16 November Blenheim Sun Newspaper

Swing, Sawers and Sinatra

By Chris Valli

Performing the lead role of April in Blenheim Musical Theatre’s cabaret show Blue Eyes has been a wonderful vocal opportunity for Jessie Sawers. Described as a ‘cabaret with story’ the show weaves the music of Frank Sinatra with a New Zealand flavour and is written by April Phillips 23-year-old Jessie played the role of Eponine in BMT’s production of Les Miserables in May. She says she

was excited to audition for another BMT show and do what she loves adding it was a great opportunity to experience a show with Director Bridget McNamara.

Her character April starts off as a dishwashing gal and moves out of home to pursue her dream of being a jazz singer. April performs 10 solo songs and two duets with Blenheim’s Simon Popham (Andy) and one duet with Daniel Brunel (George). Continued on page 2.

Jessie Sawers as April in Blenheim Musical Theatre’s cabaret story Blue Eyes which opens tomorrow night.

Cabaret of local talent

Continued from page 1.

“You see her transition throughout the show from a shy young girl to maturing as a woman oozing with confidence.”

George plays the love interest in the show and is a pivotal character in the storyline as April leaves her dream of being a singer once becoming pregnant.

So how would Jessie describe the music of Frank Sinatra, who was himself influenced by the intimate, easy-listening vocal style of Bing Crosby.

“Relaxed and groovy. Frank has a natural ability to captivate audiences with his charm and impeccable rhythm,” suggests Jessie.

“There are many interpretations and life lessons within songs in the show. For example his song “That’s Life” has many valuable lessons none more so than there will be ups and downs in life and that’s okay. Actually, that’s life.”

The lyric “I’ve been up and down and over and out, and I know one thing. Each time I find myself lying flat on my face, I pick myself up and get back in the race,” is one Jessie can resonate with. “Another lesson within the lyrics of the song is you’ll want to quit when life gets hard but sometimes you’re going to need to push through.”

There are historical New Zealand themes in the story and a reflection

of what it was like to be a woman in society in the 1960’s. Such as if a woman became pregnant she needed to get married and wasn’t encouraged to have a career outside of the home, especially one in the performing arts.

From a young age Jessie has en joyed acting, singing and dancing.

“Performing is my absolute passion and brings me so much joy. It is the freedom to step into a character’s shoes and completely transform and lose yourself. In that moment I put all my passion, energy and emotion into my performance.”

Jessie says Blue Eyes is full of entertainment with the first half beginning with a cabaret of fun, stylish and classy acts: featuring

singers, dancers, and comedians and an almost magician.

“The second half is the Blue Eyes show telling a story of love and discovery to the music of Sinatra including his signature songs such as New York New York, Fly Me To The Moon, That’s Life. Audiences will enjoy listening to all Frank’s songs played by our fabulous 18 piece band as well as a yummy menu.”

Blue Eyes won the 2003 Stellar Award for Best Musical Production and was performed at Circa Theatre, Wellington.

Opening night of Blue Eyes is to morrow night November 17 and runs to December 3 at Blenheim Musical Theatre, Laking’s Road.

GeorGe: Daniel Brunel and April in a scene from the show.

Blue eyes DAncers: Tracey Blissett, Kat lange, Helen lyons, Gemma Amsler and Dave Barrett along with April, Jessie sawers.

Katrina Whiteside

Les Whiteside

PuBliSHerS

100 years - Family the greatest inspiration

By Chris Valli

Eleanor Pickford says it is her family which has given her the most pleasure and joy in her decorated life.

The Redwood Care Lifestyle and Village resident turned 100 years young last Wednesday and cele brated with loved ones including her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“Seeing my children and their children gives me great joy,” she reflects.

Eleanor’s family has certainly extended which now entails nine grandchildren and 13 great grand children.

Born in Invercargill, she was educated at South School Primary and moved to Blenheim with her husband during the Second World War, arriving in 1943 with the birth of her first child Barbara in 1945.

Her late husband Henry George - affectionately known as Harry - worked for the Public Trust which at the time took charge of administering soldiers’ wills and property.

“He was commandeered and put into the army office here in Blenheim. His duty was to look after all the soldiers who had come back to make sure they got all the benefits such as travel vouchers.”

Eleanor says Harry, who was a keen rower before domesticated life eventuated, was an upstanding, gentleman who possessed honest values in all facets of life. His love

and fondness for classical music left an indelible mark on Eleanor.

During World War 2, New Zea land women worked at ‘men’s work’ to free up over 200,000 men to serve in the armed forces.

Eleanor herself was employed by a local solicitor’s office doing the accounts and clerical administra tion tasks.

Eleanor had three children. Bar bara Anne Parker and Margaret Boyce live in Blenheim while her son David Henry died a few years ago.

Margaret says the family just think she’s amazing, especially over the last four years which have been ‘somewhat challenging’ with several breakages and surgeries.

“She has defied the odds and is

good to go for another year or two yet,” she quips. “Mum has always been very matter of fact, honest and hard-working and full of integrity. She has a great concern for other people.”

Even though she has lived in Blenheim for nearly 80 years she still considers herself a true-blue Southlander.

“You have to be born here to be a local,” she laughs.

Eleanor took up bowls in her later years (Springlands) repre senting the region. She recalls going for a walk one day and being approached by a local woman, backing out of her car and dressed in white.

“She says ‘what are you doing? I’m off to bowls. Hop in, come

with me.’ So I went along and the people were friendly.”

Eleanor suggests the greatest invention in her 100 years has been the telephone which she says caused a great deal of learning at the time.

“I still have trouble with them,” she says.

Eleanor has been a resident at Redwood Care for the past four years after living independently until the age of 96 where she had a major fall.

So what’s the secret to her lon gevity?

“I never drank alcohol. I love reading. I’d be lost if I had poor vision with my eyes. I have to con fess I was not much of a puzzler or doing things like Sudoku.”

inbrief Sun The

Present appeal

Volunteer Marlborough are appealing for locals to donate gifts for both Foster Hope and Women’s Refuge Marlborough.

All gifts need to be unwrapped and preferably new.

Donations must be received by December 9 and can be dropped off at Volunteer Marlborough, 1 Market Street, between 9am and 5pm weekdays.

Tua Marina School Planting

On Monday class Rewarewa from Tua Marina school rode their bikes to the Hinepango wetland in Rarangi to plant trees.

The class also visited the pouwhenua which was carved by Reg Thomsett of Spring Creek and is installed at the entrance to Kei puta te Wairau.

The school would like to thank DOC and the Hinepango Wetland Group, and Kiwi Can (Graham Dingle Foundation) for supporting their community work. They’d also like to thank the MDC for providing the bikes as part of the Bike Skills Programme in Term 4.

CBD Streetscape upgrade

Work on Blenheim’s High and Wynen Streets, linking the new Marlborough Library and Art Gallery to the Central Business District began on Monday.

