19 April Blenheim Sun Newspaper

By Chris Valli

How to reach us

MDC needs to enforce desexing and chipping

Continued from page 1. Marlborough Four Paws runs entirely by volunteers and operates with the support of donations from the community and was established in 2017 with the goal of providing welfare to animals in need.

MFP aims to reduce animal suffering, protect local bird life and mitigate the spread of animal disease by preventing the birth of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

Co-founder Michelle says Marlborough Four Paws have spent 10's of thousands on ‘de-sexing and re-homing cats’ while de-sexing over 1000 cats and 300 dogs and puppies since they started.

Telephone (03) 5777-868 E-mail news@blenheimsun.co.nz

Michelle says the only short-term solution is for the Marlborough District Council to enforce de-sexing and chipping for all cats and kittens.

“The situation is getting worse by the year even with us constantly trapping strays let down by their owners,” says Michelle.

Vet Marlborough and Springlands

Veterinary Centre have provided ongoing support and Michelle says they are thankful for that. However, they still have staff to pay, with MFP vet bills currently in the five figures per month.

“It’s very hard for us to keep going when we are not receiving any support from MDC. We spend a large amount of time and money trapping, de-sexing and homing where possible, well over 60% of these strays are at parks, the recycling center, CBD, and empty buildings.”

Michelle says Marlborough Four Paws have been told by council that there isn’t a cat problem in Marlborough. Whilst there are MDC employees and councilors that support us and try to gain traction for our cause, unfortunately, the official stance is that 'there is no stray cat problem in Marlborough.

“With a recent complaint we were aware that the council went to the

property to see how many cats could be seen at 2.30 in the afternoon. You will never see the true amount of cats at this time this needs to be when the sun goes down. We have offered for them to come out with the MFP team while trapping but they were not interested,” she says.

Furthermore, if Marlborough Four Paws agreed to destroy the cats and not return them to a monitored feeding area they would receive (financial) backing from the MDC.

“The strays we cannot home are returned to an area which is daily monitored, all cats have food and fresh water. They also keep rodents under control, none of these stray cats are returned to the bush or in areas where there are native birds.

“If we do not continue this vital work there will be thousands of strays by 2024, these strays will be forced out of town and into the areas where our native birds live. One female cat can have two to three

litters a year, with the average litter being four. Say half of those kittens are female and start breeding at six months old all having two to three litters a year;

“You don’t have to think long and hard to work out there is a massive issue here that the council is not addressing.

This image of the Taylor River was taken this week. Raupō Café and restaurant manager Sonu Karwal recently complained about flooding of the Taylor River. The flooding over the riverside boardwalk was affecting Karwal’s business because recreational users that used the path were some of his regular customers.

Marlborough District Council rivers and drainage engineering manager Andy White last week said river works were not permitted in the Taylor and Opaōa rivers from February 1 to April 30 to avoid fish spawning season, and protect juvenile inanga, or whitebait.

Photo: Rogue Chaplain Wyatt.

BusiMums course - connecting Marlborough mothers

By Chris Valli

Being a Mum and juggling children, home life and a small business can be a juggle.

A course run by Business Trust Marlborough is offering a space for mums to come, bring their little ones and spend time with other people in the same position. The venue for the course is at Blenheim’s Little Red Fox Hub and will be run for eight weeks during term time.

The course includes all the knowhow for starting and running a business, including validating a business plan, unique selling points, finances and pricing and covering materials. Other aspects of the course include integrating social media, marketing, health and safety and sustainability.

Business Trust Marlborough Deputy Chair Beth Barnes runs her own business, ‘Button Help’, providing a Help Button to Marlborough businesses with digital marketing, content creation and communication. With having a three and a half years young pre-schooler, she can empathise with the challenges of the Mum and work, life balance.

“I’ve chosen Little Red Fox as the venue which will be able to accommodate for both Mums and kids with activities to be put on for the kids with the playground there,” she says.

Beth says after going to several business networking events the decision to run the course was about servicing a need for Marlborough’s Mums.

“When they are a few months old, it’s fine and you can take them along. But once they start to walk and do what any small toddler does with wanting attention and interrupting, it’s a bit more difficult,” she says. “There’s been a couple of Mums that I have met online and it made me think further that being a Mum is very hard to the business things.”

Beth says from her experience often Mums say they are ‘just

The Jump Solar Jump Start battery pack is perfect for recharging flat batteries in caravans, motorhomes, and other vehicles too. With the versatility to also be used for smaller appliances such as phones and tablets, this jump start battery pack makes itself valuable in many situations.

doing’ what they think is their little thing or a ‘side hustle’. She says validation of their ideas or creativity needs to be addressed.

“Their little businesses are just as valid as the big businesses,” she explains. “Sometimes women as Mums don’t always feel that their part-time business around their role in the family is as worthy as big business. It’s about reaching those people and helping make sure they are

Beth says Mums say they are ‘just doing’ what they think is their little thing or a ‘side hustle’. Validation of their creativity needs to be addressed she says.

Sun The

Milestones met on storm-damaged Marlborough Roads

Progress has been made repairing Marlborough’s roads following the 2021 and 2022 weather events. All areas of improved access works have now been completed and a number of committed projects are either finished or underway, Marlborough District Council Transport Recovery Advisor Steve Murrin said.

Council has submitted a request to Waka Kotahi for a further $52.4m to complete repairs for areas outside the Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study area.

For more information on the Initial Recovery Programme go to www. marlborough.govt.nz

Three Waters changes

Mayor Nadine Taylor said the changes announced by Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty are only a minor improvement on the previous proposal and they did not solve any of the key issues around the reform programme.

doing business the right way and connecting those with other Mums who are having the same struggles.”

The cost of the course (with the Business Trust Marlborough subsidy) is $39 and starts on May 2 at Little Red Fox at 4 Alana Street. Spaces are limited. For more information or to register your interest email Beth: communications@businesstrustmarlborough.co.nz

“Marlborough’s voice will be greater with a three-council Top of the South entity than it would have been with the mega-Entity C stretching all the way up the North Island’s East Coast. However this latest proposal is not set in stone. The Three Waters reforms will be a political football in the run-up to the elections in October.”

Mayor Taylor said she would be discussing the latest proposal with the rest of the Council. She would also be talking to Nelson Mayor Nick Smith and Tasman Mayor Tim King.

Multi-Function Jump Start Battery Pack

Features

• Powerful 16V Jump Starting: 800A, (1000A <3s Peak)

• Suits 12V starting for petrol or diesel engines up to 6 litres

• Jump start cable with smart electronic protection module

• Qi 10W Wireless mobile phone charging

• USB3.0 output socket for fast charging devices via USB cable

• USB2.0 output socket for charging devices via USB cable

• USB-C input socket for recharging Jump Solar

• LED torch/strobe/SOS

• LCD display showing % battery remaining

• 16,000mAh battery capacity

• Convenient, compact, zip-up carry case

• 1 year return to base warranty

$240.00 +GST

$276.00 Incl GST

Includes USB cable, jump start cable, and carry case

Govt announces slightly smaller class sizes

By Chris Valli

Marlborough primary and intermediate schools will need more registered teachers within two years with the Government to reduce primary and intermediate school class sizes, by hiring more teachers.

Education Minister Jan Tinetti announced the policy alongside Prime Minister Chris Hipkins at Remuera Intermediate School in Auckland yesterday morning.

It would see classes in Year 4 to Year 8 - right up until high school - shift from 29 students per teacher to 28 students per teacher by 2025, at a cost of $106 million over five years.

This ratio is higher than for younger years, with one teacher per 15 students at Year 1.

This would be supported by an increase in teacher numbers, with 320 more full-time teachers the government says are in line to start from next year.

Tinetti said research had shown Years 4 to 8 were critical for children's learning.

The 2019 National Monitoring Study of Student Achievement found 63 percent of students were achieving at the expected level in Year 4 in writing, dropping

to only 35 percent achieving as expected by Year 8. For reading, the numbers were 63 percent at Year 4 dropping to 56 percent by Year 8.

"This is often where maths and literacy achievement can begin falling behind. That's why we are targeting these years with more teaching resources," Tinetti said.

"I'm not happy with the downward trends we are seeing in maths, reading and writing. More teachers, targeted to where they are most needed, is a practical way we can improve results for our kids."

One primary teacher who spoke to the Sun this week who didn’t want to be named says there should be fewer kids in classes. Ratios she says should be less but that potentially meant more registered teachers and more classes.

“Ratios should be much less to accommodate each child’s needs. Teachers struggle to effectively teach each child in their class to the full potential with the current high demand of work. This is especially more difficult with children who need that extra help and support from teacher aides who are limited also.

