belinda Jackson and Katarina Novakova dishing out the Lawson’s Dry Hills fabulous drop.

Holly Lyall and Alley Matthews taking time out to enjoy the festivities.

Sarah and Grayson Furniss.

James Dadson and Katie Laing.Nick Suturin and Ingrit Dauti.

Stephanie Holt and Ben Stace.

Charlie Bromwich, Eve and Lorraine Sutherland enjoying some family time.

For Sale

N E xt year’s firewood for sale. Gum $400 per cord. Old man pine $300 per cord. Ph 0211900254.

Pi NE 3 cubic metre load delivered $260. Phone: 027 572 8286.

SiMPSoN Easy Loader Dryer. 4kg $110. Haier washing machine 7kg. $110. Both VG condi tion. 6 drawer tallboy, white, good condition. Offers. 3 draw lowboy, white, offers. Phone 0278597342.

Wanted to Buy

StAMP collections, coin collections, old toys, post cards etc. Cash paid. Ph 021 138 8949.

WAN t E d TO B UY- Old tobacco tins, NZ postcards, military items, garden tools, wood working tools, records from the 1970’s/80’s, old petrol station related items, fountain pens, crystal decanters/whisky & wine glasses, NZ history books, gold jewellery, antique bottles, Tonka, Fun Ho & tin toys, white Crown Lynn vases & swans & all collectables. Collector of NZ/Maori & whaling related artifacts. All of the above are popular & fetching good money at the moment. Free quotes we travel. Rarity, condition & collectability = more $$$. Just Browsing 26 Battys Rd (03)5775402.

WAN t E d LA ND to buy Blenheim Have lock Picton triangle by two cash-ready families wanting to live close by. 1 to 2 acres each, sepa rate titles if possible. Must have cellular coverage. All will be considered ph 0272813-100

Ryan

PRO-AM a success

The Whitehaven Pro-Am was held at the Marlborough Golf Club, Fairhall in the weekend.

The format was a Stableford team of four

each hole. Club Captain Dave Knappstein

there were 112 players in total including 25 professionals.

Clothing Alterations: by Lynette Atkinson-Parker

Golf Results

Blenheim Golf Club

Waters 18 Glen Hurcomb

We require an energetic and enthusiastic Event Manager to join our team and ensure the Picton Maritime Festival delivers an on-going great experience for our community. You will have proven experience in event management with excellent organisational and leadership skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office.

The position is Part Time on a contract basis, a full job description for this position is available by email from the address below. Applications for this position which should include a Curriculum Vitae, close at 4pm on Friday October 21st and should be sent to: bowers@xtra.co.nz B.Bowers, Chairperson 0274

Blue Arthur

Bb Tapp 16 Barry Mosley 16 Clarry Neame 16 Dan Crawford 15 Roy Lilley 15 Don Lamond

Ian Clark 15 Oct 5th Least Putts Sa-Nga Grupp

Sue Duckworth

6th Stableford Graeme Daines

Picton Golf Club

Blue Arthur

Oct - Stableford- Hiram Taylor 35; Richard Avery

Trevor Gullery, Mike Ashworth, Ant Booker,

Jeff Pascoe, Len Barlow, Ron Peters,

Wairau Valley Golf Club

8th Oct: Stableford:Ladies:

Marlborough Veterans Golf Association Results of Tournament played at Awatere Golf Club on Monday 10th October 2022

Individual:

McKenzie (Awatere) 40 points; 2. Werner Pluss (Marlborough) 37 points; 3. Pete Jerram (Wairau Valley) 32 points;

John McLauchlan (Wairau Valley) and John Robinson (Awatere) 32 points; 6 Terry Grant

of the amateurs were local and saw amateur players from Auckland

Matthew Croad.

Methven.

Desz Campbell 35 Roy Lilley 35 Don Lamond

Tom Bainbridge 33 Mike Gardiner

David WEaters

Ezra Kahaki

Holes Stableford Steve Griffin 17 Ian Hatcher 10.

Oct 8th Par Andre Tewhiu 2 Nigel Smith 1

Fri 7th Oct: 9 Hole - Scrambled Eggs – Helen McIsaac, Kaye Keys, Margaret Frisken, 32; Denise Finch 28.

Men: Rex McGarry

Colin

Marlborough Veterans Golf Association

Bevan Boon

Tim

(Rarangi) 31 points; 7 Jon Nicol (Marlborough) 30 points.

Team:

1st Awatere: Owen Farrell, Dave Moorhouse, John Robinson and Pete Jerram,93points.

2nd Rarangi: 86 points.

3rd Picton: 81 points.

Next Tournament: Monday 17th October 2022 at Marlborough Golf Club.

The

team came fifth. Team members from left to right. Wesley Green, Pete Marfell, Phil Aickin (the Professional) and Lance Nuttall (from Nupoint the team sponsor)

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

Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non urgent 578 0797.