Council Projects and Contracts Manager Maighan Watson said the streetscape project, which includes landscaping around the new library and art gallery building, will deliver a refreshed look.

It includes renewed footpath surfaces, a new access lane and road crossings, updated street furniture and revitalised garden beds in the High and Wynen Street areas. Council is also renewing stormwater services in Wynen Street.

100 and counting: Eleanor’s family has certainly extended and now entails nine grand children and 13 great grand children.

Clubs Quiz – the best fun over 12 years

By Chris Valli

Last week’s news that the Clubs of Marlborough was closing its doors was the end of an era. It was also the end of the weekly quiz, run for the past twelve years by Glenn Kirby.

Glenn says he received a text last Wednesday saying that there was ‘no quiz tonight’ as the Clubs was to be closed last Sunday.

“They said they would rather let me know now, than a Facebook post later,” he says. “The phone went a bit nuts that night with lots of questions I couldn’t answer. It was humbling that people were getting in touch, to see if I was okay and to find out what was going on.”

The voice of Marlborough real estate had been actively involved with the quiz after the seed for such an idea came from a former radio colleague, Wade Cornelius.

Glenn says for something like the quiz that had been on the local scene for over a decade and building nicely, it was ‘a bit heart-breaking’ to finish the way it did.

The format for the quiz for a large proportion of the time was courtesy of one Chris Cogdale who Glenn says lived in the Wairarapa. That format had, among other traditional categories like geography and science and nature, had a popular

music/audio round which enticed many music enthusiasts to test their knowledge. In recent times, the ‘Believe it or Not’ format was used.

“You had to have younger people in your team with the Believe it or not quiz - a whole mix really. 60 year-olds were never going to know video game characters.”

He says one of the highlights during his time was seeing the amount of teams which grew to a record 45 teams pre Covid.

“There have been some hilarious moments. We used to have it in the old Clubs every so often when there was a clash with another event. Collapsing on the floor laughing because I gave the answer away. I got caught up in it to say the least.”

Glenn recalls there were many teams who consistently showed their insights and were at the pecking order of being in the top echelon on the winners table. The individuals, he says, came from a

wide section of the Marlborough community.

“Cardigan Bay, Skinny Legends, Microbes, Portmanteaus off the top of my head. Business owners, teachers, solicitors, dentists, retir ees. Facebook memories are great for that and show who won the quiz on a certain night. It’s all there.”

100 questions were asked weekly totalling 4800 questions yearly. So has his own knowledge expanded over the years?

“It’s been a case of in one ear and out the other. I’d be useless in a quiz team.”

So what now?

“What venue would be big enough to host something like that? Quiz nights are still popular. I think people will look for alter natives. It broke up the week and gave people something t o look forward to.”

“It was about having fun. And that’s exactly what we did.”

Glenn says one of the highlights during his time was seeing the amount of teams which grew to a record 45 teams pre Covid.

Sounds of Movies Concert Review

By Chris Valli

The Marlborough Civic Or chestra’s Sounds of Movies concert at the ASB Theatre on Saturday night was a delicious smorgasbord of instrumental nostalgia.

On a night where there were a few options on the social calendar with the Lights over Marlborough fireworks display and the final of the women’s rugby world cup final between the Black Ferns and the Red Roses of England, it was a group of young and experi enced sinfonietta which took priority for this writer.

And boy, did they entertain.

The repertoire of orchestral talent on stage notwithstanding the historical context of chosen pieces narrated by Nelson based conductor Jason Balla was a highlight.

Balla has had a distinguished career and has performed most of the major concert and oratorio works, including Verdi’s Requiem in Chicago and London, and Lloyd Web ber’s Requiem in London and Edmonton. His dry sense of humour added a sense of per sonality to the night, especially the lighter moment when the orchestra played the ‘incorrect’ Jaws theme with Balla walking offstage to come back in flip

pers and a mask.

The concert celebrated the epic, moving and stirring mu sic from movies such as The Sound of Music through to Star Wars and Jurassic Park.

A personal apex was Nel son violinist Juliet Ayre who mesmerised the audience with her classical rendition from the 1993 film Schindler’s List.

In 2008 Ayre was awarded a Dame Malvina Major Arts Excellence Award to study with Polish violinist, Jan Taw roszewicz.

The film Schindler’s List fol lowed Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) a German industrialist who saved more than a thou sand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories during World War II. The piece written by John Williams is mesmerising and is best known by Israeli-American violinist, Itzhak Perlman.

It was almost as if when the violin was crying, one’s heart just went along with it. The composition was such a haunting and magnificent insight into those who perished during this horrendous period in world history. The violin wept indeed….

Other soloists to feature in cluded Alistair McLeod and Wietske van de Pol (Cavatina)

and local violinist Elisabeth Vawter (The Godfather).

Blenheim film maker Geoff Anderson and his team brought a sense of character to the stage with their respective Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean costumes to bring a sense of au thenticity and visual connection.

The Upbeat Orchestra led by Linda Lloyd and the talented Iona Panaho showcased or chestral talent that was beyond their years in the first half of the show - perhaps they too wanted to see the fireworks?

The Upbeat Orchestra ‘focuses on youth musicians, including players aged from seven to their late 70’s’. Collaboration was at the forefront and if the younger ones were ‘less confident’ at the beginning of the rehearsal process, they should stand proud as, they were part of something special indeed.

Blenheim Toyota

Gardens set to charm

By Chris Valli

For over 31 years the Wairau Valley Anglican Church Country Gardens has continued to delight visitors with spectacular and inspiring gardens.

Taking place this weekend, this year’s event will provide an opportunity to visit a selection of 10 gardens found in Ben Morven and Fairhall areas.

Locals will have the option of vis iting gardens in their own time and be inspired exploring some of what Marlborough gardeners have grown.

The tours give patrons a peek into the best gardens in the valley and were first started by parishioner and gardener Val Mapp, and have proved to be the parish’s most successful fundraiser.

One of the organisers Nicki Stace says the people behind the gardens are ‘passionate about all things gardening’ and their attention to detail will provide a magnificent potpourri of colour and variety.

“Some of the gardens are established, old gardens and you can tell they have

had a lot of love and care,” Nicki says.

A unique feature of this year’s event includes eight ladies who belong to a local book club. The group are the unofficial guardians of a garden as the owner is currently overseas.

Nicki would like to acknowledge Jean Griffiths who offered the use of her hillside garden for the tour. Her garden featured 11 years ago and has seen a considerable amount of love and affection since.

Nicki says the support from the Marlborough gardening community has been wonderful and a reflection that people like to share their gardens with like-minded green fingers.

The tour has been showcasing local gardens since its inception in 1991.

Tickets are available now through Eventfinda or available from Devon Nursery, Islington Garden Centre, Renwick SuperValue, Selmes Garden Nursery and Roselands Pets and Plants.

Gardens will be open from 9am until 5pm on the Saturday, and from 11am until 5pm on the Sunday.

Lush rhododendrums grace the homestead of Diane Johnson, a keen gardener from last year's Wairau Valley Anglican Church Country Garden tour.

