30 November Blenheim Sun Newspaper

By Chris Valli

Prayer MacDonald’s smile says it all. The Year 5 Witherlea School student was down at Stadium 2000 last week checking out her new bike and was in her element.

The bike is courtesy of Levin based Trikes New Zealand which offers a wide range of trikes and recumbents (places the rider in a laid-back reclining position) for all age groups and different degrees of disability.

Continued on page 2.

Prayer MacDonald has a condition known as hemiplegia which means she has one-sided paralysis. She previously had ridden a trike, which required her to have two hands to steer. However, her new recumbent only requires her to use one hand which allows for greater mobility and independence.

Greater independence

Continued from page 1.

Prayer has a condition known as hemiplegia which means she has one-sided paralysis. Hemiplegia affects either the right or left side of one’s body. For Prayer, it’s the right side of her body.

She previously had ridden a trike, which required her to have two hands to steer. However, her new recumbent only requires her to use one hand which allows for greater mobility and independence.

Deana Quissy is an Occupational Therapist with the Ministry of Education. Her role sees her work with children in schools throughout Marlborough with disabilities with the autonomy to access all areas of the curriculum in any way, shape or form.

Deana liaises with Te Whatu Ora/ Wairau Hospital and the Child De velopment Service which provides support for children to achieve their optimum wellbeing.

“It’s about allowing the children to participate in school and home life and physical fitness. These bikes allow the child, parents and caregivers to find a suitable bike for their child’s needs,” says Deana.

“For Prayer it means she can now bike with her friends and family leading into the Christmas holiday break.”

Deana says she is currently seek ing funding for two other students, one at Richmond View, the other at Blenheim School who also has hemiplegia.

Richmond View student Ryan van der Vyver has a hearing impairment with bilateral hearing aids and sub sequently, a physical impairment.

Deana says when Ryan hopped on the trike he ‘just went off’ and was biking for his life.

“He can’t balance normally, so for him to get out there and bike around with a big smile is pretty cool. Medilowima (Lousiale) has never ridden a bike before. Never. For her to get on one of them is astounding.”

Deana says schools are becoming more inclusive. However, the biggest deterrent is the lack of funding. She says the style of bikes range from a couple of hundred up to $18,000.

“Seeking funding from a range of businesses and companies is a must. The likes of the Halberg Trust fund for people with physical disabilities but for some of our kids with autism, that might struggle balance wise, they don’t have the physical disability and don’t meet the criteria.”

Trikes NZ manufacturer and sup plier Brian Gilbert says if students aren’t seen and integrated into the mainstream either in school and or the community, it leaves them feeling isolated which has a huge impact on their social and cognitive well-being.

Brian, a former Paralympic cy cling coach says their bikes are ultimately about what is the best for the person’s requirements and disability. He says if a person with a physical disability gets $9000 funding from a trust, it has to be a quality product and they are stringent on that.

“We can make pedal and arm adaptations to suit accordingly,” Brian says. “Seeing a smile on a kid’s face showing ‘I can do this’ is what it’s all about.”

Richmond View student Ryan van der Vyver has a hearing impairment with bilateral hearing aids. Occupational therapist Deana Quissy says he can’t balance normally, so for him to get out there and bike around with a big smile is pretty cool.

Secondary Teachers insulted by offer

By Chris Valli

More than 150 Marlborough secondary teachers attended a paid union meeting at Marlborough Girls’ College yesterday to discuss the government’s recent offer for a new collective agreement.

The Government has offered sec ondary and area school teachers a $4000 pay increase for the first year, followed by a $2,000 salary increase the next year.

For teachers starting their career the offer would provide a pay rise of 10 percent spread over two years, but for most teachers, who are earning $90,000 a year or more, it was worth less than seven percent over two years or half the current rate of inflation.

Melanie Webber, President of Post Primary Teachers Associ ation (PPTA) says in effect, this is a zero pay offer for this year, followed by $4000 and $2000 per year for the next two years.

“Given the current rate of infla tion and forecast inflation for the next two years, this offer amounts to a 6% pay cut over three years. It has offered us only about a third of the extra staffing we need to provide more teachers to work with students who are seriously struggling.”

Melanie says their collective agreement is not currently compli ant with legislation around hours of work but the Government has offered them a working party to look at this rather than fixing it.

“It has not made us any offer

in relation to our claims around professional development or our claims for part-time teachers to have a proportional amount of the non-contact time that full time teachers are entitled to, or offered anything around the workload protections for teachers deliver ing courses through the virtual learning network,” Melanie says.

“In essence the offer falls well short of what our members were hoping for. The executive has rejected the offer outright and at these meetings members will decide how they want to respond.”

In recent years, secondary teach ers have been leaving for other careers which pay more and offer a better work / life balance.

Melanie says the shortage of secondary teachers is worsening and it is becoming apparent in all subject areas, not only technology or Te Reo Māori.

“We need salaries and condi tions that will keep teachers in the job and attract graduates into the profession. The Government is aware of the shortage and is cur rently trying to address it cheaply in the short term by trying to hire more teachers from overseas and running advertising campaigns. However, the shortage is global and we need to stop poaching teachers from other countries.”

Melanie says there are thou sands of qualified, trained and amazing ex-teachers throughout New Zealand who would return to the classroom if the pay and conditions were right.

“The futures of our rangatahi are shaped and determined to a large degree at secondary school – we are equipping them with the skills, qualifications and opportunities to enable them to live their best lives. Teachers need to be able to bring

their best selves into the classroom every day and we need the right conditions – staffing, professional development and support - to enable this to happen.”

Melanie said the PPTA would hold more paid union meetings in a couple of weeks to discuss the offer and next steps that could include industrial action.

“Teachers have a real reluctance to take industrial action because of the disruption to students’ learning and school life and rou tines. We continue to hope for a better offer from the Government and a tangible sign that it is com mitted to stemming the secondary teacher shortage. However, if we are forced to take industrial action it would likely be in the first term of next year.”

The Ministry of Education said it was continuing negotiations in good faith.

Sun The

Blenheim to host Global Cities NZ Conference

Delegates from around the country will descend on Blenheim next November for the Global Cities New Zealand Conference 2023.

Mayor Nadine Taylor made the announcement at this year’s event in Wellington last week, saying she was delighted Marlborough would host the event.

“With the disruption we’ve had over the past three years, it will be a wonderful opportunity to get together, to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones,” she said.

Marlborough has a long history of sister city relationships with the first created in 1989 with Japanese city Tendo. That relationship was built on shared cherry export industries, and two years later another relationship was formed with Otari Village in Nagano.

Today - Final chance to have your say on wheelie bin roll out

If you’re keen to see wheelie bins rolled out now is the time to make your voice heard by making a submission.

Solid Waste Manager Dr Alec McNeil says its important council receives feedback on the proposed changes to the region’s waste services that reflects the view of the community.

“You don’t have to be against the proposal to make a submission - we still want to hear from those who support the proposed changes,” he said. “Marlburians might have different ideas or might have alternative suggestions and we want to capture that feedback to ensure the new service is as effective and efficient as it can be.”

FACES OF THE FUTURE: Teachers from both colleges (from left) Hamish Mckerrow, Alex Murdoch, Jenny Pullin, Louisa King, Maisie Blackwood and Blair Cameron. PPTA says the offer from the government is in effect, a zero pay offer given the forecast inflation for the next two years.

THUMBS UP FOR WHITE RIBBON

The ride visits over 80 communities in both the North and South Islands throughout November in the lead up to White Ribbon Day on November 25. The White Ribbon campaign is a global movement of men and boys working to end male violence against women and girls.

White Ribbon Day celebrates the many men willing to show leadership and com mitment to promoting safe, healthy rela tionships within families and encourages men to challenge each other on attitudes and behaviour that are abusive.

The power of Thomas

By Chris Valli

Two local organisations are a wee bit excited about this Saturday’s Christmas parade.

