26 October Blenheim Sun

Choices

‘I want to be heard’

By Chris Valli

MBC

Zealand,

and

service which supports

on

from

with

facilitator

Finding the right fit

Nelson based facilitator Sophie Ward visits Blenheim college students every fortnight spending two days supporting students with potential employment and the transition into the workforce.

She currently supports seven students with transition and one in employment.

One of those students is Marlbor ough Boys’ College student Ryan.

Ryan has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy which means his arms, legs and muscles are often stiff and his movements are often jerky.

Yet, when one meets Ryan, you are graced with personality, a dry sense of humour and a resilience which belies his 18 years.

Sophie’s role with Ryan Webb will ultimately see him transition into the workforce over a two year period.

“The two years is a chance for

students to prepare as they enter the workforce with the necessary skills required.”

“We find out what Ryan’s hopes and dreams are,” she says.

“We then approach those employ ers that he wants to do some work experience at.”

Sophie says some of them are ready to leave school and come over to the employment service. Ryan will be staying in the learning needs department at MBC part-time, in 2023 with an eye on transition.

Sophie says it’s ultimately about finding the ‘right fit’ for the students she works with. She supports them from initial transition into the day to day routines and is with them throughout.

“I never go away; I am always there in the background, checking in with the employers to see how things are going and if things need to change.”

Sophie says Ryan’s strengths are his communication skills and his own self advocacy.

“He is great with people and knows what he wants and goes after it. Ryan is the top of the class in that field, which is amazing.”

Ryan says he has received great support over the years from his number one fans, Mum Kate and Dad Neil.

He also says the schools he has attended including Springlands, Bohally and Marlborough Boys’ College have enabled him to feel included, safe and acknowledged as an individual and not one who is ‘in a chair’.

Kate says Ryan learnt from an early age that he had to ask people about them in order for them to stay and talk to him.

“He would ask you about whom you are and what you like. It was not all about Ryan.”

She says one of the success stories for Ryan was his initial transition from pre-school to primary school at Springlands.

Kate says she felt he wasn’t ready to start school as he didn’t talk at that stage and could literally only communicate by saying yes or no.

“Gaylene (Beattie, the principal) says ‘Kate, give me six months’ and if it’s not working we can put him back into pre-school and we can hit the restart button.

Give me until the end of the year.”

“By the end of the year he was forming full sentences.

Nobody saw the kid in the wheel chair; Ryan was just Ryan and an other five-year-old starting school.

There was always that sense of inclusion.

I’ll always be thankful for that.”

To find out more about Choices NZ email sophie.ward@choices.org.nz or 027 490 7241.

Katrina Whiteside

Les Whiteside

PuBliSHerS

Ryan joins forces with MBC First XV captain Monu Moli.

IN THE THICK OF IT: Ryan in the middle of the MBC Haka against Nelson’s Waimea College in 2020.

Felines, music and Keith

By Chris Valli

A memorial service to celebrate and remember Dr Keith Davidson will be held in Blenheim next week.

The former Blenheim doctor died on September 10 after a long illness.

Wife and former Marlborough District Councillor Liz Davidson was on the council for 27 years including a term as mayor from 1995 - 1998.

Liz says animals, especially cats were a great comfort to Keith as they were ‘often always there’, especially if she was away on council related work.

“We set up a practice here in Scott Street in 1975. The surgery area was part of the house. We always had a cat somewhere in the surgery. There were times when he had to move the cat off the pillow on the consulting room bed.”

“Often patients would be strok ing a cat in the waiting room. We had litters of kittens even when I was on council. On Tuesday, his afternoons off, he would often take some of the kittens in a basket around town to the pharmacy and the bank or wherever he was going.”

Keith trained in medicine at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London in the 1950s and later worked as a ship surgeon on a large liner taking only first-class passengers to South America. He met his future wife Liz in 1966 at Wellington Hospital where she was working as a nurse on the wards. The couple married six weeks later. Liz adds it was ‘love at first

sight’ for more than 56 years.

In 1968 the couple, along with their baby daughter, went to the UK after being exposed to various cat shows throughout the country.

One of the New Zealand na tional cat show judges told them a t t he time to contact one of the breeder’s in the UK and bring back Birman cats as there were none of the breed in New Zealand.

The typical Birman cat personal ity is affectionate, friendly, gentle, and curious although according to Liz the curiosity often got them some rather unique privileges.

“We bought back a pair of Bir man cats three and half years later in 1971. We had a vehicle coming

Liz says Keith on his afternoons off would take some of the kittens in a basket around town to the pharmacy and the bank or wherever he was going. LEFT – Keith and his colourful cat tie.

out on one ship and because there was an outbreak of foot and mouth in the UK, the cats couldn’t be flown out so they came back on the second ship in the captain’s cabin having a wonderful time.”

“They were the second pair of Birman cats introduced to the country after a doctor from Aus tralia brought a pair to Auckland.”

Liz says Keith’s cultural back ground included German, Scottish and English. She says honouring those parts of his life will be the focus for the upcoming memorial service and not ‘just as a doctor who left his mark on the com munity.

“We are having a piper playing a lament called Going Home. The

piper was one of Keith’s patients and he’s really pleased to do that. When people arrive and go into the church some of Richard Wagner’s operatic courses will be playing on the sound system. People may feel very sad when they hear Goodbye my Friend (a song about human relationships).

“He also loved musical theatre so there will be Master of the House from Les Miserables when we do the slideshow. When we walk out there will be Abba’s, The way old friends do. The service will be all about, music, family and enduring friendships.”

The memorial service is at Nativity Church, 10am on No vember 2.

A crash involving a single vehicle near Kekerengu was reported to police at 3:10pm on Monday.

Police say one person died while another is reported to have moderate injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

Fatal crash, State Highway 1, Kekerengu Roads reopen for cruise ship season

Queen Charlotte Drive, from Picton to Havelock reopened to the public from 5pm, last Friday (October 21) in time for the region’s first cruise ship visit of the season today.

Marlborough Roads Manager Steve Murrin says the reopening of these key routes means over 370km of road has been restored to public access after being severely damaged by the August 2022 storm event.

Mr Whiskers Raupo presentation

Author Juliet Cooper is having a presentation about her latest story, Mr Whiskers.

The story is based on her memories about a swagger man who passed by the family farm in North Canterbury around the mid-1950’s.

“The swagger man did a circuit around the top of the south going through Molesworth, down the Awatere and up the Wairau Valley, through the Rainbow and on to Lake Sumner.

The event will be upstairs at Raupo on Friday, October 28 at 2 pm.

Concert for the enduring classics

concert

at

Adventure!

From winemaking to Decorating Specialist

By Chris Valli

Bruce Abbott may have a plethora of experi ence when it comes to winemaking but when it comes to home decorating he’s the new kid on the floor, so to speak.

Bruce is the new face and Managing Direc tor of Blenheim’s Guthrie Bowron

The Guthrie Bowron brand was founded in 1896 by Dunedin born Henry Guthrie who was joined by George Bowron and travelled the South Island selling various products such as imported lacquer, varnish, lead and linseed oil.

And now, add Bruce Abbott to that team dynamic.

When leaving school Bruce became a painter and decorator for a short time before doing a hairdresser apprenticeship.

“I was a hairdresser in Wellington for five years before I went to the UK. There I managed a pub in Winchester, where I fell in love with wine and the owner of the pub had an extensive wine list, before working again in hairdressing as a self-employed barber.”

A return to New Zealand in 2002 to study viticulture and oenology (study of wine) at Lincoln University eventuated in locating to Blenheim for work alongside Allan Scott Winemakers.

So how did the opportunity come about to own Guthrie Bowron?

“I was looking for a change and a new challenge after 19 years of winemaking. My wife and I have built two houses and renovated an old villa on Lakings Road and this business was an area I was interested in.

I found the sales advert online one day and decided to pursue it. And here we are several months later.”

Bruce has been in the role for six weeks and says It has been an exciting challenge to start getting up to speed with the business and the new industry.

“I love every minute of it. The previous owners have been really supportive in show ing me the ropes of what the business entails and the staff at the shop is amazing. They have been incredibly supportive of me and helpful in bringing me up to speed.”

“My staff is incredibly knowledgeable and talented in this area. The suppliers also come with a wealth of knowledge about their products which they are keen to share.”

So are there transitional skills from wine making to what he does now?

“Yes. Strategic planning, organisational, managing budgets, more than anything it is about people. Both the building and maintaining the relationships of the staff and customers at Guthrie Bowron. Wine making requires you to be disciplined and creative and these skills are also needed in interior design.”

“The staff is fun, knowledgeable and customer focused. Darren, the sales manager, recently achieved 100% satisfaction by a ‘mystery shopper’ which made me incredibly proud.