“Where are we going to get them from if the pay isn’t increasing

Marlborough primary and intermediate schools will need more registered teachers within two years with the Government to reduce primary and intermediate school class sizes, by hiring more teachers. Education Minister Jan Tinetti announced the policy alongside Prime Minister Chris Hipkins at Remuera Intermediate School in Auckland on Monday morning. that much?”, she says. “The landscape of teaching is changing and reducing the size by one is hardly a solution. It’s a mockery.”

Tintei said teacher salaries had increased by 18 percent since Labour took office in 2017, and put initiatives in place to increase primary and intermediate teacher numbers by more than 3000. This included a $24m investment

last year focusing on teacher recruitment, aiming to attract and train a further 1000 teachers.

Tinetti said the ministerial advisory group made up of experts from the education sector would look into class sizes in the long term. This would include looking at school funding mechanisms and staffing entitlements.

"I want to get a deeper under-

standing of the key areas where change is most needed," she said. "I want this work to happen fast so I've asked for the terms of reference to look at the challenges our teachers and students currently face in the classroom, what our school leadership and management need, what any further decrease to class sizes will cost and whether it is achievable."

Kirbs back on the quiz

By Chris Valli

‘It’s always a goody at the Woody’ and now it’s even better with a weekly quiz to be run by Blenheim quiz master Glenn Kirby. The interactive Believe it or Not quiz format contains eight rounds of ten questions, a ‘Ponderous Puzzle’ and ‘The List’ with categories changing every week to ensure a wide variety of subjects are covered.

There is also an optional jackpot round of questions at the end of each quiz which provides a chance for teams to take home extra prizes for finishing first, second, random (done by the date of the month) and second to last.

Woodbourne Tavern co-owner Stacey Goodwin says Believe it or Not Founder and Sales Manager Brendan Lochead approached her to suggest ‘The Woody’ needed to run a regular weekly quiz and knew of the ‘right person’.

The quiz host is an integral part of any quiz night.

Glenn Kirby comes with an extensive resume after twelve years involvement as quizmaster with the former Clubs of Marlborough weekly Wednesday quiz nights.

Glenn says the new venue is exciting and he

is looking forward to a new group and night of punters including the greater Renwick community.

“It will be very interesting as Wednesday nights did break up the week, “Glenn says.

“Now that it’s a Thursday and more of a drinking day, it could be better,” he laughs.

“The closer the date, the more excited I’m getting. Hearing people’s feedback and talk on the street is awesome.”

The quiz will be run at the taverns back bar which is already set up with TV screens.

Stacey says there is the option of opening up the front bar if numbers dictate. The tavern had run quizzes five years ago during the winter and Stacey says it went okay without huge numbers. The inclusion of Glenn as quizmaster she says is a point of difference and a great drawcard.

“If we couldn’t get Glenn there was no point in doing it,” she says. “He was the key.”

The ‘free’ quiz night starts next Thursday, April 27. Registrations are at 6:30pm with the quiz starting at 7:15pm.

Established in 1998, in Auckland, Believe it or Not Quiz Nights are New Zealand’s largest provider of trivia, quiz questions, weekly pub quizzes and quiz nights to the corporate sector.

Jack cans

Stoneleigh Range excl Pinot Noir Lindauer Classic Range Yealands Range excl Pinot Noir

Bay & Barnes Range $399918pk

Glenn Kirby is back hosting a weekly quiz night at the Woodbourne Tavern starting Thursday April 27.

Air

What

Brought

Honour your loved ones with a farewell that truly reflects their life

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.

news tips

Send your tips to news@blenheimsun.co.nz

The editor reserves the right to abridge letters or withhold letters from publication. Email them to news@blenheimsun.co.nz or present to our office at 72 High St.

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

Great writing Chris

Dear Ed,

Do you know what I LOVE about The Sun Newspaper and your journalist's writing?

It is the fact you write fabulous articles about locals, you set the scene and the characters and tell the story step by step and sequentially and you use their first names the whole way through.

Some of the recent journalism for the online News companies is woeful.

I often have to reread it to understand what they are talking about, the timeline and because they use surnames I get confused about who they are talking about, especially when someone has a surname that can be used as a first name too.

Keep up the great writing Chris Valli.

Dear Ed,

Good on Linda Skelton for challenging the bureaucrats in Marlborough Roads and MDC over Marlborough Roads draconian style of policing parking meters in the Central Business District (CBD).

Several chaps - me included - meet regularly and it was often at a cafe CPR, in the CBD. Naturally the free hour’s parking was used.

However one morning, in High Street, the meter by CPR to enter number plate was not working. There was no indication on the meter to look for another meter. After all none was visible. So the group of us sat down and had coffee.

Forty five minutes later we left. My car had a parking infringement notice. I lodged a challenge with Marlborough Roads to no avail. The response was to take the instructions on the inoperable meter that the meter wasn’t working and seek another meter. But there was no such sticker. Nor was any other meter visible. I had to pay the fine. It’s not so much dollars as the principle of publicly paid bureaucrats being so unreasonable and dictatorial.

Rachael

van Asch Seddon

The result was our group, now regularly meets at The Haven in Redwoodtown. The CBD and businesses in town is the loser.

Tony Orman

New Zealand’s on the hunt for new snack suppliers to keep bellies full on its domestic and international flights.

A colourful display at 41 New Renwick Road, thanks to autumnal changes.

Photo: Gerard and Joy Verkaaik.

Library closes this Sunday

Make sure you find time to get to the Marlborough District Library in Blenheim before it closes on Sunday 23 April.

When the Arthur Street library closes, there is a three-week gap while staff shift into the new library and art gallery on High Street, which opens on Friday 12 May.

Until the old library closes you can take out as many books as you like and return them once the new library opens. Items won’t be due for return while the library is closed and fines will not be imposed for any books.

Libraries’ Manager Glenn Webster suggests customers make sure they take out enough books to keep them going and reminds members they can access the online facilities while the library is closed.

“Customers can use our online resources with their membership card,” he said. Online resources include eBooks which

readers can download on to their computer, tablet, laptop or phone to read, and eAudio which readers can download to listen to.

More than 7,000 national and international newspapers and magazines are available online through the PressReader service and there is a tutorial available online to guide you through using it.

The Picton Library and Service Centre will be open as normal and members can use that facility as they would the Blenheim one. The popular Justice of the Peace service, with local JPs present at the Marlborough District Library on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10.00 am until 12.00 pm, will continue at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Alfred Street, Blenheim. Keep an eye on our newspaper pages in the coming weeks for more information about the opening of the new building.

Council services on Anzac Day – Tuesday 25 April

Council’s Blenheim office will be closed from 5.00 pm on Monday 24 April and reopen on Wednesday 26 April at 8.00 am. Opening times for transfer stations, the Resource Recovery Centre, Greenwaste Acceptance Facility, composting and the landfill on Anzac Day are: Transfer stations

Blenheim

Tuesday 25 April - 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm

Picton

Tuesday 25 April - 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm

Havelock

Tuesday 25 April - 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm

Seddon

Tuesday 25 April - 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm

Rai Valley and Wairau Valley transfer stations will be closed on Tuesday 25 April.

Resource Recovery Centre and Greenwaste Acceptance Facility

Tuesday 25 April - 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm

Landfill

Tuesday 25 April - closed.

Kerbside rubbish bag and recycling collections

Rubbish bags and recycling crates normally collected on Tuesdays will be collected on Wednesday 26 April.

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

Marlborough District Libraries

Marlborough District Library (Blenheim) is now closed until the new Library and Art Gallery opens on Friday 12 May. The Picton Library and Service Centre will be closed on Anzac Day - Tuesday 25 April.

Bus services

Bus services will not operate on Tuesday 25 April. Normal services resume on Wednesday 26 April.

Have your say on Annual Plan

Now’s the time to have your say on Council’s 2023-24 Annual Plan with consultation open until Monday 8 May. This year’s proposed budget maintains Council’s current levels of service across Marlborough. It also continues a significant capital expenditure programme focused on our core infrastructure needs, primarily roading, sewerage and water treatment.

A small number of new expenditure items have been supported by councillors, leaving an overall proposed rates increase of 7.8% for the year beginning 1 July 2023. Mayor Nadine Taylor said like every council, we are facing much higher than normal levels of inflation, with the Consumer Price Index expected to peak at more than 7 per cent this year. “Supply chain issues are driving up costs and affecting many parts of the economy, including local government,” she said “I’m very aware of the cost of living pressures on households and recognise this is a relatively high rates increase,” Mayor Taylor said.

I believe that is a fairer way of spreading costs.”

The following meeting is open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend. A copy of the agenda will be available online and at Council’s Office, 15 Seymour Street.

Extraordinary Council Meeting

Monday 24 April at 9.00 am

The time and date may be subject to change. Please contact the Committee Secretary, Ph: 03 520 7400 for confirmation.