Nelson violinist Juliet Ayre.

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

What instrument do you play and how long have you been playing?

Hun Kim Blenheim

I play the clarinet and have been for 13 years.

Blenheim

I am playing violin and have been for 20 years. My main instrument is piano. It’s a buzz to see the young peo ple performing.

Blenheim

I play the flute and I have been playing since I was 10.

Letters

To the Editor

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 drop in to our office at 72 High St.

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

Letters/Opinions not necessarily those of the Sun management.

Abbie Parker Blenheim

I play the violin and have been playing for seven years. This is my first time with the Upbeat Orchestra and is a great experience.

Lauren Doherty Blenheim

I play violin and I have been playing since I was 7 - I’m now 17. It’s great to see how much this (Upbeat Orches tra) is growing.

Lachlan Scobie Blenheim

I play violin and have been playing for five years. It’s great to be playing in a large group.

Marlborough Club into receivership

It is with great sadness that after 134 years Clubs Marlborough is going into voluntary receivership.

There are no doubt many factors attributing to the current situation, such as Covid, and lack of free parking. I am of the opinion that previous poor governance and mismanage ment have also considerably contributed to the current situation.

It is on record that $40,000 was offered at no cost to the Clubs of Marlborough for a forensic analysis of their books, not only looking back but more importantly in an endeavour for a plan and feasibility study as to the future of our ‘Club’ going forward.

Unfortunately, while one of the executive members verbally stated at an in house meeting that it may be a good idea when permission was sought to go ahead another member of the executive not only refused to give approval but also refused to meet with

the proposer. Of more concern, reading the minutes this proposal was never put to the committee.

On forwarding the previous financial accounts to the auditors, comments were not overly favourable. An audit may not have prevented the ‘Clubs” current situation but may have allayed any doubts and rumours that were circulating at the time. At the least the 4000 members deserved a clearer and up dated situation of the Clubs of Marlborough present and future situation.

I further believe had a forensic analysis been done, certain members may well have been asked for accountability, and maybe outside parties involved.

Finally thanks to the current executive, committee and staff of who have contributed so much in their endeavour to keep our club going.

Graeme W Percy

The

Camilla Nilsson

Linda Lloyd

Meong

The Marlborough Quilters exhibition took place recently at the Clubs of Marl borough. The quilts on display were a testimony to the passion for patchwork and quilting, love of colour and artistic imagination that their members have. The Austin A30 with its quilted car cover parked in the foyer of the Clubs of Marl borough drew the attention of over 300 people attending the exhibition. They were then wowed by intricate quilts made by Melissa Burdon, a local quilter who has exhibited and taught internationally. The realism and attention to detail in her quilts was stunning.

A highlight at this year’s exhibition was the display of quilts for sale. 13 incom plete quilts were given to the Blue Door by an unknown quilter. Those attending the exhibition were invited to vote for the quilt of their choice.

winning quilt was a wall hang ing named ‘Our Feathered Friends’. It featured 43 different birds created in machine and hand applique with hand embroidered detail. It was designed and made by Liz Johnson. Pictured is Anna Hamann from The Sewing Store presenting the Viewers’ Choice prize to Liz Johnson.

The Marlborough Civic Orchestra and the Upbeat Orchestra (a community orchestra for all ages) performed their concert ‘Sounds of Movies at the ASB Theatre on Saturday night.

Mayor saddened by Clubs of Marlborough closure

Mayor Nadine Taylor has expressed her shock and sadness at the news that the Clubs of Marlborough has closed its doors.

“The Clubs was a wonderful Marlborough institution that had been operating for 134 years,” she said.

“I know Marlburians are shocked at this news.”

“My heart goes out to the staff, trustees and members at this

difficult time.”

“It’s too early to say if the Council has a role in helping resolve matters but the Clubs building is an incredible asset for the Marlborough region and I’m hopeful that it can be put to a productive use in the future.”

Mayor Taylor said the newly elected Council would be briefed.

“We will also follow the work of the receivers closely.”

Kerbside collection delays

Over the last few weeks you may have experienced a delay in kerbside rubbish and recycling collection.

This is due to staffing issues, including the availability of drivers at Metallic Sweeping, the contractor that provides kerbside collection services on Council’s behalf.

Solid Waste Manager Alec McNeil says Council is working with the company to come up with a solution.

“Unfortunately these resourcing challenges aren’t helped by the

Commemorating Armistice Day

A well-attended service to commemorate Armistice Day took place at the War Memorial in Seymour Square on Friday 11 November. A flyover of aircraft from the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre started the service. Mayor Nadine Taylor then welcomed guests and an address was given by Air Force Squadron Leader Live Bjerga.

very tight employment market at the moment,” Mr McNeil said.

“If they continue to experience a lack of drivers, Metallic Sweeping may need to consider other alternatives. This could result in a reduction in kerbside collection trucks which would mean the collection across Blenheim and Picton could take longer.”

In the meantime, if your kerbside rubbish and recycling isn’t collected at the usual time, please leave it out - it will be picked up on your collection day but it may be at a later time.

New poems on Taylor River Writers’ Walk

Two Marlborough schools - Ward and Tua Marina - have contributed to the Taylor River Writers’ Walk, spreading the message of the environmental importance of urban waterways.

Assistant Principal at Springlands School, Cathee Wilks, said 20 local schools were now represented on the Writers’ Walk, where poems are etched on rocks dotted along the banks of the river.

“Over the past few years, we have had lots of positive feedback about the Writers’ Walk and have been impressed by the number of people who have commented they stopped to read the poems when walking along the reserve,” she said.

The project is designed to draw attention to the environmental importance of urban waterways, in particular the Taylor River which threads its way through Blenheim, and any school that has completed a local waterways study may submit poetry or prose.

The project began at Springlands School in 2010 when students were examining the state of the Taylor River as part of the science curriculum. With Council’s help, a student’s poem about the river was engraved on a granite plaque and mounted on a riverside rock.

The Taylor River Writers’ Walk is a partnership project between Marlborough schools and Council. Monumental mason Geoffrey T Sowman Ltd is the project sponsor, supply the granite panels and

engraving.

“It’s amazing to think that this project is now into its 12th year,” said Ms Wilks. For more information go to: www. marlborough.govt.nz/recreation/parksand-open-spaces/open-spaces/taylor-riverwriters-walk

Get your fix along SH6

Venture into our Brilliant Backyard to ‘Get your fix along SH6’ and show your support to Havelock, Pelorus, Rai Valley and beyond! Imagine enjoying a brilliant sunny day on the Pelorus River kayaking and diving off the rocks or swimming in the emerald pools. Book a fishing trip in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds or enjoy stand up paddle boarding. Meet some locals on a mailboat cruise and spot some of the marine wildlife along the way. No matter who’s tagging along with you, there’s plenty to keep you busy, and while you’re there, spend a night or two.