“I love the mental challenge of learning all about how the industry works, how the busi ness runs and I’m also enjoying thinking of ways to build and grow on what we currently offer to customers, whilst maintaining an excellent level of service.”

TRIMMING TREE TOPS AT 65

KORU NUTRITION

To be out in one’s garden is, as I am sure any keen gardener will agree, so life-giving. Fresh air, the different shades and colours that nature provides, not to mention the produce that a garden can provide renews and refreshes. This is definitely the case for Cherry.

“There is nothing I love more than getting some dirt under my fingernails. Despite my years, I am still young. I think it is impressive to be 65 and still able to climb up a tree to give it a trim.”

“As you start to get on, I think it does require you to start to look for things that will give you a little bit more support. I love to eat the produce off my land but if it’s been a hard day outside or I just sit at my computer for too long in the evening, I find I can get pretty knackered. I love to rub Koru FX into my joints and muscles just to relax.

“It is a family thing. My sister got my brother and I onto the product. When my sister showed me an article of someone else who loved the product, I thought, ‘I’ve been in sales a long time, surely there will be a catch.”’

“I did my research and was pleasantly surprised by what I found. It turned out that Koru Nutrition was a New Zealand company and that they only use natural products. What about that is not to love?”

Containing high quality oils like calendula, arnica, manuka and peppermint, along with 12 others, Koru FX provides the perfect formulation for supporting joints and muscles.

Koru FX cream by Koru Nutrition has become NZ’s #1 joint and muscle support cream. With over two and a half thousand 5 star reviews, Koru FX is showing itself to be a favourite in many New Zealand households.

“As a gardener, I love to eat and use natural products whenever possible. I don’t want to be rubbing chemicals and who knows what into my skin. With Koru FX by Koru

Nutrition, I don’t need to worry about that.”

“It is a beautiful cream and I am always recommending it to friends. Plant the seed and spread the word I say.”

If you’re looking for a fast-acting and long-lasting, natural product, harnessing the benefits of essential oils, then Koru FX is for you.

Ask for Koru FX cream next time you’re in the pharmacy and try it for yourself.

healthcare professional. Koru Nutrition, Christchurch. MR7874

Bruce Abbott is the new face and Man aging Director of Blenheim’s Guthrie Bowron.

Probus Blenheim – fun, friendship, fellowship

By Chris Valli

Blenheim Probus Club celebrated 30 years with a three course anniversary lunch at the Scenic Hotel Marlborough last Wednesday.

Probus provides retirees with the opportuni ty to connect socially with membership open to anyone who is retired or semi-retired.

Former Marlborough Mayor John Legget at tended the anniversary lunch along with James McKenzie-Wiley from Blenheim Rotary.

Members enjoyed the company of like-mind ed individuals and reflected on a productive 30 years with the cutting of the cake from foundation members.

Rotary District Probus Chairman David Drake says the anniversary was a time to congratulate past presidents and committees for providing opportunities for members and the benefits of social interaction.

The club was formed after an interest meet

ing was called in October 1992 by one Alistair McLauchlan, President of the Probus Club of Beavertown and a member of the Rotary Club of Blenheim South.

Blenheim’s Probus offers a range of activities including trips and outings for members to enjoy, depending on their interests, lifestyle and location.

Members meet monthly, to enjoy the com pany of like-minded fellow retirees and listen to interesting guest speakers.

Probus comes from the Latin word probity which means or refers to the quality of having strong moral principles, honesty and decency.

Meanwhile, the Probus logo represents the circle of friends and companions gathered together as a club. Indeed, the ‘P’ had to be original as their logo and to fit inside the circle, to be rounded, pleasing, proud and outstanding

CLASS OF 1992/FOUNDATION MEMBERS: Back row; Pauline Reddiecliffe, David Brown. Front row, Elaine Warner, Ann Soal, Beverly Kingston and Christine Hipkins.

with

Q: What is the best thing about Fairhall School’s pet day?

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

to the editor

Not on waiting list

Dear Ed,

Now that we are in spring, I’m starting to venture out more for my daily beverage, trying out different establishments around Blenheim. Some of the bars I return to more often than others because of their atmosphere and a chance to meet and talk to other people from different walks of life.

At other bars, I’ve noticed they have circles of patrons who always sit at the same table. I

assume they are called regulars. Rumour has it there are waiting lists to sit and drink at one of these tables.

One afternoon while having a beer at one particular bar I looked across at the regulars sitting at their usual table and thought to myself , one day I could be sitting at that table, then I remembered I’m not on the waiting list.

Cheers

Mr G.O. More

Labour

Dear Ed,

hypocrisy

It seems rather ironic

celebrate Labour Day as a holiday to mark the 40 hour

Forty

week.

working week relative to an income needed to run a family home.

Today for the vast majority, two incomes are needed to “finance” the running of a family home.

Shame on the government for the result is general burn-out due to over-work, low

MARLBOROUGH QUILTERS: The colourful quilts shown in the background were the result of a large donation of unfinished quilts to The Blue Door. Spokesperson Liz Johnson says it was decided that more money could be made if they were finished by Marlborough Quilters’ mem bers. The quilts will be on sale at their exhibition with proceeds going back to The Blue Door to be distributed in the community. "The quilts shown in the foreground are three prizes in our raffle to cover our exhibition costs while the large quilt on the right was made by Gail Stewart, "says Liz.

Tickets will be on sale at the Marlborough Quilters exhibition at the Clubs of Marlborough from November 4 - 6. Admission $5pp.

Back Row: Liz Johnson, Jenny Fagan, Gwenda Cavanagh, Eleanor Cole. Seated: Gerardine Frost, Raewyn Thomas.

productivity per person and family stress, and a society immersed in busyness. Another spin off is parents too immersed in being busy, to give due attention to youngsters.

Tony Orman Blenheim

Scarlett Davis (Year 5) Blenheim

My favourite thing is seeing all the judging of the lambs.

Logan Planthaber (Year 6) Blenheim

Seeing all the creative scupltures like the decorated spoons and boots.

Emily O’Connell (Year 6) Blenheim

Seeing everyone’s animals and how people handle

ferent animals.

Eleanor Bull (Year 5) Blenheim

ing

arts

thing.

Blake Hawtin (Year 6) Blenheim

bunnies.

Natalie Nicholas (Year 6) Blenheim

people

to be cre ative and how the pets show off.

Jo Lorraine ArthurDebby

New Council learns the ropes

With eight new councillors elected, inductions have been underway at Marlborough District Council.

The training sessions have allowed all councillors to get an up to date overview of Council business and

its key projects. Mayor Nadine Taylor said it was important that all councillors were given the time and information needed to understand the key issues facing the region.

Greenwaste traffic changes

Changes are afoot at Council’s Greenwaste site.

From Monday 7 November, people using the facility, which is opposite the Resource Recovery Centre, will access it via Wither Road.

Since May, the site has been accessed via George Conroy Drive.

Solid Waste Manager Dr Alec McNeil said the reason for the change is that the second out weighbridge installation has been delayed until April next year.

“The site’s busiest period is

November to March so to reduce the potential for queuing we are changing the traffic flow back to the old system,” he said.

Charges for grass and greenwaste will continue to be based on rates per cubic metre and load assessments will be made by the kiosk attendants.

For more information visit:https:// www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/ recycling-and-resource-recovery/ greenwaste-acceptance-facility-andcomposting

Award for excellence in recovery communications

Council’s public information team has been recognised with an Excellence in Recovery Communications award.

Marlborough’s Emergency Services Manager Brian Paton received the award on behalf of the team at the EMPA conference in Wellington.

“Emergency Media and Public Affairs (EMPA) has recognised the amazing work that our public information team put into the recovery from the July 2021 storm event in Marlborough. The team includes members of the Council’s communications, digital, GIS and recovery functions, who all made significant contributions,” Brian said.

EMPA is an international group of professional emergency communicators dedicated to building a community of practice and promoting excellence in emergency communications - see https://www. empa.org.au/

“During the storm recovery last year Covid-19 was spreading and people’s movements were restricted. Each impacted community was supported separately - each had recovery issues

specific to their location and their available communications channels. It was very challenging and not a onesize-fits-all situation,” Brian said.

The team used some innovative communication tools:

• Extensive use of video, providing the public with up-to-date images of the damage, often from remote locations

• Council’s Smart Maps system provided an excellent ‘single source of truth’ on road closures and openings

• Use of the Council website and alerts as an information channel, supported by social media and the Antenno app, which provides a way to send targeted, location-based updates to users’ phones

• A Storm Recovery Navigator was appointed to assist with ‘one on one’ communication with affected residents.

Brian noted that the lessons from the July 2021 storm recovery communications have been applied to the recent storm recovery underway in the Marlborough Sounds.

Your local news from the Marlborough District Council

Stunning Seymour Square

Seymour Square is blooming with a stunning display of annuals and flowering cherries.