After Hours Chemists: Springlands Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm. Saturday 9.30am - 4pm. Sunday 10am2pm. Public Holidays 10am - 2pm. Closed Christmas Day. ph 578 2271

Community Care Pharmacy: Within the Blenheim Warehouse, open 7 days 9am8pm. Only closed Christmas Day.

Lifeline Marlborough: 0800 543354, 24hr helpline.

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

Victim Support: 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846)

Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 AA WORKS - 0800 229 6757.

Citizens Advice Bureau: Free, friendly, confidential advice. Mon - Fri 9.30am4pm. Phone 578 4272.

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

Maternity Ward: 10am-noon, 4pm-7pm. Children's Ward: Daily 10am-8pm. Visiting at all times is subject to the discretion of the nurse in charge of the ward.

Picton:

Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non-urgent 579 4870.

Chemist: Picton Healthcare Pharmacy. Ph 573 6420 Mon -Fri 8.30-5.30pm, Sat 9-2pm. Medical Centre Pharmacy, Ph 928 4265, Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm

SMITH: Heather Marion. Of Opunake, Taranaki, left us peacefully, aged 87, at the Marlborough Hospice, 6 October 2022. A private family service has been held. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

Cloudy Bay Funerals

TERRILL: Leonard Hugo (Hugo). 8 March 1932 – 9 October 2022. Hugo passed on 9th October following a brief battle with cancer. He has gone to join his beloved wife Wen dy who passed on the 8th October 2018. He was an amazing husband, father and friend. He will be missed by so many including his sons, Tony and Barry, his daughter Philippa (and her family) and his grand-daughter Jai me. Messages to 8 Robalan Place, Blenheim 7201 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Our family wish to thank all of the staff at the Marlborough Hospice, you were wonderful and helped us greatly during this most diffi cult time. In accordance with Hugo’s wish es, a private cremation has taken place.

Cloudy Bay Funerals

Death notices

MURRAY, Wilson Antony Charles: As the result of a tragic accident, on Tuesday Septem ber 27, 2022. Aged 21 years. Much loved son of Leicester and Laura, cherished grandson of the late Peter and Janet Murray, Holt, and the late Mildred Priddy (Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA). Loved nephew of Marjorie and Andrew Cunningham, Phyllis Hyde, the late Catherine and Alan Bugg, Dr Nelson Priddy and Dr Di ane Preziosi (Anchorage, Alaska, USA). Loved cousin of Matthew, Katie and Amy; Quinten, Ella and Declan. Messages may be sent to the Murray Family, Wharanui, Private Bag 1251, Blenheim 7240. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the St. Oswald’s Memorial Church would be appreciated and may be made at the service, or online to a/c 06-0601-0725269-50 Ref. MUR RAY. A funeral service for Wilson will be held at Christ’s College Chapel, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch at 3pm on Thursday October 13, followed by private cremation. The ser vice may be viewed online via https://vimeo. com/756990326

Respectfully cared for by

WILSON: Lynette Joan (Joan). On Satur day 8th October 2022. In accordance with Joan’s wishes, a private cremation has been held. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

Cloudy Bay Funerals

MARTIN, John Matthew: On Friday Octo ber 7, 2022, peacefully at Hospice Marlbor ough. Aged 82 years. Dearly loved husband and best mate of the late Jennifer. Loved fa ther and father-in-law of Kevin, Neville and Maxine, and the late Matthew. Cherished grandfather and great grandfather of the late Sharny, Casey-lee, Dylan, Jamie, Matthew, Jesse, Xylah and Brynnlea. In lieu of flowers a donation to Hospice Marlborough would be appreciated and may be made to a/c 031369-0365207-00, Ref. MARTIN. A grave side service for John will be held at Picton Cemetery, 5th Terrace, Picton at 2.00pm on Wednesday October 12.

Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN

HOLDAWAY: Natalie, on 18th September 2022 at Christchurch Hospital, in her 91st year. Dearly loved wife of the late John for 66 years. Loving mother and mother-in-law of Chris and Christine, Kathy and Kevin Moseley, Mike and Rachel, and Iain and Linda. Loved Gran of John, Thomas and Stephen; Nicola and Julia; Jacob and Cushla; Libby and Anna, and 6 great- grandchil dren. Messages to the Holdaway Family, c/- PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. A Memorial service to celebrate Natalie’s life will be held in our Chapel, cnr East & Cox Streets, on Saturday October 15, commencing at 1.30pm. Paterson’s Funeral Ser vices, FDANZ Ashburton, Ph 307 7433.

Simple Cremation

Black Ferns prove a point despite stage-fright

The Black Ferns saved their own blushes on Saturday night, overcoming stage fright at a packed Eden Park to start their World Cup campaign with a 41-17 win over Australia.

The scoreline flattered the women in black, who trailed 17-0 after 30 minutes and looked completely shocked to be playing in a stadium with 40,000 people in it.

