10 May Blenheim Sun Newspaper

Loved by everyone

By Chris Valli

Dudley and Lynda Lerwill’s emotions depict a story of ‘emptiness, heartbreak and companionship.’

Hawkesbury Carriages owner Dudley and his trusty steed Ruby the Clydesdale were good mates with Ruby entering the twilight of her youth, at the age of 23. However, early last month Ruby and Roman (eight years old) died suddenly of an unknown cause. Despite four days of constant veterinary care, the couple were unable to save them.

Continued on page 2.

GOOD MATES: Ruby and Dudley embarking on a wine tour.

How to reach us

Heart has gone out of the place

Continued on page 2. An autopsy is underway with details of their respective deaths yet to be finalised. A sample from the horses has been sent to MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) for further analysis.

at Brayshaw Park Heritage Days.

“The kids especially just loved her,” says Lynda. “A lot of happy people benefitted from them whether that was patting and interacting with them. They were loved by everyone that came here.”

two and a half weeks just to get back into the workshop and the paddock; it’s just like losing two of your kids. It’s my whole life; it’s all I’ve ever known.”

sums up their collective feeling and emotional journey.

Les Whiteside les@blenheimsun.co.nz

“The vet is going to let us know this week but it’s still pretty inconclusive,” Lynda says. “It’s super gutting. The heart has gone out of the place…..they were so stoic, they looked at us both as if to say, help me, they just couldn’t tell us what was wrong.”

Lynda says on the Monday they were fine but on the Tuesday noticed Ruby didn’t eat her hard food which was ‘very unusual’ for her after feeding her twice a day. She says both horses were ‘picky’ just standing in the paddock, not really showing distress but not eating or drinking.

A trained wainwright since 1979, Dudley, 80, has been around, owned and worked with horses all his life.

Originally from Sussex, Dudley brought his business with him when he moved to Blenheim about 23 years ago. He spent much of his working life building and repairing carriages, wagons and carts.

I used to ride down the trail, watchin’ the moon swing low, but now that faithful friend has found the end of that trail. He’s gone wherever good ponies go.

The couple are left with thousands of dollars of vet bills that will be difficult for them to pay as a retired couple both on the pension.

Katrina Whiteside

Telephone (03) 5777-868

E-mail news@blenheimsun.co.nz

Advertising: simon@blenheimsun.co.nz

Address 72 High St, Blenheim P.O.Box 634 Blenheim www.blenheimsun.co.nz

Hawkesbury Carriages has been well-known in Marlborough for a number of years. A popular tourist attraction, Clydesdales Ruby took tourists and locals alike on gentle carriage rides. They were popular with sightseeing, wedding parties and funeral processions. Ruby had often been a favourite with all ages

On the Wednesday morning they got hold of the vet and it all ‘went to chaos from there’ says Dudley. “We kept them going with fluids and drugs until Friday when Ruby died,” says Dudley.

“Roman was put down on Saturday as she couldn’t do anything, she was lifeless,” says Dudley. “It’s taken me

The couple had owned Ruby (23 years) for six years while Roman was ‘on trial’ from December 2022 to take over from Ruby.

“We were going to retire her and hopefully have Roman as our main horse,” Lynda says.

Lynda says there is a poignant song and lyrics, Bridle Hanging on the Wall (Carson Robison) which

A Give a Little page has been set up to support them and also compensation for Roman’s owner. https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/iconic-local-horses-die-suddenly-of-unknown-causes?

Footnote: In March a young lady with her two daughters visited the horses at feedtime. She took photos and video of the interaction between Roman and Dudley of which they would love a copy if you still have them please.

Monday - Thursday 9am - 4.30pm

Children meet and greet with Ruby at last year’s Christmas parade. Roman in training.

Reduce, reuse, no opt out

By Chris Valli

The Marlborough District Council says they do not permit ‘opt outs’ from services that are funded by a targeted rate.

The comment comes after Sun readers have asked for clarification around associated costs with t he new kerbside wheelie bin rubbish collection which begins July 1, 2024.

A targeted rate takes the total cost of a service and divides it by the number of recipients.

The new service includes: one wheelie bin for recycling (cardboard, paper, cans); one wheelie bin for rubbish and one recycling crate for glass bottles and jars.

The wheelie bin size options are: Low volume – 80 litres – for an annual cost of $140 including GST; Standard volume – 140 litres – annual cost of $160 and a high volume – 240 litres, annual cost of $220.

District council Solid Waste Manager Alec McNeil says, the council service contract was open to the market for tender responses.

For the kerbside service, a large part of the cost is associated with the trucks covering the routes each collection day regardless of how many bins they must empty.

“This means that you pay for the service whether you use it or not. There will not be a rebate option,” says Alec. The cost of the wheelie bin service Alec says, is paid through rates Council is changing the kerbside collection area to include Blenheim, Grovetown, Havelock, Picton, Rarangi, Rai Valley,

District council Solid Waste Manager Alec McNeil says, the council service contract was open to the market for tender responses. “This means that you pay for the service whether you use it or not. There will not be a rebate option,” says Alec. The cost of the wheelie bin service Alec says, is paid through rates.

Renwick, Seddon, Spring Creek, and Tuamarina.

Recently a Rarangi resident says he is currently paying $64 a year for his waste. Under the new service, a 240-litre bin will cost the household $200 a year. Alec says the $200 (for the 240 litre bin set size) rate is an annual charge that covers the servicing of a wheelie bin for rubbish, a wheelie bin for recycling (excluding glass) and a recycling crate for glass containers only.

He says the service will see rubbish and recycling lifted on a fortnightly basis on alternative weeks.

When asked how the council is going to manage congestion

where there are long driveways servicing multiple properties and insufficient kerbing to accommodate extra bins he says ‘further kerbside route audit work’ to address these specific types of issues is being progressed between now and the contract starting date.

Alec says costs for the waste service will be subject to an inflation review.

As a territorial authority council is obligated to promote effective waste management and minimisation in the district under t h e Waste Minimisation Act 2008. Council demonstrates this through their waste management and minimisation plan (WMMP).

Sun The Marriages bouncing back after COVID

The number of marriages celebrated in New Zealand increased in 2022 following lower numbers in the previous two years, according to annual figures released by Stats NZ. In 2022, 18,858 marriages and civil unions were registered by New Zealand couples, up from 15,657 in 2021. However, the number remains lower than in the period before COVID-19 impacted New Zealand (there were, on average, around 20,200 marriages and civil unions registered each year between 2017 and 2019).

Marlborough Region Area Alert

The Royal New Zealand Air Force will be carrying out a military exercise in the wider Marlborough Region over the period May 8 – 19.

The current waste management and minimisation services contract expires on June 30, 2024. For ratepayers who get a wheelie bin Alec says the expectation is that waste will be placed in the rubbish bin contained within a kitchen plastic bag or similar.

“These kitchen plastic bags can be purchased from supermarkets. Council will not be supplying bin liners for the wheelie bins,” he says.

Kitchen plastic bags can be purchased from most supermarkets for around $3 to $8 for a pack of 30 or more.

Footnote: Council rubbish bags will not be issued or collected after July 1 2024.

The exercise will cover tactical flying and airdrop training by No. 40 Squadron. The public can expect to see large military aircraft and helicopters flying at low levels.

The New Zealand Defence Force appreciates the community’s support during their training activities.

Seed Swap Festival

Marlborough Community Gardens are proud to host the first-ever Seed Swap Festival in Blenheim this winter.

A great event where everyone is welcome to swap seeds, exchange gardening tips and get to know the Community Gardens.

The event is on Saturday 10th June, 9am-12pm. Free entry but limited free parking.

Hands up for sign language

By Chris Valli

Every May, Deaf Aotearoa organises New Zealand Sign Language Week, a celebration of one of the country’s official languages.

This week is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week (May 8 - 14) and is a chance for the Deaf community to stand proud as deaf, and to celebrate their language and culture. For Blenheim’s Ivy Regan, celebrating who she is and communicating with sign is something she has known since she was born.

Dad Paul Regan says the three-year old’s hearing loss was detected at Ivy’s new-born screening hearing test which is designed to pick up moderate to profound hearing loss.

“She is low in one ear (the right) where she wears a hearing aid,” says Paul. “One ear is weaker than the other. She can hear but there are times where she will miss out. Noisy rooms and places she struggles with. The hearing aid is purple and green and has little bells so it’s trendy.”

Ivy takes it all in her stride and has formed some great friendships by informally educating fellow friends at Pascal’s Blenheim Early Childhood Centre in Hodson Street.

“She has a friend there and they sign to each other often,” Paul says. “She likes very girly stuff and playing hairdressers. There is also a First Sign Families group on Facebook where we can meet other people and make contact.”

Paul says he and partner Kalei Cooper have learned more about communication

in the past three years through upskilling and learning online courses such as Merge which provides workshops and training programs for people learning and using NZSL.

“There was initially a lot of information given to us and to process,” he says. “At the same time there was Covid, she was born in January (2020) and then lockdown. Learning another language was a chance to do that, learn.”

Some of the more ‘age appropriate’ signs to communicate with Ivy include; ‘you’re too loud’, ‘get your bag for school’, or she will say, ‘these are my colours’ or ‘thank you.’ Paul says the best thing about the past three years is having his two daughters - including nearly one-year-old Revan - learning to communicate with each other while being in the role of parents.

“We’ve grown stronger. At the time it was a challenge but looking back it wasn’t really. I travel for work and there are people who I see sign at airports,” he says.

According to Ministry of Health statistics, up to 170 babies in New Zealand are born each year with a significant hearing loss. More than half of babies found to have a hearing loss have no family history of hearing loss or other risk factors. Without screening, it is difficult to detect hearing loss in babies until speech and language development becomes delayed.

NZSL became an official language in 2006 after many years of lobbying from the Deaf community and 2007 was the first NZSL Week.

THUMBS UP FOR SIGN LANGUAGE: Dad Paul and three-year-old daughter Ivy Regan communicate with sign langauge. Paul says her hearing loss was detected at Ivy’s newborn screening hearing test which is designed to pick up moderate to profound hearing loss.

Charlotte singing for Chorus

By Chris Valli Blenheim artist Charlotte Buskin

has always admired the cabinet art around town and thought that it would be such a fun project to be a part of.