Council garden staff spend rainy days drawing up designs for the garden beds – working out which type of flowers will suit their plan and how many plants will be needed.

More than 30,000 annuals are planted out

in Pollard Park and Seymour Square twice a year along with 8000 tulip and daffodil bulbs for winter displays.

The gardens require constant and intensive maintenance with weeding and deadheading through the seasons.

Beds are replaced twice a year with plants dugs out in November/December and April/May.

Council services on Marlborough Anniversary Day

Council’s Blenheim office will be closed from 5.00 pm on Friday 28 October until 8.00 am on Tuesday 1 November. Opening times for transfer stations, the Resource Recovery Centre, Greenwaste Acceptance Facility and the landfill on Marlborough Anniversary Monday 31 October are below.

Transfer stations

Blenheim

Monday 31 October - 8.00 am to 4.30 pm

Picton Monday 31 October - 8.00 am to 4.00 pm Havelock Monday 31 October - 8.00 am to 2.00 pm Rai Valley, Seddon and Wairau Valley transfer stations will be closed on Monday 31 October.

Resource Recovery Centre and

Greenwaste Acceptance Facility

Monday 31 October - 8.00 am to 4.30 pm

Landfill

Monday 31 October - 8.00 am to 12.00 pm

Kerbside rubbish and recycling collections

Rubbish bags and recycling crates normally collected on Mondays will be collected on Tuesday 1 November.

Please make sure your bag and crate is out on the kerb by 7.30 am.

Marlborough District Libraries

Marlborough District Library (Blenheim) and Picton Library and Service Centre will be open as usual over the weekend but will be closed on Monday 31 October.

Bus services

Bus services will not operate on Monday 31 October. Normal services resume on Tuesday 1 November.

He kōrero nā te Kaunihera o Wairau

Mayor elect Nadine Taylor and councillors take time out from induction meetings last week

A bird’s eye view of Seymour Square’s perfectly manicured lawns and annual flower beds

Brightly coloured poppies, violas and polyanthus make for a stunning display in Seymour Square

Frank - a family man one on one with the Sun

1920’s New Zealand was a time sandwiched between the devastation of the 1914 - 18 Great War and the gloom of the 1930s great depression. However, the ‘roaring twenties’, known as the jazz age was indeed an era of speed, power and glamour.

New technological innovations like radio, cinema, gramophones and motor cars accel erated social and cultural change. Electricity and fuel oils rivalled coal as the driving force of the economy, while mechanisation and science boosted farm productivity.

Speaking of productivity, cue Frank Con nor. Otherwise known as Frankie, The Old Battler, F.T, Francis T.

The 95-years-young face says a lot without saying a word. His hands infer there is a story or three to be told. By all accounts, he doesn’t mind spinning the old yarn to whoever is in sundry. His relaxed demeanour portrays a life well led yet there is still attitude in the old belly yet.

Frank was born in Wellington on October 18, 1927 and educated at the Roman Catholic boys’ secondary school, St Pats College. In 1945, just after the second world war he moved to Blenheim.

lock, No 8 Alan Sutherland and winger Phil Clarke. Clarke later coached Opawa himself while son Ben played for Marlborough.

There was a time when seven Opawa senior players took the field to represent the ‘Red Devils’, a reflection on Frank’s ability to recognise and promote talent through old school coaching methods which left their indelible mark.

“You’d have to enjoy that. I was good at coaching men. I trained with them (Opawa) for ten years as a player but I wasn’t very good at that. I think I only got eight games.”

enjoyed,” she reflects.

Son Philip says Frank or Dad was someone he often looked up to and loves his Dad unconditionally.

“He was often there for the underdog or the battler. He was a great advocate of workers’ rights and social justice policies. He imparted those great values and stood up for what was important. He was and is a legend and an icon in his own unique way,” says Philip.

he was a great family man. We’d always have large birthday parties and kids enjoyed coming with entertaining things happening. When it was a Ranfurly Shield game we’d often get on the back of Dad’s truck to see the games.”

Frank lost his wife Yvonne Connor on March 26, 2019 in what was her 87th year. She was his ‘treasured bride’ for 66 years and was a woman of great faith.

Frank will be familiar to many folk who have lived in Blenheim through his role as a former district councillor. Even more familiar to some for his dry wit and cheeky humour which depicts a chap who has seen it all and then some.

Family, grandchildren and great grand children were in town at the weekend to recognise and celebrate Frank’s 95th birthday which was attended by 53 extended family members.

Known to many in the Blenheim rugby community Frank was a successful coach with Opawa (which amalgamated with Old Boys and Redwood clubs in 1994 to form Harlequins).

It was a notable time (in the late 60s and early 70s) when he coached two of Marl borough’s revered All Black rugby sons in

So what has been the key to his health and longevity?

“I did manual work as a boy. I’ve never overworked or overdid anything.”

Daughter Tina seconds what her Dad says and suggests further insights into her Dad’s resilience and character.

He was well-known as a wool and skin dealer. He also owned a restaurant called the ‘Tina-Marie’, made charcoal and was an inventor.

“He’s always been his own boss. Apart from his shearing and slaughter man work (whaling station in Picton).

He had so many different jobs including; running the Royal Hotel, a bottle agency, scrap and metal, a house parts business. He did this while bringing up seven kids and he always had time for us which we really

“I even stopped the Springbok tour,” Frank chips in, contemplating a time back in 1981 when for 56 days from July - September, the South African rugby tour polarised opinions and inspired widespread protests across the country.

More than 150, 000 people took part in over 200 apartheid demonstrations in 28 centres with 1500 charged with offences stemming from the protests.

Tina adds her Dad imparted more than just a ‘social conscience’ and says that she places value on wanting a country that is big on democracy and the importance of freedom of speech, which is needed in today’s society.

“Dad enjoyed his involvement in politics and still watches parliament debates on TV but told me he can’t really keep up anymore as there’s so much going on.”

“The most important thing to me is that

The seven children, Cherie, Tina, Maria, Michael, Peter, Stephen and Philip followed while there are 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

‘Councillor Connor’ had two terms on the Marlborough District Council. At the age of 80, he was not reinstalled in the 2009 council elections.

Former mayor Alistair Sowman was quot ed at the time saying ‘Councillor Connor had made a valuable contribution over two terms but I guess age catches up with you.’

Try telling the 95 year old that now. Age he says is just a number.

“I’m just as happy now as I was during my whole life. I used to always wake up with a grin and people were pleased to see me,” he jokes.

“If you have a look at your circumstances, try to put the positives first rather than last. You’ll find you might not be as bad as you possibly think.”

Frank Thomas Connor sat down with Chris Valli to reflect on a life well-lived. He talks to Chris about the importance of standing up for the battler and getting stuck in to provide for his greatest motivation – being a Dad to seven children and the importance of family.

“The most important thing to me is that he was a great family man.”

THE CONNOR CLAN: Frank has seven children, Cherie, Tina, Maria, Michael, Peter, Stephen and Philip while there are 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A family man in every sense of the word.

Free COVID antiviral medicines are available

Free oral antiviral medicines are available for people at risk of becoming very unwell from COVID, and free RATs are available for everyone.

Benefits of antiviral medicines

Antiviral medicine can help people be less sick and stay out of hospital. The medicine must be taken within the first 5 days of having COVID symptoms to reduce the amount of virus in the body.

Who can get antiviral medicines

Eligible people include:

• Māori or Pacific people aged 50 years or older

• everyone aged 65 years and older

• anyone aged 50 years or older who has had less than two COVID vaccinations

• anyone with a severely weakened immune system, Down syndrome, sickle cell anaemia, or were previously in critical or high dependency hospital care from COVID.

• anyone with three or more high-risk medical conditions.

For the full list of high-risk medical conditions, visit Covid19.govt.nz/medicines

When to get antiviral medications

To get the COVID antiviral medicines, all of these must apply:

• you have COVID, or you are a household contact and have symptoms

• your symptoms started within the last 5 days

• you are eligible for the medicine.

Your doctor, nurse, hauora provider, or local pharmacy can tell you if you are eligible and may provide you with a prescription. If your local pharmacy does not prescribe antiviral medicine, they can put you in touch with a pharmacy that does.

How to get antiviral medications

If you have COVID you must isolate for 7 days. You can arrange to have medicines delivered by friends or whānau. If needed, pharmacies that provide COVID antiviral medicine can have them delivered to you, for free.

Free RATs

Free rapid antigen tests (RATs) are available for everyone, and you do not need to have COVID to get them.  You can order them online at RequestRATS.Covid19.health.nz and collect them at community providers, marae, testing centres, and some pharmacies, or have someone collect them for you.

Upload your test results, positive or negative, to MyCovidRecord.health.nz, or call 0800 222 478

choose option 3.