“We have reviewed user pays fees and reduced expenditure where possible. Fees including resource consenting, environmental health and building control are proposed to be increased. By increasing fees we are reducing the impact on ratepayers by just over $1 million.

“The consultation document outlines our key priorities for next year, which affect our rates, debt and levels of service. I encourage people to take the opportunity to read it, have their say and help us shape Marlborough’s future,” Mayor Taylor said. To find out more and have your say, go to Council’s website at www.marlborough.govt.nz or pick up a copy of the consultation document from Council offices and libraries in Blenheim and Picton.

Consultation closes at 5.00 pm on Monday 8 May, with hearings scheduled for 6 to 8 June. The plan will be adopted by Council on 29 June with new rates effective from 1 July.

The Last Parade one

Blenheim historian and writer Allen Diamanti shares with Chris Valli memories of his late grandfather, Wakamarina sheep farmer Robert (Bob) Diamanti, who was a corporal with the 10th (Nelson- Marlborough) Mounted Rifle Regiment during the Great War. This exclusive is part two of two to appear in the Sun in the lead up to Anzac Day.

Soon after daylight on the 28th March 1918 the Turkish guns became very active and the Division had little to reply with.

The general attack began at 1330 and was met by heavy fire on all sides, with the front ground providing little cover for infantry and nothing suitable for forward observation points.

The enemy was well placed and the CMR could make no progress against the overpowering fire.

The NZ Brigade suffered very heavy casualties but also caused the enemy great loss. By 1600 hours the front regiment, the AMR, had advanced the line only 500 yards, reaching the low ridges at the foot of a dominating hill. Rain fell and the weather was bitterly cold.

The weather did not stop Bob in his duties, but it was obvious from the outset of the main attack that, with casualties so high, the stretcher bearers would have to work alone to reach the high number of wounded, not only in the front lines, but left out in the field.

but many still alive. Often under the heaviest of shellfire, he rendered sufficient first aid to enable the wounded to fight on or to wait until they could be extricated.

In some cases he had to assist as not all would survive the weather and their wounds until nightfall.

One such time was when he slid into a shell scrape where a badly wounded soldier lay in the mud. He was a mounted trooper who had been shot in the groin.

three-legged race, dodging enemy sniper fire along the way.

He recalled how embarrassed he felt when he later heard he was to be nominated for a bravery medal. There was some irony in the fact that it was for his efforts in saving lives, on the one day that he wasn’t expected to take them.

The skills honed from all those years as a teenager, while stalking pigs and deer back in the bush at home, came to the fore.

He had an excellent eye for the lay of the land and was adept at finding cover where others didn’t see it. He used the heavy squalls and even the mud to his advantage to find the fallen.

All afternoon and into the evening he was able to reach soldiers, some already dead for recovery after dark,

It turned out to be a Marlborough man, a sheep musterer from the Kekerengu, named Dick Thaine. Bob left him and ran down the hill under fire to the front line.

There, he quickly boiled up a “billy” and crawled with it back up the slope. You see Dick was born in Croydon in England, and believed that a cup of tea was the cure for everything.

After consuming the hot sweet liquid he was cajoled into standing up and with Bob under one armpit, the two men zigzagged down the slope to safety like two drunks in a

Suddenly Bob’s reverie was disturbed as the noise level rose with the parade approaching from the direction of the RSA car park. The crowd had swelled, seeming to overflow the Square in all directions. The ceremony began and Bob listened to the speeches, sometimes in deep thought with eyes closed but standing alert when the National Anthem was played.

He felt the flurry of emotion beat at the cage of his chest upon seeing his grandson laying a wreath on behalf of the Army. After the poignant notes of a lone bugler’s “Last Post” faded over the hushed crowd, he sat down to wait with moistened eyes.

When asked by his grandson if

he wanted to go to the RSA for a customary drink with old mates, he declined, suggesting it was time for a cup of tea.

Sitting around the table at home Bob eventually removed his medals and proceeded to wrap them up slowly. He carefully placed them back in their place, to sit upon a couple of faded photos and an old tie clip mounted with a gold nugget, a gift from his father on his 21st birthday.

He turned the key to lock the cash tin and said to his grandson:

“I will not be opening this again

- they have all passed on.

“I will be leaving my medals with you, for I know you will cherish and respect what they stand for... to NEVER FORGET.” Despite declining health and the onset of dementia, it was 1979 before Bob fought his last battle - he was never to attend another ANZAC Day Ceremony. The gold-miner’s son, who had fought for our freedom in a foreign land, was laid to rest in the Havelock Cemetery. Once a Pelorus Boy - forever a Marlborough Man.

“I will not be opening this again - they have all passed on.”

Bob’s grave at Havelock Cemetery in Slogan Street.

A Pelorus man: Bob photographed in Sydney.

On a roll again

By Chris Valli

The Beavertown Lions Club ladies know a thing or two about cheese rolls - a local/ national delicacy that is a must leading into the cooler months.

The club is taking orders for their ever popular cheese rolls fundraiser which is in its sixth year. Southlander and Lions member Wynnis Phillips says she used to make them down south and says when she joined the Lions Club thought, ‘we’ve gotta have something’.

“You don’t buy too thicker bread of course,” she laughs. “It’s hard work for a few days but being with everybody and getting involved is great.”

Early recipes for the roll date from the 1930s, with the earliest being in a New Zealand newspaper in 1935. The popularity of the delicacy seems to have taken off since the invention of sliced bread in the 1950s, and nowadays, you can find them in cafes, bars or in the kitchen(s) of members from the

Beavertown Lions.

Like the historic tiffs over pavlova, Russell Crowe and Marmite the origin of the cheese roll can also be well debated.

Truth be told, no one really knows how the cheese roll came about, but rest assured the best cheese rolls are found in Marlborough and made by the wonderful team of 40 plus volunteers from the Beavertown Lions Club.

The cheese rolls are $10 for a 10 pack or $5 for 5. The closing date for orders is, Friday, May 12 with pick-ups from the Redwoodtown Community Hall on Saturday May 20th, between 10am to 1pm.

Internet banking is available.

Contact: Sue 027 555 6720

Blenheim Police urge community to keep vehicles safe

Police are urging the public to take extra precautions to keep their vehicles safe following a number of vehicle thefts in the Blenheim and Picton area recently.

From mid-March to early April, 47 vehicles have been broken into or interfered with. The incidents have primarily occurred outside residential addresses.

Police say while any vehicle could be a target for an opportunistic thief, commonly stolen vehicles include older Nissan, Mazda, Toyota and Honda hatchback and sedans.

The vehicles are then often being used for joyriding and to commit further offences and harm in the community.

Police are committed to identifying and apprehending those responsible.

However, Police cannot be everywhere at once and we cannot deter opportunistic thieves on our own.

Sergeant Andrew Young urges vehicle owners to take preventative measures to make their vehicles less attractive for theft such as locking their vehicle and taking keys and keeping

valuables out of sight.

Other measures include installing an alarm/ immobiliser if vehicles don’t have one.

“If possible, park your vehicle in a garage or driveway, but if you have to park on the road, try

to park in a well-lit area,” says Sergeant Young. Police continue to encourage the public to report any suspicious or unusual behaviour around vehicles immediately to Police on 111, or on 105 after the fact.

If your friends or loved ones are approaching one of the milestones below, please let me know so that I can arrange for them to receive an official congratulatory message.

The Beavertown Lions Wynnis Phillips, Sue Murdock and Carol Taylor are looking forward to working with 40 plus volunteers in this year’s cheese roll fundraiser.

Congratulations to our Colouring winners

ANZAC Dawn Service, Picton RSA

By Chris Valli

As in past years the Picton Returned Services Association will be holding their well-attended Anzac Dawn service centred at the Cenotaph in the town centre. Spokesperson Leith Brew says Anzac Day is the opportunity to honour all those Servicemen and women who paid the supreme sacrifice with their lives.

“It is also a time to honour all those New Zealanders presently serving overseas in many countries and all of the Armed Forces in general,” Leith says.

“The wonderful attendance and respect shown by the general public in Picton and surrounds has always been heartening to our Club and what it stands for, being over and above a happy social venue.”

Leith says sadly, the Picton RSA in recent

times have had to suffer a lot of rumour and innuendo about closing, which has been circulated around the town. He says contrary to those rumours, the Picton R.S.A. continues to provide hospitality through lovely affordable meals and takeaways.

“It’s mainly through the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers. We are renowned as a friendly welcoming Club and continue to open six days per week from 4pm,” he says.

Organisation for Anzac Day is no exception with planning well in advance, hospitality will again be offered to everyone in their premises at 66 Wellington Street, Picton following the service.

“This too is also a proud tradition that we hold very dearly on what is a very special day of Remembrance throughout New Zealand,” Leith says.