After talking to an artist, the 22-year-old walked past someone who was painting one in town. She found out that she had to apply online through Chorus as they go through a selection process.

“It took me a year to build up the courage to apply, but another lovely local artist, Gynelle Blake

encouraged me to apply and told me about her good experiences with painting some of them. I am so glad I decided to do it! It was such a great experience and I would love to do more.”

She says the feedback has been positive about her Chorus boxes and that it was nice having people in the community stop and chat while she was painting, or people giving her a honk and thumbs up as they drove past.

“Someone told me that they love these paintings around town because they take their elderly mother out

for trips to see the new artwork as they pop up. I have had a few people send me messages saying that their children love walking past them too. It makes me happy to know I am helping add something positive to the Marlborough community. “

The Chorus cabinet art initiative is a way to help promote a sense of community, belonging, identity and pride. After arriving in Blenheim in 2018 from Dunedin, Charlotte says she is allowed to express her identity through the artwork and loves the community.

Charlotte has been selling her

artwork since she was 12 and has made it into a ‘proper little business’ since lockdown when she had ‘lots of time at home to paint’. Her passion for nature is ‘something you just can’t beat’ and says she loves watching the birds and butterflies at the park, or looking closely at the intricate details in flowers or leaves.

“Nature is always changing, so there is never a lack of inspiration when that’s what inspires you, she says. “I find myself completely forgetting about any problems when I paint, I just get lost in the brush

strokes.”

Recently Charlotte undertook her biggest project yet, a big mural at ‘Embody’, the new reformer Pilate’s studio in town.

“I absolutely loved working on that and am so proud to have had a part in making that space so special and welcoming. I can’t wait to see where the next year takes me in my art journey.”

If Sun readers would like to find out more about Charlotte’s work contact her on charlottebuskin@ icloud.com or Facebook @charlottebuskinartist.

Blenheim Toyota

Charlotte Buskin’s art work is inspired by nature. Her creativity is shown on Chorus boxes on Percy Street and the corner of Redwood Street/Hospital Road.

Charlotte Buskin says making a positive difference in the community makes her happy.

with the

Q: As a parent have you ever felt pressured to pay the ‘optional’ school donation?

No, being in education I know how underfunded schools are so I have no issues paying a donation.

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Our kids go to Richmond View so we have fees to pay as it’s a State Integrated school. The school fees are part of the donation scheme now so the optional fees like camp etc are not compulsory. We pay them when we can

I’ve never felt pressured into paying it but like to pay it as I think it’s an important source of additional funding for the school for the ‘extras’ that aren’t funded by the government.

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

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.

I’m not sure if pressured is the right word. I do question it considering the extracurricular costs .

I have two boys six and eight. No never felt pressured in anyway and in my opinion the communication from the school regarding this is always well portrayed.

I do feel some obligation to pay an invoice that includes “optional donation”. But I also recognise the contribution of personal funds spent by my children’s teachers to support their learning. We value our children’s education so are very willing to contribute where we can.

Dear Ed,

Recently my sister and I returned home on a flight from Auckland to Marlborough Airport around 6.15pm. It was just on dark, quite cold and we were waiting outside for a taxi to come. I needed to visit the ladies but the door was locked and when I got the attention of the cleaner she abruptly said “the airport is locked!” Also an airport staff member walked past the door and said the airport is locked, even though the ladies toilet is situated very close to the main door. There was my sister and I plus another couple

outside waiting for taxis. The other couple’s taxi kindly offered us a lift but we had already booked with another cab company.

The rudeness of the cleaner and the nonchalant attitude of the airport staff member was not something I thought would have happened in Marlborough. I certainly will not be travelling back to Marlborough at that time in the future and a little politeness would have been nice. We are both pensioners and were not likely to have caused any fuss at all. I wonder what overseas tourists would think if this happened to them? Not a good look for beautiful Marlborough.

Congratulations to our Colouring winners

Dear Ed, Something a lot of people like myself used to look forward to were the supermarket brochures with the weeks specials at the beginning of the week.

Can't help but notice Countdown still put theirs out, but they come at the END of the week with the Midweek and Saturday Express.

Makes one wonder what's the point in putting them out when the week's nearly over. Pointless.

Name and address supplied.

Kylie Fleur Clarke Blenheim

Steve McBain Christchurch

Karen McKee Blenheim

Alison Dight Blenheim

Jarrod Dunn Blenheim

Steve Guildford Blenheim

FROm leF t: Cole Wasiolik, Darcy Gray, Sisters Neve and Phoebe, and Nikola.

Marlborough’s new library opens Friday – art galley opens Tuesday

After years of planning and months of preparation, Marlborough’s new library opens Friday 12 May.

Staff have been busy shifting into the new High Street premises and becoming familiar with the bigger purpose-built facility.

Libraries Manager Glenn Webster said staff were “very excited” about the opening and he encouraged people to visit once the doors opened at midday.

Art Gallery Director Cressida Bishop was also looking forward to welcoming visitors with a special exhibition, Threads of Whātonga, which opens on Tuesday 16 May. It includes works from the gallery’s collection and mana whenua exhibitions held at the former Millennium Public Art Gallery to mark significant events.

“The exhibition will bring together historical and contemporary art to mark Marlborough’s first purpose-built art gallery opening in central Blenheim,” she said. “It acknowledges the relationships, stories and experiences of the past, which we are mindful of as we take our next steps.”

Art works on show were gifted to the former premises and are part of the gallery’s permanent collection. She said the gallery had hoped to open this Friday alongside the library but the air conditioning system - which is critical for the storage of art works - needed further finetuning.

The new library and art gallery was officially acknowledged by tangata/mana whenua Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Toa Rangatira at a dawn blessing last month.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said the new facilities had been 10 years in the making and would be a centre of knowledge, information and activity for everyone in Marlborough.

“This is one of the most significant projects ever undertaken by Council and has been the work of many hands.”

Are you prepared for an emergency?

We’re all aware of the damage suffered in the regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. While we all hope it won’t happen here, it’s worth taking time to remember the damage that arose in our last two winter storms.

We can’t change what nature throws at us, but we can be informed and prepared. If we understand what could happen, and have taken steps to be prepared, we’re better able to adapt when something goes wrong.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be providing tips and hints about preparing for an emergency. This week we’ll look at some of the ways you can learn more information about the kinds of emergencies that could affect us.

Ask questions, find the answers

The Get Ready website has some great information about different types of emergencies. Talk with friends and whānau about how an emergency could affect you. What if you were away from home? What do you do for your animals? Where can you get information?

Even if you already know a bit about emergencies, it’s always worth keeping up to date with new information and asking the question ‘what would I do if this happened here?’

Learn about emergencies and how they could affect you. You can do this through the Get Ready website at https://getready.govt.nz or by talking to us - call Council on Ph: 03 520 7400 and ask for the Emergency Management Team.

“The project was initiated in 2013 as part of the ‘Growing Marlborough’ process, which found that our public art gallery and library facilities were no longer adequate. I’d like to thank previous councils - particularly former mayors John Leggett and Alistair Sowman, former deputy mayor Terry Sloan and former councillor Cynthia Brooks for their foresight in pushing the project forward.”

“I’d also like to thank architects Warren and Mahoney and Robinson Construction

for their superb work that has resulted in this magnificent building, which will serve Marlborough for generations to come.”

“There are many others to mention who I will thank at the official naming and opening ceremony on 30 June.”

The $20 million dollar complex was a ‘shovel ready’ project and allocated $11 million in funding from the Government’s Kānoa Regional and Economic Development Unit.

East Coast Beach Vehicle

The East Coast Beach Vehicle Bylaw places new rules restricting vehicle use along Marlborough’s coastline from the mouth of the Awatere River south to the district boundary. It comes into effect on 1 July 2023.

The bylaw was adopted on 2 March 2023 by Marlborough District Council following extensive public consultation. The bylaw largely follows its original proposal, with recommendations added by an independent hearings panel.

The new rules are:

• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) are allowed to access approximately 9 km of the coast from Marfells Beach to just south of Cape Campbell at “the Airstrip” (a new ‘yellow zone’)

• In the yellow zone ATVs and UTVs can access the beach during daylight hours and travel below the mean highwater mark at a maximum speed of 30 km/h

• No vehicles are allowed on dunes or reefs anywhere at anytime

• No vehicle access is allowed on the beach from the Awatere River mouth to the south end of the DOC campground at Marfells Beach

• No vehicle access is allowed from “the Airstrip” south of Cape Campbell to the Waima/Ure River mouth

• Boat launching at Marfells Beach is permitted in designated areas

Bylaw

to be in place by 1 July

to the north and south of the DOC campground.

Walking, cycling and horse riding continue to be unrestricted along the whole of the East Coast. The bylaw does not restrict activities for businesses already operating in the area, which include commercial fishing and sea salt production.

Signage will be erected at entry points and community education will take place. Council will review the effectiveness of the new yellow zone after three years. A full review of the bylaw will occur after five years in 2028.

Over half of the coast from the Awatere to the Waima/Ure is recognised as ecologically significant. It is home to the endangered katipō spider, native lizards, fur seals and rare birds such as banded dotterels and variable oystercatchers. It’s also a place to feed and rest for migratory birds from as far as Siberia and Canada.

Public consultation on the bylaw resulted in 190 submissions, including 50 submitters who spoke to the hearings panel. The panel held hearings in November 2021 and May 2022.

The bylaw was made under the Land Transport Act 1998 and Local Government Act 2002. Visit the Council website for more information about the consultation process, including the hearings panel’s recommendations report.

The bylaw, including a map, can be viewed at Council offices or on Council’s website www.marlborough.govt.nz

The new children’s area of the library

The wayfinding signage points you in the right direction

Priscilla - a celebration of performance one on one with the Sun

Peter Meikle sits contently in the Herb and Olive Cafe with a coffee early Friday morning. The night before was the last rehearsal at Blenheim Musical Theatre’s Lakings Road before the ‘pack in’ to the ASB Theatre for the May production of Priscilla.

In some ways the coffee is a holistic metaphor for Peter and the cast and crew in recent months where energy levels have indeed been boosted with the increased stamina and longevity of dialogue, vocals and movement consumed to every last drop and nuance.

drama. In the 1970s he did a poetry reading tour as a performer which was created by a company called Rigby Limited, a now defunct book publisher which was based in Adelaide.