Cookbook fundraiser to repair school pool

By Chris Valli

A fundraising initiative to get the Grovetown School pool back up and running has resulted in the Grovetown School Cookbook.

The cookbook is a 100page collection of people’s favourite, tried and true, go-to recipes, contributed by school students, families, staff and sponsors.

Some of the recipes have even been passed down through generations of Grovetown School families.

Grovetown School parent group spokesperson Anneka Waters says the school pool is in need of major repairs to get it back up and running. She says after being patched up several times, the pool now needs to be fully relined, at a cost of over $33,000.

Grovetown School is a small semi-rural school with only 80 children (55 families), so to raise a sum of money this large is a huge task.

Last summer they were un able to use their pool due to serious leaks, and so the fundraising began to try to get it up and running again as soon

as possible.

Anneka says school pools are a dying resource, as main tenance and repair costs are so high. The repair costs are not covered by government funding.

“The school community feels strongly about the pool’s im portance, and are fundraising hard to get this project over the line. Water safety for our kids is vital in our province, with the rivers, lakes and sea right at our doorstep.”

“Having our pool back up and running will mean that our kids will again be able to have daily swimming lessons over summer, and gain the life-long water confidence and skills to keep them safe. The pool will also continue to be open to the local community, with keys available for hire over the summer months,” says Anneka.

The cookbook is $20 and is officially available from Tues day, November 1 and will be at Bikefit Marlborough in Market Street and at the Grovetown School Office - $20 each.

With nine Friday’s until Christmas the cookbook will make great gifts for friends and family.

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

Grovetown school students Charlie Pears, Jett Waters, Izzy Borosova-Bradley, Maddie Parkes, Freddie Holdaway and Principal, Eve Sutherland.

TyreLAND celebrates 25 years in business

By Chris Valli

TyreLAND Business owner Mike Johnston reckons the best part of his job is walking in the door each morning and wondering what’s going to roll in the gate.

The Main Street tyre cooperative is celebrat ing 25 years of business this year.

Mike started in 1998 as the store manager and gradually brought into the business, taking full ownership around 12 months ago. Mike is also one of six directors of TyreLAND Limited and says he has a direct say in the direction and future of the group.

TyreLAND is a growing group of 20 stores spread around New Zealand. Mike says they are a co-operative not a franchise so it’s all about buying power.

“With 20 stores we are now one of the biggest independent tyre retail groups in the country. We recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the TyreLAND group. This was started by a group of independent operators in the bottom of the south and has grown to what it is today. Our key values have been loyalty to key suppliers and looking after our dealers and providing an experience for our customers not really seen elsewhere in our industry.”

The Blenheim branch opened in September 1998, with two staff. They now have eight. They have always been in the same location and around eight years ago they secured the yard behind their workshop giving them a full drive through facility to better serve their ever-growing customer base. Mike says this has also given them more customer parking.

In 2018 they extended the building to give them more storage and a dedicated Wheel Alignment Bay.

“Alignments were getting so busy and we struggled to hold stock, this extension has really allowed the business to grow to being one of the busiest tyre stores in town.”

Mike believes the importance of having good tyres can’t be stressed enough with yearly WOF for a lot of the vehicles on the road now regular maintenance and checking of tyres is more important than ever.

“Customers can pass a WOF today with 2mm of tread, this tyre will be illegal within a couple of months and there’s no WOF check for that vehicle for a further x number of months.”

“There are so many options coming into New Zealand and the customer can get bombarded with some very sub-standard options. We

only sell tried and tested products from reputable suppliers meaning that our customers get products that we trust.

Brands like Cooper, Mickey Thompson, Pirelli, Toyo, Michelin, BF Goodrich and many more.

Mike says like everything at the mo ment prices are just increasing. He adds it’s not so much about making the tyres more affordable but ensuring their cus tomers get the most mileage out of them such as their TyreLAND VIP program.

“Our customers are sent a text message every six months to bring their car back for a free maintenance check, whether it’s just a pressure check or a free front to rear tyre rotation, we are all about helping our customers get maximum life from the products we sell.”

“VIP gives our customers access to free puncture repairs on tyres we have sold and discounts on alignment.”

After 25 years in the role what have been some of the more unique tyres he has seen?

“Last week I replaced a tube in a 1914 Ford Model T. That was pretty unique; I had to fit the tube into the tyre with the wheel still fitted to the car. Also, we have fitted some huge earthmover tyres weigh ing over a ton each. We have a fantastic and very diverse customer base; we have fitted tyres to some very nice euro cars, Ferraris, Rolls Royce, Tesla and so many more. As well as some huge tractor tyres.”

Mike says their biggest point of differ ence is the staff.

“We have a fantastic team that I’m incredibly proud of, everyone is willing to go the extra mile, whether it’s cus tomer service or keeping the workshop/ showroom area and company vehicles in pristine condition.

“This extra attention to detail is what sets us apart from all our competitors in Blenheim. We have a clean and tidy waiting/showroom area that we are in the process of upgrading. We have the best gear available to do our job to the highest standard.”

celebrating

“We have a fantastic team that I’m incredibly proud of.”

TyreLAND Blenheim on Main Street opened in 1998 with two staff. Owner/operator Mike Johnston now leads a team of eight and the business has expanded to also occupy the neighbouring lot which provides a full drive-through service and more customer parking.

Escape room activity

Fancy robbing a bank, he roically recovering precious stolen art, or breaking out of prison (you were wrongfully convicted, of course)?

Then Xscape Space has got you sorted, with mind-bog gling puzzles and clues being the name of the game.

Xscape Space - Nelson’s Premier Escape Rooms offer something fun, outside-of-the box and challenging. Escape Rooms are a great activity for a family outing, a friends’ catchup, a team-building exercise, that special (or impossible to buy for) birthday, or the ultimate stag or hen night, or even a different date night experience.

They offer seven themed rooms with two sets of raceoff rooms for those with a competitive streak: Get your

mind thinking outside the box with puzzles and clues that will boggle it, while racing against the clock with your work team or other families.

Bu siness Owners Lindsay and Genie Bradley say “our spacious venue can accommo date up to 45 people per hour, there is plenty of free off street parking.”

“We offer private bookings for larger groups by arrangement.”

If you are curious and would like more information, or to book your session, contact the friendly team today.

Xscape Space – Nelson’s Premier Escape Rooms 2a Estuary Place (off Lower Queen St), Richmond. Phone 021 972 221

Email bookings@xs capespace.co.nz Web www.xscapespace.co.nz

IT’S ALWAYS A GOODY AT THE WOODY!

Look no further than The Woody for your Christmas Party!

Loads of options and prices. Private rooms, Garden Bars and entertainment is available. Come and have a chat to Stacey and the team and sort your 2022 Christmas Function Get in touch with us today!

Don’t skimp on the drinks but be responsible!

You and your staff want to let their hair down, looking forward to unwinding with some drinks.

You don’t want to disappoint but there are basic rules to consider too.

Whatever you do, don’t serve alcohol without food.

Awkward work drinks on an empty stomach can be a recipe for disaster.

Definitely provide a meal or at least snacks.

Cater for non-drinkers and do it well. There are people who will stay sober at your function and you don’t want them to feel ostracised.

Providing mocktails is a classy alterna tive and even more festive than juices or fizzy drinks. Water is essential too.

Christmas Function Fun with a Difference

YOU

Add fun to your next festive function

It’s the first week of October and already Christmas decorations are appearing in retail shops and super markets throughout Marlborough.

For workplaces this can only mean one thing; it’s time to book your staff Christmas function!

The first step is to set a date but when you do, it would pay to contact local hospitality businesses to book your Christmas function in advance.

Not only does this take the hard work out of putting on a function, but it is also supporting other local businesses.

Next, speak with the manager of the restaurant, bar or conference room provider to discuss catering options.

Most businesses will be happy to cater to any needs and often have helpful suggestions for a set menu and drink options.

For added fun you can then set a dress theme. It could be a decade theme or even a challenge, like wearing as many Christmas ornaments on an outfit as possible.

Finally, in the spirit of giving you could invite your colleagues/employees to participate in a ‘Secret Santa’ gift giving to a nominated value.

Another option could be to use the occasion to benefit a local charity by asking them to donate an item to a collection. This could be canned food for an animal rescue organization, or for the local Foodbank.

Christmas Work outing

Women’s football gets gold

By Chris Valli

The Blenheim women’s football team came away with a gold medal at the recent South Island masters games in Timaru.

The seven a side tournament was made even more special for the team as they only had eight players in the squad.

Team captain Andrea SmithScott says the team has been together since 2009 and is a mix of young, experienced and

mature players.

“We started in Nelson when it was over 25’s and we were in our late 20’s and early 30’s. The competition is now over the 30’s, and we are all now in our midlate 40’s apart from one player in mid-30’s and one player 50.”