The service commences, 6am April 25.

Need

Picton RSA spokesperson Leith Brew says Anzac Day is the opportunity to honour all those Servicemen and women who

Anzac Day, 25 April 2023

New Zealand and Australian army chiefs sign Plan ANZAC

The New Zealand Army has reinvigorated its longstanding cooperation with the Australian Army with the signing of Plan ANZAC.

The Bilateral Service Cooperation Plan creates a formalised framework for many well-established work streams between the two armies, including sustained cooperation across strategic engagement, capability, training, readiness and common personnel issues.

Chief of the New Zealand Army Major General John Boswell says it’s a significant step forward for the trans-Tasman strategic partnership, with a focus on improved interoperability.

“As close neighbours and allies, we have a mutual commitment to support each other’s security, closely coordinate our efforts in the South Pacific, and maintain a shared focus on the security and stability of our wider region. This plan ensures our Armies can continue to effectively contribute to that,” he said.

“Plan ANZAC will reflect a broader defence relationship, one that is open, based on mutual respect and is enduring. It reflects the value of Land Power to both nations, and the value which interoperability between the Australian and New Zealand Army brings to Combined Joint Operations.

“This agreement will make sure both Armies can work as efficiently as possible, complementing each other’s capabilities and capacity. It provides a focus and framework

to take ongoing conversations and engagements between allies and mates, and formalise these to improve existing cooperation.

“We will be able to better share lessons across capability development, doctrine for training, and many other areas related to the generation, and in the New Zealand Army’s current case, the regeneration of land combat capability.”

The plan will balance the enduring characteristics of the Anzac relationship, such as close integration in capability, training and readiness; and retention of sovereign capability and capacity

to act in support of independent Joint Force operations.

The objectives in the agreement are based on long standing trans-Tasman defence cooperation, captured in the 2018 Joint Statement on Closer Defence Relations.

Another key outcome of the plan is that both nations will cooperate to support common objectives for broader interoperability and standards as members of the American, British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand Armies’ Programme. Cooperation will also continue between the nations’ Special

Forces, improving enduring operational interoperability between a New Zealand Special Operations Task Group and an Australian Special Operations Task Force on combined or multinational special operations missions.

“Our armies have a deep history of operational service, organisational cooperation, regional partnerships and mateship. For more than a century, we have served our nations, supported global peace and upheld regional stability - together. We will continue to do just that.” Major General Boswell said.

Australian Chief of Army LTGEN Simon Stuart in Wellington to sign Plan Anzac, a Bilateral Service Cooperation Plan to strengthen the relationship between Australia and New Zealand.

Pictured with NZ Chief of Army MAJGEN John Boswell at Defence House, Wellington, as they sign the Plan.

RSA calls for an extra day to recognise all war veterans

By Chris Valli

The Nelson Marlborough RSA is supporting claims from RSA national president Buck Shelford for a second national day to honour the country’s war veterans.

One week out from Anzac Day, the Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) is pushing for an additional national day to honour the country’s war veterans.

RSA District President of Nelson, Marlborough, and West Coast John Forrest says he wholeheartedly supports the idea and is something he says, that’s been coming for a while.

John says a second national day to honour veterans would allow those to take more time to see graves and cemeteries which he says many RSA are currently doing. John should know more than most as his own father did two tours to the South Pacific and suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on his return.(Dec 7, 1941 - Sept 2, 1945)

“He operated as a medic and operated on serviceman who were badly wounded and weren’t able to return,” he says. “An extra day could potentially mean taking extra time to remember my uncles who also went

to Gallipoli. It’s a great idea.”

RSA national president Sir Wayne Shelford says the thousands who have returned from military deployment in the last 35 years do not believe their service is valued.

About 60,000 people have served since 1990, Shelford said.

Some of those who have served have been killed, others have come back maimed or with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“Anzac [Day] is about Anzac, we’re never going to forget it because it was a big war... but we want to have a day just to salute the veterans who have actually done military service over the last 50 odd years,” he said.

All of the smaller wars have not been recognised in the way World War I and World War II have been, he said.

The proposed day of recognition would cover everything from the Māori Wars to the Gulf War - everyone who has ever served.

The RSA wants the veterans to be able to march in centres around New Zealand.

A public holiday was not wanted and would be in line with other days for recognised causes like Daffodil Day, Shelford said.

“We’ve spoken to the minister of defence and he says I don’t see why not.”

The Nelson Marlborough RSA is supporting claims from RSA national president Buck Shelford for a second national day to honour the country's war veterans. Sir Wayne Shelford says some who have served in recent years do not believe the country values their contribution.

Anzac Day Services

Monday April 24

2pm - WARD (War Memorial)

Tuesday April 25

6am - PICTON (War Memorial)

6:30am - SEDDON (War Memorial)

9am - RENWICK (War Memorial)

9:30am - SPRING CREEK (Spring Creek Hall)

10am - HAVELOCK (Town Hall)

12pm - BLENHEIM (War Memorial Clock Tower, Seymour Square).

Now a veteran of four operational deployments, he wants New Zealanders to understand the challenges our modern veterans face – and why they need support just as much as those who have gone before. Ryan says coming home from

a deployment from Afghanistan was different. "I'd experienced the loss of one good friend and three other comrades. It had been a very intense period on combat patrols, looking for IEDs and insurgents and being ready to fight at a moment's notice," he says.

"When you get home, it's hard to switch off that level of alertness."

Ryan Gilbert - the centre of the 2023 poppy campaign. Ryan joined the Army at just 17 years old to explore the world.

Blair 027 618 8654

With the cold comes mould

With winter comes the dreaded condensation affecting walls, ceilings and even floors. If you have noticed condensation causing mould to grow on surfaces, now is the time to take steps to prevent it this winter so that

your family can breathe easy and be healthy.

First of all what is condensation? In simple terms it occurs when warm moist air meets a cold surface.

It’s mostly a winter issue as the home

becomes cold and windows are opened less, therefore leaving this moist air unable to escape.

But when mould growth occurs, it’s a warning sign that the home’s heating, insulation and ventilation may need improving.

A lot of this can be seen in bathrooms and kitchens due to the nature of what those rooms are used for, as well in bedrooms, inside cupboards and even corners of rooms where ventilation and air movement are restricted.

To help prevent moist air from spreading to other rooms, provide some ventilation to all rooms so it can escape, and keep your home reasonably warm.

Good ventilation of kitchens when you are cooking is essential, as is in the space you are drying clothes indoors.

Use your extractor fan if one is available

and leave on until any misting on windows has cleared.

If your home does not have an extractor fan, open windows but close doors to other rooms. In bathrooms keep the window open and door shut for the time required to dry off the room.

Remember, too much ventilation in cold weather can waste the heat you are trying to generate indoors.

So be mindful of how wide you open the windows and for how long.

If you notice black mould already in your home, clean it with bleach and anti-fungacide solution.

Any sign of mould growth is an indication of the presence of moisture and if caused by condensation provides a warning that heating, insulation or ventilation - or all three - may require improvement.

Did you know?

• If your hot water cylinder is old, keep the heat in by using a hot water cylinder wrap. These are available from hardware stores.

• Make sure the thermostat is set to produce a temperature of 55C at the tap (this will also prevent scalds).

• Fix dripping taps. A dripping hot tap can cost $80 a year but a washer to fix it costs less than $1!

How to keep your home dry

A dehumidifier costs around $156 a year to run - these tips are cheaper and can be just as effective.

If you still use an unflued gas heater (that is, one without a chimney), make sure that you use it safely.

Research has shown that they can release gases which can be particularly dangerous for anyone with heart disease or asthma, pregnant

women, young children and older people.

If you have to use one, open a window and keep all internal doors open too.

Use it only for short periods and never in bedrooms.

Try not to dry clothes indoors as this creates moisture in the air.

Drying on the outside is free and the sunlight kills bacteria, making your clothes healthier

for you and your family.

Use a shed or garage if it is raining.

To reduce moisture caused by steam, always open a window when you are showering and when you are cooking on the stove top. Use pot lids to reduce the amount of steam escaping.

Keep doors to bedrooms closed at these times as steam can make beds damp.

Efficient ways to be green and save money

Install eco-friendly bulbs. These bulbs can last for many years and they use 80 per cent less power than standard light bulbs.

An energy efficient showerhead can use up to 50 per cent less hot water than a standard one. Consider installing one yourself, or ask your landlord if one can be fitted.

Check the seals on your fridge to make sure they are still working.

If they stop working or become less effective, warm air will enter your fridge, making it work

harder and use more power.

To test your seals, put a piece of paper in the door and close it.

If the paper can be easily pulled out, you may need to have the seals replaced.