“It was a collection of Australian poetry and I fell in love with the shape of the language. Over my career I have enjoyed the likes of ones such as Picnic at Hanging Rock (a group of female students at an Australian girls’ boarding school vanish while on a picnic) or The Front Room Boys (dramatised the predicament of office workers as it displays the au thor’s preoccupation with language).

Australian drama has always been edgy.”

Peter arrived at Blenheim Musical Theatre in 2021 as director for the June/July theatre restaurant Aotearoa. He wrote the script for the end of year Allo Allo My Little French Sausage amidst auditions for Les Misérables in 2022 which he directed.

He says the appeal of Priscilla was among other things, the respective themes of diversity, inclusion and standing up for what is right as an individual. However, ultimately he says directing Priscilla is about celebration.

“When you get to a certain age (as a director) the show is actually really important,” he says. After doing Les Mis which was such an immersive, emotional journey, I thought it would be fun to do something joyful, triumphant, uplifting, empowering, challenging and exciting, and Priscilla popped its head up.”

Peter says he has always been a fan and passionate about Australian

“I watched Muriel’s Wedding the other night…the attitude, language and energy. Brilliant, extraordinary and unique to that culture. Moulin Rouge another. When you talk about Priscilla, its right up there. It doesn’t apologise. It doesn’t hydrolise if you’re not ready for it. It’s unique.”

There were discussions with the BMT committee around potential shows like Matilda and We Will Rock You which unfortunately weren’t available. Peter says in recent months, choosing Priscilla as the main production for 2023 has become an ‘absolutely extraordinary celebration of young people, talent and performance’.

Peter credits Elly Molly, who he says is current with all forms of dance genre and the expression of movement.

“As a consequence we have come up with 12 young dancers - it’s been a revelation of my life. These young people are wonderful,” he says. “It’s all beat, beat, beat and by God can they move.”

“Then we looked around and suddenly found three men in town (Dave Barrett, Daniel Brunel and Andrew Simon) who were prepared to trust me going forward in their roles as the drag queens,” he says.

Peter acknowledges 23-year-old Daniel’s own personal growth as character Adam/Felicia.

“He made the decision to be a drag queen and he is the one that is benefitting. We talked to them all (drag queens) about having your fingernails touched, so off they go and embrace it. It’s just been phenomenal.”

Providing many of the disco pumping hits Priscilla has become synonymous for the five flying divas accompanied by a rocking live band. Peter says the decision to include five divas at the audition (in previous consortium adaptations there are three) was about f ive wonderful ladies offering their talents and utilising their skillset.

“It’s all about attitude and how you go or approach an audition. They have extraordinary talent and I would’ve been an idiot to ignore the opportunity to showcase these women,” he says.

Peter says the journey to opening night has been about navigating costumes and props used in the Otaki production of Priscilla, a show that was designed for three divas and three slim, young men.

“Suddenly as it happens the wardrobe went from zero to like 300 and so this has been a really good process for the wardrobe team who have gone beyond the norms of a wardrobe department. Viv (Patchett) has curated with enormous assistance from her team. The women meet three or four times a week. I mean, someone like Sheryl Whiting is sewing feathers, stitching sequins, tightening up what needs to be done,” he says. “You begin to understand the intrinsic value of BMT in their lives.”

“As for Joy (Moseley) and her team (props) they are all having the time of their lives and are onto it with creative solutions with glitter and flowers,” he says. “They’ve

become a unit of people helping each other out and continuing to ask how each other is when it comes to their well-being.”

He reflects such insights and observations as ‘a facilitator’ of the production is a wonderful opportunity for not only himself but for all departments and creatives involved.

When asked about what his take was on how Blenheim audiences would perceive the production and various themes his vision is simplistic.

“I want people to come to see what Blenheim Musical Theatre does and take it at face value. Everyone will get something out of it, he suggests. “What’s not to love about it?”

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is on at the ASB Theatre from Wednesday, May 17 – Saturday, May 27 with matinees on the Saturday and Sunday (no performance Monday).

One week out from the opening night of Blenheim Musical Theatre’s production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, director Peter Meikle discusses with Chris Valli about navigating the ‘journey of fabulousness’.

“I want people to come to see what Blenheim Musical Theatre does and take it at face value”

Director Peter Meikle says the production has been a wonderful opportunity for creatives.

Ducks were the winner

By Chris Valli

Duck shooting season kicked off at the weekend across the country while yellow rubber duckies made their way down the Taylor River in Blenheim.

Hundreds of ducks raced down the Taylor River on Sunday to raise funds for Life Education Trust.

The recent high water around High Street provided optimum conditions for plastic duckies make good times, the fastest completing the course between the High Street bridge and the Nelson Street bridge in about 20 minutes.

For the first time since the inaugural event, the Five Buck a Duck Derby sold out, raising nearly $6000 for the important kids’ health charity.

Organiser Tasha Knox says it’s the first time they have sold every single one of the 700 ducks.

Supported by MTF Finance, MoreFM, Blenheim Rotary and Marlborough Youth Trust, the duck race saw hundreds of Marlburians follow the winding stream, cheering for the yellow, plastic birds.

Tasha says the winner, who unfortunately wasn’t there at the finish line, had bought 20 ducks to support the trust.

Life Education trust delivers a health programme to children in preschool, primary and intermediate schools. It’s funded locally, and all funds raised stay in the community.

Results:

First: Duck #318 – Steve Wareham

Second: Duck #125 – Michelle Fox

Third: Duck #608 – Molly MacDonald

LEFT: Eva from MTF Finance Blenheim hands out spot prizes.

ABOVE: Harold the Giraffe and Tasha Knox acknowledge the crowd who gathered for the fundraiser.

RIGHT: Life Education acting chair Amanda Smith and Trent Lindsay catching ducks to reuse for next years event.

DUCKTASTIC: 700 ducks make their way down the Taylor River while decoy ducks jostle for position in the corporate race.

Council reviewing gambling policy

business.

Maia Hart, Local Democracy Reporter

Marlburians spent nearly $12m on pokie machines in pubs, clubs and TABs in 2022, a figure the Marlborough District Council wants to decrease.

The council plans to review its Gambling Venue Policy, something it’s obligated to do every three years. One of the objectives of the policy is to minimise harm to the community caused by gambling.

As part of that, the review will consider whether the number of gaming machines in Marlborough needs to be slowly reduced over time.

One person who decided to address that harm was the Goodhome owner John Derry. In February, the gastropub in central Blenheim replaced its gaming room, which had a licence for eight pokies. John replaced the machines with a private dining room.

John said part of the reason was he did not think gambling was good for the community, and the customers who used the machines generally weren’t their target market.

He said about 90% of the people that used the machines seemed to have an issue with gambling. Often those customers would be there as soon as they opened for the day, John said.

While they had some customers who had dinner, a few drinks and threw “10 bucks on the pokies”, he said most of the time the machines did not benefit

There were three options under the council’s review. The first was to do nothing, which meant the cap on gaming machines in the region would remain at 240.

The second was to lower the cap on the number of machines to 165.

The final option – which was recommended in a report prepared by council licencing inspector Georgia Murrin – was to introduce a “sinking lid” policy.

This meant if a gambling venue closed, no new licence could be issued to replace that venue.

Under this option, two venues could merge or relocate, but only to a deprivation level that was the same, or lower.

The report said this would benefit the community as it would control the growth of gambling and reduce the potential for harmful gambling. However, it could discourage new hospitality businesses if they needed gaming machines to be financially viable, the report said.

Marlborough had 12 venues and 165 gaming machines in operation. Since March 2015, there had been a 40% reduction in the number of venues, and a 33.7% reduction in the number of machines.

The report, prepared for an environment and planning meeting last month, said that decrease in pokie machines was influenced by the closure of the Clubs of Marlborough, which had a licence for 30 gaming machines.

That licence lapsed in September last year. By November, it was announced

the clubs was to close for good, with its president citing ongoing financial difficulties as the cause.

John thought the sinking lid policy would be a positive outcome for the community.

“Strangely enough we’ve still got a licence for eight machines that I think expires in about six months, but I don’t think there should be any new licences,” he said.

“Gambling ... it’s one of those things like Lotto and horse races, they’re all a bit of a dying trend.”

Although he agreed the revenue that came from gaming machines benefited the community.

This was because “corporate societies” – sometimes known as “pokie trusts” – were licenced by the Department of Internal Affairs to operate gambling

machines in clubs or commercial venues. Corporate societies owned the machines, and entered into agreements with the venue who “host” the machines.

The venue received a commission for this – which at most was 16% – based on weekly turnover. A portion of the money was then distributed to community groups by the corporate societies through grants, though not all of it was distributed, as there was only a minimum requirement of 40% that had to be granted.

Figures showed about 18% of revenue or just over $2m in “gambling machine profits” went directly back to the Marlborough community through different grants in 2021. Other profits were distributed elsewhere in New

Zealand.

“The money coming from it, it is massive for the community, and all credit to them for doing that,” John said.

The council’s environment and planning committee approved consultation on the policy –subject to full council approval on May 18. Following this, the council planned to release the draft policy and its statement of proposal.

A community meeting would be held and a subcommittee of councillors Barbara Faulls, Thelma Sowman and Ben Minehan would hear and deliberate any submissions received on the proposed policy changes. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air.

bookFinaldaystofirstshow now!

During the June quarter the gaming machine industry made $257m in profits nationwide, while venues in south Auckland made $27m. PHOTO SUPPLIED: BRUCE MERCER/STUFF

Marlborough’s new Library and Art Gallery

Robinson Construction

Delivering the highest standard

By Chris Valli

Robinson Construction Limited are specialists in commercial construction and high-end residential housing projects. When it comes to the construction of Blenheim’s new library and art gallery, the finishing touches, attention to detail and quality of workmanship is testimony to all involved.

Owned by brothers Phil and Nick Robinson, Robinson

Construction is led by newly appointed general manager Mark Watson, with Nick as construction manager/director,

and Phil as quantity surveyor/ director. The company has left its indelible mark on Marlborough, having constructed among others, the ASB Theatre, Brancott Estate Heritage Centre, the WK building, Kmart and CPR Coffee.

So how does the new addition to Marlborough’s commercial landscape compare?

Nick says the high level finish is similar to other projects in the region. However, the scale of the building includes the building’s modern seismic-resistant technologies making it the sturdiest in town in the event of an earthquake.