Administrator Kate Horrey works part-time for both Barnardos and Triton Hearing Blenheim.

She says a group of 10 Barnardos staff and some of their children have helped make several Thomas the Tank Engine floats come to life.

The Barnardos team have had a long held dream of having a Thomas the Tank Engine themed walking float.

Thomas, is the anthropomorphised fictional tank locomotive in the Brit ish Railway Series books by Wilbert Awdry published from 1945.

Kate says the Barnardos staff was super excited about the prospect of being part of the Christmas Parade and was really disappointed last year when it was cancelled due to Covid.

“Lots of ideas were tossed around

but everyone seized on the idea of Thomas the Tank Engine because he and his train friends are beloved and well known.

When researching the project we had to go on a wait list at the library for Thomas themed reference books because they are so popular,” says Kate.

“We also liked the inclusion of Bruno the Brake Car, as Barnardos helps many vulnerable local families, including some with children who have autism.”

Indeed, Bruno’s character aligns with all mannerisms of vulnerability and sends an inclusive message in this year’s Christmas parade. Kate says they collected cardboard boxes, raided home cupboards for second hand decorations, op shopped fabric, scoured the internet for free Thomas Engine Hat designs and then Resene Paints gave them lots of lovely bright paints to play with.

One of the character floats is Sir Topham Hatt, the controller of the North Western railway.

He is nicknamed, “the Fat Con troller” due to his stout build. Sir Topham first appeared in the series as a railway inspector from London.

“The adults in the parade group will be wearing top hats as a nod to this famous literary figure whose responsibility it is to keep everything running smoothly and right on time.

We would love to wear the full black jacket and yellow waist coat but we might have to modify his costume a bit for the New Zealand summer weather.”

Kate says she would like to thank the Triton Hearing staff who donated their time and efforts on their com munity day, the local Barnardos team and their families and Resene for the generous donation of paints.

The parade will feature a pre-parade concert at 2:30pm following on from

Relationships thrive through active lifestyle.

KORU NUTRITION

Being active has always been a major part of Shirley’s life. For years, she has played golf and croquet and when it rains there is always Indoor Bowls or the local Line Dancing group.

“I love it when you are not only being active but also interacting with others; you get so much more of a relationship with different people through engaging in activities and experiences than just over a cup of tea and a chat.”

Shirley’s participation in the activities began to lessen, however, through no fault of her own; her world began to feel smaller and fun seemed to be in short supply.

Shirley began to look at her ongoing lifestyle and also at a number of things that could support her muscles & joints. She wanted things that were sustainable, easy to incorporate into her everyday life and natural. One of the things she came across was Koru FX from Koru Nutrition.

“I bought just one bottle and thought I could try this. Very soon after, I returned and bought three bottles!!”

“I love knowing that I am supporting myself in my activities. I am playing Indoor Bowls and doing very well on that front, if I

do say so myself. I have also picked up my trusty exercise bike and am doing 3km every day. I am so happy to be living life to the full.”

Koru FX cream by Koru Nutrition has become NZ’s #1 joint and muscle support cream. Many happy customers are recommending Koru FX cream due to its natural ingredient, results and fast acting delivery.

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.

People are often telling Shirley she is looking great. “I am so happy with my life and how I am living it. When I see my friends I will always lend them a listening ear and nine times out of ten I end up saying, ‘Try my Koru FX’.”

Koru FX is a simple combination of pure, all-natural ingredients that

have been carefully chosen, not just for their own unique benefits, but so that when blended together they work synergistically to bring out the best results from each other.

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.

Barnardos Social Workers Jess Eaton, Irmi Watt, Mel Vallance from Triton Hearing and Kate Hoorey prepare for the Christmas parade this Saturday.

A Blenheim Real Estate agent Debbie Webster donated $1000 to members of the White Ribbon ride recently.

the Blenheim Lions Mistletoe Market to keep kids entertained while they line up their fabulous variety of Christmas themed floats.

The Pure Events Marlborough Christmas Parade is this Saturday, and starts at Blenheim School at 3:30pm.

If there was anything that demonstrated how much humans need community, it was the isolation forced on us all by Covid. Once restrictions were over, Blenheim Choral got together and are making up for lost time with intensive rehearsals for their end-of-year performance which will be Handel’s Messiah.

Messiah was first performed in 1742, 280 years ago, and within a few years had become so beloved that it is now performed multiple times a year, in multiple venues and seasons around the world.

Originally written for an Easter perfor mance, it quickly became associated with Christmas because of its tremendous sense of joy and hope. Handel wrote it in a fever of excitement and inspiration, telling his servant he’d had a vision of Heaven; and

it is this sense of jubilation which makes it so authentic and spreads joy to singers and audiences alike. The music is wonderful with beautiful choruses and deeply moving solo pieces. The Hallelujah Chorus is so famous that it frequently pops up on YouTube as a flash-mob performance, bringing crowds together in the streets.

Blenheim Choral will be performing Messiah with well-known soloists Amelia Berry - soprano, Chris McRae - tenor, Elin Tomos - alto, and Robert Tucker - bass. The organist will be Jonathan Berkahn. Robert Tucker is also the musical director.

At Nativity Church, Alfred Street on Friday, December 9th, 7pm.

Adults $30, children free. Cash door sales only.

Members of Blenheim Choral Society hard at work rehearsing Handel’s Messiah.

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

What was your favourite part of the gala?

I loved the chocolate toss because it was fun and I love chocolate.

Can we do the gala again next weekend? I got heaps of lollies and chocolate and a plant for Dad.

That lemonade was amaz ing. I had to come back for another cup.

Joshua Sutton Blenheim

My favourite part of the gala was when the fireman let me press the button for the siren of the big truck and spray the water. I felt like a fireman.

Blenheim

The gala was really fun. I loved how everyone could find something they en joyed - adults and children.

Letters

Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. A maximum of 150 words please. They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even when a nom de plume is provided for publication.

The editor reserves the right to

Open Communication

Dear Ed,

In response to Mark Hanson (Wednesday Sun 23 Nov), the recent CEO of the Clubs, Dan Roos, sent many communications to members making it clear that the Clubs need ed members to use the facilities regularly for it to remain viable. He was very honest about

Dear Ed,

A load of coarse sand appeared unexpectedly on our property the other day. So what, I hear you say?

So the truck driver knocked out our power for around three hours with his deck hoist, then drove off leaving a live wire on the ground.

We had to contact Marlborough Lines whose men worked promptly and into after hours to reinstate our power - many thanks guys.

Blenheim

All the kids that performed. My gosh they were awe some. And the lemonade was delicious.

to the editor

abridge letters or withhold letters from publication.

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

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

the financial status of the club. All those members that chose to ignore these now have no business complaining about anything.

Thanks to Dan for his efforts to keep this amazing facility open.

Ed Roggeveen

Still, so what, you’re asking?

Well, turns out the sand had been ordered for a property owner down the road, and the truck driver (local firm) had failed to adhere to his delivery instructions, street number (clearly displayed next to gate latch on post), type of building and property description were out by a country mile. Husband rang the trucking company when the bill arrived for power reinstatement as we weren’t going to pay.

So, to my point. An apology from the truck ing company would have been appreciated for our inconvenience but, alas, none was received. Not good for local business

M Johnson

Tasha Knox

Isabella Hope Blenheim

Frank Prescott Blenheim

Cressy Jones Blenheim

Sylvia Small

Merry Christmas from us all at

Springlands School held their fundraiser at the weekend and raised a provisional record of $42,000.

Canvastown miner’s hut celebrated

The Canvastown community has celebrated the building of an historic replica miner’s hut, situated on the banks of the Wakamarina River.

The hut, which complements the existing mining memorial, was a long-held aspiration for the Canvastown Community Association and celebrates the area’s rich gold mining history.

The first gold was discovered by a local woman in the early 1860s who noticed specks of gold while washing clothes in the river.

