12 July Blenheim Sun Newspaper

By Chris Valli

The Marlborough District Brass Band attended the National Brass Band Championships in Dunedin last week returning triumphant after winning the B grade street march and recording the second highest points over all grades in the street march.

Continued on page 2.

Marlborough’s Denis Teeling (centre)‘Drum Major’ holding the mace in the street march up Dunedin’s George Street at the National Brass Band Champs last week. From left; Gordon Lang, Logan Ready, Cory Clemett and Dylan Pope.

Photo credit: Kelk Photography, Dunedin.

in honour of evan Musgrove

Continued from page 1.

The national championships, touted this year as the Dunedin Festival of Brass, brought hundreds of musicians from 29 bands from across the country to the city from July 5 to July 8.

M a rlborough was especially pleased to be bringing home the Musgrove Shield for the champion B grade marching band, named in honour of Marlburian and long-time local Drum Major Evan Musgrove. Local Drum Major Denis Teeling and Christchurch Addington Band’s Drum Major Dave Clearwater were jointly awarded the Champion ‘B’ grade Drum Major award.

Marlborough Band’s stage performances were also successful finishing third in the Sacred Item with Only in Sleep, and second in the set test named Journey into Freedom. Marlborough’s rendition of The Year of the Dragon as their own choice test was moving from the powerfully arresting opening to the poignant soulful trombone interlude passionately performed by 18 year old Logan Ready, and sympathetically replied to by soprano cornet Kerry Wood. The mainly brass band enthusiast audience of around 200 were spellbound leaving barely a dry eye in the house.

The adjudicator was Welsh born Tom Davoren who is currently Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Benedictine College in Kansas, USA.

Marlborough’s Junior Ensemble of Logan Ready, Cory Clemet, Ariel Rofe, Janet Luka, Bronson Blisset and Luka van Rensburg won their section, whilst the Senior Ensemble of Rob Randall, Graham Moseley, Logan Ready and Gordon Riach finished third. Soloists Clyde Dixon finished second in the Masters, with Kerry Wood third in open soprano cornet.

The musicians at all levels thor-

oughly enjoyed their time in Dunedin. Friendships within the brass band community stretch back years and the championships truly had a festival atmosphere. The festival wrapped up with a composers’ workshop, which was hosted by Tom Davoren.

Next year’s national championship is scheduled for Auckland.

Marlborough Brass will next perform in Blenheim at a Cathedral Brass concert planned for Nativity Church on November 18/19. Tickets will be on sale through the ASB Theatre and on line at asbtheatre.com from October.

Bob Barnes Thelma & Alistair Sowman Barry Holmwood Ethan Williams Terry Ryan Faye Partridge

MARLBOROUGH PROUD: The Marlborough District Brass Band on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in the Octagon, Dunedin.

Never break the chain

By Chris Valli

Fleetwood Mac’s formation in 1967, constant line-up changes, crippling addictions, and tumultuous romances threatened to derail the group’s success.

With the additions of Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac spun inner discord into gold, creating breakup songs that would resonate with multiple generations of rock fans.

Blenheim’s Gemma Amsler, grew up with the British-American rock band and was keen to do Stars in Your Eyes but not as a solo artist. She preferred the idea of a group audition while Daniel Brunel’s father was a ‘big fan’ of Fleetwood Mac. So when Gemma and Megan Rosene approached Daniel to join the dynamic he says ‘there was a free slot within his schedule’.

The 23-year-old has had a productive theatrical year. He was involved with Blenheim Musical Theatre’s May 2022 production of Les Miserable to the BMT Frank Sinatra cabaret theatre restaurant show Blue Eyes in November. Daniel

was cast as drag queen Felicia in the recent Priscilla Queen of the Desert and will appear as Dewey Finn in next month’s combined college production of School of Rock.

Daniel will be performing as the lead vocalist Lindsey Buckingham, Megan will be Stevie Nicks and Gemma will be Christine McVie.

All three were part of Priscilla and the discussion of doing Stars took fruition. Megan says the choice of the song, ‘The Chain’ is well-known and in many ways, their commitment and rehearsal schedule to five months for Priscilla where at the time ‘they were chained’ is apt indeed.

“The song shows off a nice three part harmony,” says Gemma. “It gives each person a time to shine and not just one person singing the whole thing, it’s nicely balanced. We each know each other’s skillset and there is a trust. We blend nicely vocally.”

“We all definitely had a bond in Blue Eyes going into Priscilla and we had each other to rely on,” says Megan. “We’ve been tight since.”

On the writing of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, in 1977, Nicks’

lyrics referenced the breakup of her relationship with Buckingham, a theme of many of Nicks’ and Buckingham’s lyrics on the album. The lyrics ‘And if you don’t love me now, You will never love me again, I can still hear you saying, You would never break the chain (never break the chain)’ is a backstory all three resonate with as they prepare to take the ASB stage.

“They’re chained together because they were Fleetwood Mac,” s ays Megan. “It’s about all the relationship difficulties they went through but still being the collective, as a group. You can’t break the chain.”

Daniel believes like Fleetwood Mac, all three of them have a strong conviction to each other regardless of their emotions.

“It’s easy to find that character(s) when you’re doing it with people you have strong bonds with,” he says. Their chosen

charity is the Graeme Dingle Foundation who Daniel currently works for as a Kiwi Can leader and has done for the past five years. The life skills and values programme is delivered to schools and has accrued wonderful, positive differences in Marlborough.

“There have been times where my conviction for what I have done has faded,” says Daniel. “The last year and the support I have been given with my commitment to theatre has reignited my passion for what I do and helping the youth. It was a no-brainer to give back to Graeme Dingle Foundation.”

Sun The

Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year 23

Zac Howell, from Indevin is the Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year 2023 following the competition last Thursday. Howell, 28, will represent Marlborough in the National Final in Hawke’s Bay on August 30.

Laura Hammond from Cloudy Bay came second and Liv Bishop from Delegat came third.

Covid Update

5417 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in New Zealand over the past week, and 21 further deaths. Of the new cases, 2547 were reinfections. The total number of deaths attributed to the virus in New Zealand is now 3159. In addition, there were 184 cases in hospital at midnight on Sunday with three in intensive care. The seven-day rolling average of cases was 771.