Ground works underway in preparation for the foundations, which will be followed by the 500 cubic metres of concrete that will be poured by 85 trucks to form the ground-floor slab.

A concept drawing of the new Library and Art Gallery.

“The structural engineering is next level,” he says. “We made good use of our comprehensive quality assurance and project management tools, along with quality on-site workmanship. Every detail was checked and double checked before any concrete was poured. Before the main foundations were poured, we had it re-surveyed. Each column was within a two millimetre tolerance on location, height, and the whole nine-yards.

“What that meant for us was that we knew every column was 100% in the right place. When the steel fixers from Christchurch came to install the roof and floor framing, not one piece of steel was physically remade or recut to size, everything went in. Every

purlin (roof framing) in the roof was a different length from 300 millimetres to six and a half metres. There were over 1000 purlins in this job, not one was recut.”

The Robinson Construction team involved with the library

and art gallery project consisted of on average eight - ten on-site staff over the length of the construction which began in September 2020 and was completed in February 2023.

Nick says he is thankful for the Marlborough District Council’s

cooperation with the construction, including agreeing to forward-ordering of materials at a time when materials supplies were not guaranteed such as the gib board, light fittings, mechanical switchboards and the lifts.

Continued on page 14.

With a 3,600 square metre footprint, the shape of the building was one of the more tricky logistics of the construction.

The shape of the completed roof reveals the architectural vision behind the project.

“Every purlin in the roof was a different length”

Marlborough’s new Library and Art Gallery OPENING

MAY 12TH, 2023

Continued from page 13.

“That was done early on to minimise delays,” he says. “Our suppliers and subcontractors were all on the same page and that is due to the foresight of the Council’s Project Management Consulting Team.”

With the building having a 3,600m2 footprint, Nick says the shape of the building was one of the more tricky logistics of the construction.

“Most of the sub-contractors are locally based - the structural steel and the windows were from out of town,” he says. “The design of it and the greater specifications like the warm roof feature with no metal touching metal and the

purlins covered in plywood. Add to that the 200ml thick insulation and screwing that roofing into the plywood, not the metal. The actual plant room is one of the smallest I have seen for a job.”

Construction administrator

Jodie Brick says “The project has been a privilege to be a part of due to its magnitude and its importance to our community. To be working on site alongside the Robinson team, subcontractors and consultants has been an amazing experience and we have learnt so much from this build due to the structural and architectural aspects of the building.”

For Nick, the construction of the ceiling was a personal highlight.

“There is not one sheet that is the same shape or size. A lot of them had ridges and valleys and every sheet was cut and drilled on a CNC router in Auckland (computer controlled cutting

machine). You can’t afford to get any wrong and we didn’t.”

Nick says the greatest achievement and motivation not only with this construction, but others over the years is walking away every day and seeing what is being produced.

“It’s one of those jobs or industries where you can stand back every day and say, we’ve achieved something – like pouring the 500m 3 concrete ground-floor in one day (that’s 85 truckloads) – the process is amazing.”

The view from the top of the stairs down through the main entrance.

The detail in the ceiling is incredible. No two sheets were the same shape or size.

“You can’t afford to get any wrong and we didn’t”

An artist’s impression of Marlborough’s newest community hub, the Library and Art Gallery.

Art Gallery OPENING MAY 12TH, 2023

Robinson Construction’s construction manager Nick Robinson, and construction administrator Jodie Brick oversee some finishing touches.

The bright sparks behind lighting the library

The team at Cresswell Electrical are delighted to have been ‘the bright sparks’ delivering the electrical side of the project for Marlborough’s new library. As the region’s oldest electrical firm (established in 1878) history and legacy is something that is important to the company.

“We’re really proud to have been involved with this ‘legacy project’ for our region. It’s a library for the future – with a reshaping of the paradigm for what a library can mean for a community,” Cresswell’s co-owner Stephen Leitch says.

“And the attention to detail and finish that the team have brought to the work is genuinely outstanding. The irony is that

they have done such a beautiful job and on a large scale, but the vast majority of their work will never be seen – tucked away in neat lines behind the walls and ceilings, and under floors”.

The scale of the project is indeed impressive with over 15 kilometres of cable used in the installation, coupled with over 900 terminations and switches, and power supplied from seven different distribution boards throughout the building fed from the central main switchboard. All the light fixtures are LED and use around 85-90% less electricity than traditional incandescent or halogen type.

The project required some thinking outside the box too,

with the team needing to manufacture lighting brackets for the ceiling themselves, in order to deliver the result required by the bespoke nature of the batten ceiling and acoustic features. The seismic bracing resulted in some special efforts too, for example separation of the data and services wiring to accommodate the bracing.

The upstairs angled ceilings were also challenging for the lighting rod suspension fit-out - requiring lasers to square the rods from three different directions, and multiple angles. But this is a team that prides itself on rising to the challenge, says Stephen.

“The team has taken every

Great interiors with design, innovation, quality and value.

challenge in their stride, and the solutions have often been impressive. The precision involved in installing one of the 100kg+ boards into a cupboard in the confines of a corridor with less than an inch clearance, well it is a bit like the proverbial eye of a needle stuff. We’re all very proud of the solutions and the standard of workmanship.”

A highlight for the team was lighting the distinctive tree feature in the children’s section upstairs, reports Cresswell’s Project Lead, Jamie Miller. “It’s not every day you get to light up a tree in our line of work,” he laughs. “I hope it helps create a magical library experience for all the Marlborough children.”

• Tiles • Timber • Blinds Shutters • Soft Furnishings

Suspended lights bring a sense of scale as the interior space starts to take shape.

Marlborough’s new Library

Aircraft refresh

By Chris Valli

It’s the end of an era as the last of Air New Zealand’s aircraft in teal blue livery undergo a refresh.

The eight remaining Q300 aircraft will soon be sporting the airline’s iconic black and white look and will be sent to Blenheim for their transformation.

They are the only aircraft in Air New Zealand’s entire fleet that remain in the teal Pacific Wave livery that was donned within the early 2000s. The teal livery and colour was a nod to the airline’s 80 plus years of history, starting with the creation of what was then Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL) and now has become Air New Zealand.

Over the next four months, the aircraft will go through a strip and repaint process led by the airline’s Engineering and Maintenance teams and supported by Airbus in New Zealand, at their facilities in Blenheim.

Air New Zealand’s Group General Manager of Engineering and Maintenance Brett Daley says the Airbus facility is normally used to repaint military planes, but provides the perfect location to repaint these smaller turboprop aircraft.

“We’re really excited about this opportunity to work with Airbus on the repainting of these planes which help connect our customers to the regions - from Hokitika, Gisborne, Napier, Rotorua, Whangarei and beyond. It’s fantastic to have the capability to do this in our own backyard.”

“It is the first time the aircraft have been fully stripped and repainted in New Zealand and Air New Zealand has used these facilities. The aircraft were previously painted off-shore in Australia”

Brett says the repainting process is a complex one, taking a total of 14 full days for the transformation.

“There’s a lot of work involved, and our teams do an amazing job from start to finish, stripping off the existing paint, repainting, refinishing and then reweighing before the aircraft is ready to leave the hangar.”

Three aircraft have already been through the process, with work underway on the fourth in the coming weeks.

The eight aircraft are due to all be painted and ready for service by July, in time to help get customers to where they need to go during the busy school holiday period.

“The black and white livery is distinctive, and I think inspires a sense of pride in New Zealanders. Whenever you see the mangōpare on the livery, you can’t help but feel a sense of home,” he says.

“Black is also an iconic Kiwi colour, the colour of the sports jerseys we wear with pride and part of our national identity, so it will be fantastic to welcome these aircraft with their updated livery back into our fleet.”

The Q300 aircraft can seat 50 passengers and are used on Air New Zealand’s regional network. The airline has a total of 23 8-300 and 29 ATR – 72 in its turboprop fleet.

Over the next four months, the aircraft will go through a strip and repaint process led by the airline’s Engineering and Maintenance teams and supported by Airbus in New Zealand, at their facilities in Blenheim.

A day to thank Marlborough nurses

By Chris Valli

This Friday, May 12 is recognised around the world as International Nurses Day and is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

The founder of modern nursing once said ‘let us never consider ourselves finished, nurses. We must be learning all of our lives.’

The theme for this year is Our Nurses, Our Future, a global campaign to address the global health challenges and improve global health for all. In effect, learning from the lessons of the pandemic and translating these into actions of the future.

Recently, the National opposition proposed they wanted to knock more than $22,000 off nurses’ and midwives’ student loans to encourage them to stay in New Zealand for five years and stop graduates being “aggressively recruited” overseas.

National leader Christopher Luxton said under National, the Government would pay nurses’ and midwives’ student loan repayments up to $4500 a year for the first five years of their career meaning a nurse or midwife over five years would be $22,500 better off.

Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said National’s plan won’t work as it simply is not enough to attract more nurses into the profession.

“We know the most effective way to grow our nursing workforce is to pay our nurses fairly.

And that is what this Government is committed to. Since 2017, graduate nurse base salaries have risen 35% from $49.4k to $66.7k and the top step base salary for Registered Nurses has risen 43% from $66.7k to $95.3k,” Verrall said.

However as well as feeling valued and acknowledged in the profession, for some nurses it’s about making a difference.

Registered Blenheim nurse Wendy Tantrum entered the nursing profession as her oldest sister was a nurse and followed in her footsteps.

“Once I was in my training I found that my favourite placement was on the children ward at Wanganui Hospital and so I decided that’s where I wanted to be,” says Wendy.

“My first year I got a job at a medical ward at Wanganui but due to staff shortage I was able

to help some days in the special care baby unit (SCBU). I loved looking after those tiny babies and their families and making a difference.”

Wendy and her partner returned to Blenheim in 2003 after completing her O.E and started work at Wairau Hospital/Te Whatu Ora and has been there ever since.

She is currently in the Outpatients Department after stints in Paediatrics, Medical, Surgery and ATR Unit (Assessment, Treatment, and RehabilitationAcute Stroke Unit).

So after 23 years is nursing still a desirable option in New Zealand?

Wendy believes even though ‘we are going through tough times in nursing’ she says she wouldn’t change it for anything.

“I still think it is a great option for a career. It’s one of those degrees you can actually do so much with,” she says. “We still have a way to go with pay parity and equity. Until we get in line with Australia we will lose nurses overseas.”