A group of local men later extracted a kilogram of gold from the spot and within weeks the entire river was pegged out with claims as thousands of prospectors arrived to seek their fortunes. At its peak there were 6,000 prospectors working the area - in 1864, 1,271kg of gold was extracted.

Funding for the miner’s hut was provided by Council’s Small Townships Programme which

supports communities’ desire for a sense of place and unique identity.

Chair of the Canvastown Community Association, Alan Rees, said the project drew on local support and expertise, with Les Douglas and Craig Dobie undertaking the construction and Bradshaw & Company providing the native timber.

Alan particularly wished to acknowledge Ngāti Kuia for their karakia and blessing of the miner’s hut.

“Their presence made a significant moment even more special,” he said. Councillor Barbara Faulls who chairs the Small Township sub-committee, was on hand to open the miner’s hut. She congratulated the Canvastown Community Association members for their foresight.

“They looked to the community’s needs of today as well as into the future, to respect and honour the history of gold mining in the valley,” she said.

Final chance to have your say on wheelie bin roll out

If you’re keen to see wheelie bins rolled out now’s the time to make your voice heard by making a submission before consultation closes at 4.00pm today, Wednesday 30 November.

Solid Waste Manager Dr Alec McNeil says it’s important Council receives feedback on the proposed changes to the region’s waste services that reflects the view of our community.

“You don’t have to be against the proposal to make a submission - we still want to hear from those who support the proposed changes,” he said. “Marlburians might have different ideas or might have alternative suggestions and we want to capture that feedback to ensure the new service is as effective and efficient as it can be.”

Council is proposing to introduce a new 140-litre wheelie bin for rubbish collected fortnightly and a 140-litre bin for recycling, excluding glass, collected fortnightly. The current recycling crate will be used for glass only. Refuse and recycling are proposed to

be serviced on alternate weeks. The proposal also sees the expansion of the kerbside collection area to Grovetown, Havelock, Rarangi, Rai Valley, Renwick, Seddon, Spring Creek, Tuamarina, Wairau Valley and Ward.

Rural coin skips would be replaced with remote transfer stations with ten 1,100-litre wheelie bins for recycling, excluding glass, plus ten 1,100-litre wheelie bins for refuse and a skip for colour-sorted glass.

To watch an audiovisual presentation on the proposed changes or to make a submission visit: www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/ refuse/community-consultation-waste-services

Marlborough’s top sportspeople celebrated

The Marlborough Sports Awards, held last week at the Marlborough Events Centre, recognised and acknowledged some of our region’s top sportspeople, coaches, managers and officials. Mayor Nadine Taylor spoke at the awards, along with guest speaker, Tom Walsh (pictured right with Mayor Taylor).

Congratulations to dressage champion Melissa Galloway who took out the title for the 2022 Overall Sportsperson of the Year award. Melissa initially claimed the Sportswoman of the Year title before taking out the supreme award.

He kōrero nā te Kaunihera o Wairau

Your local news from the Marlborough District Council

Canvastown miner’s hut, built by Les Douglas and Craig Dobie, on the banks of the Wakamarina River

on

Croquet, competition and camaraderie

Kevin Freeth’s body language infers a sense of eagerness and anticipation when it comes to the game of croquet. Perhaps it’s the swing side of his mallet, the layout of the lawn with wide hoops and or players who wait for their turn in a sequence game. Perhaps it’s the sociable nature of singles and or doubles and mixed gender play?

Kevin’s own mallet is a top of the line, a ‘Pidcock mallet’, one which used to be owned by his son.

The head is made from carbon fibre which apparently keeps the body ‘light and strong’. The peripheral weighting is maximised by having the main weight of the head kept at the ends, in the form of one-inch thick brass inserts which are finely machined before being permanently bonded into place.

The game emerged from Ireland around 1850 where it was known as crookey, a word with its root meaning as a hooked stick.

Kevin has been playing croquet for 10 years. He says the game allows him to develop and improve his own skill-set while enabling a great sense of camaraderie with like-minded individuals.

“I started 2012 in Canterbury and my son was interested in the sport. It was a way of doing things with him and he became very good, quite quickly, he became a U21 world champion (golf croquet in 2015/16). My ability has only come out recently. I’ve had to really work to try and improve. He was a natural, a perfectionist.”

Kevin recently won a golf croquet national invitation event in Fendalton, Christchurch where he was asked by the national association, Croquet New Zealand to take part.

The tournament invites some of the best 10 players around New Zealand to play off for the Geoff Young

Trophy. Geoff, from Thames Valley, had given to the croquet community for more than 30 years and taken numerous leadership roles to improve the sports profile.

In a round robin format Kevin man aged to win eight of his nine games and took out the event and the trophy.

“Nelson had higher ranked players and you had to register your interest to compete and that you’d like to be invited and I was accepted. I just played really well and it all clicked on the day.”

Kevin had won the Nelson singles handicap event weeks earlier and thought he had a good chance going into the tournament in Christchurch by looking at other players’ gradings and results.

“I played my own son Josh and gave him a good game. He is a minus five (meaning the player is so good their handicap goes down). There are only five players of that handicap in New Zealand.”

There are two forms of croquet, both played socially and competitively up to international level.

The older and more complex is Association Croquet (AC) while Golf Croquet (GC) can be picked up and played by beginners very rapidly. In GC, there is still a great deal of skill and tactics involved, but it is a quicker game.

Blenheim Croquet Club’s publicity officer Dave Grigg says croquet is fundamentally about who gets the ball

through the hoop first.

“If you can’t, you stop your opponent in any means you can,” he says. “In golf croquet it’s a 13 point game and the first to seven. In doubles, every fourth shot is yours. It sounds like a nice, friendly game but it’s not. You’re often hitting the opponent away from accessing the hoop and gaining that advantage. Kevin calls it controlling the hoop.”

Croquet is a sport which re wards tactics, accuracy and precision and can be played by people of all ages and abilities.

Dave says Kevin’s greatest asset to the game is his mind-set and

Blackfridayextended sale!

strategic approach.

“He is a brilliant player and enjoys hitting balls and players out of the way while positioning his own ball in front of the hoop at the same time, if he plays it right. He goes away and practices that.

He’ll hit you all the way to the far end of the lawn and leave himself in front of the hoop. Because he is so accurate he’ll ultimately be left in front of the hoop and you’re miles away,” Dave says.

Croquet Marlborough oversees Kaikoura, Brooklyn and Blen heim Clubs.

Dave says the region would love to get some younger players

coming through the ranks. The Blenheim Club’s youngest mem ber is 11. Dave says however, he only plays on a Sunday due to other commitments with school and extracurricular activity. The average age of the club is individuals in their early 80s.

Kevin says the game allows the opportunity to pass down skills he has learnt or what he has picked up on during his time.

“Doing well in competitions is a by-product of why I play the game. If I do well, it sort of inspires people to do well,” he says. “The friendship part of the game is the main thing.”

Kevin says the game has given him much more than just competition and friendship.

Picton’s Kevin Freeth caught up with journalist Chris Valli to discuss the finer points of croquet in

a sport which has brought more than just social

interaction and competition.

“It sounds like a nice, friendly game but it’s not.”

Local

environmental groups continue to inspire: Yealands award grants to five new biodiversity focused projects in Marlborough

Yealands Marlborough Sustainability Initiative (YMSI) is awarding a further five local environmental groups with grant funding as part of ongoing community support and focus on protecting Marlborough’s biodiversity. The grants will support the recipients inspiring efforts to improve fresh water quality, preserve sensitive natural areas, and protect biodiversity in the Marlborough district.

The latest recipients of the funds are:

• Marlborough Sounds Restoration Trust: Restoring the landscape and biodiversity of the Marlborough Sounds through wilding pine control.

• Picton Dawn Chorus: Restoring native bird populations, through predator control and education.

• South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust: Protecting South Marlborough’s hill and high country landscapes and biodiversity through wilding pine control.