For more information visit www. marlboroughnz.com/sh6/

He kōrero nā te Kaunihera o Wairau

Your local news from the Marlborough District Council

Poem by Tua Marina School student Claudia Anderson-Vercoe is one of the latest to be added to the Taylor River Writers’ Walk

Commemorating Armistice Day

The fight of Cora’s life

Attitude - it’s a word which conjures up various meanings or definitions, specifically one’s context or circum stances.

I n the case of Blenheim’s Cora McConnell, 44, her ovarian cancer journey has led to a realm of emotions. Good days, bad days, feelings of perspective, relevance and ultimately about choosing one’s attitude - a ‘set tled way of thinking or feeling about something’.

It seems her attitude and mind is positive - she chooses to be and with that attitude is a sense of hope. Hope that her immunotherapy treatment in Cologne, Germany will provide some solutions and much needed answers.

Cologne’s cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996; it is the city’s major landmark and unofficial symbol. It’s also home to the IOZK treatment centre.

In 2014, Cora was diagnosed with Stage Three Ovarian cancer (low grade) which had spread extensively through her abdomen and pelvis.

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynaecological cancer in New Zealand and every day, there’s a new diagnosis. The problem is - it’s tricky to identify. Symptoms are vague and can be similar to other things that women experience, like menopause.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can in clude bloating, eating less and feeling f uller, abdominal or back pain and bowel habit changes, among others. So what is Immunotherapy? It’s fundamentally using the body’s own defence mechanisms in the fight against cancer.

Scientists started developing therapy options several decades ago in order

to activate the immune system as the strongest component in the fight against cancer. Or ovarian, in Cora’s case.

Cora’s blood is taken into a labo ratory where an analysis is done of her immune system which in turn produces a vaccine which activates her immune system to fight the tumours. Hyperthermia chambers are then implemented to heat the body up to potentially eat the cancer away.

Immuno-oncological therapies have revolutionised the treatment of tu mours and established itself as a thera py option next to surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Immunotherapeutic treatments are not effective in all cases. However, in those cases where the patient reacts well to therapy, they enable a longer overall survival with a mostly high quality of life.

vaccine to fight against the specif ic tumours in her body.

mind, body and immune system.

Cora has completed two cycles of six days and at the time of writing has one cycle to go of five days. She believes that so far her body is handling the treatment like a pro.

“I do find the whole body hyperther mia, heating the body up till you have a fever then holding it for 90 mins, rather challenging. I held 39.3 for 90 mins. Then you are let to cool down slowly.”

She says on the first day, 19 tubes of blood were taken for the laboratory to set a baseline and to make the dendritic cell vaccine which is the personalised

Two days later treatment started and 23 tubes of blood were taken. She says the first five days of treat ment consisted of, the Newcastle D isease Virus being injected, local hyperthermia treatment on the upper and lower abdomen which is, modulated electro hy perthermia causing an elevated temperature in, and a stimulation of tumour cells through electro magnetic waves, without affecting the healthy tissue.

The immunotherapy is individ ually tailored for each patient and thanks to its favourable tolera bility, Cora says she has had the opportunity to improve her fitness as in between treatments she has been walking five - 15 kilometres per day.

“My fitness has improved ten fold as I have been walking. Seeing the sights and places of interest, this is a great thing for the

“The hospital is a day hospital only. So we stay in an Airbnb about 30 mins walk away. It is a very busy hospital sadly, with patients from able like me to very sick. They come from all over the world.”

Cora says all the staff are very efficient and professional and always on time or before time.

“A very German thing it seems. The setting is very much like a New Zealand private hospital. The doctors and nurses are very caring, friendly and helpful. They are all nationalities. They all have great English; some even studied medicine in English.

“The language barrier isn’t an issue in the hospital as they have brilliant English. If there is a hiccup then Google translate is perfect for that. “

Cora will have been away for three months once treatment and cycles are completed. She admits

she misses her family, especially her daughter’s recent birthday. Thanks to technology she was able to connect and see her face 18,000 kilometres away.

“FaceTime is amazing as I could be there on a video call with her while she opened her presents. The time difference isn’t an issue which has kept it simple.”

Cora says she would just like to say from the bottom of her heart how thankful she is to ‘each and every one of you’ that is support ing her on the journey.

“It sure means the world. I really appreciate every little bit. It hasn’t been easy at times but with such a big support team behind me I just keep putting one foot in front of the other.”

There’s that attitude again - pos itivity to the fore.

C o ra’s Give a Little page is https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ cancer-took-my-mums-life-thisyear-it-cant-take?

Blenheim’s Cora McConnell is in Cologne, Germany receiving immunotherapy treatment to confront her ovarian cancer. She took time out to update Chris Valli on the ‘ground breaking’ alternative treatment.

“The doctors and nurses are very caring, friendly and helpful”

Cora in the full body hyperthermia tent.

Cora and her rock, husband Euan.

Cora’s nurse making sure she gets the last of her ozonated blood infusion.

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 announced in next weeks Wednesday Sun

» 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

in the Marlborough Region created in 2011 to provide a more afforda ble form of quality childcare.

T he vision was to build strong er relationships between all pa rties (Kaiako, whanau, Step 2 Growth and the tamariki), working together as a team to

provide the best experiences for the tamariki in care.

We have quarterly meetings to ensure all our kaiako know the changes and have a say in the running of the business, giving them motivation and inspiration as stakeholders within Step 2 Growth.

We run regular playgroups and encourage our kaiako to

attend community excursions to ensure tamariki in our care get the best experiences in their community.

With Step 2 Growth you are assured of the best of both worlds by either being a kaiako and having the opportunity to work from the comfort of your own whare doing something you are passionate about, or

begins

as whanau seeking childcare within a secure home-based setting that provides educa tional learning experiences t h at enhance and support the growth and development of tamariki to become confident and competent individuals.

Knowing that a good kaiako is one who is well supported and has resources when needed,

and a good whanau is one who is involved in their child’s education, a happy tamaiti is created by passionate care and teamwork between all par ties, generating strong trusting bonds.

Step 2 Growth is a locally owned and operated business. Together as a team we are one whanau helping other whanau.

Blenheim Indoor Sports has been operating for 37 years. Our passion is sport and its our mission to make it as simple as possible to take part catering to people of all ages and abilities all while providing the latest and most up to date equipment and playing surfaces. Casual Pickleball, Badminton and Table Tennis are available by phone booking. We also offer Ten Pin Bowling and we are your go to venue for your next birthday or party event, plus don’t forget Fitz’s Gym.

It has been 23 years since Marlborough Motorcycles owners, Brendon and Cathy Wadsworth, launched their business from home. Humble beginnings quickly grew to a larger scale operation covering motorcross, enduro and trail riding, and the opening of a premise on Grove Road. Then the couple purchased Peter Grinter Motorcycles, a business which had operated since 1981, putting two well established motorcycle names under one roof. Today, Marlborough Motorcycles has moved to larger premises on Warwick Street and holds the Can-Am, Kawasaki and CF Moto dealerships and provides sales and servicing for all forms of motorcycles.