“Nursing has been good to me. I’ve been able to work morning or afternoon shifts and have been able to fit in around my children and their needs. I love my job – I have fun every day. I can’t think of anything else I would rather do.”

Tania Ann Nicola

Registered Blenheim nurse Wendy Tantrum.

every nurse was drawn to nursing because of a desire to care, to serve, or to help.

Christina Feist-Heilmeier

Blenheim Old Boys returning to perform concerts with the New Zealand Army Band

Over the nearly six decades since its formation, the New Zealand Army Band has evolved into one of the world’s most diverse entertainment organisations. Regularly travelling domestically and worldwide, the band has performed on some mighty stages. These have included the likes of the iconic Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland as well as performances for the late Queen Elizabeth II. However it is the band’s upcoming performances in Blenheim that will be of special importance for two of its members.

Bandmaster Staff Sergeant Phil Johnston and trumpet player Lance Corporal Sam Powell both hail from Blenheim, attended Marlborough Boys’ College and cut their teeth in the Marlborough District Brass Band. With Phil as a Marlborough Boys’ alumnus of 1990 and Sam one of 2015, their experiences are separated by all but a generation.

Performing at Church of the Nativity on May 20 as well as a special performance at Marlborough Boys’ College on May 22, both Phil and Sam are excited to return to their old stomping ground and perform to a familiar audience.

“Returning to Blenheim will be a nice trip down memory lane for me,” Sam says. “My musical journey started there and it laid the foundations of what I am now.”

Phil agrees. “For my first seven years as Bandmaster I never got to perform

in Blenheim for the locals. I’m really looking forward to it,” he says.

These will be the band’s first performances in Blenheim since November 2020 when they performed a sold-out concert at ASB Theatre Marlborough. Since then the band has been a busy entity with performances across the country, as well as a welcome return to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2022. The band also spent several months in 2021 as security personnel in various Managed Isolation and Quarantine Facilities nationwide, as part of the Government’s response to Covid-19.

Their concert at Church of the Nativity on May 20 promises a varied programme of music. Curated by Phil, the programme will feature the band’s signature blend of traditional brass band music, as well as show tunes, jazz and rock. “I love the variety of our evening concerts. We can show off the contemporary side of the band, our amazing vocalists as well as the traditional brass band side,” he says.

The concert will feature solos from the Army Band’s world-class brass musicians, including Staff Sergeant Kevin Hickman on flugelhorn, who recently won ‘Open Brass Champion of Champions’ at the 2023 Australian National Band Championships. The Army Band’s principal tuba player Private Nicholas Scott, having recently performed with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, will also be a

featured soloist, as will be the band’s soprano cornet player Corporal Raynor Martin.

On Monday May 22 the Army Band will also perform a school concert at Marlborough Boys’ College, providing an invigorating mix of swing, rock and popular music. Phil hopes to change some preconceptions about the Army Band. “Like many school concerts, especially at boys’ schools, they’ll walk in staunch, but when we start playing they’ll realise it’s not a military concert and rather

a contemporary covers gig, and they’ll get into it,” he says.

Both Phil and Sam are excited to perform at their old stomping ground and hope that it will inspire the next generation of brass musicians in the region. “My time at Marlborough Boys’ gave me lots of opportunities to try out different genres of music and different instrument. I’m looking forward to catching up with my old teachers and hopefully meeting some of [the College’s] up and coming musicians”, Sam says.

High Tea at Coralie’s

While church services, tree plantings and 21gun salutes marked King Charles’ Coronation for Blenheim women a good old catch up and laughs was the order of the day. Jill Sutherland, Coralie Holdaway, Julie Griffin and Kaye Smith got together on Sunday for a lunch and a ‘great deal of fun’. Coralie says she has always been a fan of the Royal Family and likes them all.

“Blenheim has a great cultural scene and has really fantastic programmes for youth. I hope that our concerts will help to inspire more young musicians locally and promote music in the area.”

The New Zealand Army Band perform at Church of the Nativity, Blenheim on May 20 at 7pm. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for Under 18. 50% of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Marlborough District Brass Band.

Bandmaster Staff Sergeant Phil Johnston and trumpet player Lance Corporal Sam Powell both hail from Blenheim

1Call - Anytime. Anywhere. Technology.

By Chris Valli

1Call is one of Marlborough’s leading business technology companies. They specialise in supporting technology environments for the best businesses in the region.

Managing Director Peter Johnstone says the team has broad experience encompassing products and services from Microsoft, HP, HP Enterprise, Extreme Networks, Fortinet and more.

“A large part of our business is providing managed technology services to small and medium enterprises; this is where we basically provide and manage the technology infrastructure for our clients so that they can focus on their core business areas,” he says. “We also provide managed voice over IP (VoIP) phone systems for businesses; these are the cloud based technology that replaces the old-school PBX systems that are gradually being phased out as Chorus retires its copper phone lines. VoIP phone systems provide greater flexibility, control and cost savings compared to the systems that they replace.

ADDING CLOUD BACK UP

1Call says many business owners using Microsoft 365 believe that their data is totally secure. The reality, however, is a different story. Although Microsoft offers many benefits in productivity, efficiency, and collaboration with Microsoft 365, the company doesn’t provide users with a comprehensive backup system for their underlying data. SkyKick Cloud Backup from 1Call can fill that data protection gap for Microsoft 365.

DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE

Peter’s background is ‘around forty years’ in the IT industry in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom. He was previously with

NCR, Prime Computer and Dow-Jones Telerate, and for the last 23 years as Managing Director of 1Call.

Peter says he has eight staff in the upstairs Queen Street office and most have been around for a long time by IT industry standards.

“All of our staff has broad technical backgrounds in various areas such as computer networking, server management, cloud technologies, and security management.”

As for 1Call’s point of difference Peter says it is the team’s depth of knowledge.

“1Call has an outstanding team of personnel, most of whom have been with us for a long time and who know their technology and their customers. Our team is not afraid to learn new technology and apply it to their customers’ benefits. We have excellent systems and leading professional services platforms to support our customers.”

Talk to the 1Call team at 8 Queen Street or at 577 9321. Their hours are; office: Monday-Friday: 08:30 to 14:45 or Support Desk: Monday-Friday: 08:00 to 17:30.

1Call engineer Bradley Houart configuring equipment in a network cabinet in a winery.

Managing Director Peter Johnstone.

Under New Zealand law, all children under seven years of age must use an approved child restraint appropriate for their age and size.

• SERVICE, PARTS, FINANCE

Did you know it’s the law that all children under seven must be secured in an approved child restraint appropriate for their age and size?

Do you need to know what restraint your child should be in when travelling in your car?

Do you need to know how to correctly fit the car seat in your car?

To answer these questions and for more information about buying and installing a child restraint go to https://www. nzta.govt.nz/resources/child-restraints/ or https://www.plunket.org.nz/being-a-parent/preparing-for-your-baby/ car-seats/about-child-restraints/

Each year, many children are involved in vehicle crashes.

An a ppropriate child restraint (car seat) i s t he best protection your child has when they are involved in a crash.

Under New Zealand law, the driver is re -

sponsible for making sure any child under seven years old is properly restrained in a car seat that’s appropriate for their age, size, and development.

That means you can be fined if you are stopped by the police for failing to secure your tamariki correctly.

The police and all road safety partners are committed to ensuring no one is killed or seriously injured on our roads.

Marlborough has trained child restraint technicians who do provide a car restraint fitting service for a small charge.

Please contact Robyn Blackburn at the Marlborough District Council for more details. Marlborough District Council through Marlborough Road Safety is planning to support the training for more child restraint technicians in our region to ensure better outcomes for our community.

Join us on the same Road to Zero journey.

Let’s keep our tamariki safe when they are travelling in our cars

Signing off

When they are signing off in Maori on the news at the end, can it be subtitled in other languages so we can understand what has been said.

Road toll

The Government had put a toll on a Northland road.

Why not put a toll on the Sounds Roads. Makes sense.

Under 12’s

Once again Springcreek have all the players for Under 12 rugby and Central can’t even make a team. Instead of giving Central some of their players they want our boys to go out and be reserves for their two teams, what’s going on?

Not a saving

Saw in ‘Chemist Warehouse’ they had ‘special’ tickets over the original price of the item plus it said ‘Save $1 ‘ but the original price was the same as the ‘special’ price & you did not save $1 !! .. how are they allowed to do this (false advertising) as some people might think they are saving money but are not.

Vaping

Yes.. ban it here in NZ too.

Bad thing?

European colonisation brought about the end of cannibalism and slavery of the people whose forebears migrated here 400 years earlier. Was that such a bad thing?

Fencing

Bit of conversation about the Taylor River lately, here’s my 2 cents worth, went for a walk up the Taylor from the dam, don’t want to drop farmers in it again but it looks like large animals have periodic access to the river just up from the dam and further down stream when they work out they can just stroll through the electric fence.

This waterway should be permanently fenced from at least the first road bridge or even the first ford.

ANZAC

I personally find ANZAC Day a very significant remembrance. I was, therefore, disappointed to see so many media references to ANZAC. Using any form other than ANZAC dishonours the people and their sacrifice. Lest we forget - or have some already done that?

Re: Sneaky deserves Indigestion

To the nosey busy bodies who responded to my text.

Get your facts straight. The staff were informed of the change. If an apology should be forthcoming, it should be from the couple who consumed the chips that they didn’t order or pay for. They should have been honest. End of story!!

Too much time

With the weed now cut I guess those with too much time on their hands can focus solely on the merits of us being named after an obscure region in the Netherlands.

Petrol/oil prices

So the plan is still to remove the minor subsidy on petrol prices & so boost the devastatingly high cost of living and inflation rates even further.

All while the international barrel price of oil has continued to drop without any corresponding reduction in the price/s of petrol at the pump. Perhaps it’s time for an investigation into the profiteering activities of NZ petroleum companies?

Picton library hours

Wondering if MDC is contemplating shortening Picton Library hours. Wednesday used to open at 8am, then it became 9am, today 3 May, it is 11am. Closed 3 days last week because all staff had covid apparently; 2 hour lunches, library closed so unable to access services; computers often on the blink and no urgency to get them fixed. Maybe this is the strategy to get Picton ratepayers to use new library?