• Hinepango Wetland Restoration Group: Restoration of the Hinepango Wetland through the clearing and control of invasive species and planting.

• Endeavour Inlet Conservation Trust: Protecting and enhancing the natural eco-systems and heritage values of the Endeavour Inlet through pest control.

Congratulations to all of the grant recipients and thank you to everyone that applied for YMSI funding.

For more information on the Yealands Wines Marlborough Sustainability Initiative, 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.

Blenheim South Rotary Christmas Book Fair

By Chris Valli

If you’re looking for books this Christmas, look no further than the remaining titles left over from the Blenheim South Rotary Mammoth Garage Sale and Book Fair

Blenheim South Rotary spokesperson Kevin Moseley says they have about 5000 quality books left over from the fundraiser back in early October.

“We’ve got to do something with them, so we have selected the best and we’re opening the doors again to allow people to “get some real bargains for Christmas” Kevin says.

“The sale was an amazing, huge success. We made $45,000 which has put the club in a great financial place for the next 12 months.”

A sausage sizzle will run all day with a coffee cart on site to allow families to relax on the grass.

The Blenheim South Rotary book sale is this Saturday, December 3 at the Waterlea Racecourse, Linton Street entrance from 10am - 4pm.

Fashion and Arts in the Garden

By Chris Valli

An opportunity to dress up and enjoy music, art and fashion is on this weekend to support Hospice Marlborough.

Hospice Marlborough Promotions Manager Sandy Inwood says the idea came about when Ruth de Reus from Picton’s Raukura Gallery approached Hospice, offering the unique fundraising opportunity.

“She has contacted several artists asking if they would support the event by donating artwork to be auctioned with 100 percent of proceeds for Hospice,” says Sandy.

The venue for the fundraiser is West grove, Grovetown, in a beautiful garden, owned by long-standing hospice support er and volunteer, Pat Jones. Sandy says Pat offered it as a venue for this event.

“Pat’s garden is well known amongst the gardening community – it is a truly stunning venue.”

Sandy says it has been quite a while since Hospice has been able to host a fundraising event.

“We are quite excited to be able to invite people, get a group of friends together, dress up and enjoy a fun afternoon in a beautiful setting. And of course, help raise funds for Hospice so they can carry on supporting people in the Marlborough community needing specialist palliative care.”

Raukura Gallery owner Ruth de Reus says she approached Hospice some time

ago regarding a fundraiser event for the gallery.

“Having lost parents, two sisters and two sister in-laws to cancer, I wanted to contribute in some way to the incredible support they had given our family during those difficult times. Sista & Co Boutique Clothing was also very keen to come on board to be part of this special event which they have contributed to in a massive way,” says Ruth.

Some of the donated artworks for auction include a limited edition zebra print by Karen Rankin Neal and a framed photograph named ‘Magical Marlborough’ by award winning pho tographer Peter Latham. The auctioneer for the fundraiser is Tanya Smith, from Harcourts.

Other artworks to feature are a Korowai Canvas, donated by Raukura Gallery, a wine girls painting by Picton artist, Brenda Suleiman and Oil on Canvas by Jo Midgley.

Ruth says a variety of canvas prints and paper will be donated by Raukura Gallery that people can purchase out right. The retail value ranges from $30 to $300. Dunedin designer Anita Maria who supplies designer robes and scarves to Raukura Gallery has also donated garments to the fundraiser.

Janene Meikle from Sista & Co says the fashions are a varied collection of what is available now at their Picton store with mostly new summer lines.

Local Picton singer Jarrah Timms will

sing two classical songs while Larry Allison and Brian Piper known as Gold Card will play background music for the afternoon.

Another feature of the live music will be a local String trio aptly named Trio Solstice consisting of Camilla Nilson, Sarah Clark and Jo Kydd.

Sandy believes such a fundraiser has not been done locally and if all goes well, she anticipates this being a regular event on the Hospice fundraising calendar.

The event is this Sunday, December 4 from 2:30pm - 5:30pm at Westgrove, 107 Lower Wairau Road, Grovetown.

Tickets are $48 and are on sale from the Hospice Shop in Redwoodtown, the Raukura Gallery, 54 High Street, Picton and Sista & Co, 37 High Street, Picton.

5000 BOOKS READY FOR CHRISTMAS: Blenheim South Rotary’s Ray and Margaret Gauden-Ing and Carolyn Corrin.

Wine Girls painting by the ever so popular Picton artist, Brenda Suleiman Oil on canvas by Jo Midgley

InternatIonal Volunteer Day

December 5th 2022

Time - the greatest gift of all

This International Volunteer Day, the Cancer Society Marlborough wants to recognise the incredible work that it’s volunteers do in supporting those living with cancer.

“As an organisation that relies on community support, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. We might be a small char ity here in Marlborough, but thanks to their help, our impact can stretch further than our resources would normally allow”, said Hilary, Marlborough’s Volunteer Coordinator.

Almost everyone knows someone impacted

by cancer, which is why Sue, Cancer Soci ety Marlborough volunteer, decided to get involved. After her friend received a shock diagnosis, she visited the Cancer Society to get some basic information to give to her; seven years later, she found herself back there again, asking about volunteer opportunities.

“My mother died of breast cancer, my husband had survived brain cancer, and I had nursed for over 40 years, dealing with many forms of cancer. I thought volunteering would provide a chance to give back to the

Society,” said Sue.

“The rest is history.”

As a small but busy charity, there are always things to be done, and no two days are the same for Sue. Volunteering is an incredible way to gain new skills and lifelong friendships while strengthening communities. It is thanks to the generosity of our volunteers that the Cancer Society Marlborough was able to support over 912 people in the community in 2021/22.

“By volunteering, the people of Marlborough can be supported by trained staff, now and

Heartfelt thanks from St John Marlborough

This International Volunteer Day and as we head into Christmas, the Hato Hone St John Marlborough Area Committee would like to offer a heartfelt thanks to all of it’s volunteers.

Locally, in Marlborough, there are more than 100 volunteers who contribute many hours to our operational and community programmes. They include: Ambulance and Events, Area Committees, Caring Callers, Chaplaincy, Community Educators, Fellowship, Friends of the Emergency Department/ Hospital, St John Health Shuttle, St John Retail Store, Therapy Pets, and Youth Leaders.

Hato Hone St John volunteers really are the lifeblood of the organisation. They are people who go out of their way to strengthen ties

and friendship in the community across our different programmes.

Without our volunteers’ generous contribu tions of time, energy, and local knowledge – our services would not be able to exist or operate.

Ambulance volunteers play a critical part in their communities by building resilience, supporting paid staff, improving the timely care of patients and helping to save lives. In Marlborough, our rural volunteers have been vital in supporting our remote communities, particularly those cut off by the recent flood events. The local team of dedicated volunteers respond to emergencies in the area but always have access to back up support if and when

CELEBRATING OUR VOLUNTEERS

needed.

The volunteers working throughout our community programmes make a significant contribution to the St John Area Committee goals of improving health and wellbeing in the community.

Health Shuttle volunteers spend many dedicated hours driving residents from around the district to their health and medical appoint ments. These volunteers are a lifeline for many in the community who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access their medical appointments.

Volunteers in Therapy Pets, Friends of the Emergency Department and Caring Caller programmes bring joy and companionship to those in the community, helping to improve the

in the future. We never know when we, our friends or whānau may need to utilise their services”, said Sue.

On behalf of the Cancer Society Marlbor ough, thank you to all our volunteers, past and present, who have gifted their time to help those facing cancer. Your generosity and continues to be the driving force of our support in the community. Thank you.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Hilary Gill on hilaryg@cancersoc.org.nz or call her on 579 4379.

mental wellbeing of many people.

Children involved in our youth programmes in Blenheim and Havelock are supported by dedicated youth leaders who help teach the children valuable life skills through the badgebased programme.