Screen time

Alarmed experts have sounded a warning for the mental and physical wellbeing of children after new research revealed our kids are spending about a third of after-school time on screens. The high rate of screen time is exposing youngsters to cyberbullying, harmful sexualised content and inappropriate advertising for sectors such as alcohol and gambling. The University of Otago study says the problem has worsened since the country was plunged into Covid-19 lockdowns as family activities and schooling were thrown into disarray. They say regulations are urgently needed to protect children from harm in the largely unregulated online world. Adolescents’ habits were tracked by body cameras between 3.30pm and bedtime, with screen time exceeding the recommended level - less than two hours a day outside school hours.

Each of these famous performers will be portrayed in the Stars in Your Eyes competition.

Gemma Amsler, Daniel Brunel and Megan Rosesne.

Soft Plastic Recycling returns to Blenheim

By Chris Valli

Marlborough residents can now recycle their soft plastic following the return of the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme (SPRS) to Blenheim and just in time for Plastic Free July.

The distinctive recycling bins can be found at five locations including Countdown Blenheim, Countdown Redwoodtown, The Warehouse Blenheim and New World Blenheim, as well as the Marlborough Hazardous Waste Centre.

All the soft plastic in the region will be collected and baled by JBL Environmental, and processed locally at Future Post’s new Blenheim plant, which is due to open later this month.

Rob Langford, CEO, The Packaging Forum, operator of the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme (SPRS), says the return of soft plastic recycling to Blenheim and the upper South Island after five years, is an exciting expansion for the scheme.

“We have been working on restarting collections in the region for some time, and the upcoming opening of Future Post’s new plant has helped this happen,” says Rob. In the past, growth of the scheme was limited by their onshore processing capacity as they only

collected what they could process and recycle. However, Rob says Future Post expanding into the South Island has meant an increase in its production capabilities, and therefore they have been able to add more collection points.

“The Blenheim operation really is a brilliant example of a local circular economy in action and members and partners working collaboratively. All of Blenheim’s soft plastic will be collected and processed locally, and then recycled into fence posts which will more than likely end up on local farms and vineyards and the posts themselves are 100% recyclable if they need to be replaced,” says Rob.

Cottonsoft NZ, a foundation member of the SPRS, has donated and re-homed several soft plastic balers, including one to Future Post in Blenheim, as a key element of recycling infrastructure.

In the year to end March 2023 the scheme collected 589 tonnes of post-consumer soft plastic – the equivalent of 75 million bags or wrappers, and enough to be made into 50,000 Future Posts – or 250km worth of fencing.

With Blenheim joining the soft plastic collection service, an estimated 80 per cent of New Zealanders now have access to soft plastic

recycling at over 250 public drop off recycling facilities.

Mayor Nadine Taylor says the reintroduction of soft plastic recycling in the Marlborough District after a few years is exciting, and more so

because the plastic collected will be recycled locally.

“It’s great to see the soft plastic recycling bins back in stores across the district, and even better that the plastic collected here will be

processed, and recycled into other products, right here in Blenheim –an excellent example of our local businesses working together to reduce our collective impact on the environment,” she says.

Rob Langford, CEO, The Packaging Forum, operator of the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme (SPRS), says the return of soft plastic recycling to Blenheim and the upper South Island after five years, is an exciting expansion for the scheme.

Warehouse expands its fresh produce trial

By Chris Valli

Blenheim consumers are not yet on the radar for The Warehouse expanding their fresh fruit and vegetable trial to the region.

Nick Grayston, CEO The Warehouse Group says they know every dollar counts so expanding their fresh fruit and vegetable offering into more stores is another important step for them. However, at this stage Blenheim does not feature on the trial expansion which began in February.

Two more South Island Warehouse stores have been added with Eastgate (Christchurch) and Dunedin South joining Riccarton, Timaru and Invercargill.

“We’re looking to trial this at more regions and more stores in the coming months, so as soon as we’re ready to expand to the ‘top of the south’ we’ll let you know,” says Nick.

Earlier this year, the company announced it would expand the trial’s range and reach if it was successful with Kiwi shoppers.

The Warehouse Group have had a strong response from customers since they launched fresh fruit and vegetables in their initial six North Island stores.

Nick says they know every

dollar counts so expanding their fresh fruit and vegetable offering into more stores is another important step for them.

“Grocery is an area we are working hard in but the lack of access to a wholesale supply at equitable cost prices remains our biggest barrier to doing more.

The supermarket duopoly is very comfortable with the status quo. We’re not, and we’ll continue to push to make groceries more affordable for Kiwi families.”

“Items that are locally grown and great value are important to our customers right now and this expansion doubles our fresh offer across the Warehouse,” says Nick.

The range is reviewed weekly based on seasonal availability and currently The Warehouse is selling carrots, onions, potatoes, apples, bananas, lemons, golden kiwifruit, mandarins, avocadoes and garlic.

The trial expansion comes

after food prices appeared to peak in May’s food price index released by Stats NZ.

Food prices increased 12.1 per cent in the year to May 2023, however economists suggested lower inflation on food is still a long way away.

Stats NZ says food prices in May were up 0.3 per cent on April 2023 due to rises across all the broad food categories, showing some signs that food price inflation has peaked.

Nick Grayston says the Warehouse is pushing to make groceries affordable.

Brought to

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

Q:

What do you keep/hide in your sock drawer?

Letters

you by... to the editor

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

ASB THEATRE debt

Letters on issues of community interest are welcomed. A maximum of 150 words please.

They must be signed and a street address provided to show good faith, even when a nom de plume is provided for publication.

The editor reserves the right to

abridge letters or withhold letters from publication. Email them to news@blenheimsun. co.nz or present to our office at 72 High St. Please note that your name and street address MUST be provided with emails.

Sushi thanks

To Chris and the Sun Newspaper. Regarding of your column. I would like to say thank you very much for your kindly help and much appreciated. This is a big huge help for me in the hard time of the year.

Thank you very much again.

Best Regards,

Paul Bento Blenheim

Great article last week, by Chris Valli re the history of the ASB Theatre and how lucky we were to have had past mayors push it through. Surprisingly, no mention about the $4-$5K guarantee, by the council, to get it off the ground, allegedly, recently paid off rather quietly. Something I guess, we all knew would

Demise of Family

In 1973, 50 years ago, the first United Women’s Action League took place. High profile future and current women politicians were there namely Helen Clark, Margaret Wilson, Attorney General Marilyn Waring (Black Budget), Silvia Cartwright, Dame Cath Tizard and Margaret Shields. A document set out long term goals.