Eventually, they got things right and out-muscled Australia, who

must have thought their first win over the Black Ferns was going to come on the biggest stage possible.

The Black Ferns have been passed in the world ranking by France and England and with their off-field issues over the past 12 months, a semifinal finish would probably be considered an acceptable outcome to many fans.

Now, it wasn’t all bad, wingers Ruby Tui and Portia Woodman showed they were genuinely world

class and Amy du Plessis was a star in the midfield.

However, one of New Zealand’s brightest rugby minds, Wayne Smith, has a job on his hands turning this team into a contender.

The Black Ferns must be flag bearers for gender parity in sport.

A strong performance on home soil will do a lot to improve the game for girls and women in the years ahead.

The first 30 minutes of that

trans-Tasman encounter did little to help that cause but the final 50 minutes had redemption elements in it.

Questions have to be asked about whether the hosts can match the physicality in the forwards needed to make the European heavy weights but perhaps with a home crowd in their corner.

Having live games on Spark Sport (replays on TV 3) does the tourna ment no favours in the early going.

Spark Sport isn’t a big enough platform for this emerging tour nament.

With the cricket returning early this summer, I’m happy to pay the $24.95 a month for Spark Sport but I doubt many, especially the older generations, feel the same way. Entertainment will be the key to drawing in more eyeballs to womens rugby and the opening weekend of the tournament was a great start.

Marlborough’s flag high at table tennis championships

By Chris Valli

Marlborough players represented the region with pride at the New Zealand Table Tennis Champs in Auckland at the weekend.

Alex Kennedy, Nathan Watson and Matthias Kronert all won medals.

Seeded second, Alex and Matthi as won the C Grade Men’s Doubles final in straight sets against the third seeds, Eric Deng and Joshua Capper from Counties Manukau. They had earlier won a five set match to advance to the final.

Alex was seeded 14th in the C Grade and played above his seeding to reach the semi-final of the C Grade Men’s Singles losing to the eventual winner, North Shore’s Conrad Ang and gained a bronze medal in the process.

Nathan playing in the B Grade combined with Alex for a bronze medal finish in the Men’s Doubles where they lost to the eventual winners.

Spokesperson Alex Nathan says this was a great effort as they were unseeded.

Earlier in the week, the Marlbor ough Men’s Team finished third in the C Grade. They finished top of their pool following wins against North Shore 3, Auckland 5 and

Waitemata 2. In post section play, they lost to Auckland 7 and just missed out on a bronze medal, going down 4-3 to North Shore 3. An indication of the strength of the competition was that Auckland had 9 teams in A Grade-E Grade.

Nathan won 6 singles from 8, with Alex gaining 6 wins from 10. Matthias and Michael Kamson also gained wins for the team. Nathan and Alex were undefeated in their five doubles matches. Alex finished the week with 10 out of 11 doubles wins.

Meanwhile, Drew Materoa, Ol iver Phipps and Harry Speakman played for the Marlborough Boys’ Under-15 team in the B Grade.

Canterbury and Otago were the only other South Island Teams in the Junior Events.

The boys were up early as they took on a strong Counties Manukau (2) team in their debut match. They went down 6-1, as they brushed off some first match nerves, but stayed close in sets until Ollie Phipps found his feet in his second singles match playing with a great range of placed shots and backhand winners to secure a point 8-11 11-5 11-4 11-7 against James Yang. Drew had a close tussle with the number one player Benhao Xie going down 12-10 11-13 6-11 12-14.

Going into their second team match against Auckland (3) the boys gained valuable lessons and experience when they came up against strong players in all of their matches with the result being 7-0 to Auckland. This spurred the boys on to finish strongly for the day as they went straight into their last team match against Waikato (2).

Alex says the juniors went above and beyond and showed their skills and mental toughness to take the fixture 5-2.

“Drew and Ollie kicked proceed ings off with two four set victories to get off to a positive start playing very smart and consistent when the sets got tight with some impressive serving. Harry showed promise of things to come as he grabbed a game from his opponent.

“The combination of Drew and Ollie recovered from a game down to storm back and take the doubles 3-1 before Drew secured the team win in his second singles with the same scoreline. The match of

Celebrating 20 years

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the day came from young Harry Speakman playing in his first junior nationals as an under 13 player erasing a huge lead from his opponent 9-3, and two games to one down. He played out of his skin to race back and take the set 13-11 and fifth game 11-8 with some strong forehand and backhand topspin winners.”

Alex says Ollie finished with a third singles win of the day beating Jayden Forshaw 11-9 11-6 9-11 11-3 to seal the win convincingly.

Marlborough Men’s Team in Auckland. L-R Alex Kennedy, Matthias Kronert, Nathan Watson, Michael Kamson.

Boys' Under-15 Marlborough Team with coaches. L-R Alex Kennedy (coach), Harry Speakman, Oliver Phipps, Drew Materoa, Nathan Watson (coach).

Blenheim Toyota