The on-road and off-road specialisTs.

You

With over 50 years riding experience, Jane and John Laing have been operating rider training and licensing services successfully since the beginning of 2011. NZTA accredited, they offer one on one training sessions suited to your riding experience so you can pass licence tests or simply improve your riding skills. Bikes are available for you to learn. They also have a LAMS approved bike to help you move through your 6R or 6F license class. John and Jane say their aim is to help Marlborough riders to ride well with good skills so that they enjoy and get the most out of their riding experience in this area that is suited for great motorcycling adventures.

Established in 1875, Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors has been part of the Marlborough community for over 146 years. The professional and caring staff at Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors will assist you to plan a funeral so your wishes are known. Feel safe in the knowledge that you are working with a professional and experienced team. We know that everyone’s needs are different, therefore we can tailor a service to suit your needs. You may have already thought of what you’d like to have at your funeral - but does anyone else know? Talk to us today.

may have already thought of what you’d like to have at your funeral

but

and Heating started his business back in 2002 under the name Running Plumbing Ltd. Then a name change happened in 2004 to Marlborough Plumbing & Heating. Since then we have served the region with our expertise in Plumbing, Heating and Solar. No ordinary Plumber that’s for sure!! Our main philosophy is that we are there to help and we will not sell you something that you don’t need! We are the “good guys” who are committed to seeing a job done right and a very happy customer.

plumbing gas heating solar

company which not only stands the test of time, but continues to grow and become industry leaders is something special to celebrate. Viridian Glass Marlborough is doing just that! The company began its journey in 1972 as Norm Fowke Glass and 12 years later branched into auto glass. It has continued to evolve over the years, merging with Viridian Glass in 2012, and keeping up to date with modern technology and glass options. Today, Viridian Glass Marlborough specialises in residential, commercial and auto glass. Call the team today.

The team at BP Computers is highly passionate about the IT industry and welcome a challenge, so if you have a problem or computer related request, they’re the people to talk to. “We are family owned and our team is local. We’ve been servicing the Marlborough region for 25 years,” owner Brendon Price says. “We provide a one-stopshop style of service so the next time you need help with your home or business IT call on the team at BP Computers.”

Rob Marshall, Owner and Director of Marlborough Plumbing

Peter and Claire Matthews have run a successful Lotto business for the past 25 years. They have sold over $32 million in prizes which has gone back into the Marlborough community. They are the luckiest shop in Marlborough, selling 13 1st Division winners, including two Powerball winners, $10.8m and $9m respectively. They have a loyal base of customers who support their business.

The Blenheim Sun first appeared on the local publishing scene in 2002. Twenty years later we continue to bring you a bright, bold paper with strong editorial and pictorial content. Our friendly experienced team is on hand to discuss your advertising needs and story leads.

Delivering free to all homes/letterboxes in the Marlborough region plus online. We have the news that really matters!

Healthline, Pharmacists, GP or GP Practice Nurse, and Urgent After Hours GP offer professional health advice.

If you arrive at Wairau Hospital’s Emergency Department with a non-urgent health concern you may be referred to your GP.

Be safe - be SunSmart

New Zealand sunlight can have high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation can cause skin and eye damage. You can protect yourself and your children by being SunSmart. Learn how to keep safe while still living life in the sun.

Here in New Zealand, we must protect ourselves when we are outside from Sep tember to April. Protect yourself all year round when you are in the mountains, out on the water and around reflective surfaces like snow and ice.

Slip on a t-shirt with long sleeves. Fabrics with a tighter weave and darker colours will provide better protection from the sun.

Slip into the shade. Take shade under an umbrella or a leafy tree. Plan your outdoor activities for early or later in the day when the sun’s UV levels are lower.

Slop on sunscreen. Use plenty of broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Apply 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, especially after being in water or sweating.

Slap on a hat. Wear a wide brim hat or a cap with flaps. More people are sunburnt on their face and around their neck than any other part of the body.

Wrap on sunglasses. Choose close fitting, wrap around style sunglasses. Not all sunglasses protect against UV radiation, so check the label for the sun protection rating.

The face and neck areas are prone to burning, so wear a wide brimmed hat and use sunscreen.

Common myths

Understanding common myths and misinformation about sun safety might reduce your risk of sun damage.

I can’t get sunburnt on a cloudy day.

False. You can still get sunburnt on a cloudy day. UV radiation can get through light cloud cover, so unprotected skin can still be damaged.

I can’t get sunburnt on a cold day. False. You can still get sunburnt on a cold day. UV radiation can still be high on a cool day when infrared radiation, which causes the heat from the sun, is low.

You can also get sunburnt on ski fields, because snow reflects more UV radiation than any other ground surface.

I’m windburnt not sunburnt.

False. Your windburn is actually sun burn. The wind may make you feel cooler, but UV radiation can still be high, even on a windy day.

If there was such a thing as windburn you’d get windburnt if you were out in the dark on a windy night.

My makeup has SPF, so I’m safe all day.

False. Cosmetics and moisturisers with SPF can help protect you from the sun’s damaging rays. However, many cosmetics offer protection that is much lower than the recommended sunscreen minimum of SPF30. Also, many cosmetics are not broad-spectrum or water resistant.

In addition to wearing SPF makeup, use all the SunSmart steps – Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap.

A suntan is healthy.

False. A tan means your skin has been damaged, which increases your risk of skin cancer.

I can’t get sunburnt through glass.

False. Glass reduces UV radiation, but does not block it. If you spend long periods in a car or next to a window receiving direct sunlight you should be SunSmart - Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap.

I don’t need to worry about sunburn as I have dark skin.

False. New Zealand can have periods of very high UV radiation. Everyone, regardless of skin type and colour, is at risk of skin and eye damage.

I’ve had sunburn before, but now I protect myself. That means I’m safe from developing skin cancer.

False. UV damage adds up over your lifetime. The good news is that it’s never too late to be SunSmart. To prevent further UV damage be SunSmart – Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap.

Riverbed firewood

Sun The txt talk with

Amused to see the previously riverbed firewood resource building up on the Tuamarina rail bridge piles. Wasted resource that will cost heaps to remove, if another digger isn’t lost in the river of course.

Re Labour Day

If Labour Day is always closed in Blenheim, businesses can hardly complain about losing $$.

You are in business, to gain in business, you’ve got to stay OPEN !! Hello, it’s not rocket science really.

Great blow

Clubs of Marlbrough closure, this is a blow to all of Marlborough. More people benefit from it than the ASB theatre or the library yet the council does nothing.

Sad day for All Marlburians

Although probably not unexpected, it was still a shock to hear of The Clubs’ demise.

Oh the ‘if only’s’ that would have prevented this tragic event.

The appointment of a full time business orientated CEO from day one, the original RSA carpark staying as a Clubs Members only carpark and the local Council not building the theatre on the unstable site next door.