1. Abortion free on demand.

2. Sex education and birth control integrated into education.

3. End coercive family laws.

4. De facto marriage same status as legal marriage.

5 Social welfare and education of children to become responsibility of the State rather than

Where is Nation’s Sense of Humour?

The enraged outbursts at Spain and Holland appearing to “take the mickey” out of the Haka ahead of the Women’s World Cup being co-hosted in New Zealand, has left me bemused. It’s also left me wondering where New Zealand’s sense of humour has gone. In past letters to papers, I have suggested if the Haka is allowed, then to be fair and not discriminate, that at World Cups or test matches, why not have Scotland doing the

Highland Fling, England the Morris Dance, France the Can-can, Wales the Folk Dance, Ireland the Stepdance and Australia the Bush Dance?

I almost forgot, Argentina could do the Tango. Now that would be worth seeing, far better perhaps than rugby with its muddled rules and confusing referee decisions?

The fuming reactionary outbursts at Spain’s and Holland’s sense of humour with their

happen eventually, so no real surprise. Future events to look out for will be the council taking over the new Art Gallery debt. Let’s hope we’ve sold the old library and clubs of Marlborough before further engagement in any more asset purchases.

Chris Davies

the parents.

6. Decrimination of homosexuality male and female to be outlawed.

7. Ownership of children abolished, Wards of the State parents redefined as guardians.

8. Prostitution laws to be abolished.

9. Paid maternity leave for women.

10. Government to fund free child care centres. These along with the Domestic Purposes Benefit have destroyed the building block of society and are communist socialist backbones. Prediction - Trump back Biden gone, US dollar to fall, Russia to beat Ukraine. The truth will set us free.

Globalism Fails.

parodies of the Haka, has exposed New Zealand’s lack of humour but more concerning that we are in danger of becoming too precious and pretentious.

After all I suspect the late Billy T James would have had a field day over the antics and more particularly the reaction.

Tony Orman Blenheim

Louise McDowell Blenheim Chocolate.

Clinton McHastie Dunedin Passwords written on a piece of paper, hope I don’t get burgled now.

Cindy Hutchings Blenheim Soap. To keep the socks smelling nice.

Char Louise Blenheim

I don’t have a sock draw but I hide snack bags of chips in other draws away from my three kids.

Anita Laughlan Blenheim Kids teeth.

James Johnson Blenheim Coins because the kids always need a gold coin for something.

New tech hub gets funding boost

Marlborough’s new technology and innovation hub in Scott Street, Blenheim has received a boost from the Government’s $200 million Kānoa fund.

Acting Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced the $578,000 grant at the recent naming ceremony for Te Kahu o Waipuna, Marlborough’s new library and art gallery.

Acting Mayor David Croad said the hub, due to open later this year, aimed to foster start-ups and boost the agritech sector, increase productivity and enhance local investment opportunities for entrepreneurs.

“The region’s business ecosystem needs a place where innovative companies can meet with aspiring entrepreneurs, scientists, technologists, investors and business support providers. It’s very exciting that we’ve now reached this stage after two years of prep work.”

Council’s Economic Development team researched other models around New Zealand that serve as centres of innovation. The hub aims to help businesses create more value in Marlborough’s agritech sectors, support start-ups working on wellbeing and sustainability and create investment opportunity and highly-paid jobs in the region.

Sepuloni said the establishment of the tech and innovation hub would enable Marlborough businesses to build connections.

“It aims to support new businesses to collaborate

Have your say on Gambling Venue Policy

Do you have a view on the number of pokie machines and TAB venues in Marlborough?

Consultation on Council’s proposed Gambling Venue Policy is now open and Council wants your feedback.

Licensing Inspector Georgia Murrin said while the draft policy had been prepared in consultation with those who have an interest in the proposed review, Council wants to hear from all members of the community.

Mark Unwin and Dorien Vermaas from Council’s Economic Development team are the drivers behind the new tech hub and develop highly paid employment in Marlborough,” she said. “The investment not only brings creative returns but also financial ones.”

The Kānoa funding will enable Council to extend the scope of the original project, enhance the fitout, add a prototyping room with additional technology facilities and increase the activation programme, Mr Croad said.

“There is already steady interest from potential tenants and groups looking to hold events in the new space - we can’t wait to see this long planned project come to life,” he said.

Council services on Matariki - Friday 14 July

Council’s Blenheim office will be closed from 4.30pm on Thursday 13 July and will reopen on Monday 17 July at 8.30am.

Opening times for the transfer stations, Resource Recovery Centre, Greenwaste Acceptance Facility and the landfill facility on Matariki are: Transfer stations on Friday 14 July

Blenheim

8am to 4.30pm

Picton

8am to 4pm

Havelock 8am to 2pm

Rai Valley 9am to 12pm

Seddon and Wairau Valley transfer stations will be closed on Friday 14 July.

Resource Recovery Centre and Greenwaste Acceptance Facility

8am to 4.30pm

The Landfill will be closed on Friday 14 July.  Kerbside rubbish bag and recycling collection Rubbish bags and recycling crates normally collected on Fridays will be collected on Thursday 13 July. Please make sure your bag and crate is out on the kerbside by 7.30am.

Libraries

Te Kahu o Waipuna - Marlborough Library and Art Gallery and Waitohi Whare Mātauranga, the Picton Library and Service Centre will be closed on Friday 14 July. Both facilities will reopen at 10am on Saturday 15 July.

Bus services

Bus services will not operate on Friday 14 July. Weekend services will operate on Saturday 15 July and normal weekday services will resume on Monday 17 July.

Community Events Fund open now

To help support the delivery of quality, innovative community events Council has established a new annual contestable fund which is now open for applications. Council recognises the importance of events, how they celebrate and showcase our region and how they act as catalysts for community well-being and civic pride.

This Fund is open year-round, or until its funds are fully allocated, to enable applicants to apply as event opportunities arise.

To be eligible, events must be held within

the Marlborough District Council boundaries, engage the community and support its cultural, social, economic and environmental well-being. Commercial events, exhibitions, reunions, tournaments, fundraisers, conventions and trade shows are not eligible for consideration.