Thanks to council

Credit where it’s due, the gardens look awesome for Anzac Day. Our council parks and reserves are awesome and the new library is magnificent and we have joined the rest of New Zealand getting long overdue wheelie bins. As a ratepayer I would like to thank all council employees and apologise to them for all the continual whiners who probably never get out and smell the roses .

Marlborough in autumn is beautiful -enjoy it.

ANZAC parades

Yes agree with the text writer re the Anzac parades around the country referred to as Aotearoa. Respectfully should have been called New Zealand. That’s the country our brave men and women were representing.

Looks great

Chris and the Blenheim Sun team, thank you very much for including the interview with Cristy in the latest issue (Public Trust), it looks great.

Dirty streets

Walking along our town streets one has to dodge all the greasy signs of vomit. I heard a visitor to our town comment on it and they were right. Get the people on CCTV who did it and get them back with hot soapy water to clean it off or make vomit bags compulsory and take it home.

Virus speed

So covid had a contagious number of 2-3 and we were told that will spread like wildfire. Now we have cases of measles with a contagious number of 18 and that will spread like wildfire. The higher the number the more contagious. See how we were lied to about covid, at least the MMR vaccine is an actual vaccine.

Think again

To the ignorant man cycling up the track off Richardson Ave on Friday. You came up behind us with no warning to let us know you were there and cycled through the middle of our group of 3, 2 of who had walking sticks nearly knocking one of us over and swearing at our dogs using the F word.

It’s not on mate. Have some respect for people. You have large wheels on your bike so it’s easy for you to pass on the outside. So think again before you scatter people in your wake.

Talk of the week

Re: moaning

I feel the same. We aren’t saying we don’t want any te reo, we just don’t want (or need) everything changed to Māori. Simple.

Wairau Hospital RUC’s

Was in the surgical ward, what a team of troupers. How can builders, plumbers, mechanics get $100plus per hour? You need to visit a Hospital and see how hard these nurses work. Then some people would realise the true value of nurses, they NEED to be paid more. Thank you for your care.

It’s time EV‘s paid RUCs to contribute to road maintenance.

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.

Fairhall Cemetery

We live in a lovely area of NZ and from a distance our cemetery at Fairhall looks passable but one has to be so careful as the ground is so uneven, the weeds are nothing short of awful and the grass is cut without a catcher leaving dead grass over the headstones. If the council goes to the Richmond and Fox’s Hill cemetery or even better, the Gladstone cemetery in Greymouth they will understand that ours need attention. The Gladstone one is awesome, little hedges always trim, the ground is level and edges and grass cut with a catcher. It is called honour and respect. Spray the weeks, level the ground, use a catcher and do the edges. Simple.

Tom Knowles

Musician and Actor

 Are you a dog or cat person?

Definitely dog. I had a cat once and it didn’t like me much.

 My friends would say I am…

Annoyingly persistent but vague.

 The best advice I ever received was?

It is what it is.

 What would you buy if money was no object? Everyone a house and a feed.

 Local coffee haunt?

We are home coffee people, but when we are out and about we love Common Ground Cafe in Jville and the Ritual cart at the farmers market in Blenheim.

 Favourite takeaway?

Subway diet always.

 The shop you can’t walk past is...?

A record shop or the ‘Rood food pâté’ stall at the Blenheim market!

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

The Bohally students gifted me an original painting of the atua of peace, Rongomatane, after they performed my original musical.

 Where is your happy holiday place? Blenheim of course. The Sounds and the sun with a splash of Sav.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Can’t get enough of ‘Succession.’ Followed closely by ‘Jury Duty’ and ‘The Rehearsal.’

 What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To release an album and I’m doing it this month! Check it out!

gardening this week

High health vegetables: By Wally Richards

I have always enjoyed growing different plants that are not commonly available.

This is one of the aspects that make gardening more enjoyable and exciting when you have successes.

Three vegetables that I have grown in the past and are writing about are not rare but also not common for many gardeners.

The first of these is called Chayote or more commonly known as Choko.

Originating from Mexico where the vines grow prolifically they have little financial value there likely because they are so prolific.

Specialist fruit and vegetable shops or flea markets are likely to have chokos for sale at this time of the year for about a dollar each. Most people likely do not know the fruit and bypass them where people from Asia are likely to be the main buyers.

Choko are a member of the gourd family; cucurbitaceae, along with melons, cucumbers and squash.

In Asia they are commonly diced up and used in stir fries and soups.

The fruit does not need to be peeled to be cooked or fried in slices. Most people regard it as having a very mild flavour by itself.

It is commonly served raw with seasonings (e.g. salt, butter and pepper) or in a dish with other salad vegetables and/or flavourings. It can also be boiled, stuffed, mashed, baked, fried, or pickled in escabeche sauce.

Both fruit and seed are rich in amino acids and vitamin C.

The fresh green fruit are firm and without brown spots or signs of sprouting. Smaller ones are more tender. I actually I like the fruit raw, eaten like an apple they are crisp and refreshing.

The tuberous part of the root is starchy and eaten like a yam (can be fried).

The leaves and fruit have diuretic, cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory properties, and a tea made from the leaves has been used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and to dissolve kidney stones.

So a very versatile, interesting plant.

They are easy to grow and the older fruit will start shooting from the base then all you need to do is place the fruit sideways, half buried in compost with the shoot upwards.

Start off in a container where it will root up and then protect in a glasshouse or similar (even a window sill) till spring when it can be planted out.

It must be planted in a free draining situation, sunny and a degree of protection from frosts.

Spray the vine with Vaporgard for frost protection in winter and cover with frost cloth when there are two or more frosts in a row.

The first season from experience I found no fruit but a lot of growth and some winter damage.

The next season I once again thought all it wanted to do was grow but as the day light hours shortened small flowers and fruit started forming. The fruit grow rapidly and within a week or so a baby fruit becomes bigger than your fist.

For the health and mineral benefits these have a nutritional value per 100g:

Energy 80 kJ (19 kcal), carbohydrates 4.51g, sugars 1.66g, dietary fibre 1.7g, fat 0.13g, protein 0.82g.

Vitamins are thiamine (B1) (2%) 0.025mg, riboflavin (B2) (2%) 0.029mg, niacin (B3) (3%) 0.47mg, pantothenic acid (B5)(5%) 0.249mg, vitamin B6 (6%) 0.07 mg, folate (B9) (23%) 93g.

That is an impressive range of B vitamins making 43% of total, then there is vitamin C (9%) 7.7mg, vitamin E (1%) 0.12mg, vitamin K (4%) 4.1g.

The trace metals are calcium (2%) 17mg, iron (3%) 0.34mg, magnesium (3%) 12mg, phosphorus (3%) 18mg, potassium (3%) 125mg, zinc (8%) 0.74mg.

Health wise, how good is that? So easy to grow and eat raw to obtain full benefits of the vitamins and minerals.

Next we have a less common one called Jerusalem Artichokes which is a root vegetable from the helianthus tuberosus family, also called sunroot, sunchoke, earth apple or topinambour, it is a species of sunflower native to eastern North America.

Grown from tubers it can be successfully grown anywhere that has reasonable drainage and sun light.

Grown in a container, waste area, vegetable garden or flower garden it will thrive.

In a container it grows about a metre or so tall in open ground from a couple of metres to 3 or 4 metres tall dependent on soil and growing conditions.

In autumn it produces smaller sunflower blooms and dies back about

this time of the year when you can start harvesting the tubers.

The nobly tubers contain about 10% protein, no oil, and a surprising lack of starch. However, it is rich in the carbohydrate inulin (76%), which is a polymer of the monosaccharide fructose.

Tubers stored for any length of time will convert their inulin into its component fructose.

Jerusalem artichokes have an underlying sweet taste because of the fr uctose, which is about one and a half times sweeter than sucrose.

Jerusalem artichokes have also been promoted as a healthy choice for type 2 diabetics, because fructose is better tolerated by people who are type 2 diabetic.

It has also been reported as a folk remedy for diabetes.

Temperature variances have been shown to affect the amount of inulin the Jerusalem artichoke can produce. When not in tropical regions, it has been shown to make less inulin than when it is in a warmer region.

You can find recipes for the tubers on the Internet, steamed or baked and excellent for soups. They have a nutty, earthly taste a bit like Gin sing.

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5oz) is Energy 304kJ (73kcal): carbohydrates 17.44g, sugars 9.6g, dietary fibre 1.6g, fat 0.01g, protein 2g.

Vitamins: thiamine (B1) (17%) 0.2mg, riboflavin (B2) (5%) 0.06mg, niacin (B3) (9%) 1.3mg, pantothenic acid (B5) (8%) 0.397mg, vitamin B6 (6%) 0.07 mg, folate (B9) (3%) 13g, vitamin C (5%) 4mg. Trace metals: calcium (1%) 14mg, iron (26%) 3.4mg. Minerals: magnesium (5%) 17mg, phosphorus (11%) 78mg, potassium (9%) 429mg.

Another very nutritious and easy to grow vegetable.

Chayote, more commonly known as Choko. Jerusalem artichoke.

On Monday May 1 new Marlborough District Youth Council members were sworn into office. The youth council is comprised of a team of diverse young people from Marlborough with their one common desire to help make a difference for the region of Marlborough and rangatahi who live here. They meet monthly to discuss youth issues, gain valuable skills and at the same time have the opportunity to learn more about local government. Their contributions provide a youth voice to the District Council.

Golding Girls: Treading the boards for the Boathouse Theatre's next play, The Golding Girls, in June will be from back; Bridget McNamara (director), Deb Cox (Florence Golding). Front; Juanita Smart (Donna Golding), Margaret Pringle (Alice Golding) and Abi Balasoglou (Hannah Golding). The play is from Wednesday 14th - 24th June and is part of the 75 year celebration of Marlborough Repertory. Tickets are now on sale at the ASB Theatre.

EARTH DAY AT POLLARD PARK: Environhub's Earth Day Picnic in the Park celebration. There was a plethora of activities from bike fixing and donations, repairing and reusing, zero waste food and drink and information and activities for young and young at heart.

BOOKSTATIC: Blenheim children visiting the art gallery and library recently. From left; Jay Flood, Leo Taylor, Petra Valli, Alanna Cain, Olive Taylor, Isabella Cheung Javurek, Kayla Flood, McKenzie Snowden and Sylvie Crow.