“We were pipped at the post for second place for the last two years where we got silver, then back to gold this year. The Timaru team, who have won the gold the last two years over us,

got the silver this year.” The team didn’t concede a sin gle goal over seven games and is testimony to the defensive capa bilities and input of a ‘good mate’ from over the Whangamoas.

“Our goal keeper is our good friend Jo Scott (our token Nel sonian), who used to play in the outfield but suffered an injury many years ago, so she took up the goalie position for us for masters. She’s a legend – good eye for the game and great

reflexes that saved us on many occasions.”

Andrea says the redeeming feature of the group of ladies is that they are good friends who generally don’t play together during season, but have enjoyed getting together for the SI mas ters for the last 13 years.

There were eight teams in the competition, all from Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch, Tima ru, Dunedin and Queenstown.

Meanwhile, BV Masters, in

the over 35’s men’s competition came away with the bronze.

Andrea says it was that close that they had to win the last game and they drew, so only missed out on gold and silver by a couple of points.

Rangers Clubs of Marlborough, in the over 45’s men’s competi tion, didn’t get a medal but it was a very tight competition coming down to the last game.

Rangers Masters, in the over 50’s men’s competition got silver.

Steam loco delights rail and sail crowd

Picton pulled out one of its boomer days on Sunday, with the sun beating down out of a clear blue sky and barely the hint of a breeze on the foreshore.

It proved ideal for those lining up at the PIcton Rail and Sail site, with the added surprise of a model steam locomotive to carry eager children – and their equally

eager parents and grandparents - on a couple of circuits of the track.

Bob Metcalf, the president of the Picton Society of Model Engineers, came over from Nelson to “launch” his newly-re furbished locomotive, NZR JR1243, and rides were available for the price of a donation.

John Bolton of Blenheim helped recreate the days when steam was king as he fired up NZR locomotive JA 1243 for eager customers on the Picton Rail and Sail attraction on the Picton foreshore on Sunday.

Back row from left GK Jo Scott, Maria Boniface, Amanda McCallum, Iliui Wilson, Taz Gilbert. Front row Leana Gargiulo, Nicky Smith-Scott, Andrea Smith-Scott.

Andrea says the redeeming feature of this group of ladies is that they are good friends who generally don’t play together during season, but have enjoyed getting together for the SI Masters for the last 13 years.

Iconic bridal show has all-new look

“It’s all new!” says Carol Taylor, organiser of the Beavertown Lions Bride of The Year Show, to be held on Saturday, November 5.

She can’t disguise her excitement as she lists the changes they’ve made in what, thanks to Covid, is the first show of the new decade.

“New venues, new prizes, a whole new section for bridesmaids, a new committee, new judges...”

The new venue is she says, ideally suited to stage the gala show.

“It’s Ukaipo – the Rangitane Cul tural Centre Hall at Grovetown. Absolutely perfect for our needs.”

With 10 brides there will be no shortage of glorious gowns, flowers, headdresses and hairstyles to delight

and appreciate.

“It’s such a fabulous night, with a complimentary drink on arrival and fabulous light supper served at the interval”

A silent auction will also provide an opportunity to bid for heaps of spe cial luxury prizes. And she says, the money raised stays in Marlborough.

Our charity this year is Marlbor ough Women’s Refuge and IDEA Services

As the show is being held at a smaller venue tickets are limited so don’t delay get your tickets now.

Tickets are just $45 for this fabulous show.

Contact Carol ASAP for tickets on 021 399 649.

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

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

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

MICHELLE ROSTHORN JEWELLERY STUDIO

Bernadette

Bride Of The Year

wonderful show!

Beavertown Lions presents:

Rangitane Cultural Centre

Kimberly Jones

Married Daniel Esteban Mena Duarte on September 24, 2022 at Elim Christian Centre by Celebrant Tom Hatch. Gown and Veil made by Ellie Atelier Auckland.

Victoria Norrie

Married Matt Mortimer on April 30, 2021 at Kelvin Heights Queenstown by Celebrant Sophia Shortcliffe. Gown by Whitley by Jenny Yoo.

Sarah Higgins

Married Ben Hewson on November 28, 2020 in their home garden by celebrant Murray Gee. Gown made by mother of the bride, Fiona Higgins.

Brittany Hughes

Married Stephen Patchett on January 11, 2020 at Willows Green by celebrant Rachel Tau’alupe. Gown and veil by Essense of Australia.

Wendy Firks

Married Steve Simmonds on March 27, 2021 at the Men’s Club, Blenheim by the bride’s brother, Christian Fletcher Firks. Gown by Selene, Paper Swan and veil purchased online.

Aroha Hurring

Married Kurt Crafar on October 25, 2019 at their home by celebrant Butch Bradley. Gown and veil by Bernadette Thomas.

Maisie Blackwood

Married Thomas Peter on February 5, 2022 at Church of Nativity by Richard Dyer. Gown made by Maggie Sottero.

Tess Wells

Married Tom Ritchie on November 21, 2020 at Mt Riley, Okaramio by celebrant Jann Hook. Gown and veil by Lainee Hermsen.

Proud to support

Lisa Cooney

Married Marty Bennett on February 12, 2022 at Upton Oak Gardens Blenheim by Celebrant Alan Washington. Gown from Brides of Merivale Christchurch.

Christianna Stewart

Married Greg Morgan on February 7, 2020 in her mum and dads garden by celebrant Jenny Andrews. Gown made by Always and Forever Melbourne, altered heavily by Ber nadette Thomas. Veil by Bernadette Thomas.

of the Year

minutes with...

Holly Snowden

Blackmore Audiology Clinic Coordinator

Are you a dog or cat person?

A couple of years ago I would have said cat, but we adopted our dog last year and she has been the best addition to our family.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

An architect, vet or air force pilot.

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

I’m (mostly) fluent in Welsh.

Have you met anyone famous?

Hilary Barry, who was as lovely as she seems. David Tennant, at a high school drama workshop.

My favourite food to cook or eat is...? Anything low and slow on the BBQ.

The shop you can’t walk past is...? Independent bookshops or anywhere selling plants.

What’s your favourite game of sport to watch?

I’m not a massive sports person but anything my kids are playing that season.

Your dream weekend involves....?

Hanging out with good people, good food and a good view.

Favourite programme or series currently watching?

I love a docu-series. We’ve just finished Aftershock about the Nepal earthquake.

What’s one thing on your bucket list? A weekend cruise in Doubtful Sound.

gardening this week

The need for phosphorus: By Wally Richards

When we buy plant foods or fer tilisers for our gardens we see on them the letters N:P:K followed by numbers which indicate the amounts of each of these elements. The NPK stands for Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium.

Nitrogen provides growing power and helps make plant leaves and stems green.

Nitrogen is used to form basic proteins, chlorophyll, and enzymes for the plant cells. In short, a plant can’t grow without it.

Phosphorus stimulates budding and blooming. Plants need phosphorus to produce fruits, flowers, and seeds.

It also helps make your plants more resistant to disease. Phosphorus doesn’t dissolve like nitrogen. The soil will hang onto phosphorus, not releasing it into water.

Potassium promotes strong vigorous roots and resistance to disease.

Potassium is a nutrient your plants need for good internal chemistry.

Plants use potassium to produce the sugars, starches, proteins and enzymes they need to grow and thrive. Potassium also helps your plants regulate their water usage, and better withstand the cold.

I believe of the three elements it’s the phosphorus that is least under stood by some gardeners.

In the distant past phosphorus was obtained from manures especially bird or bat droppings called guano. Phosphorus was also obtained from Reactive Rock Phosphate which is a hard phosphatic rock.

In most soils it dissolves very slowly.

To make the rock phosphate more readily available to plants it was discovered that a process using sulfuric acid, early in the 1900’s, would breakdown the reactive rock phosphate so a new agricultural fertiliser was created called Super or Super Phosphate.

It became a boon to agriculture and farming with tons of Super being spread to cause fast growth in fields and crops.

Unfortunately like a number of dis coveries such as DDT and Asbestos, there was a hidden price to pay.

Super phosphate kills soil life and their demise leads to unhealthy plants/grasses.

Not only that, it is now known that Super laden plants and grasses can cause health problems in stock including cancers.

(Chlorine and acidic products also destroy soil life including earth

worms. Over time through continued use soil becomes inert or lifeless).

I read a very interesting book some years ago called ‘Cancer, Cause and Cure’ written by an Australian farmer, Percy Weston.

Percy observed the results of the introduction of Super on his farm and the changes that occurred.

If you are interested the book can be obtained by mail order. The book made me reconsider the use of Super phosphate in garden fertilisers.

Interestingly I have never been an advocate of Super phoshate and to the best of my knowledge have never purchased it as a stand alone fertiliser for my gardens.

Though I have on odd occasions in the past used General Garden Fertilisers.