Applications must be completed via Council’s website go to www.marlborough.govt.nz/ recreation/events/community-events-fund

Any enquiries can be directed to Regional Events Advisor, Samantha Young; Ph: 03 520 7400 or email: events@marlborough.govt.nz

“As part of this review Council must consider the social impacts of gambling on our community. That’s why it’s important that people let us know what they think,” she said.

Recent statistics show that while there was a 40 per cent decrease in venues and 33.7 per cent decrease in gaming machines in Marlborough between March 2015 and December 2022, gaming machine profits have increased by 33 per cent in the same period.

“The level of reported harm through problem gambling referrals remains low. However anecdotal evidence from the community indicates that there may be harm occurring as a result of ‘Class 4’ gambling venue pokie machines,” Ms Murrin said.

“As a result Council believes the current policy requires changes and is proposing to adopt a sinking lid policy to ensure the numbers of venues and gaming machines is managed effectively to represent the current numbers,” she said.

“Council also recommends that if two or more clubs were to merge the total number of gaming machines allowed is reduced from 30 to 18 machines. The

TAB Venue Policy will also be updated to reflect the new Racing Industry Act legislation, and align with the new format of the Gambling Venue Policy.”

Other options outlined in the Gambling Policy Review Statement of Proposal include capping the number of gaming machines to 165 or rolling over the current 2020 policy but amending the wording to allow for the new Racing Industry Act 2020.

Council’s Gambling Venue Policy provides guidance for both Class 4 gambling venues and stand-alone board venues (TABs). Council’s Class 4 Gambling Venue Policy and a Board Venue Policy is a requirement under the Gambling Act 2003 and the Racing Act 2003.

Consultation closes on Tuesday 8 August 2023. To have your say go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/yourcouncil/have-your-say-consultations

Once the submission period closes, hearings will be held if people want to speak in support of their submission.

A cuppa with your councillors

Council’s Sounds-based councillors are available for a drop-in chat each month from 20 July.

Come along to the Waitohi Whare Mātauranga/Picton Library and Service Centre on a Thursday each month, from 10.00 am until midday. The councillors can provide advice and information and help with Councilrelated issues.

Councillors Barbara Faulls, Raylene Innes and Ben Minehan are Sounds Ward councillors. Allanah Burgess is the Māori Ward councillor for Marlborough and based in Picton. Where: Picton Library and Service Centre

When: 10am to midday on Thursday 20 July; 24 August; 21 September; 26 October and 23 November 2023

Councillors Barbara Faulls, Allanah Burgess, Raylene Innes and Ben Minehan

Breaking the cannabis stigma one on one with

Weed, pot, reefer, grass, dope, ganja, Mary Jane and hash.

Whatever one refers to cannabis as – there is certainly a stigma to it. Native to Central or South Asia, the cannabis plant has been used as a drug for both recreational and entheogen purposes and in various traditional medicines for centuries.

In 2017, the Government introduced legislation to develop a medicinal cannabis industry in New Zealand and make products more accessible. Regulations to support that Bill came into force on 1 April 2020.

Under the new scheme, cannabis-based medicines can be prescribed by a doctor to make it easier to produce medicines in New Zealand, and to import them. Over time, this should enable more patients to access products.

However, products remain inaccessible by the vast majority of New Zealanders who need them. The cost is excessive because products are not subsidised. Although cannabis-based medicines can now be prescribed by a doctor, many won’t prescribe due to a lack of training and understanding of prescribing protocols.

Therefore, patients suffering severe and debilitating conditions continue to use illegally sourced products and live in fear of the law. Illegally grown plants continue to be destroyed and medicine confiscated.

Cue the Cannabis Clinic.

The Cannabis Clinic is a leading specialist clinic, and aims to improve access to medical cannabis by providing access to cannabis medicine online via telemedicine and in-clinic appointments. Founded in 2018, they have consulted with over 20, 000 Kiwis across the country – from children to palliative care patients. Their team consists of

friendly and experienced doctors, nurses, and administration staff to ensure people get the best care possible at the most affordable price.

Business Development Manager

Lisa Gadsby was taking inquiries at the Home & Garden Show at the weekend. Or as she says, part of the ‘new-age travelling carnies’. Lisa averages about 36 expos or shows a year throughout New Zealand and overseas.

“Blenheim is a great show,” she says. “The reception around cannabis is good in Marlborough.” It helps she says when shows like Country Calendar are profiling hemp softening, breaking the stigma along with News hub journalist Paddy Gower who investigated the pros and cons of the plant in 2019.

Lisa admits there are “a lot” of GP’s who won’t write a prescription for cannabis. She says the reason is they may not know enough about cannabis to prescribe it or are not yet confident. Through rigorous training, the Cannabis Clinic doctors ‘walk every step of the journey f rom consultation to follow up appointments ensuring the client is getting results and feels supported.

The soon to be open Nelson Clinic is overseen by local Dr Clare Halford who Lisa says is ‘one of her favourite humans’ and comes with a wealth of knowledge of all things medicinal cannabis.

“The reason why I have had success in what I do is that there’s a huge gap between scientifically explaining how cannabis works in the human body and then breaking it down into terms that everyone can understand,” Lisa explains.

Lisa’s presence at the show was about creating awareness of the Cannabis Clinic and plant based alternatives to pharmaceuticals. Those seeking medicinal cannabis treatments can book an appointment with the clinic and speak to a trained GP to find wellbeing solutions for a range of issues, from lack of sleep to chronic illness.

“Our doctors will find you the right cannabis treatment plan to suit your needs,” Lisa says. “It could be anything from a dry herb flower to CBD and/or THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in cannabis) oils, gummies and rubs. You can have your cannabis medicine delivered to your door by courier.”

She breaks it down by referring to the Highlanders polo I’m wearing and using rugby vernacular by giving an example of the Cannabis Clinic’s Florx sleep drops — a clinically formulated blend of cannabis-derived aromatic compounds ca lled terpenes that’s available without a prescription.

“Terpenes are aromatic compounds that work therapeutically in the body. Cannabis has hundreds of terpenes at all different profiles and they actually coach how the cannabinoids work in your body,” she says.

“The cannabinoids (including the more well-known CBD and THC) are like the rugby team. The terpenes are like the coaching team and direct how those compounds work in your body to achieve the desirable outcome. This is important when prescribing the right product for your needs.