The Coronation Tree Planting for King Charles III at Seymour Square at the weekend saw Marlborough Boys’ College Principal Matua John Kendal, Deputy Head Boy, Adam Cairns and Marlborough Girls’ College student Tamara Livingstone, Environmental Manutaki, and Ms MaryJeanne Lynch, Tumuaki of Marlborough Girls’ College, in attendance. Matua John says their students represented the schools with distinction. Jed Cornelius supported the proceedings with waiata, along with Logan Ready who is a member of the Marlborough District Brass Band.

Midge McCleary entertained the crowd with his engaging percussive fingerstyle guitar playing.

what’s on in marlborough

Friday 12 May

Vintage Farm Machinery:

Open daily, 10am to 3pm, Brayshaw Vintage Farm. Phone John 577 7442.

Marlborough Museum:

Open daily, 10am to 4pm, free entry to the museum on Saturdays. Brayshaw Heritage Park, 26 Arthur Baker Place. 03 578 1712.

Saturday 13 May

Blenheim Chess Club:

Meets at Delicia Café, Scott Street, every Saturday 10am – 1pm. All welcome.

Repair Cafe:

We’ll fix your small repair on site, on the day while you wait and have a cuppa. Sewing/ darning, bikes, small furniture/wooden items, toys; electronic items and mobile phones.  Every 4th Saturday monthly. John’s Kitchen, 2 Redwood St. Donations for repairs accepted.  Enquiries to Gerrie 0273030762.

Sounds SeniorNet:

Meet at the newly refurbished Linkwater Hall for Saturday information afternoons at 2pm. Entry free and afternoon tea provided. Everyone is welcome.

Whitehead Park Bowing Club, Redwoodtown:

Saturdays mainly tournaments from 9.30am to 3pm. All welcome. Contact John 573 9086. Also Mondays and Wednesdays. Summer timetable starts October.

Sunday 14 May

Working Bee Dates for Te Whanau Hou

Grovetown Lagoon

Working bee for tree planting, propagation and maintenance. Meeting at the Wairau Rowing Club at 9.30am, 14 May.

Marlborough Farmers’ Market: 9am-noon. Marlborough A&P Showgrounds. Fresh produce from your local farmers. Tasty line up of fresh and seasonal, gourmet and artisan produce and products that this region has to offer.

Picton Rail and Sail:

On the Foreshore - mini train rides and mini yacht hire to sail on our pond every Sunday 11am-3pm, operating every day during school holidays. Only 20 cents per ride/yacht hire!

Blenheim Bonsai Group:

Islington Gardens, Rowberry Road on the 2nd Sunday of the month 1pm-3.30pm.

Learning Assistant

Marlborough Boys’ College is looking for a supportive learning assistant, who is committed to improving the education and life chances for our rangatahi.

The position involves facilitating differentiated programs to students identified as being ‘at risk’ due to learning, social or behaviour challenges. While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to applicants with a background in education, outdoor education, social work, youth mentoring or experience with working with young people with disabilities. Practical skills and an enthusiasm to share these with our ākonga would also be very valuable.

If you are passionate about the youth of Marlborough, have a good sense of humour and enjoy working in a school environment, please forward your CV and a covering letter immediately to apply@mbc.school.nz

Please Note: In accordance with the Education Act 1989 and the Children’s Act 2014 a police vetting check will be required for this position.

Marlborough Tennis Club:

3pm to 5pm Parker St. Every Sunday– Social Tennis. Non Members $2 All welcome.

Contact: Joanna 027 578 6436

Blenheim Country Music Club Day: Door entry fees; $4 per non-member, $3 per financial club member. Afternoon tea provided. Singers and performers are welcome. H e ld fortnightly, starts at 2pm, finishes 5pm. Contacts: George 0211467140 or John 0273555209 for information.

Ulysses Rides Calendar:

Sunday Rides depart Railway Station carpark as listed. Thursday Rides depart Brayshaw Park carpark 11am. Every Saturday, Coffee at The Runway Cafe 10am. All Rides are weather dependent.

Marlborough Stamp Collectors: General meeting, Exhibit 2023 Auckland review, doors open 1.30. 34 Arthur Baker Place, phone 021 157 3496 for more information.

Coming Up:

Ulysses Rides Calendar May 2023

Thursday 11th May 11am Retreads Group

Sunday 14th May 1pm Rai Valley

Wednesday 17th May 7pm Committee

Meeting Kelvin Watson

Thursday 18th May 11am Retreads Group

Sunday 21st May 11am St Arnaud

Thursday 25th May 11am Retreads Group

Sunday 28th May 1pm Social ride to Kekerangu

Working Bee Dates for Te Whanau Hou Grovetown Lagoon

Working bees for tree planting, propagation and maintenance. Every second Sunday of the Month (excluding Easter and December) Meeting at the Wairau Rowing Club at 9.30am 14 May, 11 June, 9 July, 13 August, 10 September, 8 October, 12 November.

Marlborough Stamp Collectors: General meeting, Sunday 21st May. Exhibit 2023 Auckland review, doors open 1.30pm. 34 Arthur Baker Place, phone 021 157 3496 for more information.

Seed Swap:

Marlborough Community Gardens are proud to host the first-ever Seed Swap Festival in Blenheim this winter. A great event where everyone is welcome to swap seeds, exchange gardening tips and get to know the Community Gardens. Saturday 10th June, 9am-12pm. Free entry but limited free parking.

Golf Results

Blenheim Golf Club

Mon 1 May: 9 hole Stableford Ladies

Jenny Adams 22 Yvonne Hore 21 Shirley

Godsiff 20 Dawn Walker 20 Men Alan Wilson 20 David Dyer 19 Arnold Newman 19 John Burns 19 Ian Hatcher 18

Mike McConnell 18 Hay Montgomery

18 Paddy Couchman 17 Bob Tapp 17

Les Boniface 17 Leo McKendry 17

Marlborough Golf Club

Wed 3 May: Mixed 9 Hole Stableford

Div.1: Leana Gargiulo 16, June Maslin 16.

Div.2: Roslyn Leov 21, Judith Barton 20. 3 May, Women’s LGU net medal Div.1: Jane Anderson-Bay 77, Karen Morris 78.

Div.2:Lynn Dowler 74, Jo Grigg 78, Denise Pickering 79. Div.3: Debra Nicholls 78. Div.4: Francie Shagin 78, Ann Duncan 79, Helen Lissaman 80, Vivienne Boyle 80.

Picton Golf Club

Sat 29 Apr: Tohi’s v Tussocks Challenge - S/F Overall winner Memorial

Trophy-Shaun Brown 43; Div 1- Phil Hawke 39,Hiram Taylor 39; Eddie Davis 38, Aaron Wilson38; Jeff Pascoe 37, Stephen Jackson. Div 2 - Mike Ashworth 41; Trevor Gullery 36; Jelle Keizer 35; Barry Hyndman 33; Ian Johnson 32, Andrew Sunley 32,Paul Howden 32,Ron Peters

Rarangi Golf Club

Wed 3 May: Mens Midweek Stableford - Arthur Ross 38, Gordie Lang 37, John Jones 37, Jerome January 36, Alan Rutledge 36, Jim Thomas 35, Jim Thomas 35, Hans Bloemberg 34, Phil Hill 34, Tim Clark 34, Graham Iott, Bruce Curgenven 34, Jack Gleeson 33, Terry Allen 33.

Thu 27 Apr: Net Medal - Tracy Bary 72, Kathy Payne 76, Margaret Tapp 76, Sue Lang 78, Rete Kydd 78, Anne Newman 78, Dale McCrindle 79.

Sat 29 Apr: Single Par - Men - Dennis Wye 4, Gordie Lang 1, James Sutherland 0

Wanted to Buy

txt talk

Text your thoughts to: 027 242 5266

Dan Crawford 17 Don Lamond 17 May 3rd Medal 0-29 Vickie Lane 72 Helen Neame 73 30+ Dawn Walker 79 May 4th Stableford Desz Campbell 41 Don March 37 Grant Flynn 35 Morgan Bowe 33 Tom Bainbridge 34 9 Holes David Waters 19 David Dyer 18 Nigel Smith 16.

Thu 4 May: Men’s Stableford Div.1: Kevin Price 36, Ian Newport 36, Tony Gill 35, Hugh Bay 35, Robin Whiting 35. Div.2:Neal Ibbotson 37, Alastair Boyle 37, Brian Chippendale 35.

Sun 7 May: Stableford Div.1: Mike MacLeod 34, Grant Craig 33. Div.2:Andrew Stowell 36, Lance Nuttall 35. Div.3:Gerry Rooney 38, Neal Ibbotson 30.

32,Rowdy Robertson 32, Mark Ivamy 32. Ladies-Anita McCaffrey 34; Vicki Eastgate 33, Margaret Hastings 33, Maria McConway 33, Jenny Hart 31.

Tue 2 May: S/F Vicki Eastgate33; Dido Harper 32; Ricky Ashworth 31, Anita McCaffrey 31.

Winner Watson Cup- Dido Harper 75 nett.

Laurie McGlone 0.

Sun 30 Apr: Artie Stretch Trophy (Net Medal) - Ladies - Jo Rainbird 73, Sue Lang 74, Sue Campbell 74, Tracy Bary 76, Marg McLeod 76, Carla Hepplethwaite 76, Joanne Prescott 77, Margaret Tapp 78, Marilyn Smith 78, Rete Kydd 79. Mens - Terry Allen 70, Tim McKay 71, Ian Hale 71, Gavin Coombs 72, Cyril Dawson 73, Greg Thomas 73, Gordie Lang 73, Jerome January 74, David Price 74, Brian Gill 75, Clarry Neame 75, James Sutherland 75, Owen Gibbs 75, Allan Hogg 75, Rob Lopez 75, Gary Barnett 75.

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

ALDRIDGE; Gilbert William (Golly).

On May 7th, 2023, unexpectedly aged 68 years. Beloved father of Quin. Messages to 1 Churchill Street, Blenheim 7201 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz At Golly’s request a cremation will take place and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street, Blenheim on Friday 12 May at 2pm.