Fortunately I have always preferred sheep manure pellets, animal ma nures and natural products as my general plant food.

Nowadays I avoid using chemical fertilisers or chemical sprays includ ing any herbicides anywhere on my property.

But I have noticed in the past, that even though I have obtained good healthy crops and plants, there is some factor that appears to be missing and the crops are not as lush as I feel they could be.

I have often thought that I am not getting sufficient phosphorus in my composts and mulches.

This caused me to do a bit of re search on the Internet and found to my delight a company in New Zealand who make a product called BioPhos.

They take the rock phosphate and break it down naturally with micro organisms making it as readily avail able to plants as Super phosphate is.

The company sent me a email book let and it showed trials that proved that

not only did BioPhos work as well as Super, but actually better as it did not have a ‘peak’ growth on application and gave a much longer sustained release of phosphorus to plants.

Instead of killing soil life it actually supplies new micro organisms to the soil which carry on breaking the natural phosphorus down, meaning that only one application is needed per year unless you are cropping during the winter as well.

Some rose growers and rose so cieties recommend using BioPhos for better, healthier roses. BioPhos contains phosphate, potassium, sul phur and calcium at the rates of P10:K8:S7:Ca28.

It is pH neutral and used at the following rates; New beds work in 100 grams per square metre, the same with lawns but water in to settle.

Side dressing plants; seedlings 8 grams (a teaspoon full) around base of the plant or in the planting hole.

Same for potatoes (which do well with phosphorus) Sowing beans peas etc sprinkle down row with seeds.

Roses and similar sized plants 18 grams or a tablespoon full around plant or in planting hole.

Established fruit trees etc, spread at the rate of 100 grams per square metre around drip line or where feeder roots are.

Apply to vegetable gardens in spring and a further application in autumn if growing winter crops. Can be applied to container plants also.

Gardeners that use Biophos for the first time around their gardens often contact me to say how much their gardens have improved within a few weeks of using the product.

Maybe because the gardens are missing phosphate and a sprinkling gives the plants what they have been wanting.

from

now from

all the

ever ask for in one convenient location.

Too many near misses

Any chance Wither Rd could be made parking on one side only? So many near misses and thoughtless people not moving over even when its a bit of a squeeze with just one parked car let alone two.

Crazy green waste prices

For years I’ve been taking my grass clippings to the dump and the price has always been $3-$4. The last few months it’s cost over $20 per visit. What’s going on. No wonder I’m seeing more and more piles of green waste down at the river these days.

Double Standards in Parliament?

Can’t help feeling for those in the Dairy Industry over the seemingly senseless ‘green tax’ being proposed. Especially given the double standards displayed by all our airpoint accumulating parliamentarians. And wouldn’t it be great to see a really ‘Green Party’ advo cating for a substantial reduction in unhealthy emissions by upgrading/fully electrifying our rail network with a view to reducing the number of very un-green, oversized trucks from our roads?

Win win

Win win for Nelson. Less visitors until after new year. Only one road for crime and drugs - per fect 24 hour easy detection, apprehension and prevention. Travellers have to book ahead for e-car battery charging appointment slot and/ or abundant accommodation. No New Year bash! The way it used to be, relaxed and calm.

Stocking local

Well done Thymebank locally producing springblend salad leaves. Delicious and great value. Well done Paknsave for stocking local.

Ingenious public service

Two local electricians are loading large gener ators onto tandem trailers, for towing up SH63, roadside rescuing E cars.

Cost is great-only 30 litres hourly of diesel for 2 hr full 200klm charge, plus staff & RUC for callout; (RUC- not on E cars, deferred again 3rd time until mid 2023)!

Can the AA please match this service free, from Nov 1st. Fantastic planning!

Re taking advantage

Are you griping and you haven’t “rung up and..” gotten free parcels ?

What are you griping about?

Housing shortage

I just read in the classifieds in a local paper, a couple moved here from north, are looking for a house to rent. There’s not even rentals available for Blenheim families !! How do these people suppose they can just arrive and then presumption - a house be available?

Get it fixed

SH 6: Maybe Waka Kotahi top of the south system manager Andrew James has just woken up and realized SH 6 is a main highway that should have been a top priority fix after all the storm was in August.

Celebration

Great to see Picton Fire Brigades 150 celebrat ed, pity Blenheim didn’t do the same with the great history they have got, smaller Brigades seem to like their history.

Pot holes

If Waka Kotahi and councils stop spending money on cycle lanes then maybe they could fix the pot holes properly some of the roads around Marlborough are getting just as bad as the ones up north. Eltham road the prime example as people still ride on the other side of the road.

Library name

Library, I hope this new mayor and council give the library a English name with Maori underneath, the same with the colleges leave them how they are. If you look at the NZ maps you will see there is already hundreds of places in Maori has been for years. Who gives permission to change the names???.

Labour Day

Beautiful day spoilt by inconsiderate neigh bours playing their favourite music loudly but to the neighbours all we are getting is the thump of the bass beat.....please be more considerate and turn the ‘music’ down. Frightful throbbing low beat.

Re Walkway not cycleway

Just because I am sick of hearing about it, some of the path down the river was actually funded by The National government in 2015 as part of the National Cycle Way.

Google it. Stuff June 25th 2015. Blenheim ($1.8m) contribution.

Spring Creek

Eltham/Beaver Road Cycle Link

Taylor River Path

So walkers and bikers, stop moaning at each other and just have a bit of good old fashioned respect for one another. It’s there for everyone.

Karma

Karma will come your way to the person who keeps pinching produce,re flowers at Rarangi.

Saddened by remarks

I am saddened and appalled at the racist remarks on this page. I am a white middle class 72 year old and I cannot believe the redneck small minds in this town. I feel ashamed. Think about what you’re writing and who is hurt by your remarks before you send message. Reach out for the greater good. Thank you.

Black scribbles

Now the weather’s warmer, the show-offs have come out to play on the roads at night = Black scribbles. Damaged seal. More taxpayer $$ to fix.

Anyone thinking this behaviour is acceptable, has the brain of a louse.

Who sells them these tyres? Hope it’s not where we buy our new ones.

Wrong country

Hi there, in Countdown Redwoodtown the Tunnocks Wafers in the international section are under “USA” when they are in fact Scottish. Please could this be resolved.

Talk of the week

Impressed

Since not being able to drive, we have been using the bus service. The drivers have impressed us with their friendly and helpful service. Thank you, well done.

www.EASTERNSTATESSPEEDwAY.NET.Nz

Doing their best Fabulous

Just wanted to shout out to all the customer service workers who work tirelessly trying to do their jobs, I’ve been in two places in town over the last 2 days where customers have borderline bullied the staff. Come on people - times are different now since covid don’t put down the staff who are doing their best!

Thank you to the fabulous gardeners who till the soil at Pollard Park. I walk there daily and it is truly magnificent. The flower gardens are stunning with their riot of colours! Roses just coming out. So good for the soul. Fabulous thank you.

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.

Voting papers

Local council voting papers. I feel these should be redesigned and more of a basic paper. Those unfamiliar with the system may have voted wrong...Next time a different set up perhaps.

AIR TIME: MBC student and mountain biker Nate Washer placed first in the downhill at the Second ary School Mountain Bike Nationals held in Bluff recently. Photo: Neil Sinclair.

Nate Washer first place in downhill nationals

By Chris Valli

Marlborough Boys’ College student and mountain biker Nate Washer placed first in the downhill at the Skoda sponsored Secondary School Mountain Bike Nationals held in Bluff recently.

Held over the weekend of October 13 - 16, Nate competed in the under 20 age group at Bluff Hill. Nate finished third in the Enduro, first in the Downhill and second overall in New Zealand.

Downhill Mountain biking (DH) is a style on steep, rough terrain that often features jumps, drops, rock gardens and other obstacles.

Nate says he has been riding since he could walk, and got into racing at Year 8 with some close friends. A big part of his success has been from the encouragement of the Marlborough Mountain Biking Club.

He says placing first was a bit of a surprise as he hadn’t been riding as much as he could have, especially for a national competition.

“My local tracks in Blenheim are nothing like Bluff’s trails.”

His time for the downhill was 2.22 minutes racing a length of 1.4km with a decent of 208m.

The Year 12 student says his greatest

supporter has ‘definitely got to be my mum’ as she is always taking me to racing and helping me get ready for racing.

His bike was shipped up from Queens town last year and says it was exactly what he wanted.

“My Scott Gambler has a single speed which isn’t seen very often any more, but I enjoy it. I’m frothing for the DH series next year and hope to get on the podium again.”

Fellow MBC Year 12 student and moun tain biker Cam Anderson competed in the Under 17 age group, and finished second in the Enduro, third in Downhill and second overall in New Zealand.