We would also like to thank the tireless work of the community shop volunteers. Their efforts allow St John Marlborough to support our Operations and Community programmes and deliver wellbeing focussed initiatives to the community, such as our Winter Warmer programme and supporting AED’s in the community.

For further information on volunteering with St John, visit join.stjohn.org.nz

Supporting all volunteers in Marlborough.

“By volunteering, I personally have got more back than I give in time. The new friendships, sense of purpose in life.” - Sue, local volunteer International Volunteer Day

We celebrate and thank our volunteers who play a vital role in assisting the Cancer Society in so many ways.

For more information about volunteering please contact: Hilary Gill ph 579 4379 or email hilaryg@cancersoc.org.nz

InternatIonal Volunteer Day

Alzheimers Marlborough’s amazing volunteers

By Chris Valli

Alzhemiers Marlborough manager Cath erine Donnelly says their volunteers are amazing. Some of their wonderful volunteers have been with Alzheimers Marlborough for over 10 years.

“We have around 40 volunteers, but always need more. They range in age from 28-88 years. Our volunteers are mostly ladies, but we have a core group of men who are always willing to fill in a shift driving one of our vans, helping with maintenance or any other special request we have.”

“Depending on the day we have one or two van drivers out and about picking up our day programme members, including a run to Picton twice a week. On our busy days we can have up to seven volunteers helping us out. One of our morning and afternoon volunteers assists with the van pick-ups/ drop offs.

“Duties include helping with the activities, helping our cook in the kitchen, assisting our walking group(s), working with our Community Clients, being part of our Be friender service, or attending the café groups.

Activities in our day programme may include games, which can become very competitive, outings, assisting with lunch, morning and

afternoon teas, sitting and chatting to our club members and craft work. The singalongs are also very popular.”

Catherine says some of their volunteers come into the centre a couple of times a week to help or they may just want to work a shift a fortnight. Other volunteer roles include being on the Board, Foundation and on their fundraising team.

“Our sausage sizzlers are the best (accord ing to The Hits Radio’s Jono and Ben). And how can I forget the kindling wood splitters, who helped raise over $1,200.00 during the winter.

For volunteers who work alongside demen tia patients Alzheimers Marlborough offer in house training, some of it professional development such as training in dementia care, and volunteer orientation.

One such volunteer position that has be come available is a gardener for their Wither Road facility.

“Payment may include a free lunch, morn ing and afternoon teas, and of course home baking, tea and coffee,” says Catherine.

To be a volunteer at Alzheimers Marlbor ough give them a call, or pop in to see them. They have a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator and Sharon can be contacted on volunteer. marlb@alzheimers.org.nz

Emergency Management in Marlborough is mostly made up of volunteers. People who give their time and energy to respond to an emergency event. While their work goes mostly unnoticed, their dedication and training means we are more able to respond to that event

So thank you to all the emergency volunteers that give their time and energy to help our Community

Thank you to all our volunteers for their support for our organisation. You really do make a difference for people affected by dementia.

“ It feels good to know we’re doing something to help others. But it’s also great working with a team, learning stuff and having fun doing it”

Hemi - NZ Response Team member for Marlborough

“ It’s about our team and doing the right thing”

15 places you have to try •

MARLBOROUGH / TASMAN

Take advantage of our beautiful region. Enjoy all that Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman have to offer - food, coffee, wine, fashion, homeware, arts, entertainment, nature, local business...

Golden Mile Produce is all about Fresh, Local, Delicious. Direct from the farm gate 1204 Rapaura Rd, Spring Creek 2-6pm Mon-Sat & Farmers Market on Sunday morning. Where the strawberries taste sweeter, the veggies are fresher and everything is delicious. Grown by us for you to enjoy! Golden Mile Produce FB Ph: 0274 927 589

MaPua villaGe bakery Pop into our fabulous bak ery to enjoy our freshly baked artisan breads, gourmet pies and luscious cakes every day. Choose to sit outside under the trees in our sunny outdoor area or eat inside in our cosy, bustling cafe. Enjoy a beautiful danish with Atomic coffee. And don’t forget to take home one of our family Quiche and a large Dutch Apple pie. Baking at its best! 68 Aranui Rd, Mapua, Tasman.

anatoki salMon fisHinG & cafe

Come find a magical spot on Lake Anatoki to cast your line and land your lunch. Free use of fishing gear and no experience required. Have your salmon hot smoked or sliced into sashimi ready to eat in the cafe. Feel the thrill of catching your own food! Takaka, Golden Bay www.anatokisalmon.co.nz.

Happy holidays from the oM ak a aviat ion HeritaGe centre! Sharing the stories of the men and women behind the magnificent flying machines of WW1 and WW2, Omaka is where history takes flight! Aircraft are displayed in movielike settings, and there is something for everyone. Open daily until 5 pm, closed Christmas Day.

edWin fox Maritime Museum and Ship. Come and explore the decks and depths of the last remaining convict ship, the relics found onboard and the stories of the people who sailed on her. An all weather family friendly activity. Open every day from 9am. Dunbar Wharf, Picton Foreshore. 035736868.

taHuna beacH, simple summer family fun at its best. Whether in a self-contained motel, a basic cabin with shared facilities, a campervan or tenting with no power, a seaside holiday makes for a welcome break.

ritual cafe Come and see the team at our relaxed retro cafe, where a great vibe is always on offer. Along with healthy, delicious food we offer a breakfast menu and cabinet food including vegan and gluten free options. There’s a large selection of drinks plus look out for our summer salad options in the cabinet daily.

Find us on Maxwell Road, in Blenheim’s CBD. You’ll be glad you did!

There is nothing quite like a knife you have made yourself, for outdoor use or in the kitchen. You can forge a knife as done through the ages with step-by-step instruction. No previous experience or skills needed. Just enthusiasm!

Make a knife is run by Simon Whittaker and his family, located at the Higgins Park Steam Museum in Wakefield, near Nelson. We offer a unique full day activity including lunch. Bookings essential.

Call 0275418507 or email simon@makeaknife.co.nz www.makeaknife.co.nz Gift vouchers available.

Paddle nelson

Join us for a great little paddle adventure! Located at Tahuna Beach, we have something for everyone. Paddleboard hire, paddleboard lessons, paddleboard yoga, sit on top kayak hire and guided sea kayak tours to the historic Nelson Lighthouse.

Book online, call or pop into the Moana SURF and SUP Shop. Phone 027 272 7259.

tHe blenHeiM sun - proudly your local paper for the last 20 years.

Proven and trusted - we get results and readers! With top editorial content, we welcome your story leads. Loyal advertisers, let us work for your business too. Phone our friendly team today or call into our office (Mon-Thurs) at 72 High St.

tHe blue door offers affordable reused products from clothes, tools, kitchen appliances and more. All items are generously donated and all profits are returned back into the Marlborough Community. Shopping at the Blue Door is a great way to give back to your community and support the environmental efforts of recycling, reusing and restoring unwanted goods. Come in for a visit 46 Seymour Street, Blenheim – Monday to Saturday

yealands. Our award-winning Cellar Door and White Road demonstrates our world leadership in sus tainable wine production. Join us for a wine tasting with one of our friendly staff and discover the sustainability initiatives that keep our winery and vineyard running.

Open: Thu – Mon, 10:30am – 5pm. Ph: 03 575 7618. Cnr Seaview and Reserve Roads, Seddon.

cable bay adventure Park, 400Ha of private, pris tine native forest, just a 15minute drive from Nelson CBD. Home to one of the world’s longest zipline experiences, The Skywire Experience, an amazing scenic ride which takes you on an aerial journey above the treetops, reaching speeds of up to 100kmph.

Scenic guided Quad Bike tours journey you through native forest. Try paintball or give our Rock Climbing Wall a go. Young children love our Petting Zoo and Animal Feeding. We have Alpacas, Highland cows, Valois sheep, and eels.