Lisa says her own interest in cannabis started when she was suffering from the skin condition

Cannabis Clinic Business Development Manager Lisa Gadsby was taking inquiries at the Home & Garden show at the weekend. The soon to be open Nelson Clinic is overseen by local Dr Clare Halford (right) who Lisa says is ‘one of her favourite humans’ and comes with a wealth of knowledge of all things medicinal cannabis.

psoriasis and her prescribed treatments weren’t working. Then a friend recommended hemp oil.

“The psoriasis was stress-induced and none of the prescribed treatments had worked. The hemp oil treatment gave me instant relief and I couldn’t believe how good it was. I was generally unwell at the time and after two weeks I felt so much better both physically and mentally.”

“I can’t go anywhere these days without bumping into anyone who has used hemp or a medicinal cannabis product. The stories have bought me to tears in a good way, like kids with neurological issues. You can change the trajectory of their whole life and development.

Those moments are what it’s all about.”

“People do judge you when you say you work with cannabis - there is still that stigma around it. I’m here to break it,” Lisa says.

Her journey inspired her to investigate other benefits and led to the founding of NZ Hempress.

In 2021 the company launched its cosmetic line Herbeauty and has now completed a full rebrand as Kure, bringing out several new hemp wellness products.

If Sun readers have any questions regarding the benefits of medicinal cannabis get in contact with the Cannabis Clinic today on 0800 223 645 (0800 CBD OIL).

The Cannabis Clinic had a stall at the Marlborough Home & Garden Show at the weekend. Chris Valli met and spoke with Business Development Manager Lisa Gadsby about the medicinal and holistic benefits of cannabis as a plant based medicine.

“There is still a stigma around it. I’m here to break it”

Yealands Natalie Winemaker of the Year

By Chris Valli

Yealands Wines is celebrating the remarkable achievement of its Chief Winemaker, Natalie Christensen, who was awarded the coveted White Winemaker of the Year trophy at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) awards ceremony, held in London last week. The IWC is one of the world’s most respected and influential wine competitions, showcasing outstanding wines and talented winemakers from all over the globe.

As a testament to Christensen’s expertise, creativity and passion for producing exceptional wine, not only did she win the individual winemaker trophy, Yealands also won 12 medals (one for every wine entered by the producer) and the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Trophy for the Yealands Estate Single Block S1 Sauvignon Blanc 2022 at the awards.

Christensen said the win, the first for a New Zealander since 2008, was humbling.

“The IWC is hugely competitive, and I was up against some incredible winemakers from wineries that are hundreds of years old. Yealands is so young in comparison! Marlborough is well known for its Sauvignon Blanc, but to have a range of varietals performing so well in shows is really meaningful as it shows the breadth of our winemaking ability outside of our

flagship Sauv.”

IWC Co-Chair Oz Clarke was full of compliments for Natalie’s talent.

“It’s great to see Natalie’s excellent winemaking being recognised with this prestigious award as she expands Yealands’ range.

“She has an incredible technical ability and is totally in tune with how to produce wines that give an intense sense of place.

“It’s also wonderful to see the White Winemaker of the Year award go to a female winemaker.

“This noteworthy accomplishment not only celebrates Natalie’s exceptional talent and expertise but also lays the foundation for increased recognition and expanded opportunities for female winemakers around the world,” he said.

Christensen remains committed to producing high quality wines that showcase the unique beauty and diversity of Yealands vineyards.

“We have an incredible team at Yealands and the most stunning ‘office’ you could ask for.

“We can’t wait to share our vintage 2023 wines with the world, as we think they’ll be even better!”

Find out more about IWC and see the full trophy and medal results at ww w. internationalwinechallenge.com

Active FAmilies

The Marriage Course

7

Course commences

9th August 2023 7:30pm

Salvation Army Lounge

For more information, contact Nicci Leitch

P: 021 0257 2940

E: onexy4xx@xtra.co.nz

Sponsored by Nativity Anglican Church

89% Have noticed health and fitness level changes

• Suitable for ages 4 ½ to 18 years

• Tailored to suit the family

• Regular contact with a Coordinator

92% Of families feel more confident about doing physical activity

• Family challenges

• Fun activities

• Self-referrals accepted

96% Of families felt the activities suggested were appropriate

90% Are motivated to get/stay active

www.marboroughpho.org.nz

90% Have made changes to their diet

98%

Are satisfied with the overall service and support they were given

Natalie Christensen at the awards in London

‘Outside In’ Exhibition

By Chris Valli

Visual art lovers will be wetting their paint brushes through the eyes and strokes of Marlborough’s Plein Air Group at an exhibition on now at the Marlborough Art Society.

Group spokesperson Mary Russell has a great love of art and says she always has done.

As there was no established group with the Art Society at the time, eight years ago she made the decision to ‘go outside’ and do some Plein Air painting. Plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air”, and refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s

subject in full view

Plein air artists capture the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject by incorporating natural light, colour and movement into their works.

“I didn’t want to do it alone,” she says. “So, four friends put their hands up and said, we’ll come with you, and eight years later I have over thirty on the email list through word of mouth. They are tremendously good fun, a great group of people”

They meet up at a chosen spot every Wednesday morning to paint.

Some of the locations have included the Taylor River, Havelock, and Pic-

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ton. One landscape which resonated and captured Mary’s creativity was down the end of Beacon Road in Riverlands where the formation, lighting, and colours of the clouds ‘took her eye’.

“Because my group has got so big now, I have to find an area that can accommodate all the cars safely and pretty close to a café,” she laughs.

The mother of three says it was 2006 when she picked up a pencil for the first time after leaving a previous job. The decision to leave sparked a creative fuse where after getting a book out from the library on ‘how to transfer a photo onto paper by sketching’, the drawing

skillset began. Mary says she tends not to stick to one creative idea or area. Always evolving.

“It was through pictorial quilt making and trying to replicate different colours that I bought some textile paints. Just painting in the skies on fabric, so much freedom. I enjoyed it so much that I joined a watercolour class down at the Marlborough Art Society gallery.”

Working mostly now in oils on canvas, Mary says she gets a great sense of satisfaction producing artwork that people really want to buy and says it’s amazing.

“Now that I am older I can sit back

and reflect and appreciate what you do see around you,” she says. “Being a photographer, I wanted to produce what I saw from the camera in my paintings. I wanted everything to look photorealism. That was very demanding, so, I had to rethink my whole process and have loosened up quite a lot. Landscapes are my happy place and I enjoy painting them.”