Cam recently competed in the Enduro World Series in Whistler, Canada and came away with the win in the U17 category.

MBC sent a team of seven riders and Marl borough Girls’ College sent a team of two.

Meanwhile, Lachie McNabb competed in the under 17 age group and finished ninth in the Enduro, 10th in Downhill and 10th in Cross Country which included a broken chain at the start. Lachie placed fifth overall.

The event was organised by Cycling New Zealand Schools with 114 schools represented. It was hosted by the Southland Mountain Bike Club.

Croquet Orchard Plate

By Chris Valli

The annual Orchard Plate competition between the Blenheim and Brooklyn croquet clubs was held recently.

Blenheim croquet club captain Leah Thomson says the competition dates back many decades and is the best of 45 games evenly spread over one day a month for five spring and summer months. Leah says games are played under a handicap system which levels out play so that new players can have an equal chance of winning whether they are playing players of equal ability or those who have been playing for years.

“Whether winning or not winning, what is better than spending a fantastic

afternoon outside in the fresh air playing sport catching up with old friends and topped off with a hearty afternoon tea with homemade banana cake, date loaf and fresh cream chocolate eclairs,” Leah says.

By the end of the day the friendship and food helped dull the pain of the Blenheim club who were trailing after the first nine games but with 36 games to come who could tell what will happen in the games to come?

“You too with a little coaching by the friendly members of the club could be part of this competition next year by coming along to Pollard Park on Parker Street (next to the tennis courts) on any Sunday at 12.45pm and joining in,” Leah adds.

The Orchard Plate tournament held at the Blenheim Croquet Club on Monday, October 17. From left to right; Tom Stratham(Brooklyn),Brian Goodwin(Brooklyn),Kevin Freeth( Blenheim),Annie Lomax(Blenheim),Sue Heagney(Brooklyn),Marg Fox(Brooklyn),Jack Dijk stra(Brooklyn),Pam Cross(Blenheim),Pauline Davies(Blenheim),Joy Hayes(Brooklyn),Kaye Clarke(Blenheim) and Barry Masters(Blenheim).

Cam Anderson and Nate Washer after their respective second and first placings at the weekend.

TOP OF THE PODIuM: Nate all smiles after finishing first.

Fairhall School pet day

Fairhall School held their annual pet day last Friday after a two-year Covid hiatus. Principal Steve Crockett says the day is part and parcel of what they do as a semi-rural school which has been entrenched over the years. Steve says it was a first for some students and staff, and although pets were down in numbers in previous years overall it was a positive experience for all involved.

Celebrating 20 years

The Sun Newspaper is celebrating a milestone birthday this year on November 5 and we want you to be part of the fun! Share with us what you have enjoyed about our paper over these last 20 years. We’ll print the best comments in our November issues.

We’ll be thanking our readers with some special giveaways at this time.

EWETASTIC: Florence Jackson with her two month old crossbred long down sheep.

CREATIVE 101: Helen Adams and Karen Mitchell.

Laura Grigg.

5 year olds Jack and Sam with ‘showlamb’ and ‘butterfly lamb’.

JUDGES DECISION: Terry Marfell and Ian Mitchell.Sophia Peake and Flossy.

HOP: Loni Sluiter and her bunny Minilop.

FUNKY CHICKEN: Elise Taylor with her chook Chippy.

Maya Collett and ‘Hilly’.

dry CleAning

gAtes GATES

Grants

COLLEGES OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION (INC) Annual General Meeting

Thursday October 27th 2022 10am At 3 Hale Street,

MARLBOROUGH PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

An established support group meeting in Blenheim for men and their families living with a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Spouses, partners and family members welcome.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Meetings: Time: Venue:

URGENT services

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

Ambulance: Urgent 111. Non urgent 578 0797.

After Hours Chemists: Springlands Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 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.

First Tuesday of each month* 7.15pm

An established support group meeting in Blenheim for men and their families living with a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Spouses, partners and family

October Meeting:

Cancer Society Blenheim House 76A Maxwell Road, Blenheim

Date: Tuesday 1st November 2022, at 7.15pm

meeting December and January

Venue: Cancer Society Blenheim House, 76A Maxwell Road, Blenheim

For more information please contact: Support Group Coordinator Murray Eyles M: 027 608 5667

For more information please contact: Support Group Coordinator Murray Eyles M: 027 608 5667

E: marlborough@prostate.org.nz

E: marlborough@prostate.org.nz

W: www.prostate.org.nz/support-meetings

W: www.prostate.org.nz/support-meetings

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

Community notices

Blenheim Golf Club - Multiple Sclerosis - Parkinsons SocTOURNAMENT

18 Holes. 5th November. 10am (shotgun start depending on en tries) Great prizes-Great fun. Target green and novelty holes. Entry fee $30. Best nett over field - men and ladies. Stableford in grades (subject to entries). Entries to blenheimgolf secretary@gmail.com. Major Spon sor - Ray White Real Estate.

Thank you

St Andrews Church would like to thank all those who helped in the success of their recent Gardern Tour, particular ly those who loaned us their gardens for the two days. Without them there would have been no Garden Tour!! We also thank all the sponsors and ticket sellers. Congratulations go to Bob Patchett and Gaylene Cairns who won the raffles. Thanks again to everyone for your support.

Marlborough Tramping Club 90th anniversary

Sunday 13th November 10.30am walk to Mt Vernon Trig. 1pm lunch at Brayshaw Park, $20 pp. Contact Mary 027 278 5633 for registration.

Share your community events!

Community Noticeboard is for non-profit organisations!

For $10.00 + GST you can publish up to 25 words.

EXCLUDES: AGMS, sporting notices or special meetings. All notices must be pre-paid. Call into our office at 72 High St.

Situations Vacant

Harvester

GILROY, Lois Jayne: 9 August 1949 – 23 October 2022. Passed away peacefully at Hos pice Marlborough. Loving partner of Logan McCosh and loved mother of Darryn Mc Laughlan, Nicola McLaughlan and Jamie Mc Laughlan and her grand-children Austin and Storme. Loved only sister of Kevin (Bill) and Marilyn, Tom and Robyn and the late Peter. Special thanks to the staff of Hospice Marlbor ough, to Liz the District Nurse and the staff of the Oncology Department. At Lois’s request a private cremation has taken place.

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

JONES, Grosvenor (Grove): On Monday Oc tober 24, 2022 at Bethsaida Retirement Village after a battle with cancer Aged 91 years. Gone to join his beautiful Margaret. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Dai and Jill, and Sian and Roy. Cherished taid of Stacey and John, James and Hanna, Justine and Grant and Melanie and Stu. Precious hen-daid of Holly and Hayley, Leopold, Michaela and Britney, Nikita and Sacha. Dearly loved son of Benja min and Eleanor (North Wales) (dec). Loved brother of Charlie and Jean (both dec), Gwen and Bob (both dec), Victor and Phyllis (both dec), Harry and Kitty (both dec), Roy (dec) and Dorothy all from (North Wales). Eaton Family patriarch Grove, loved and respected brother-in-law of Pat and Thelma Eaton (both dec), Kate and Dave Waters (both dec), Col leen and Bob Pacey (both dec), Bernie Eaton (dec), Doreen and Trevor Boyd (dec), Anne and Jim Foster (both dec), Teresa (Teri) Eaton and Denis Whiterod, Joan and John Sweeney (both dec), Helen Earl and Brian Earl (both dec). A much loved Uncle of Kath and Dave (Wales) and all his nieces and nephews in NZ and North Wales. Special thanks to the Dr Brooke Battersby and staff in medical, at Wairau Hospital together with the lovely care at Bethsaida. Messages may be sent to 67 New Renwick Road, Burleigh, Blenheim 7201. A service for Grove will be held at the Church of the Nativity, Alfred Street, Blenheim at 2pm on Thursday October 27, followed by private cremation at the Sowman Crematorium.

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

Death notices

BARRY: June Violet (Paddy). On 18 Octo ber 2022, peacefully at Ashwood Retirement Village, in her 100th year. In accordance with June’s wishes, a private cremation will take place. For further information visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

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

BROADBELT: Colin Atkinson. Died in Blenheim 19 October 2022. A loved hus band, father and grandfather. Remembered as a very practical man. At Colin’s insis tence, cremation has taken place.

ST GEORGE: Margaret Ann. Passed away on 11 October 2022. In accordance with Margaret’s wishes, a private cremation and service has taken place. For further informa tion visit our website www.cloudybayfuner als.co.nz

MacPherson, Elizabeth (Betty)

In loving memory of Mum (Nan). She devoted her life to those she loved, In our hearts you will always remain. Very sadly missed by Stewart, Ryan and Olivia, and all the family.