Clubs of Marlborough gone

Too big for this town but a shame all the same. Goes to show we all need to support local business unless we want to lose more.

Clubs closing

Few years ago when nearing bankruptcy the National body gave them a few options to help trade their way out.

The committee decided to implement half of one option and carry on with old ways in all other areas.

Hope they don’t blame members for the closure when they ignore experienced hos pitality advice.

Tidy Job

Have just seen Mr Green trim hedge on corner of Maxwell and Elthan road. What a good job.

Chairs up

Why are some cafes putting up the chairs on tables well before their closing time? ... it drives people away and to the ones that are more welcoming.

Re Give them a break

This isn’t about individual cleaners or workers, it’s about what MDC doesn’t upkeep. And as far as us just having had two long weekends, the vomit, urine stains, seagull crap has been there for months and months, no street sweepers or water blasters in sight. I know because I walk these footpaths nearly every day. MDC (and new mayoress) should be utterly embarrassed by the filth in Blenheim’s CBD. Shopkeepers, if you want to attract the crowds this summer, you’d get onboard with this also.

Re Grow up

Sadly you appear to have bought Ardern’s be nice line, hook line and sinker. At the end of the day she yays or nays all policy announcements. That is the role of a control freak. I think you will find the tone of the texts being sent to the paper is the direct result of a people’s dissatisfaction with what this government is doing to our once beautiful happy country. Perhaps Ardern and co could try actually being nice rather than just spouting empty rhetoric?

In reply to Grow Up in The Sun November 9 May I say I agree with your comments 100%, so very well put.

Fireworks

How about banning fireworks after 5th Nov as there are so many inconsiderate plonkers around frightening the elderly.

Cruise ships

I suggest the person pulling the passengers on cruise ships to pieces, you might like to pay all the workers who missed being paid because of borders closed to cruise ships. People got covid WITHOUT cruise ships.

Street cleaning

Stop the street cleaner from driving round and round town in his work ute. Get out and do some work like hosing footpaths or use high pressure cleaner. Do they still use leaf blower to clean all dirt and smoke butts? Will go read the contact at Marlborough Roads for both Blenheim and Picton.

Keep New Zealand

My thoughts exactly in response to Passport texter last week. New Zealand all the way.

Veiled threat

‘Struggling’ RSE contractors are now turning to our local foodbank to feed the new arriving workforce!

This has got to be the biggest joke; but, it’s either we support/subsidise them or they are sent home and we are ‘sent’ some of our own 238,000 unworkables. The very people- win eries, huge contractors, pleading for the RSE’s, are the true exploiters. Well played; another glass darling!.

Vote for Auckland

Oh Dear....Eltham Road again. The intellect of the designer, on good authority, was Auckland based. The design is what is used in Auckland and cities, to keep cyclists safe. Great idea, but just “B/s”....there. And the Council wonder why no one votes for them??? We may as well vote for Auckland, they have so many good ideas....NOT.

Speed bump

I see the controversial speed bump on Beaver Road has been removed, what next, maybe contro. lumps of concrete the length of Eltham Road.

Inconsiderate

The person that drives past Lansdowne Street up and down on a Monday and through the streets at 5.50am waking the whole neighbour hood, I hope the cops catch up with you.

Thanks Razor Roofing

Local crew, awesome job done and cleaned up. Had an old chimney needing to be removed, no trouble to them. Highly recommend them.

Talk of the week

Superb ballet

Superb performance by the ballet. Costumes, scenery and performances were outstanding. May there be more.

A special thank you

To all the Staff in the Radiology Department at Wairau Hospital who looked after me recently. From the initial reception right through to the final ‘sign off’. Simply superb all round. A bit of food for thought though, in this age of suggested name changes. Wouldn’t Marlborough be a more appropriate name for such an important establishment that caters for the whole province?

Grateful

Grateful thanks to Civic Health for their prompt and caring response to our recent brush with covid. Also thanks to Community Care Pharmacy for their professionalism and empathy.

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.

Old Smokey

Can’t believe that other paper giving a whole page about the smoke from our wonderful Steam Train, very narrow minded, it’s an attraction that only runs a few days of the year and brings great joy to a lot of people. So short of good news.

Grass pest problems:

There are three insect pests that are the main problem in lawns; grass grubs, porina and black beetle grubs.

The affect they have on your lawns depends on the number of the pests in a given area.

A few, will hardly be noticed, where a good number per square foot will damage the grasses and be easy to see. Damage can be seen by bare spots, brown, dead areas or discolored grasses.

If there are dead areas which have appeared in the spring or early summer then it is likely that grass grubs did cause the problem by eating the roots of the grasses in the autumn and into the winter.

The grasses would have appeared ok in the winter, even though they had little root system left, because they were not actively growing.

In the spring when they started to grow on the root system left, which was insufficient to support the grass, thus it browns off and dies.

In the meantime the grubs have burrowed deep into the soil to pupate and then emerge about October to December as beetles.

There may well be a few grass grubs in the lawn at this time and by lifting some turf you can soon find out and how many there are per square foot.

If there are a few like 1 to 5 then it’s hardly worth while bothering with a treatment, a greater number would be worth while to treat.

The time to treat for grass grubs in the lawns is in the autumn when the soil is moist and they are feeding near the surface. The other time is when they are beetles which is about now.

Treatment for grass grubs and black beetle grubs can either be a strong chemical one or a safe natural one such as Wallys 3 in 1 for lawns which is a mix of Eucalyptus and Tea Tree oils.

This will not harm wild life, pets or worms, where the chemical ones will.

Grass grub adults emerge in October as beetles and are active until about mid-December, depend ing on weather conditions and exactly where they are in New Zealand.

The cooler the temperature, the later they emerge. The adults will start to emerge in mild conditions, when the soil temperature reaches about 10 degrees, they then mate, fly, eat and lay eggs in the short space of time between dusk and

By Wally Richards

early evening.

As they tend to fly towards light, you are most likely to know they’re there when the flying beetles hit your lighted window panes.

This very attraction for the light has become one of our best weapons in controlling the pest in its adult stage.

You can set up a grass grub beetle trap by placing a trough, such as the one used when wall-papering, directly underneath a window near a grassed area. Fill the trough with water to about two-thirds of its capacity, then place a film of kerosene on top of the water.

Put a bright light in the window, the beetles fly towards the lit window, hit the glass and fall into the trough. The kerosene acts as a trap, preventing the fallen beetles from climbing out.

Simply get rid of all the beetles caught the next morning by flushing down the toilet or feeding to chooks.. Run this system from just before dusk to about 2 or 3 hours after sunset.

We know now how to make the grubs’ preference for light work against them, but light can also work in their favour.

If you have un-curtained windows in rooms which are lit at night, you will find grass grub beetles from yours and neighboring lawns will be attracted to the area during the early hours of the evening.

Street lighting is probably the worst offender, and people with areas of lawn near street lights often find those are the parts worst-affected by grass grubs.