Do the same with your oven, as it could be losing precious heat energy whenever you cook. Companies that will replace the seals are listed in the yellow Pages under fridges and freezers - Servicing, or Ovens and stoves.

Double glazing on windows is an effective

Important to keep warm and dry

Why is it important to keep my home warm and dry?

It’s important for your family’s health that your house is warm and dry.

Cold and damp homes are linked to poor health, especially for babies and small children, people who are ill, and older people.

Here are some ways to keep your home

healthy that won’t break the bank: Only heat the room that you are in.

Try and keep the temperature between 18 and 21 degrees especially if you have babies, people with illnesses, or older people living in your home.

Dress warmly for bed and make sure your bedroom is warm enough - it is very important to stay warm during the night.

way of controlling heat loss and condensation, but can be very costly.

A cheaper alternative is to buy a window insulator kit, which involves fitting plastic film to the inside of wooden windows.

If you are replacing an appliance, try to ensure the replacement appliance is as energy efficient as possible.

The higher initial cost will benefit you in the long run through savings made to your power bills.

If you must use a clothes dryer, make sure your clothes are properly spun first and leave windows open while you are using it - or even better, vent it outside.

Sun The txt talk with

Rising river

The river is rising. Get your wetsuit out. The next show at the ASB theatre may be The Poisidon Adventure or the Yellow Submarine. Snorkels on arrival.

Re: Super Rugby?

Spot on to the writer of text talk (March 29) about Super Rugby. The super has gone out of it for sure.

Rugby league is where it’s at, a far superior game and fantastic to watch from start to finish.

Tornados

Around lawn should be no high trees on residential property boundarys.. wake up council sort it before accidents happen.

Easter cafes

Well done to all the owners and team members from the small number of cafes in the CBD that opened over Easter to provide for the region’s air show visitors.

I hope you were all rewarded with high patronage throughout those days. Showing that there is some presence and vibrance within the town centre is appreciated by both locals and tourists. Thank you for your efforts!

QCC toilets

You’ve got to be kidding me!! They are to remove all girls and boys toilets to make way for gender neutral toilets, what a waste of money! Why don’t they leave the boys and girls toilets because they are the majority after all and just add a few gender neutral toilets instead. This is disgusting and unnecessary woke bullshit! Come on Picton people speak and stop this wasteful nonsense!

Pest’s in society

Unfortunately, there will always be few arrogant people who do as they please, like parking in a clearly marked ‘disabled parking’ space. Wouldn’t they be most indignant if the boot was on the other foot. Outside the warehouse Easter Monday, two cars, not displaying ‘disabled’. Watched a guy.... blatantly... not a care in the world for others. Illiterate, maybe?

A worry, as one assumes they passed their driving test.

What tribe?

While giving her valedictory speech in parliament, Jacinda Ardern wore a Maori cloak. Can anybody tell me what tribe she belongs to?

Kerbside rubbish

When entering my submission on the proposed changes to the kerbside rubbish and recycling collection, I made sure to mention that the proposed 2 week collection of rubbish was not desirable.

I also noted that virtually every other submission said the same thing. But low and behold, the Council has ignored the vast majority of submissions and now we will have to deal with smelly 2 week old rubbish.

Polluted streams

Farmers don’t pollute streams as much as council does, proof Murphy’s creek. Council putting storm water into artesian stream. YES our council.

What a weekend

Easter was the air show, was world class only spoiled by high priced food and the henchmen on security. No place for them in Blenheim.

Moaning

To all the texters who are complaining about Aotearoa being used instead of NZ. We have two official spoken languages and one is Te Reo. Why don’t you use this as opportunity to learn a bit of Te Reo rather than moaning about it.

Mothers Choice Footmuff

To the person who picked up for free the Mothers Choice Pushchair from the SPCA shop in Grove Road, the Mothers Choice Footmuff cover accessory for this pushchair is at the SPCA shop for you to collect.

River weeds

Weeds creating the back-up of water in the Taylor River? Water seemed to have no problem moving vegetation in the Hawkes Bay recently. Why do I smell a porkie here. Perhaps digging the whole river out and lowering the level might help? Heaven help us if it rains before the fishies have finished breeding!

Fed up

We are absolutely fed up with real estate agents touting for business by door knocking or putting flyers etc in the letterbox when it says addressed mail only.

When we are ready to sell we will never use an agent who has touted their services to us with such directness.

Don’t give in

Re Linda Skelton’s parking ticket offense. I’m all for you Linda. Don’t give in. The Council, and Marl. Roads are very hard to deal with and can be quite arrogant.

I have witnessed these machines playing up by spitting the coins back out at you. Then having to try several more times before it’s accepted. It’s a machine, for goodness sake!!!. They do play up. I’ve also seen very elderly people walking away without finishing the transaction. I finished it for them. The old system worked far better. You knew the transaction worked because you got a card. Also, this gave you something to have to remind you of the time you had.

It’s ok for people who use their phones, but not everyone can do this. Can’t Marl. Roads see that obviously Linda is very switched on, to be fighting for her rights. I find it hard to believe that she is in the wrong.

New Zealand

If you are reading this today you are living in a country called New Zealand, no Utopia where else.

Not democratic

Oh, my goodness. ‘Affordable Water Reforms’, says Mr Hipkins. Until the Te Mana o te Wai statements are removed, it doesn’t matter how good this reset sounds. Ratepayers still lose control of their assets and it still isn’t democratic.

Talk of the week

Autumn colours

I hope many people have been thrilled at the wonderful autumn colours on the trees in central Blenheim. Liquid ambers, yellow and burgundy, Claret Ash, and Oak. Even in the rain they looked stunning and uplifting.

Re: sad

The Returned and Servicemen will March this year as normal on ANZAC Day. They will muster at the usual place, march to Seymour Square and after the service, march away to be dismissed opposite the Conference Centre. The difference this year is the service is at 12 midday and not 11 am. Raining? Service will be at Stadium 2000.

Re: Able bodied

I might not look like I have a disability but I do so hence I use “your toilets”. Apart from the fact that public amenities have to have a toilet for such people as yourself does not mean that able bodied people cannot use them. They are able to be used by all. So I would say you maybe the “turd”.

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.

Taking care of others is often prioritized over taking care of oneself, leaving many mothers and businesswomen feeling burnt out and exhausted. Attending a writers and yoga retreat can be a game-changer for tired moms and overworked businesswomen. Here are a few reasons why attending a writers and yoga retreat is good for them: Rejuvenation: Mothers and businesswomen often have jam-packed schedules that leave little time for relaxation and self-care. Attending a retreat provides an opportunity for them to step away from their responsibilities and focus on their own well-being. The retreat’s serene environment can help them disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle and recharge their batteries.

• Creative Inspiration: Women who juggle multiple roles and responsibilities can find it challenging to make time for creative pursuits. Attending a writers and yoga retreat provides a dedicated space and time for women to tap into their creativity. This can be especially beneficial for mothers who may have put their creative pursuits on hold while raising their children.

• Mind-Body Connection: Yoga practice during the retreat can help mothers and businesswomen achieve a stronger mind-body connection.

Yoga has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and to improve overall physical and mental health. By taking time for themselves, women can improve their well-being, which can have a positive impact on their families and businesses.

• Community: Retreats provide an opportunity for mothers and businesswomen to connect with other like-minded individuals who share similar interests and experiences. This can provide a sense of community, offer support, and provide an opportunity for women to learn from each other.

Attending a writers and yoga retreat can be transformative for tired mothers and overworked businesswomen. It offers an opportunity to prioritize self-care, to tap into one’s creativity, to improve physical and mental health, and to connect with a supportive community. By investing in themselves, women can return to their families and businesses feeling energized and inspired, which can lead to increased productivity, better decision-making skills, and an improved overall quality of life.

Sign-up for the last 2 spaces for the Breathe Life into Your Writing Retreat with Kerry Sunderland at Maruia River Retreat for May 4-7, 2023 and for our Introduction to Yoga Retreat on May 11-15, 2023 Learn more at www.maruia.co.nz/events

Hazel Youngman

Lifestyle & Residential Sales Consultant, Total Realty

 Are you a dog or cat person?

I like both! I love meeting vendor’s furry friends when I visit their homes.

 My friends would say I am... loyal, driven, and tenacious, and fun to be around as I always have a smile on my face and a quirky sense of humour.

 The best advice I ever received was?

Treat others how you wish them to treat you - and always look for a lesson in each and every situation.

 What would you buy if money was no object?

An airline so all my family and friends (and clients!) could go on a free trip to the country of their choice.

 Local coffee haunt?

I really like Figaro’s and Raupo - both cafes make the best oat milk triple shot flat whites, and the staff is so friendly and welcoming.

 Favourite takeaway?

Asian food - especially Indian or Mongolian - the aromas and flavours really draw me in, luckily my family like them too.