The exhibition called ‘Outside In’ will have works in watercolour, oils, acrylics and pastels and will be open daily from 10.30am until 3: 30pm until Sunday, July 23. Art will be available for purchase during the exhibition.

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Curious about an Airbnb tiny home income? Join our open home viewing

If you’d like to know more, we invite you to an exclusive open tiny home viewing on Sunday 23rd of July. It’s an opportunity for you to experience our tiny home designs and explore how you can embark on the exciting venture. Mark your calendars and call to reserve your viewing time.

One landscape which resonated and captured Mary’s creativity was Beacon Road in Riverlands where the formation, lighting and colours of the clouds ‘took her eye’.

Blenheim’s Mary Russell centre back (with glasses) and the Marlborough Plein Air Group. An exhibition called ‘Outside In’ at the Marlborough Art Society will have works in watercolour, oils, acrylics and pastels and will be open daily from 10.30am until 3: 30pm until Sunday, July 23. Art will be available for purchase during the exhibition.

Marlborough Professionals

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By Chris Valli

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T Sowman Funeral Directors

believes it is the small personal details that matter when arranging a funeral.

Those personal details come from the conversations and listening to families after the death of a loved one and picking up on the quirky, the different, ‘to help the family think outside the square’ to acknowledge, celebrate and share the persona behind the person and the impact they left behind.

Sowman’s has been an integral part of the Marlborough community for over onehundred-and-fifty years, supporting and sponsoring many local events along the way.

“It is a privilege to not only care for families in their times of sorrow but also to put our backs behind the community that we are a part of and offer support where we can,” says Barry Holmwood, manager and Funeral Director.

Barry has been in the funeral industry for 28 years. He says an effective funeral director is 90% listening and 10% talking.

“Once you find out about the person who has died and what they did in their lives and put the picture together to develop what the family want for their funeral, you are celebrating their life,” he says. Sowman’s had an open day back in April and Barry says those that visited were very impressed with the upgraded location.

“The Mayfield Chapel renovation is the most major transformation the business has undertaken,” says Barry. “It is a purpose-built space which has been renovated from the ground up to create a beautiful, serene environment where people can celebrate the lives of their loved ones in complete comfort.”

“All multimedia systems were also talked about and what we can do to make the event, funeral, more personal and meaningful for that family.”

People are welcome to visit and view the chapel which gives a feeling of peace and comfort, and see the modern multimedia systems we use to enhance the experience for the families in our care.

Living her best life

Marlborough Four Paws volunteers got hold of the Sun last week to inform readers that Billie's owner had read the One on One feature about MFP's being declined by the MDC after submitting a proposal for a regional management plan for the stray feline population to be included in the 2023/24 annual plan.

Billie was a dump rescue, had stress hair loss and giardia.

As the pictures clearly show, she is now in her 'furever home' and is a reflection on the postive difference and impact Marlborough Four Paws is having on stray felines in the region.

Marlborough Four Paws was established in 2017 with the goal of providing welfare to animals in need.

“With the support of our dedicated community, we aim to reduce animal suffering, protect local bird life and mitigate the spread of animal disease by preventing the birth of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

“We do this by rescuing, desexing and rehoming unwanted, abandoned and stray cats and kittens.

“We also offer subsidised desexing for eligible pet owners.”

Grow your Governance workshop opportunity

Marlborough has many small businesses and start-ups looking to grow and make stronger their processes, and Angel Investors Marlborough is working to help them by offering a workshop to boost governance processes.

AIM manager Brian Dawson says the workshop, Governance for Growth, is being offered at the end of this month. The workshop is for small to medium sized enterprises, starts-up and others that already have a governance board or are thinking of establishing one.

There is value for founders, managers, directors, and aspiring directors in learning about how growth-focused governance boards operate, and how to get the most from your board, Brian says.

“No business leader does it on their own, no matter how good they are. Boards can be extremely useful advisors and partners in boosting business growth.”

He says the workshop is delivered by Debra Hall who is an Independent Director, Mentor and Angel Investor, and

Greg Sitters who is Managing Partner at Matu Group.

The workshops will cover; understanding the role of the board, the process behind forming a board, an overview of the legal obligations of Directors under the Companies Act, how to successfully run efficient and effective board meetings; and common sense rules for keeping documentation.

The event is supported and heavily subsidised by Angel Association New Zealand, Callaghan Innovation and AIM. The cost of the course including lunch is only $50 plus GST for an individual or $100 plus GST for a booking of three. Governance for Growth is being held in Blenheim on Tuesday July 25 from 10am to 4.30pm.

The following link contains all the information on the workshop and how to register:https://app.glueup.com/event/ aanz-2023-governance-for-growthblenheim-72434/?pk_campaign=widgetevent-list

Bay of Many Coves – Wellness Retreat

By Chris Valli

Looking for a late winter break from the work routine and wanting to escape? Perhaps a sojourn from the administration and domestic life to focus on your mental, physical and emotional health?

The Bay of Many Coves is a luxury fivestar lodge set in the heart of Queen Charlotte Sound. Nestled between stunning native bush and their secluded bay, you will enjoy an unforgettable experience.

The team at Bay of Many Coves have partnered with The Spa Nomad and designed a wellness retreat of restorative practices, self-care, and wellness to delight your senses and nourish your mind, body and soul.

Lodge Manager Rianne Kuiper says the retreat will find the right balance between

solitude and community, as people can participate in both group and solo activities while experiencing the serene magic of the Bay of Many Coves.

Rianne says people will enjoy a carefully designed programme of restorative practices.

“It’s an ideal time for a winter break with a focus on wellness,” she says. “Our onsite therapist will work alongside specialist facilitators providing massages and facials along with mindfulness, yoga and meditation classes.”

T he package includes transfers from Blenheim and Picton. The two retreat dates are in August for four nights from Thursday 24th - Monday 28th August while the September retreat is also four nights from Monday 11th – Friday 15th September.

Imagine waking up to native birdsong and beautiful views of the Sounds while nourishing your body with delicious plant based meals and juices prepared by an executive chef?

Or perhaps some alone time and the full use of the lodge facilities (hot tub, heated swimming pool and watercraft) while lose yourself whilst gazing at the night sky? Go on, you know you want to.

Gary Ching Locksmiths

By Chris Valli

A new location but the same outstanding personal service.