Onsite is our licensed Base Café, open daily serving delicious cabinet food, a sit-down menu and a great range of local beverages. Bookings recommended 03 545 0304

tHe

a non

trust

Marlborough

Havelock - 60 Main Road, Havelock. Created

the

currently has twenty-six local Marlbor

artists displaying their artwork. Drop by the Gallery any day of the week between 10am - 4pm.

Gallery Havelock

taHuna beacH

yealands

tHe blue door

blen H ei M r iverside railWay

ritual cafe

anatoki salMon fisHinG & cafe

Make a nife

Golden Mile Produce

oMaka aviation HeritaGe centre

Gallery

as

profit

to showcase

artists

gallery

ough

Paddle nelson

Black Friday

What a joke, they put their prices up two weeks before. You go in and think you are getting a bargain at the end of the day you would have been paying the same price.

Not shocked

I read with interest, the Mayor was shocked and saddened on hearing the news that the Clubs of Marlborough had closed its doors.

As far as shock goes, when I heard the news, it didn’t surprise me one bit, but I live in a different world to the Mayor.

A world where ‘needs’ trump ‘wants’ and there is no place for extravagance.

Cats

Totally agree with text talk message on cats. I too have poop in vegetable garden. Pansies flattened and sad to say 2 Xmas lillies just flowering broken. They were looking amazing in our garden.

New MDC building!

Words out that the council will be taking over not only the debts of the Clubs of Marlbor ough but the building; as the new chambers, renovated to fit all staff before the existing one falls over. Car parks, cafeteria, river views, reception and chambers almost perfect fit for purpose. Saving us ratepayers some $20 million on a new one. Who saw that coming, wheels and deals eh!

If only

Clubs of Marlborough, Congratulations council another white elephant, watch this space. Library next, wouldn’t it be nice if they listened to ratepayers, if only. Should be decrease in wages.

Painted on

Have you ever noticed when approaching or following many vehicles, when they are turning, how well their indicators are painted on. They even seem to get their WOF’s etc with them. It is not difficult to use the real ones I have found. I have also seen many police cars with painted indicators.

Halberg selection a breeze

Lydia Ko’s superb results this year should surely secure the Women’s Title, the Women’s Rugby 15’s the Team Title, Wayne Smith the Coach’s Title and probably NZ’s sporting achievement of the Century.

Ajaz Patel’s 10 wicket single innings Test effort must secure both The Men’s & Overall Sports Achievement. Well done & thanks for the entertaining sporting memories.

Wellington St Picton

Presuming Marl Roads is responsible for the half baked job done on Wellington St. Artistic expression? or just plain incompetence?

The latter I fear. Even if work is contracted out, is no inspection made to check work is of a high standard and the mess made doing the job is cleaned up. Unbelievable!

Lucky

We are lucky to have Marlborough Roads staff who respond to public requests to clear broken glass off roads. Thank you staff at Waka Kotahi for sweeping the cycle path and sections of roads that were littered with broken glass.

Those lazy louts who dump their bottles on the roads instead of in a rubbish bin are a pain!

It’s up to all of us living in Blenheim to keep our town clean & tidy. Bottles dropped on roadsides soon get smashed into glass, which is a danger to kids in bare feet or on bikes.

Cheers Marlborough Roads for cleaning up our streets!

Membership

How about to save the clubs of Marlborough the council steps in to cover the debt, then each Marlborough rate payer gets a mem bership to the clubs (included in their rates) potentially would not only rise patronage but save the asset.

Vines Restaurant, Redwoodtown

Great to see their ad in your paper. Please Blenheim support this local pub and restaurant. Its an asset, with a great menu for all tastes. And its family orientated.

Street cleaning

I am sure you are up at 2am every morning to see what the street cleaner is up to, working hard to get things done before the cars and foot traffic start coming in, driving around checking on street signs, broken glass, checking drains to name just a few things he does, also cleaning Picton as well, I think he deserves a medal, well done Gary, there is always someone complaining.

Roadworks

If you want the public to respect the road works, start by having good traffic manage ment systems in place. Time and time again see signage and cones left behind or not correctly laid out. Perhaps we should start fining the contractor if the roadwork signs are incorrect or left out when the job is finished.

Text while driving

If you want to talk to God. Stop, find a peaceful place and talk to him. If you want to see God text while you drive.

Smoked out

House down driveway in Lakings Rd near Bary St. Must you light a fire Every Single Day?!? Please spare a thought for the environment, not to mention your neighbours who would like to hang their washing outside or have their windows open, but can’t because we keep getting smoked out. Is this going to persist all summer? Maybe put an extra layer on if it’s 20 degrees and you’re still cold, or use your heat pump. (And we note the Marlborough Lines vehicle in your driveway. If your power bill is too high perhaps have a word with your boss!)

Bullies

I’m thinking that most of the old guys in their utes cutting corners, speeding, please watch out for me on the bike. You are bullies, what are you going to say when you realise you just knocked me off the bike.

Talk of the week

Thank you For sale

A big thank you to all at the Wednesday Sun, for providing us a platform to anonymously express compliments, concerns and complaints. Merry Christmas everyone and here’s wishing you a safe and happy festive season.

Has anyone else noticed the For Lease and For Sale signs in and around the CBD and now popping up in several mainly business areas? Is it time to leave? Where are they going? Out of town or out of business? Who’s going to fill the theatre and library?

Great gym

Sincere thanks to Xpotential gym in Redwoodtown who have offered three months free membership to those Clubs of Marlborough members who have paid gym fees in advance.

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.

Culverts

Wakakotahi saying culverts are the trouble on SH 6. Well how about getting some of your workers out there to clean them out before Winter. When replacing culverts, why don’t they replace them with larger ones to let the rubbish through instead of replacing with same size.

Michelle Munro

gardening this week

Encouraging children to garden:

We need to encourage our children and grandchildren to appreciate nature by including them in some gardening activities.

I believe that young children have a natural infinity with plants and insects when they are allowed to explore our gardens.

By Wally Richards



Are you a dog or cat person?

Both, I have a dog and had a cat but she liked our elderly neighbor more and moved there which was ideal, as she sure didn’t like the dog. I grew up on a farm so I like all animals.

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

It was something to do with photography which is what I do now. Never expected it to be newborns etc though, but I love it.

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

I saved my mother’s life before I was two years old. She was pregnant with my brother and had what she thought was an extremely severe headache which then made her unable to move, dad was up the shed about 80m away and all she could do was ask me to go and get him. I toddled up the back and must’ve told him Mum was no good. I have a vivid memory of watching him reverse at speed out of the driveway with her in the car and my Nan standing with me.



Have you met anyone famous?

If you count the odd All Black, Black Cap and kiwi band par ticularly late 90s and early 2000s then yip.

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

Lasagne!

Children learn many things by mim icking their parents and are often keen a t a young age to assist in various gardening activities.

I remember as a toddler spending many hours in the garden collecting caterpillars off the cabbages and feeding them to our chooks.

I also can still remember how good it felt to be part of Nature back then and the same feeling pertains today when I work or wander around gardens.

Plants that ‘move’ have a fascination for children and a great one for this is Mimosa pudica, the Sensitive Plant, which folds up its leaves when touched. They are easy to germinate from seed, grown as a pot plant for a window sill. Nice pink flowers also. As the plant matures it has thorns on the branches which incidentally are another attraction for children.

Cacti with their prickles often appeal to young boys and I had a small collection when I was young and still keep a few.

Two awesome plants for children to grow are giant sunflowers and giant pumpkins.

Giant sunflowers; these extra tall sunflowers will grow up to 5 metres tall. Grown in full sun in soil that has excellent drainage and lots of manure.

The giant pumpkins can be monsters which in some cases will weigh over 450kg at maturity.

If I was going to grow giant pumpkin, here is what I would do:

in a bigger healthier plant.

When the seeds germinate select the two smaller ones and carefully remove letting the best one grow on.

After your pumpkin is established and growing well, give them a drink using Wallys Cucumber Booster, once a week.