 The shop you can’t walk past is?

I really like bespoke gift shops, they often have really quirky things and I am always on the hunt for gifts for family, friends and clients.

 What’s the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received?

The gift of our son - we are incredibly blessed to have him.

 Where is your happy holiday place?

We are so in awe of the Marlborough Sounds, every weekend feels like a holiday when we go exploring. We also love the West Coast for caravanning with family and friends.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching? Yellowstone and all the associated series, I simply cannot resist Kevin Costner.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To be mortgage-free and live the dream - terribly cliché, but very true.

The importance of potassium and magnesium (Fruit + Flower Power): By

Wally Richards

Potassium often referred to as Potash because the ash from wood burn containers a good amount of potassium and magnesium sulphate is often referred to as Epsom Salts are two important elements in gardening.

A long time ago I realised the importance of these two and so I created a product which combined them, in a prill (pellet) form, 55% potassium and 45% magnesium and called it Wallys Fruit and Flower Power which is one of the many uses of these two elements.

Plants are like us, if they do not get sufficient minerals in their diet, they will be adversely affected and do poorly.

Potassium deficiency will show as soft limp plant growth, poor flowering, taste decline in fruit, and general loss of vigor.

I am often asked what is wrong with plants which, don’t seem as good as they could be, even though they are fed well and watered right.

Often the reason is insufficient Potassium.

Then there is fruit, especially citrus which are lacking in juice and flavor.

Tomatoes and cucumbers that don’t have that home grown flavor that one would hope to have.

Plants that have poor flowering or don’t flower at all. Once again the problem can be insufficient Potassium.

Magnesium is involved in chlorophyll production, which converts sunlight into sugars and is involved in activating enzymes.

Because of its role in chlorophyll, the first symptoms of magnesium deficiency show up as yellowing, usually between the veins of the older leaves. In severe deficiencies, the entire leaf will turn yellow or red and then brown, with symptoms progressing up the plant.

There are numerous plants that show this tendency, citrus, daphne, rhododendrons, tomatoes, passion fruit and roses to name a few.

Once the yellowing starts to appear then already the plant is having problems and even when magnesium is supplied, it takes several weeks before the lovely dark green colour is restored.

During this time the plant is weakened, as the chlorophyll is not working to its full potential which makes the plant more susceptible to diseases and pests.

The amount of energy created from sun light is affected and plant growth is reduced.

During drought conditions, plants suffer and one important aspect to assist in this is Potassium. It regulates water absorption and retention, influences the uptake of some nutrients and helps to increase disease resistance.

As the weather cools and winter approaches, plants feel the chill like we do, but plants can’t put on a jersey like we can.

The plants protection from chills and frosts comes from having adequate Potassium in their diet.

Thus us gardening commentators always suggest to gardeners to supply potash to their plants as winter starts to approach and to avoid using nitrogen fertilisers which only increases sappy growth.

Commercial growers of plants and orchardists use the two elements to ensure their plants have sufficient Potassium and magnesium in their diet.

These two vital elements are blended together in the right balance as required for plants.

For the home gardener we supply Fruit and Flower Power in three pack sizes: 1.25kg, and 2.5kg and a bulk bag which is 12.5kg making it the best purchase if you have storage room.

The 1.25kg comes nicely packaged in a stand up pouch with a 50g (50ml) scoop.

It is used at the rate initial rate of 50g (one scoop) per square metre around the base of the plant or around the drip line.

Use for any plant that is flowering, fruiting, showing lack of vigor or yellowing in foliage.

Now this next bit might surprise many but the monthly requirement is 25g (half scoop) per square metre.

This should be applied while plants are flowering, fruiting, during dry times and going into winter. Outside of these times a 2-3 monthly dose should be fine.

For fruiting a dose at 50g should be applied prior to flowering followed by the 25g till harvest. For the likes of tomatoes and cucumbers, apply over fruiting period for best flavor.

I get a lot of complaints that citrus fruit are dry and lack flavor so this will fix the problem.

A number of fertilisers mixes do not

contain sufficient potassium, likely because it is a more expensive element which is a pity as it should be at least ample for general gardening use.

Now is a good time to apply Fruit and Flower Power around your gardens and repeat each month with a small sprinkling.

It will help to keep your leaves green and the plants will gain more energy from the sun even considering its shorter day light hours as we head into winter.

It will firm up sappy growth from summer feeding of fertilisers and plant foods.

Also other precautions you should take going into winter include:

Protecting your vulnerable plants from frost by using the Spray on Frost Protection; Vaporgard.

Mulches used to overcome dry conditions in summer should be removed from under plants to allow the soil to breathe and dry out quicker during wet periods. This helps prevent root rots and loss of valuable plants.

A spray of Perkfection over plants that could be affected with wet soil is a good help to prevent root damage through wet feet.

Spray vegetables and preferred plants with Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL) each week. It helps them grow healthier and faster.

Side dress vegetable plants with a sprinkling of BioPhos.

Brassicas (cabbage etc) that have caterpillars should be sprayed with Wallys Super Neem Tree Oil with Raingard added to prevent the oil washing off with watering or rain.

Reduce the amount of water you are giving container plants indoors and tender plants in glasshouses.

They do not need so much water now and wet feet intensifies the cold and can be fatal.

Any questions any time just phone me or email me with your contact phone number.

With Term two starting next week, the end of Term 1 was an opportunity to reflect on the sporting and academic endeavours of Marlborough Boys’ and Girls’ College. Meanwhile, the Superkids Holiday Programme kicked off yesterday at Elim Church. The programme runs for four days in the April, July and October School holidays and is popular with parents and kids alike.

School of Rock 2023 — the combined college’s rehearsals are well underway in preparation for the show from 1 to 5 August 2023. The School of Rock follows the overly enthusiastic guitarist Dewey Finn (Daniel Brunel) who gets thrown out of his bar band and finds himself in desperate need of work.

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

Jo Lorraine Debby Arthur

HAPPY AS A HAMMER: Franco Fourie about to bang a nail into place.

PIANO LADY: Arizona McKenzie sits alongside Jesse from Jesse Sawers Music School which teachers singing & piano lessons, music theory and private and group lessons.

GLUE GUN HAPPINESS: Oliver Dight in creative mode. PEACE: Jainie Kruger and Delilah St George.

YES Kickstarter: Years 12 and 13 MGC Business Studies students connecting with mentors on the Kickstarter day. The day was an opportunity to kickstart their business ideas and talk with business coaches from the local community. Photo: Joanne DesForges.

The Marlborough Boys’ College Sailing Team at the recent Top of the South secondary school sailing competition in Picton.

ALL SMILES: Ashley Egli, Emiley Egli, Zeva Sargisson and Lydia Woolf.

AT FULL STRETCH: Marlborough goalie Louis Girling in action at the inaugural U16 Super Challenge experience at St Peter’s College in Cambridge over the Easter weekend.

stAmP collections, coin collections, old toys, post cards etc Cash paid Ph 021 138 8949 wEED mat or old carpet or similar. Phone 0274172154

CAsuAl on call coach driver for 11.5m bus for private charter work. P Endorsement and previous charter work experience. Would suit semi-retired operator. tel 0226586052

Fou NtAi N pens wanted Conway Stewart & parker style any considered ph 0800559922

CAm ER As wanted film type, any considered phone Ben 0800559922

stAm Ps & Postcards Wanted Single items, albums - estate collections modern & old any considered 0800 559922

C oi N s wa nted 3 pence and 6 pence any considered ph 0800559922

Public Notices

AGM

REAP Marlborough

15 May at 4pm 65 Seymour Street Blenheim

FREE Monarch Butterflies ph 578-1680

DRoPsAw and air compressor both in good condition, water blaster, assorted tools etc. 03 5728538 or 0272667163

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

wAtC h E s Wanted & Wrist & Pocket Style Going or Not Any Considered. 0800 559922

NZR New Zealand railway items wanted badges, signs uniforms and china any items considered. 0800559922

• Secretarial and basic accounting

• 12 hours per week

Be the face, voice and network hub of the Wesley Centre.

Complete job description available on request by email or collect from 3 Henry Street.

Close of Applications extended to April 21st Ph 03 578 5796 or email wesley.blenheim@xtra.co.nz

DELIVERERS WANTED

We are currently looking for a service/Install technician for Marlborough. While preference would be given to a Mechanic or Auto electrician don’t cross yourself off the list. If you can prove you have a strong mechanical inclination this could suit you. We have Engineers doing this role who are working out perfect. We provide full back up and support for our workers just like our customers. We offer an attractive remuneration package to the right applicant.