After 40 plus years in their High Street location, Gary Ching Locksmith’s have relocated to the Redwoodtown Hub

Co-owner Katrine Sampson says they opened their doors on Monday morning. The move to the Redwoodtown Hub comes after previously being located on High Street in the CBD since 2003. Katrine says the hub is a lively part of Blenheim with lots of people and activity.

“The business has grown and we have been on the lookout for larger premises. The availability of specialised, high tech products has increased and the customer has much more choice,” says Katrine.

“Our move to larger premises means we are able to better showcase our products. We also now have our own dedicated customer carpark at the rear of the building, as well

as being easily accessed from the many surrounding carpark areas.”

Original business owner Gary Ching worked from his home for at least 20 years before opening the High Street store.

So what keeps the local, family owned and operated locksmiths fresh after nearly 45 years?

Katrine says keeping up to date with the very latest in automotive locks and transponder keys has been paramount while specialising in the latest intruder alarms, CCTV systems, keyless and digital access locks for residential as well as commercial premises.

She says customers receive ‘great personal service regardless’ of whether you’ve lost your key for your safe or you need to reprogramme your late model vehicle.

Whether you’re locked in, locked out or just want to lock it up call the team at Gary Ching Locksmiths Ltd today on 578 4102 or email Shop@chinglocks.co.nz. After hours callout service is available by arrangement.

ABOVE: Redwood Lotto: The luckiest Lotto shop in Blenheim! Peter Matthews, who owns Redwood Lotto along with wife Claire, pictured with the numerous plaques awarded to the shop every time they have had a First Division or Powerball winner.

LEFT: GMW Jewellery’s Laura Main and owner Gina Botham. GMW Jewellery is one of the cornerstone businesses in the Redwood Hub.

Operation Matariki - West Coast road policing operation

By Chris Valli

Those travelling through the West Coast can expect to see a large presence of Police at any time on the highway network this Matariki weekend.

A significant increase in traffic on the roads is expected this long weekend as it coincides with the last days of the school holidays.

Senior Sergeant Brent Cook, Prevention

Manager West Coast says the police within the area will be deploying their entire road policing resource to the West Coast highway network as part of a local operation – Operation Matariki - and in an effort to increase visibility and deter any risky driver behaviour over the holiday weekend.

The statistics have highlighted 73% of all fatal crashes happen on roads with a speed limit of 80kmph or higher.

In 2022, Tasman District had 22 fatal motor vehicle accidents of which 17 occurred

on our open roads. Operation Matariki will commence from 7am on Thursday 13 July and conclude at 7am on Monday 17 July.

An additional six officers will be dedicated to this operation along with local staff who are focused on making the West Coast roads safer and ensuring everyone can reach their destination safely. Police encourage road users to drive to the conditions to ensure a safe and happy holiday weekend.

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PROGRESS: Builders in Buick Street, Redwoodtwon were hard at it last week with the two-storey duplex of two four-bedroom homes. A spokesperson says the bedrooms are to be upstairs, living areas on the ground floor, and each dwelling will have two off-street car parks. Neighbours have opposed the duplex with concerns of increased noise and traffic, shade from the buildings height, parking congestion, and the buildings appearance.

Speed limits on Marlborough’s roads

What do we mean when we say we need effective speed management to achieve safe and appropriate vehicle speeds on roads that reflect the road’s function, design, safety, and use?

This means we need to take an entire network approach that considers how our roads are used and if we need to make safety-related engineering improvements, speed limit changes, or safety camera placement as a way to stop our whanau and friends from being killed if they are involved in a crash.

This aligns with our Road to Zero vision, and we can achieve it, we just need everyone on the same journey.

We are guided by national priorities and

lowering speed limits is based on:

• corridors, where lowering speed limits to safe and appropriate speed limits will save the largest number of people from death and serious injuries.

• all streets surrounding schools, including streets outside school frontages and within 100m of a school boundary. areas where the highest concentrations of active road users are expected. To learn more and to see why/where changes are being planned go to Council’s website https://www.marlborough.govt. nz/your-council/have-your-say-consultations

Submissions on the latest speed Management Plan close on 11 July.

Sun The txt talk with

Best Gaming Venue

Well done to the Woodbourne Tavern! My favourite local and much deserved winner of their award. A lovely family, and caring and welcoming hosts.

Cultural Treasure

Great write up on Kevin Moseley, a man respected by many including myself. Kevin has done so much for the arts in Marlborough. Years ago as a young member of the Blenheim Municipal Band, as it was known back then, I got to know Kevin. A fantastic musician and a lot of fun on the many trips made by the band to competitions.

Supermarkets

Wow! What used to be a $50 bag is now closer to $100. I can’t help wondering if the supermarkets would consider taking a ‘hit’ like the rest of us. Or are they just continually putting their prices up to maintain their margin? Would be nice if they sucked it up a bit like everyone else is having to.

Long wait

I had occasion to ring NZ Transport Agency (Waka kotahi) early last week about a license matter and was put on hold for approximately 55-65 minutes! I lodged my call at 2.40pm and spoke to a person at 4.25pm for a two minute conversation. I thought I was living in a modern world - we send people to the moon and the space station crew are changed regularly but here we wait one and three quarter hours for a two minute conversation. We are evidently back in the horse and cart days here in NZ.

Vape store theft

I abhor theft and violent robbery. I do not, however, have a lot of sympathy for vape businesses. The vendors are happy to rake in the profits made from juveniles yet complain when those same addicted youngsters trash their premises. Get rid of the stuff you sell end of problem! We reap what we sow.

Impatient driver

I did a Defensive Driving Course over 45 years ago and remember being told that just because a driver’s blinker is indicating they are turning right, does not mean definitively that they are turning right. There are many reasons driver and blinker DO NOT co-ordinate. The whole 2 seconds I took to check both were on the same page obviously upset this ignorant driver. Go and do a DDC.

Texting while driving

If you are wondering why there’s still a lot of cell phone use by drivers, look no further than the pathetic fine. $150. Really? How serious about this are we? In Australia the same offence carries a fine of $1000 and 4 demerit points.

Ratepayers money

See council is going to waste more of ratepayers money because they did not get the Marfels beach bike ban right like the freedom camping. How much has this cost us this time MDC?

Smashed glass

Irresponsible, imbecile, idiots left a trail of several smashed vodka and lemon glass bottles in Stratford Street other night. Catch offenders and put the plonkers in stocks 48 hours in Forum and pelt them with rotten eggs!