This is a high nitrogen product that is a combination of sulphate of ammonia and potassium nitrate, which you dissolve in water.

Cucumber Booster is excellent for any plant that enjoys a boost of nitrogen after establishment. It is used for growing cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchini and gourds.

The MBL and Cucumber Booster can be combined for watering into the soil near the base of the plant.

Because of the weather patterns we are experiencing, after you plant your seed, cut off the base of a 2 - 3L plastic fruit juice bottle and place this over the mound with the cap removed.

This will give your seed and seedling its own little glasshouse. This is removed once the seedlings germinate prior to culling out the two.

best results.

Stone fruit trees that had the curly leaf disease will now be producing new leaves free of the problem. The damaged leaves will fall off over time.

You can if you like, spray the newer leaves a couple of times with potassium permanganate and Raingard just to be sure, but if the disease has finished for the season the sprays will not make much difference.

A spray of Vaporgard without the potassium permanganate would be more effective in allowing the tree’s remaining leaves to gain more energy from the sun, which is needed to produce a good crop.

Codlin Moths will start to be on the wing about now so obtain a pheromone trap from your garden centre so you can monitor the best time to spray.

A number of gardeners have found that a spray of Super Neem Tree Oil and Raingard over the young apples, applied about 5-7 days after an influx of moths into the traps, has resulted in only a very small scar on the mature apple, where the grub took its first and only bite.

Repeat spray 7 days later and then wait for another influx of moths before repeating.

The shop you can’t walk past is...? Kmart, even just to wander around and look at all the things is fun.





What’s your favourite game of sport to watch?

Rugby, although not as much as I used to now I have young kids



Your dream weekend involves....?

A good mix of relaxation and adventure for sure. Massage or spa and some thrill seeking to get the blood going.



Favourite programme or series currently watching?

I am a Stranger Things fan big time, anything that has the 80s, comedy, action and horror especially all in one is ideal for me! 

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To experience Paris or New York when it’s snowing and all Christmasy and hope it’s at least a little like the movies.

Obtain the seeds from a seed supplier. Pick an all-day-sunny area, then dig a hole about a spade depth and width, chop up the bottom of the hole, so the soil is loose, then fill the hole with chook manure to about two thirds full.

Other manure could be used if chook manure is not obtainable, but chook is best.

Fill the rest of the hole with a good compost and soil mix, 50/50 making a small mound about 12cm tall above the filled in hole.

Place three seeds in the mound and wet them down with Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL), 20ml of MBL to 1L of water.

Water the mound to keep moist with plain water and then every 2 weeks with the MBL.

Overseas the biggest record vegetables have been achieved with products very similar or the same as MBL. Spraying the foliage of your giants every 2 weeks with MBL (10ml to 1L) will also assist

With the giant sunflower a tall strong stake should be put in the ground at seed planting time on the edge of a mound as described previously..

This will be needed later to give extra support to the plant.

Another interesting thing to do is once the sunflower gets up about a metre tall, plant 3 or 4 climbing bean seeds at the base of the plant.

These will grow up the sunflower and also provide extra nitrogen for the sunflower.

It is a lot of fun plus a great way to get the children away from the TV and video games, showing them there is more to life than a screen.

Some garden centres run competitions for the tallest sunflower and the biggest pumpkin with various prizes for the winners.

Aphids are likely to be found on your roses at this time and they can easily be controlled with a safe spray of Wallys Super Pyrethrum. Spray very late in the day just before dusk to obtain the

Add Raingard or MBL to the spray to assist and extend the control period.

Tomatoes should be doing well if in a sunny, sheltered spot. Only remove laterals on a sunny day when it is not humid or moist.

Spray the wound immediately with Liquid Copper to prevent disease enter ing the wound resulting in the possible loss of the plant.

Ensure that the tomato plants are well supported on stakes during windy times. If you are concerned about blights spray the plants with Perkfection as a preventative, once a month. The same applies for your potatoes.

For general health of any plants, especially roses and food crops, a two weekly spray of MBL and Mycorrcin works wonders. Spray both the soil and the foliage.

Avoiding the use of chemical sprays and fertilisers is a must for healthy gardens and plants.

Blue Eyes

blenheim Musical theatre’s cabaret show blue Eyes had a special visitor at the weekend when they had the privilege on Saturday night of welcom ing April Phillips who wrote the show blue Eyes back in 2004.

Savour in the Park

A wonderful day on Saturday at

shining;

and

BELOW:

RIGHT: RED CARPET TREATMENT: Blue Eyes playwright and actress April Phillips at the show last week.

BELOW: Cabaret cast and April Phillips (middle right).

THE RATBAGS BLUE EYES BAND along with writer April Phillips.

CREATIVES IN THE HOUSE: Choreographer Kelsie Skelton, Musical Director Penny Wyt enberg, Production Manager Jo Patchett, April Phillips and Director Bridget McNamra.

RIGHT: Wendy Jones, Katrina Lange and Gena Birtles.

Hannah Harris, Gem ma Amsler and Rebecca Hitch cock.

Jeremy from Kiwi Spirit Distillers.

the Ray White blenheim Sa vour in the Park. the sun was

tasty food was eaten

delicious beverages drunk. Amazing music came from Vinyl in the Vines NZ, AMinor thing, Automatic 80s and headline act Stellar.

New year opportunities – Job Vacancies

• Drainage Forman.

• Plant Operator.

• Labourer.

Construction – Full time with probation period. Only experience need to apply!

The Company, Clarke’s drainage & developments are a rapidly growing local based company in the Marlborough region delivering a diverse range of drainage & civil infrastructure across the board. Clarke’s drainage prides itself on delivering value for money for its clients and sharing its success with its Team.

The opportunity, Clarke’s drainage & developments are looking for an experienced drainage Forman to the business.

• Excellent wage & generous remuneration package.

• Permanent positions.

• Opportunity to increase your leadership skills.

Desired skills/licence & experience,

• Drainage registration (would have advantage)

• Class 2 or full licenced & R.T.W

• Strong work ethic & leadership skills.

• Plan & coordinate day to day works.

• Sound understanding of Civil scope.

• Sound plant operating.

Key responsibilities,

• Ensure compliance to site policies & procedures are met.

• Lead by example with the team.

• Daily time sheets.

• Understanding with site safety & maintaining the gear.

• Honest & reliable.

Our Culture, Clarke’s drainage & developments is a tight knit team, led by 2 owners Manahi & Kelly, our business rewards performance & loyalty with opportunities to grow your career with the business.

How to apply,

If this opportunity sounds like something you would like to be a part of in the new year, send your current CV with cover letter to info@clarkesdrainage.co.nz

Applicants must have NZ residency or working visa.

Notice of Annual Reporting Meeting

(Pursuant to sections 100-102 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010)

The Trustees of the Marlborough Electric Power Trust advise they will be holding the Trust’s Annual Reporting Meeting for beneficiaries on Tuesday 6th December 2022 at 7.00 pm, to be held at the Whitehaven Room, ASB Theatre Marlborough, 2 Hutcheson St, Blenheim. The meeting is to:

• Report on the operation of the Trust and Marlborough Lines Limited (the Company) during the preceding financial year and on the financial statements of the Trust and the Company for the financial year ended 30 June 2022.

• Confirm appointment of auditor and set their remuneration.

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

Copies of the Trust’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 30 June 2022 will be available from Tuesday 29th November 2022 at the offices of Blenheim Accounting Ltd, 36 Maxwell Rd, Blenheim (office hours 9am-5pm, Monday to Thursday) and can be viewed on our website www.mept.co.nz.

Brenda Munro Trust Secretary

models of shared flatting.

We have full-time, permanent part-time, flexi, casual, sleepovers (attached to afternoon shifts) and awake overnight roles available.

Closing date: Open unfil filled.

Ref: W22-DSS-Nov.