GOODWIN: Noeline (Polly). On 19th Oc tober 2022 peacefully at Bethsaida Resth ome aged 85 years. At Noeline’s request a private family gathering has been held. For further information visit our website www cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

ROUSH: Sara Jean. On 19 October 2022, peacefully at the Marlborough Hospice, aged 72 years. A Memorial Service to cel ebrate Sara’s life will be held at the Spring lands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services. 15 Boyce Street on Friday 28th October at 1.30pm. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

WAY: Maree Patricia (née Edmonds). On 15 October 2022, passed away peacefully at Redwood Care Centre, aged 87 years. At Maree’s request, a private family service has been held. For further information visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

HAD A BABY?

Tell the rest of Blenheim for FREE.

Wednesday

MCKEE, Bede Mark: On Sunday 23 Octo ber 2022, aged 41, after an inspirational life. A Requiem Mass for Bede will be recited at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Maxwell Road, Blenheim on Friday 28 October at 1.00pm followed by interment at the Seddon Ceme tery. For those that can’t attend, the service will be recorded and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website from Saturday morning. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfu nerals.co.nz

WARMOUTH: Eric Ronald. It is with great sadness that the family of Eric Ronald Warmouth informs his friends, colleagues, and fellows of his passing on October 20, 2022, peacefully at his family home sur rounded by those who love him. A funeral service for Eric will be held at the Spring lands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Thursday 27 October at 1.30pm followed by private cremation. To visit the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz This service will be livestreamed on our website.

fact of the

week

The

sports talk

Jacob

Wellington have their Saturday in the sun

Wellingtonians gave me a full range of emotions on Saturday night.

I headed along to the well past its use-by-date Orangetheory Stadium to witness Wellington’s much-deserved NPC final win over Canterbury, their first since 2000.

Canterbury were outmuscled and lacked passion in front of a home crowd that had little to cheer about. Many of us one-eyed Cantabs

were so bored by the performance of the hosts that we turned to our phones to watch another Welling tonian, Finn Allen crash and bash the Australian bowlers all over the Sydney Cricket Ground.

His blazing 42 off 16 set the tone in the Black Caps’ 89-run thumping of Australia in the opening game of the T20 World Cup proper.

It was New Zealand’s first win on Aussie soil since 2011 and it

solidified Allen as the heir apparent to Martin Guptill’s crown in limited overs cricket.

The power of Allen was compli mented by the precision of Devon Conway’s unbeaten 92.

Conway has a way of lulling teams into a false sense of security. He scores his runs with finesse.

Unlike Allen, Conway kills you softly - it’s like watching a death by 1000 papercuts.

Conway has been a terrific gift for New Zealand cricket considering the South African born batter has been the perfect replacement for the retired Ross Taylor.

The win was so complete and convincing, it totally turned around what was going to be a ho-hum Saturday night for my mates and I.

I’m not sure it instills faith the Black Caps can win the tournament but a win over Australia in Australia

are a rare delight worth celebrating. One thing is for sure and that’s the Black Caps now have a cham pionship pedigree and will not be overcome by the big moment.

Trent Boult and Mitch Santner hold the key in the bowling de partment and the return of Daryl Mitchell later in the tournament could just add a point of difference to allow the team to cause a boil over.

Kobe selected for NZ Rowing Elite Development Squad

By Chris Valli

Blenheim and Wairau rower Kobe Miller has been selected in the New Zealand Rowing Elite Development Squad.

Rowing NZ recently announced a summer and elite development squad as the organisation builds towards the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The announcement continues to provide a potential professional pathway for Kobe where he will be mixing and training with the sports best on the shores of Cambridge’s Lake Karapiro.

The 23 year old found out about his selection via email. It’s a reflection of the mahi he is putting in after finishing a credible 16 out of 27 in the single sculls at the world junior rowing champion ships (U23) in Italy in July.

He says he is now able to apply his trade and learn from the best.

“I am able to learn off other elite rowers such as Olympians within the high performance environ

ment where I can consistently set goals, push and aim for targets to beat throughout the season. The (development) squad are looking to progress us towards future international campaigns.”

One of those campaigns and benchmark is the 2023 World Rowing Championships which doubles as the first Olympic qualification regatta.

“I am looking forward to see ing how I progress and keen to perform my best day in and day out and keeping myself account able to make gains and push for success.”

A feature of the 2022 summer squad is Blenheim’s Tokyo Olym pic Gold Medallist Tom Murray while former All Black, Warrior and mental health advocate John Kirwan’s son Luca (Auckland Rowing Club) joins Kobe in the development squad.

Kobe moves to Cambridge No vember 5 after he finishes his last exam in Dunedin, November 3

where he will graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science.

The news of Kobe’s selection comes after being nominated for the Sportsman of the Year at the Marlborough Sports Awards on Monday, November 21 at the Marlborough Convention Centre.

Kobe joins six other south island

based rowers in the squad of elev en. He will be based in Cambridge for the next 12 months

The 2022 Rowing NZ Elite De velopment Squad is; Ben Mason (Avon Rowing Club)

Ben Taylor (Avon Rowing Club), Flynn Watson (Avon Rowing Club), Jack Ready (Auckland

Blenheim

Grammar Rowing Club), James Scott (Tauranga Rowing Club), Jonte Wright (Waikato Rowing Club), Kobe Miller (Wairau Row ing Club), Luca Kirwan (Auckland Rowing Club), Thomas Russell (Avon Rowing Club), Will Gilbert (Avon Rowing Club) and Zack Rumble (Avon Rowing Club).

Sat 15 Oct – Stableford – John Saxon, Ron Peters 35; Len Barlow 34; Ant Booker 33. Sun 16 Oct – Bavarian & Terminus Cups – Mixed Teams – Best Gross Hiram Taylor & Jo Prescott 77; Best nett Ricky and Mike Ashworth 63; Runners-up nett Marilyn Keenan & Jason Randall. Mens Teams- Best Gross Blair Bavin & James Suth erland 74; Best Nett Ian Johnson & Wayne Pratt 68;

Glennie 36, Jim Cooke 36, Trevor McGarry 35. Div.2:Colin Marsden 38, Paul Eden 37, John Aitchison 37, Tony Armstrong 37.

Sat 22 Oct: Women’s Stableford Div.1:Lizzie Turnbull 37. Div.2:Julia Knowles 36, Frances Handforth 35, Gloria Rodgers 35.

Men’s Stableford Div.1: Bruce Snowden 34. Div.2:Ravi Johl 36, Peter Diack 34. Div.3:Ian Newport 37, Paul Eden 37.

Runner-up Nett Jock Mannington & Ant Booker 68.5.

Thu 20 Oct- Stableford- Mike McGuire 39; Mike Ashworth 38; Hiram Taylor 35; Ant Booker 33; Nick Wright, Jock Mannington, Ian Johnson, Len Barlow, Iain Berrie, 32.

Fri 21 Oct – 9Hole – Stableford - Mary Butler 16; Lyn Pawson 14

Rarangi

Wed 19 Oct – Men’s Midweek Amer ican Stableford: Bruce Curgenven 59; Ian Hale 59; Tim Clark 58; Len Barlow 57; Clarry Neame 56; Allan Hogg 55; Jack Gleeson 55; Allan Shutkowski 55; David Best 54; Terry Allen 54; Phil Hill 54; Terry Lane 53; Murray Ingram53; Ray Tomlinson 53; Alan Rutledge 53; Thu 20 Oct – Ladies – Charters Cup – Stableford: Best over the field – Pat Ol liver 41;0-20 Maria McConway 37;21-27 Susan Godsiff 38 on c/b Helen Neame; Anne Newman 37; Diane McCarthy 36;28+ Denise Hodson 37; Judy Dwyer 36.

Sat 22 Oct – Men – Hidden HolesStableford & Ladies – Stableford: Men

- Lindsay McAlpine 33; Jerome January 33; Peter Browning 33; LukeRyder 31; Terry Allen 31; Shane Weaver 31; Alan Rutledge 30; Malcolm Dixon 30; Terry Lane 38; Michael Dwyer 28. Ladies – Pat Olliver 43; Helen Neame 42; Anne Newman 41; Janet Laing 40. Sun 23 Oct – Men & Ladies - Medal: Carla Heppelthwaite 65; Gavin Coombs 66; David Best 68; Wendy Moffat 69; Murray Ingram 69; Gary Barnett 71; Luke Ryder 71; Cyril Dawson 72.

Monday 24 October 2022 – Labour Day – Par: Jim Thomas +7; Janet Laing +4; Maxwell Short +4; Jack Wicks +4; Pat Olliver +1.

OARSOME: Wairau rower Kobe Miller has been selected in Rowing New Zealand’s Elite Development squad where he will be based in Cambridge for the next 12 months. Kobe’s selection comes after being nominated for the Sportsman of the Year at the Marlborough Sports Awards on Monday, November 21 at the Marlborough Convention Centre.

Wednesday

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

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.