What we need:

• Experience with engines and general small machinery

• Can do attitude team player

• Able to work unsupervised

• Awesome sense of humour

• Class 2 license or able to get (we can help)

• Head for heights

• Must be eligible to work in New Zealand

We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and we expect that all of our staff deliver on this promise. We will train and support the right person who has a passion to be part of a growing and innovative business. To apply you must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Our preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment screening which incudes drug testing and health screening.

Apply with your cv and cover letter to: andy.mccallum@nzfrostfans.com

Or give me a call on 021 468 336

Customer Service Officer

Ko ngā kōrero mā tēnei tūrangi | About the role

Do you enjoy working in a team and relate well to a wide range of people? We are seeking positive, enthusiastic individuals to assist in providing excellent customer service to our local community and Council staff. The Customer Service Officer role has variety and includes a mixture of in-person, phone and electronic interaction; therefore you must be confident in these areas.

We have two vacancies (one full time and one part time) that we are looking to fill. If you are interested in a part time role, then please note your preferred hours in your cover letter. Our normal business hours are between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm (Monday to Friday).

Ko ngā pūmanawa ōu | About you

You will need to be a team player, be adaptable, resilient, and a quick learner. You will need to be able to multi-task, problem solve and use initiative without compromising on quality on a daily basis.

Customer Service Officers at Council need to be friendly, knowledgeable, and courteous. You will require excellent listening skills, enthusiasm to assist with a wide range of customer queries and a level of local knowledge is preferred. You will also need great inter-personal skills and be computer literate.

Ko ngā āhuatanga pai | What we offer

• A workplace that supports flexibility, health and wellbeing.

• An environment where input, initiative and innovation are encouraged.

• An hourly rate of pay of up to $27.21 (this will depend on the knowledge, skills and experience you have to offer).

• A great benefits package (including Health Insurance, Income Protection and Life Insurance, 5% Superannuation, 5 weeks annual leave).

If you’re ready to progress your career with Te Kaunihera ā-rohe o Wairau - tono mai | apply now!

Applications close 5.00 pm on 27 April 2022.

Applications should be made online via the careers page www.marlborough.govt.nz/yourcouncil/careers/current-vacancies where you will find full information on the vacancy and how to apply.

For further information (or for a copy of the Job Description) you are welcome to contact Jane Robertson (Customer Service Team Leader) on jane.robertson@marlborough.govt.nz

www.marlborough.govt.nz

www.marlborough.govt.nz

Annual General Meeting

The 75TH AGM of the Marlborough Repertory Society will be held on Sunday 7th May 2023

3.00 pm, Boathouse Theatre Guest Speaker, refreshments, celebration!

Clothing Alterations: by Lynette

ANTIQUE BUYERS

Gold Jewellery, scrap gold Pocket watches, wrist watches

Old bank notes & old coins

Military & other medals

Sterling silver, Ivory, old pens

Paintings & Maori artifacts

Clocks, Fun Ho & tin toys

Moorcroft, Clarice Cliff etc.

ph 0800 00 24 25

Eric Jackson Antique Buyers, PO Box 665, Picton

Marlborough Returned and Services Association (Incorporated)

POPPY DAY APPEAL

is Friday 21st April

Office Administrator Blenheim Methodist Parish ANZAC DAY

Marlborough Returned and Services Association (Incorporated)

Rugby programmes books and badges wanted small to large lots any considered ph 0800559922

bAy o NE ts , swords and military knives wanted modern and old any considered 0800559922

s mok i Ng items and memorabilia wanted, Tins, pipes and old lighters any considered ph 0800 55 99 22

m ilitA R y items wanted badges, buttons, uniform and equipment any considered modern or old 0800559922

wANtED TO BUY- Old tobacco tins, NZ postcards, military items, garden tools, woodworking tools, records from the 1970’s/80’s, old petrol station related items, fountain pens, crystal decanters/whisky & wine glasses, NZ history books, gold jewellery, antique bottles, Tonka, Fun Ho & tin toys, white Crown Lynn vases & swans & all collectables. Collector of NZ / Maori & whaling related artifacts. All of the above are popular & fetching good money at the moment. Free quotes we travel. Rarity, condition & collectability = more $$$. Just Browsing 26 Battys Rd (03)5775402

Book your space now in our next (by 3pm Tuesday)

Golf Results

Wairau Valley Golf Club

Sat 8 Apr: Stableford: Leanne Young 40, Grant Hagen 39, Rex McGarry 39, Brian Roughan 36, John McLauchlan 36, Toyah McKinney 35

Sat 15 Apr: Medal/LGU/Top Dog Qual: John McLauchlan 68, Mel Hampton 68, Rob Chee 69, Bevan Boon 69, Jan Rutherford 71, Maureen McKenzie 72, Glen Griffiths 73, Richard Bruce 74

Picton Golf Club

Sat 8 Apr: James Fattorini 38; Nick Wright 37; Leigh S/Smith, Richard McLean, 35; Mike Ashworth 34; Tim MCaffrey 33.

Tue 11 Apr: Judy Jones 37; Anita McCaffrey 36; Helen McIsaac 34; Lynette Pearce 33; Ricky Ashworth 32.

Thu 13 Apr: Tim McCaffrey , Ian Aldridge , Richard McLean 40; Nick Wright ,Tony Calvert 38; Ant Booker, Barry Slater 37; Gary Aldridge 36.

Blenheim Golf Club

Wed 12 Apr: Women’s Stableford Hidden Holes - 1st Div - Elaine Brown 8. 2nd Div - Dawn Walker 4.

Blenheim Service at Seymour Square Tuesday 25th April 12pm.

Following the parade and service at the Cenotaph, a function for Returned & Service Members will be held at the Marlborough Events Centre from 1pm-4pm.

Thu 13 Apr: Men’s Medal - Blue Arthur 67, Steve Anderson 67, Alex Herd 67, Ray Herd 69, Colin Pitkethley 70, John Cootes 71, Graeme Daines 71, Grant Flynn 71, R Van Asch 73, Doug Shaw 73. 9 Hole - Dean Ormsby 24, Barry Mosley 20, Ian Clark 15, Mike McConnel 15.

Sat 15 Apr: Edgar Clarkson - Tom Bainbridge 52, Ray Herd 52, Buck Asplet 52, Luke Yarrall 51, Desz Campbell 50. March Trophy: Rachael Bell 43. Geoffrey T Sowman NTP for 2 3/12 Bluck Asplet. Fairweathers NTP 9/18 Buck Asplet. 18 hole Competition: Jenny Evans 35. Don Lamond 35.

MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COUNCIL

Service & Installation Technician

Death notices

LAMBIE, Anthony John: On Thursday April 13, 2023, peacefully at Ashwood Park Retirement Village. Loved husband of Judy, loved father and father-in-law of Even and Linda, Sharyn and Stewart. Loved grandad and great grandad of all his grand and great grandchildren. Many thanks to the staff of Ashwood Park for all their care and support of Anthony and family. Messages may be sent to 1/99 Redwood Street, Blenheim 7201. A private cremation has taken place.

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

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

ALLEN, Janice May (née Templeton):

On Saturday, April 8, 2023, peacefully at Wairau Hospital. Aged 75 years. Beloved wife and soulmate of the late Robin. Cherished mother and mother-in-law of Sarah, Phil, Simon and Juliane. Devoted Grandmother to Elliette and Tamlyn, James and Ethan. Treasured sister of Patricia. Special thanks to the staff at Wairau Hospital for the care they provided Janice. Messages may be sent to the Allen family c/- 4 Morton Street Berhampore, Wellington 6023. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Church of the Nativity. A service for Janice was held at the Church of the Nativity, Alfred Street, Blenheim on Friday April 14.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

Margaret Ellen: Died peacefully on April 12th, 2023 at Hospice Marlborough in her 91st year. A funeral service for Margaret was held on Sunday, April 16th 2023 at Cloudy Bay Funeral Services followed by private cremation. To view the full notice please visit our website.

ENGLISH: Tui Virginia: On 17th April 2023, peacefully at Kaikoura Hospital surrounded by her family, aged 97 years. A Funeral Service for Tui will be held at the Harvest Life Church, Nelson Street Blenheim on Friday 21 April at 1.00pm followed by interment at the Fairhall Cemetery. To view the full notice please visit our website.

GRANT: Christine Helen (Chris): 4.6.1938 – 13.4.2023. Suddenly and unexpectantly at her home in Blenheim, in her 85th year. To enable distant friends and relatives to be with us, we will celebrate Chris’s adventurous life with a memorial service at St Andrew’s Church on Monday 31st July at 2.00pm. To view the full notice please visit our website. Cloudy

MCKAY: Patricia Lesley (Pat): On 14 April 2023 peacefully at Ashwood Park after a short illness, in her 93rd year. A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street Blenheim on Thursday 20 April at 11am followed by a private interment. To view the full notice please visit our website.