The beetles will eat the foliage of various plants such as roses, beans and citrus while on the wing. Those plants that are being eaten can be sprayed with Neem Tree Oil.

If the populations of beetles are very high then in the early part of the evening take a torch and check the plants that are being eaten.

If you see lots of the brown beetles then mix up a spray of Wallys Super Pyrethrum added and go out and spray the pests.

The pyrethrum is a quick knock down and should wipe out good numbers of them.

The more beetles you can kill means less damage to your lawns next year.

The Marlborough Civic Orchestra and Upbeat Orchestra’s Sound of Movies concert at the ASB Theatre on Saturday night.

Percussionist Aimee Moore.

Gavin Stead on the Timpani drum.

Violinist Jenny Owen.

Trombonists Grant Wright, Linda Holdaway and Ian Nicholas.

Sara Marshall and Iona Panoho.

Sumner juniors having fun on a floating mat - Holly Bryce, Duncan Bowie, Emilee Seipp, Harriet Rueppel, Emily Bryce

Brendon Ferguson of Rarangi providing water safety Rarangi Team Lined up ready to go

Will Rowse in the beach relay

Group shot post march past

available. Open 10am to 4.30pm Mon to Sat. Always Buying. (03) 5775402

New Asian, pretty busty, sexy, friendly, good service. ph Jessie 021-110-7034

Central Otago man Blenheim made

By Chris Valli

Calling potential southern men from the top of the south.

A play called ‘Central Otago Man’ is to hit the ASB Theatre stage in February next year.

Directed by Geoff Anderson and award winning writer Justin Eade, the story is about a Central Otago farmer Tryfen Gri bilco who sets up a bungy jump platform. The business caters to high-end clients, not your usual thrill seeking tourists. Tryfen is a typically un-politically correct character, who calls a spade a spade. He freely shares his homespun wisdom with his upmarket clients who include an urbane Australian senator and an uptight German UN delegate.

Geoff says he is looking for a diverse cast of five to seven actors. He adds it’s a show that would suit veterans of stage and newcomers alike.

The team behind Central Otago man are the personnel who performed Mission 34 at the Anderson Theatre, in March/April 2021.

“That experience (Mission 34) really bonded us as a group. It was great material and a wonderful venue. When (writer) Justin (Eade) suggested we do it all over again with a comedy this time, it was an easy yes.”

Geoff says it’s a play about saying what one really thinks.

“As kiwis we love being accommodating and considerate to others, but there’s an al most dark thrill in just saying what’s in your heart, regardless of what others may think

of you. This play celebrates that. Unrestricted self-expression can be hilarious, and in the world we live in it’s never been more topical.”

So does Geoff think the perception of a Southern Man has changed in recent times?

“Plain spoken wisdom should never be out of fashion. Day by day our lives become more and more complicated. But the sun always rises, regardless of how many likes you get on social media. The birds don’t care that you lost your smart phone, they still sing in the trees.

To quote that great modern day philosopher Jimmy Barnes: “He’s a simple man, with a heart of gold, in a complicated land”. What’s not to love?”

The play has been a sell-out at the Nelson Fringe Festival.

Auditions can be done by appointment, at any time that would suit potential cast members over the next week to be held at Sawmill Studios

Those keen to audition email Geoffrey. Anderson@gmx.com

Marlborough

Baker,

Boys’ College

The 2015 Nelson cast of Central Otago Man, Cameron West, left, Vanessa Downing, Nick Kemplen, Laughlan Campion and Cleo Cowdrey.

DAVIS: Patricia Mary Louise (Trish) née Ewart. Trish passed away on 10 November 2022. In accordance with Trish’s wishes, a private service has been held. To view the full notice please visit our website www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

Cloudy Bay Funerals

03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

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 8.30am6pm. Saturday 9m - 5pm. Sunday 10am4pm. Public Holidays 10am - 4pm. 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

Death notices

CHANT: Graeme Rattray. On 14 November 2022 at Bethsaida Rest Home, Blenheim, in his 82nd year. At Graeme’s request, a private cremation has taken place. A Memorial Ser vice in Christchurch will be held at a later date. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

FOOTE, Alan Neil: At Wairau Hospital on Tuesday November 8, 2022. Aged 76 years. Beloved husband of Avis and loving Dad of Karina, Patrick, David, Timothy and Mar garet. Loved Grandy to his grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Par kinsons Society would be appreciated and may be made to a/c 02-0600-0149108-000, ref. FOOTE. Messages may be sent to 22A Waipuna Street, Blenheim 7201. A crema tion service has been held.

BOSWELL, Bill, passed away 16-11-2002. Love and miss you so much. Love Joyce and all of the family.

COWIE, Vince: Vince peacefully passed away one year ago, 11 November 2021 at 1150hrs. Dearly beloved husband of Tania, and loved by his daughters Kiri and Mara ma, and sister Sue in Dunedin. He is sadly missed but not forgotten and will always be remembered wherever and whenever – miss you very much Cowie (even your garden’s looking good).

WOTTEN: Rex. On 14 November 2022, peacefully at Aberleigh Rest Home, Blen heim, aged 85 years. In accordance with Rex’s wishes, a private cremation will take place with a Memorial Service to be held at a later date. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals. co.nz

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

PAUL, Graeme Neil: Passed away at home on Thursday November 3, 2022. Loved eldest son of June and Neil Paul (both de ceased), brother and brother-in-law of Mark and Karen, Simon, Sue and Steve Beau mont. Uncle of Emma, Aimee and Laura. Husband of Marlene, father of Ryan and Nicole and Poppa of Lola, Earl and Evie. Loved and will be sadly missed. A private cremation has been held.

HAM, Nola Lindsey Jane (Snow), formerly McGill, née Rogers: Unexpectedly at home, on Wednesday November 9, 2022. Aged 85 years. Loved wife and companion of the late Norman. Dedicated mother and stepmoth er to Karen (deceased) and Ricky, Raewyn and Donald Kirkwood, Alyson, Greg and Diane, and James and Jean. Adored nana of Alex, Rose and Kate; Richard (deceased), Sue-Anna, David, Jillianne, and Timothy; Dylan and Ashleigh; Felix and Alexander. Great grandnana of Carter and Blake. Mes sages may be sent to 9 Burden Street, Red woodtown, Blenheim 7201. Special thanks to the Alzheimers Marlborough and Nurse Maude. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Alz heimers Marlborough would be appreciated and may be made at the service or to a/c 020600-0112284-00 Ref. HAM. A celebration of Nola’s life will be held at the Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, at 1pm on Thursday November 17, followed by cremation at the Sowman Crematorium.

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

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

HARRISON: Tuhina (Tuhi) Paku. A ser vice was held at the Havelock Bowling Club, Havelock on Saturday November 12 at 11.00am. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals. co.nz

Cloudy Bay Funerals

03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

RAE: Doris Edith. Died peacefully on No vember 8 2022, aged 93 years. As per her wishes a private cremation has been held. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

Cloudy Bay Funerals

03 578 2004 F.D.A.N.Z.