Online application, CV and cover letter are required before your application can be processed. Enquiries can be made to Human Resources Nelson telephone: (03) 546 1274 or email vacancies@nmdhb.govt.nz

All clothing held on site must be collected ON December 1st 2022 from 10am – 4pm

Clothing not collected will be donated to charity

To arrange collection on an alternate date please contact Shells on 027 936 5996

This notice will appear on Facebook, Instagram, and in The Sun, all efforts will be made to contact those with clothing held on the premises.

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.

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

JONES: Gilbert. Passed away on Tuesday November 22, 2022. Loved son of the late Harry and Clarice, much loved brother of Ba sil (deceased), Leslie, John, Daphne Freeth, Albert, Ken (deceased), Peter (deceased), Robert (deceased) and Tony. Loved by all his nieces and nephews, loved in life, treasured in death. Beautiful memories are all we have left, to have and to hold and then to part, is the saddest story of the human heart.

KNIGHT: Elizabeth Jo (Liz) (née Steel): On November 22, 2022 at Wairau Hospital, Blenheim, aged 87. Dearly loved daughter of the late John & Lillian Steel. Sister & sis ter in-law of the late John & Lorraine Steel, sister in-law to Louise Dwen, the late Maree & Tom Fettes, Monica Westerholm and the late Michael Muter, the late Ross & Cher yl Steel. Sister in-law to the late Marie & Alf Ellis. Shirley Walding & the late Allen and the late Sharon Knight. Loved by all her nieces & nephews.

RITCHIE, Kevin Stuart: On November 24, 2022 unexpectedly at his home, after a long battle. Aged 64 years. Loved son of the late Mavis and Bruce Ritchie. Loved brother of Peter, Shirley, Stephen and Heather (all de ceased). Dearly loved uncle of all his nieces and nephews. Messages may be sent to the Ritchie Family, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. A farewell for Kevin will be held at the Mayfield Chapel, cnr Hutcheson and Parker Streets, at 11.00am on Thursday De cember 1, followed by interment at Fairhall Cemetery

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

ROBSON: Graham Lindsay: On 26 No vember 2022, passed away peacefully at Wairau Hospital, Blenheim, aged 83 years A Celebration of Graham’s life will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Fu neral Services, 15 Boyce Street Blenheim on Wednesday 30 November at 11.00am followed by private cremation. To view the full notice please visit our website www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

Community notices

SeniorS’ ChriStmaS

Afternoon tea with entertainment. Nurse’s Rec Hall, Wairau Hospital, 2.00pm - 4.00pm, 10th December 2022. Tickets Age Concern.

OMOSIGHO: Anniversary (Anne): Passed away 24th November 2022 at the Marlborough Hospice surrounded by friends and family. A Service to remember Anniver sary’s life will be held at the Church of the Latter-day Saints, 35 Howick Rd, Blenheim on Monday 28 November at 2.00pm. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

F.D.A.N.Z.

SIBBALD: Valerie May (née Lines): Val erie passed away peacefully at Wairau Hos pital on 21 November 2022, aged 91 years. A private family Memorial Service has been held. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

VAN TONGEREN, John (John VT): On November 23, 2022, suddenly at home in Christchurch; aged 64 years. Loving hus band of Karyl. Much loved father and fa ther-in-law of Christopher and Mel; Megan and partner Josh. Awesome Opa of Alex. Friend and brother-in-law of Wayne. The family wish to acknowledge the tireless work of the St John and NZ Fire Service staff who attended. In lieu of flowers, dona tions to Diabetes NZ would be appreciated and can be made at the service. Messages to the Van Tongeren family c/o PO Box 11101, Christchurch 8443. A Funeral Service for John will be held in the Academy Fu neral Services Chapel, 65 Main South Road, Sockburn, Christchurch, This day, (Wednes day), at 2.00pm.

Academy Funeral Services. F.D.A.N.Z. Ph 343 0919

FaShion

& art in the GarDen, FUnDraiSer For hoSPiCe

Sunday 4th December, 2.305.30pm at Westgrove, 107 Lower Wairau Road, Grovetown. Join us for an afternoon of live music, live art auction, silent auction, art and fashion parade (note: clothing also for sale.) Tickets $48 on sale from Hospice Shop, Cleghorn Street, Blenheim, Raukura Gallery, 54 High Street, Picton, Sista & Co, 37 High Street, Picton. Ticket price in cludes glass of bubbles on arrival, cheese platters and afternoon tea.

marLBoroUGh hoSPiCe GoLF toUrnament

Friday 2nd December 2022. Ra rangi Golf Club, 217 Rarangi Beach Road, Rarangi. Start 12 Noon. Prizes for best dressed terms, Two’s, closest to in, spot prizes. Raffles on sale during the day. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. $100 en try fee for teams of four. Entry forms available from your club or email: promotions@mht.org.nz for an entry form. For more de tails please email Jane Ingram: jancla@xtra.co.nz

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MORAN: John Charles Moran. BORN KILBIRNIE 1931. PASSED BLENHEIM 1964. Dearly loved husband of Marion, loved Father of Sandra, William, Gail. We miss you every day. We love you Dad, always.

talk

Football or farce? It’s hard to tell

I’m trying to get into the football World Cup but the stench of how Qatar earned the hosting rights and the human rights issues which are evident, has taken some of the gloss off it.

I wouldn’t consider myself more than a casual football fan, I follow Manchester United on a casual basis but I always enjoy the World Cup in a similar vein to the Olympics or

Commonwealth Games.

The standard of football is com pelling and if you can handle the theatrics, flips, poor sportsmanship and referee intimidation, the games are mostly interesting.

My first World Cup was 1998 where I picked the Netherlands as my future team because I thought they were audacious to wear all orange in public.

I remain hopeful that one day they will win it all.

On the surface, this looks like one of the more open tournaments in recent memories.

Favoured teams like Argentina, Belgium and Germany have already had shock setbacks in the first week.

I look forward to seeing how England cock-up their campaign as they always do.

The French have a young, athletic and talented squad which seems unphased by being the defending champions.

Brazil remain wildcards and prob ably the casual fans pick because of their flamboyant play and rich history of success.

I wonder if any of us Kiwis are cheering on Australia.

They will need a result in their

final pool game to go through to the second round but they play a fast-paced style and they are sure to not die wondering.

The hope should be that the tour nament helps human rights in Qatar, I doubt that will be the case, and a alcohol free event is also a first but it has to beat paying the $22 it was going to cost for one in the stadium. Go the Dutch!

Opawa Rugby Club Reunion

By Chris Valli

An opportunity to catch up with mates and recall the glory days of the Opawa Rugby Club is on the calendar for 2023.

The Opawa Rugby reunion is being held on King’s Birthday weekend from June 1-4 with the venues being the Sports Hub at Lansdowne Park and Dodson Street Beer Garden.

Michael Ellison is on the organising com mittee for the reunion and celebration of the club. Mike played at the club from the mid to late seventies through to the mid-eighties. The club ceased operating in 1993 and in

1994 the Harlequins Club united the former Opawa, Old Boys and Redwood clubs.

Opawa had many successful times from its founding in 1906 and provided many Marlborough representatives most notably four All Blacks Jack Best, Phil Clarke, Al Sutherland and Anton.Oliver and Maori All Black Jim Joseph.

Mike says they are hoping that anywhere between 200-500 people will attend. They have a Facebook page, Opawa Rugby Reunion, where Mike says they will post details including itinerary and registration forms. Those wanting to be part of the celebrations will need to like and follow

the page to be kept up to date. “We also have merchandise, polos, sweat shirts and hoodies with the club emblem plus a book is in the process of being put

together. We are also getting retro playing jerseys done which the Harlequins senior team will wear on the Saturday,” Mike says.

Whitney Street School would like to extend a special ‘THANK YOU’ to all our wonderful sponsors and supporters for making Lights Over Marlborough such a successful community event. Thanks also to everyone who attended LOM - our tamariki appreciate your support.