STRINGER: Norman Leslie: 1.12.358.4.23. Loved husband of the late Margaret Rose (Blenheim). A private cremation has been held. To view the full notice please visit our website.

Acknowledgements

NOONAN: Diane Daphne (nee Munro): Passed away suddenly on April 14, 2023 aged 73 years. As she wished, Diane has already been cremated. A memorial gathering to celebrate her life will be held at the Papanui Club, 310 Sawyers Arms Road, Papanui, Christchurch at 2pm, Friday 21 April 2023. All welcome. To view the full notice please visit our website Cloudy

DAVIDSON, Ngaire Eunice (née Grantham): On Friday April 14, 2023, peacefully at Hospice Marlborough. Aged 85 years. Beloved wife of the late Jim Davidson. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Leigh and Tony, Mike and Delia. Cherished Grandmother to Nicholas, Sophie, Oliver and Grace. Special thanks to the caring team at Hospice Marlborough who are nothing short of amazing. Messages may be sent to the Andrews and Davidson families at 211 Paynters Road, RD2, Blenheim 7272. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Hospice Marlborough: https://www.marlboroughhospice.org.nz/donations/ a/c No 03-1369-0365207-00 (ref: IMO Ngaire Davidson). A farewell for Ngaire will be held at Waikanae Funeral Home, 17 Parata Street, Waikanae at 1.30pm on Friday, April 21.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

CROSSWORD

HAINES, Pauline Mary: The family of Pauline sincerely thank all those who supported them in the loss of a much-loved wife, mum and nana. Perhaps you sent a card, or sat quietly in a chair, Perhaps you sent some flowers, if so we saw them there. Perhaps you said the kindest words as only friends can do, Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, We thank you all whatever the part.

ACROSS

1. Nurture (7)

WATSON, Andrew Bruce Kemley (Andy):

On Saturday April 15, 2023 unexpectedly in Blenheim. Aged 80 years. Much-loved brother of Ruth Bell and the late Marion Norrie. Loved and respected uncle of his many nieces and nephews. Messages may be sent to the Watson Family, c/- P O Box 110, Blenheim 7240. A farewell service for Andy will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 5 Henry Street, Blenheim at 1.30pm on Friday April 21, followed by private cremation at the Sowman Crematorium.

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

W: www.sowmans.co.nz

GIFFORD: Shirley Jean, 16.03.194119.04.2022. In loving memory of a much loved wife of Graham who passed away peacefully a year ago today. Dearly loved mum and mother-in-law of Cheryl and Tangi, Debra and Chris, Steven and Joh and her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Always missed, remembered and forever in our hearts.

GLEDHILL, Ross William: 7.9.194715.4.2017. To our special husband, Dad and Grandad. They say there is a reason, they say that time will heal. Neither time nor reason, will change the way we feel. A thousand words won’t bring you back, I know because I’ve tried. Neither will a thousand tears, I know because I’ve cried. So let me tell you something, so there can be no doubt. You’re so wonderful to think of, but so hard to live without. Forever loved by Natalie and your family.

By Russell McQuarters

By Russell McQuarters

DOWN

DOWN

1. Raccoon-like animal (5)

43. Mean (7)

5. Is suitable for (4,3,4)

11. Pale (5)

12. Giver (7)

13. Sprite (5)

14. Uncomfortable (3,2,4)

15. Amazed (9) 16. Tree bark (4) 17. Be resolute (7) 19. Inhabitant (6) 23. Trench (6) 26. Type of race-horse 29. Small amount of something (4) 30. Rocky hill (3) 32. Tweak (3) 34. Soothe (4) 35. Exterior (7)

35. Exterior (7)

36. Clergyman (6)

39. Spruce (6)

40. Absconds (7)

42. Decline (4)

46. Lifeless (9)

48. Most stable (9)

50. Banishment (5)

51. Ardent (7)

52. Tests (5)

53. Stingy (5-6)

54. Is indecisive (7)

1. Raccoon-like animal (5)

2. Rank (7)

2. Rank (7)

3. Natural (6)

3. Natural (6)

4. Combine chemically with water (8)

4. Combine chemically with water (8)

5. Ships’ chimneys (7)

5. Ships’ chimneys (7)

6. Ballet costumes (5)

6. Ballet costumes (5)

7. Muslim headdress (6)

7. Muslim headdress (6)

8. Becoming gradually visible (8)

8. Becoming gradually visible (8)

9. Hospitals (11)

9. Hospitals (11)

10. Covered inner surface with material (5)

10. Covered inner surface with material (5)

16. Dishevelled (7)

16. Dishevelled (7)

18. Placed (5)

18. Placed (5)

20. Cost (7)

20. Cost (7)

21. Small cottage (3)

21. Small cottage (3)

22. Write (3)

22. Write (3)

44. Japanese battle cry (6)

45. Arrival (6)

46. Clumsy (5)

47. Precise (5)

49. Chores (5)

SOLUTION

SOLUTION

Last Week 12 April 2023

For January 26, 2005

For January 26, 2005

24. Acting the part of another character(4-7)

24. Acting the part of another character(4-7)

25. Court (3)

25. Court (3)

27. Pauses (5)

27. Pauses (5)

28. Tear (3)

28. Tear (3)

31. Chafe (3)

31. Chafe (3)

33. Rocket-launching place (3)

33. Rocket-launching place (3)

37. Regretful (8)

37. Regretful (8)

38. Freed (8)

38. Freed (8)

41. Runs off (7)

BROWN:

T: 03 578 4719

E: sowmans@funerals.co.nz

ANZAC Day Golf Tournament

By Chris Valli

The annual Red Cross ANZAC Day Golf Tournament is on par once again this year.

The tournament has been a collaborative event held at the Marlborough Golf Club, Fairhall for over 50 years.

It was started by the Avon Waihopai Red Cross Branch and the Marlborough Golf Club as a social event for those returned service women/men who wished to continue the friendship and camaraderie experienced as they gathered to remember on ANZAC day morning. An afternoon of golf allowed further contact.

Red Cross member Dinny Shanks and Jackie McGarry from the Marlborough Golf Club. The annual Red Cross ANZAC Day Golf Tournament has been a collaborative event held at the Marlborough Golf Club, Fairhall for over 50 years.

Over the years it has become a regular on the golfing calendar and has provided the

Red Cross with an essential fundraising opportunity.

Spokesperson and work group convenor Lynette Jones says a work group made up of Golf Club and Red Cross members began early in the year seeking sponsors for the prize table and items suitable for the raffles.

The Marlborough Red Cross has a long association in the wider community, providing community based services that over the years has changed with demands.

Emergency preparedness, meals on wheels, supporting new migrants through the United Nations Refugee resettlement program, responding to single issue welfare needs and social events for those who have worked tirelessly for the organisation in past years.

U16 Super Challenge Hockey Experience

By Chris Valli

Four Marlborough Hockey players were selected from 23 associations around the country to compete in the inaugural U16 Super Challenge Hockey Experience at St Peter’s College in Cambridge over Easter weekend.

Millie Large, Harry Wilkin, Louis Girling and Maddie Large played in the only South Island team at the tournament, The Storm, with both the boys and girls teams making the final. The other three teams were from the North Island. The ‘Heat’ from Auckland / North Harbour, the ‘Force’ from Waikato/ Rotorua/Tauranga regions, ‘Thunder’ from

Hawkes Bay/Taranaki/Wellington regions, and the ‘Storm’ from all regions in the South Island.

The tournament was an initiative created by The Hockey Experience, and Brent Edwards from Go Hockey after Hockey New Zealand stopped all competitive tournaments from U18 down.

With an enormous response from teenagers around the country, the Hockey Experience team spent 10 weeks traveling around New Zealand, trailing and selecting players from over 600 players to make up the four teams.

The teams all meet up on Good Friday at St Peter’s College in Cambridge for a live-in

Blenheim Toyota

hockey camp. Teams all played each other in a round-robin competition before finals day on Tuesday. They were also put through fitness testing, skill, and strategy development, all under the direction of high-level coaches. Uniforms were all supplied by Go Hockey.

The Storm Boys Results; Day 1 – vs The Heat, lost 2 – 0; Day 2 – vs The Thunder, won 9 – 3; Day 3 – vs The Force, won 3 -2;

FINAL: vs The Thunder, lost 3 - 2

The Storm Girls Results; Day 1 – vs The Heat, won 4 – 3; Day 2 – vs The Thunder, won 3 – 2; Day 3 – vs The Force, won 4 – 0

FINAL: vs The Heat, 1 – 1 at full time, went to golden goal drop off 9 v 9 then 7 v 7, unfortunately, The Heat scored first.

Millie Large, Harry Wilkin, Louis Girling and Maddie Large played in the only South Island team at the tournament.