Anniversary

Diamond Wedding Anniversay "60 YEARS"

Community notices

Lions Market

Derek and Kay Weston married at Church of Nativity Blenheim, November 17th 1962 From your loving daughters Karen and Michelle

Saturday 19th November. 9:30am -12:30pm. Lions Market at Queen Char lotte Tavern, Linkwater. Stock up on those stocking fillers from the wide va riety of stalls and enjoy a coffee and Ba con Butty in the pleasant grounds. Stalls still available $5. Ring Ian 574 2558.

sports talk

Black Ferns miracle the perfect tonic for change

The Black Ferns and Wayne Smith have produced the most amazing 11-month turnaround imaginable.

In front of 50,000 people, the Black Ferns produced the most improbable 34-31 win over England to claim a World Cup title which was scarcely believable this time last year.

In November last year, fresh off a two year Covid hiatus, the Black Ferns were pumped on their European tour against France and

England.

The closest they got was a 21-point loss to France.

That’s barely coming second in a two-horse race.

It is what makes the Black Ferns’ sixth World Cup win their most stunning.

Enter Wayne Smith to turn the sinking ship around.

Tough changes were made, expe rienced players departed and those who stayed clearly bought into what the master coach was selling.

The Black Ferns deserve a lot of credit for beating a team with 30 consecutive test victories even if England went down to 14 players inside 15 minutes of the opening whistle.

The game, and victory, has united the country behind women’s rugby.

The question is now, can all involved capitalise on the wave of goodwill.

Can Black Ferns tests of the future draw decent enough crowds to make them financially viable and

marketable?

The crowds do not have to be sellouts like Saturday night but can tests against Australia, Canada, France, England etc become a viable commodity that families and the general public want to go to.

One thing is for sure, the time to act is now.

New Zealand Rugby must act swiftly to make the most of this opportunity.

A golden goose has potentially landed in their lap, they must make

Sponsorship boost towards equity

By Chris Valli

A sponsorship deal from Blenheim’s PAK’nSave for Marlborough Women’s Cricket is a great opportunity to continue to grow the game, says the association.

The sponsorship is primarily aimed at the Marlborough Women’s Cricket team and will largely be used to fund their coaching programme.

Marlborough Cricket Association’s General Manager Ed Gilhooly says the sponsorship is testimony of being successful in growing the girls and women’s game over the past two or three years.

Ed says the gesture by PAK’nSave aligned with Marlborough Cricket’s vision and sense of community.

“We spoke with (owner) Mark (Elkington) at PAK’nSave to see if they would be interested in coming on board as a sponsor. We were aware of the great support they already provide to community groups and in turn they were impressed by what we had achieved so far and our vision for the future.”

PAK’nSave owner/operator Mark Elkington says the sponsorship was a ‘no brainer’ as they wanted to help bridge a gap for the girls and women to have something to strive for. He believes in recent years the pathway from primary – secondary was somewhat ‘missing’ in Blenheim.

Mark added that an application had recently gone through the Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust to further assist the women’s competitions in Marlborough. The trust offers financial support for community groups. Last year a donation was made to the Nelson/Marl borough Rescue Helicopter Trust to purchase two immersion suits for air rescues.

The sponsorship comes after the news in early July where New Zealand’s professional

women’s and men’s cricketers received the same match fees, in an agreement struck between New Zealand cricket, the six major associations and the NZ Cricket Players Association.

The five-year deal, which came into effect from August 1, is the first in which the men’s and women’s professional environments have been combined in one agreement, meaning the White Ferns and domestic women’s players receive equal match fees across all formats and competitions.

Ed believes there will be a big trickle-down effect on the younger players who will aspire to represent Marlborough and see a genuine pathway to potentially go further in the game.

“It would be great to see a White Fern from Marlborough in the future,” he says.

Currently Marlborough Cricket covers the costs of travel and accommodation for their senior representative teams, men and women who are all amateur players.

The names of the women’s competitions are

the PAK’nSave hardball competition games and the Churchill Private Hospital Social grades.

“The first stage in the female pathway is our Harcourts Girls Smash which is played on Saturday mornings and aimed at eight to 12 year olds. Then there is the WK girls 5th Grade and the mixed 4th grade competition.”

Ed says current numbers in the women’s rep training squad are 18 with around 50 taking part in the women’s social competition.

Community Cricket Development Manager Eden Pettigrew says the pay agreement for the professional game will give women’s cricket a platform to grow further.

“Especially since we are building a pathway here, it helps to see there is more for you at the top. Now when we have women and girls playing they have more reason to want to play at that higher level.”

There is the opportunity to move on from playing for the love of the game in Marlborough to potentially playing 1st class cricket as a career in the future.

Underwater Hockey wins again

After a successful national tournament in Wellington where Marlborough Underwater Hockey sent a team of ten to win the gold medal, three players were again in Welling ton two weeks later for the National U18 tournament.

Representing the Top of the South, Jasmine Boreham-Wright from Marlborough Girls’ College was in the women’s team and Casey Evans and Zach Mitchell were in the men’s team. “The game was a lot quicker than what we were used to, it was enjoyable, even when we were playing against the unbeatable Auckland A team” Zach says.

Both teams played well, improving as a team with each game and getting a place in the finals for either 3rd or 4th. After breath holding, edge of your seat games both teams came away with the bronze medal. These games were live on YouTube on the NZUWH page for family and friends to watch at home.

What made the games more nerve wracking was knowing they were being watched and judged by the selectors for the New Zealand U24 and U19 teams.

Since Zach was 10 his goal has been to get into the New Zealand Underwater Hockey team. That goal is now one step closer as

he was invited to join the New Zealand U19 development squad. This means attending camps to learn and improve on skills and techniques. From those camps two teams will be chosen for a Trans-Tasman tournament with teams from New Zealand, Australia and Asia in 2023. Then one team chosen to compete in the Age Group World Champion ships in Turkey in 2024. Zach stated “Even if I don’t make the New Zealand team, the skills learned from these camps, playing with these really good players and being coached by Warwick King will be invaluable. I’m really looking forward to it”.

The

the most of it.

Time will tell if they do.

The crowd at Eden Park rivalled the energy of the Black Caps’ semifinal win over South Africa in 2015, the Cake Tin for the 2010 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Bahrain or the 2011 Rugby World Cup triumph over France.

Such a crowd reaction and such lofty television viewership should be hard to ignore and should pro mote positive change for the game in New Zealand.

Brooklyn Croquet Club held the Croquet Marlborough Veterans Tournament last weekend and a successful tournament took place. The doubles was held on the Satur day and play was keenly contested. Eventual winners after seven games were played were Dave and Judy McMillan from Akaroa Croquet Club, with second place going to Joy Hayes and Brian Goodwin from Brooklyn Croquet Club.

The PAK’nSAVE Marl borough Women’s rep players celebrate another wicket dur ing the game against Nelson last month.