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

news tips

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Death notices

BAXTER; Kathryn Anne (nee Goodhue) 1964 model. Died 8 May 2023. Loved wife of Brett and mum of Nick and Tim. A private cremation has taken place with an after match function at 1626 Queen Charlotte Drive with a date to be confirmed. Bring a smile and a plate. To view the full notice please visit our website www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz

KLEIVEN: Yvonne. 24/10/1937 –02/05/2023. Formerly of Nelson and Christchurch. Passed away suddenly in Blenheim. In accordance with Yvonne’s wishes, a Private Family gathering has been held. To view the full notice please visit our website.

BRIGHT, Wayne Bernard (Wayno). Passed away peacefully at Marlborough Hospice on 4th May 2023. Husband of Emily & proud father of Isabelle. Messages to Wayne’s American family can be sent to 3347 SW 34th CT, Topeka, KS 66614, USA. Messages to Wayne’s NZ family can be sent to 32A Boyce Street, Renwick 7204 or www cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In accordance with Wayne’s wishes a private family funeral will be held. An unveiling & celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at a later date. To view the full notice please visit our website.

M C CALLUM; Margery Fay (Fay). Passed away on 2 May 2023 at Bethsaida Rest Home, aged 91 years. A private cremation will take place with a Memorial Service for Fay to be held at St Ninians Presbyterian Church, Alabama Road on Thursday 11 May at 2pm. To view the full notice please visit our website.

KESBY, Robert Paul (Kes): Passed away peacefully at Hospice Marlborough, on Saturday May 6, 2023. Aged 63 years. Adored husband of Susanne, much loved brother of Bill, Phillip and Rebecca. Loved stepfather of Jason. Reunited with Olive and Jack. The Kesby family would like to thank Hospice Marlborough for all their care during Kes’s illness. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice Marlborough would be appreciated and may be made at the service or online to a/c 03-1369-0365207-00 Ref. KESBY.

A service to celebrate Kes’s life will be at The Church of the Nativity, Alfred Street, at 10.00am on Monday May 15, followed by private cremation at the Sowman Crematorium. The service will be livestreamed and details may be accessed from our website www.sowmans.co.nz/upcoming-funerals.

DEIGHTON, Marina, 1934 - 2023: On Friday April 21, 2023 passed away unexpectedly but peacefully. She was so loved and will be sadly missed by husband Danny, their three children, their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Further information may be found on our website www.sowmans.co.nz

PATCHETT: Patricia Dawn (Pat) (formerly Cresswell). On 7 May 2023, peacefully at the Marlborough Hospice, surrounded by her loving family. Dearly loved wife of Ian. Pat was a loved mother, mother-in-law, step-mother, grandmother, step-grandmother and great grandmother. Now at Peace. Messages to 18C Hutcheson Street, Blenheim 7201 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Marlborough Hospice (Acc. No. 03 1369 036520700 ref: Patchett) would be appreciated. In accordance with Pat’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place.

MURPHY, Bill. 29-11-1930 to 11-5-2017. Years are passing and still you stay close to us as yesterday. You’re not just a memory or part of the past, but ours to treasure as long as life lasts. Your loving wife Lorraine and Family.

VINCENT: Shirley Annette. On 2 May 2023 at the Marlborough Hospice, aged 78 years. In accordance with Shirley’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place. To view the full notice please visit our website.

HUGHES: Josephine (Jo). 26.02.195811.04.2023. Suddenly in Dubai travelling to her beloved England. Everlasting and unconditionally loved partner of Kevin Hart. A much loved and cherished friend to many Messages to Kevin Hart, P O Box 1147, Blenheim 7240. A memorial service for Jo will be held in due course. Details to be advised.

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WEBB; Richard George (Dick). It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dick on 4th May 2023 at Redwood Care Centre, aged 79 years. In accordance with Dick’s wishes, a private cremation has been held. To view the full notice please visit our website.

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SOLUTION

SOLUTION

For February 16, 2005

Redwood Trust Marlborough Open

By Chris Valli

Local table tennis enthusiasts are in for a treat this weekend with many nationally ranked players taking part in the Redwood Trust Marlborough Open.

The tournament is the third qualifying event for players in the Open and Under-15 events who want to be considered to play for New Zealand in the Oceania Championships later in the year in Australia. Seventy-two players have entered, with entries from as far away as the North Shore to Southland.

Auckland’s Dean Shu, number four in the New Zealand ratings, will be the favourite to win the Men’s Singles. Dean is one of the top New Zealand players and has a very impressive career tournament record of 265 wins from 295 starts. He reached the semi-final of the Men’s Singles in the 2022 NZ Open. Max Henderson from the Bay of Plenty is another top performer, who is at number eight in the NZ ratings. He is another skilful player and reached the finals of both the Boy’s Under-19 Singles and Men’s Under-21 singles in last year’s NZ Open.

This is the first time in nearly 40 years that Marlborough has hosted two players in the Top 10. Canterbury’s Craig Dye is another top player, who plays a very consistent all-round game. Simon Fenwick,

also from Canterbury, is a former winner of the Men’s Singles and should go deep in the tournament.

Canterbury’s Kris Alisch, a former winner, is the highest ranked player in the Women’s Singles and last month played for New Zealand Veterans against Australia. She is another consistent player with strong topspin shots.

Marlborough’s Jacqui Wood is another strong player and has a very impressive inter-club record over the last six years.

The event has attracted New Zealand players, Abbey Webb, formerly of Manawatu now of Canterbury, and Otago’s Maia Cavanagh. There should be some really good matches between these players. Other top players in a very competitive event include Canterbury’s Lydia Mercer-Beumelburg and Ellie Zhang, and Anna King from Nelson.

There are good entries in the RB Catering Ltd C Grade (formerly 2nd Grade) Events. The Men’s Singles has 19 entrants. This could be a very close section with North Shore’s Ben Jung, Canterbury’s Gregg Davey and local player Alex Kennedy among the favourites.

The Women’s Section is also strong, with Maia Cavanagh and Southland’s Gemma Buzzard expected to do well.

There are 15 players in the Martella Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Over-40 Men’s Singles. Simon

Fenwick will be the favourite as he can dominate proceedings with his strong topspin game. Gregg Davey is another long-term supporter of this tournament and is always there or thereabouts when the titles are decided. Paul Op den Buysch and Mark Nalder from Nelson should enjoy their matches having run 5 days of the NZ Veterans Champs in Nelson over Easter. Local player Matt Millar has the skill to get into the medal positions.

The international flavour is provided by Teck Woontan, formerly of Singapore, now of Auckland. There are six entrants in the Women’s Singles with Canterbury’s Helen Beumelburg and Nelson’s Shino Yonei among the favourites.

In the Wadsco Trucks Over-55 Veterans section, Gregg Davey, Mark Nalder and Marlborough’s Marion Wood will be favoured in their events.

The Harcourts Junior Under-13,

15 and 19 sections has attracted strong players such as Griffin Buchanan, Chris Fenwick, Marco Ravadilla, Mihik Advilkar, India Buchanan, Ellie Zhang, Lydia Mercer-Beumelburg, Aarya Advilkar all from Canterbury and Joshua Pigott from Nelson. Local hopes include Oliver Phipps and Sophia Dillon.

The Open and C Grade events are on Saturday with the Veteran and Junior events on Sunday.

Witherlea Club to develop the art

By Chris Valli

The new Witherlea Taekwon-Do Club which opened on Monday night is an opportunity for people of all ages to develop into practitioners of the art.

The dojang (training hall) is a newly formed martial arts class based out of Witherlea School. Co-instructor Aaron Falvey says there are various forms of Taekwon-Do. The Witherlea dojang practice the International Taekwon-Do Federation, an international organisation founded on March 22, 1966, by General Choi Hong Hi in Seoul, South Korea.

Essentially the Korean martial art involves punching and kicking techniques, with an emphasis on head-height kicks, spinning jump kicks, and fast kicking techniques.

Aaron initially started training as a youngster in the early 90s and trained on and off until 1996. However, in recent years and with having his own kids it was his oldest daughter Summer who wanted to try the martial art.

“Watching her train inspired me to want to come back and continue my journey. So after a 23 year hiatus, I returned three and a half years later. I am now a second degree belt with an opportunity to co-instruct the Witherlea club with head instructor Tristan Wright.”

Aaron believes the timing was right for him as he was looking for new challenges. He also knew from his kids attending Witherlea School that there was an untapped pool of talent there.

“After some investigation, I found that there were a dozen families who expressed an interest in participating.” he says. “After a presentation to the school board, they were all on board to have a new club formed and host it from the Witherlea School Hall.”

Meanwhile, Head Instructor Tristan Wright has been training the art for eight years and has recently been assistant instructor at Picton Taekwon-Do. Tristan says he is looking forward to being able to pass on his knowledge and being able to guide and mentor people too.

Meanwhile, Head Teacher Rana Moanaroa inherited Redwoodtown Taekwon-Do in 2009 after his instructor Shane Eade unexpectedly passed. In 2019 Rana renamed Redwoodtown to Legion Taekwondo allowing for a more independent structure. As a result, eight clubs are now in Marlborough which all collaborates with low to zero fees for most of the clubs. Witherlea Taekwon-Do is a reflection of the mahi and driving force Rana has had on the local scene.

Aaron says Witherlea Taekwon-Do will cater for people of

any age and ability.

“Primarily we are here for the students of Witherlea School, but our training is available to anyone. Our classes are twice a week on Monday and Wednesday from 6pm-7:30pm. We have a syllabus we teach starting from White Belt (10th Gup) right through until 9th Degree Black Belt (Grand Master),” he says. “It gets more challenging as you progress but essentially each belt has a pattern you learn, along with self-defence and step-sparring.”

Aaron says as students’ progress they will complete destructions (board breaks using a specific technique) and sparring against other students of the same rank.

“Everything we do in training works towards those gradings which occur three times a year for colour belts. Everything you are taught is done in a regimental manner where we form up from highest rank through to lowest rank. This follows the tradition of being a military based martial art.” “I’m excited about the opportunity to grow a new club and be able to teach and watch our students develop into practitioners of the art.”

For Sun readers interested, Facebook Witherlea Taekwon-Do or contact Tristan on 021 120 3740 or Aaron on 027 380 5814.

Auckland's Dean Shu, number four in the New Zealand ratings, will be the favourite to win the Men's Singles at the Redwood Trust Marlborough Table Tennis open this weekend.

Witherlea Taekwon-Do instructors Tristan Wright and Aaron Falvey. The new club will be based at Witherlea School hall.