Free to air?

How can TVNZ say their sport is free to air? To get it you need a broadband plan. There are thousands of pensioners and beneficiary’s who can’t afford this. We will just say goodbye to NZ cricket and other sports as with spark. Out of the frying pan into the fire.

High St

Great to see High St finished and reopened with a clear view and drive down to the beautiful new Library. Hats off to all concerned on a job well done.

Political skullduggery

I smell a rat. Kiri Allen seems to be a straight shooter,so if you were working for her and you weren’t doing your job, I imagine you would get a rev up.

It could be here, that we have a shiney arsed Parliamentary Services employee with a soft job who is underperforming that has copped a blast and run squealing to the Media. Or, there could be some political skullduggery going on here too. Remember, nobody has come forward and made a formal complaint ! ! Trump is not the only corrupt politician in the World you know !

Big thank you

My dad always told me, when in a crisis, go find a policeman. A few weeks ago, I parked my car outside the Blenheim Police Station, an upon returning found my keys in the ignition. I went inside, explained what I had done to a very nice policeman..No worries he said, I know just the person to help you. This person appeared an unlocked my car...A HUGE BIG THANK YOU TO BOTH MEN...I now have a spare key in my purse...

Mandates

The Australian Secretary of the Department of Health, Dr Brendan Murphy, finally admitted that vaccine mandates are unjustified, just before announcing his retirement on July 6th. He told a Parliamentary hearing that with the vaccines unable to prevent transmission, vaccine mandates cannot be justified. See cairnsnews.org.

So, why is our government continuing with mandates?

Cell phones

Yes, I see lots of drivers looking down as they approach from the other direction, and sometimes when following it’s so obvious what they’re doing. They don’t care. Time to get tough.

Thank you

Thanks to Stewart, MDC, who helped me out with my toby earlier this year. A friendly, helpful person. You’re a star!

Hysterical talk

As an elderly 4th generation Kiwi l see nothing wrong with the Library signage. All this hysterical talk about volcanoes in my opinion is Much Ado About Nothing.

Sense prevails.

Yay Cadbury’s bringing back the best in their chocolate box. Sometimes sense does prevail.

Most harmful

Alcohol NZ’s most harmful drug: It is time to: 1. close the Wine Research Centre, 2. remove the wine maker statue at the Blenheim airport from Council land, 3. stop issuing water permits to winery’s, 4. stop glorifying the alcohol industry also in this newspaper. I wish a local wine maker’s son all the best talking about mental health during an upcoming wine-makers conference.

Talk of the week

New library

I love our new library and appreciate the very helpful staff. And what a beautiful outside setting.

Bike bells

I compliment the cyclists who “ding” their bell when approaching walkers from behind on the river path. Shame on the cyclists who don’t. The MDC signage suggests cyclists do this.

Disrespectful

Would the humans who allow their dogs to defecate in the sacred grounds of Picton Cemetery kindly pick the mess up and dispose of it responsibly. Have some respect not only for the dead but the living who work to maintain a high standard of care in our cemeteries.

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.

Beautiful name

Great to see our new library, beautiful name, lovely example of central govt supporting locals by paying for more than half the costs.

Great cafe

Please support Chantilly Cafe! Good value, delicious food with a great variety, something for everyone - try the mac n cheese!! Wonderful, kind staff who are always happy to help, especially with some “differently abled” clients who visit every week. Thanks for everything guys!

Got an important issue to share with Marlborough? Text your thoughts to 027 242 5266

Winter Warmth

Up

Talk to us for design advice and inspiration.

Building or renovating? We can provide a free quote from your plans.

to 45% of heat can be lost through windows, and well-fitting curtains and blinds can reduce that heat loss by up to 60%.

minutes with...

Marie Winter

Admin at Maataa Waka Ki Te

Tau Ihu Trust

 Are you a dog or cat person?

Definitely a cat person.

 My friends would say I am..

Shy (but loud!), wild, kind and free spirited – I hope they’re right!

 The best advice I ever received was?

To make the most of it.

 What would you buy if money was no object?

My list is very long, but I’d start with a Datsun 240z, and whatever my family and friends need.

 Local coffee haunt?

Home.

 Favourite takeaway?

Akbabas on Main Street, sooo good!

 The shop you can’t walk past is? Do I have to pick just one??!

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

Help from my friends when I needed it most, without even asking – thank you x

 Where is your happy holiday place? Wellington with my kids to visit my family.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Umm, I’m a dedicated Grey’s Anatomy fan.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list? A clear driveway - anyone who knows my son will understand what I’m talking about.

Starting off the new season: By

The daylight hours are slowly extending and soon dormant plants are going to wake up and spring will be just around the corner.

Already I have been receiving phone calls from gardeners starting off seeds on their heat pads to have young plants to plant out in a month or so - time waits for no one especially gardeners.

One gardener told me the seed raising mixes she has tried were expensive and not much good and I totally agree.

The gardener said she preferred to sieve potting mix and obtain the fines to use as a seed raising medium.

I told her to go a step further and buy a good compost such as Daltons Value Compost and sieve that for the fines.

I use either Daltons Compost or Oderings as neither of them use green waste in their compost so no herbicide residue to harm baby plants.

If preparing a seedling tray I firstly place a layer of straight compost in it to about half full; then onto that a sprinkling of Unlocking Your Soil after which I sieve more compost over that to create a nice bed of fine particles.

Then I place the seeds which I spray with Magic Botanic Liquid (MBL) mixed at 20 mils per litre of non-chlorinated water.

Once the seeds and the medium have received a good wetting I then sieve more compost over to cover, or sometimes prefer to use sharp sand as the cover.

The cover is sprayed till nice and moist then onto the heat pad. The seedling tray needs to be sprayed 2 or 3 times a day to keep the medium moist. An easier way is to use peat pots.

You first soak the pots.

The meat trays that you get from the supermarket are ideal to sit the peat pots on. Place the trays with the peat pots onto your heat pad and once a day you pour some non-chlorinated water into the dry tray. Best done each morning.

The heat pad by the way should be sitting on a thickness of polystyrene sheet so all the heat is driven upwards and not wasted downwards.

Dependent on the seed type there is quickly a show of germination and as soon as that happens out into the glasshouse on to the bench so the seedlings get overhead light and thus do not stretch and die. Window sill is not good enough as they will stretch to the glass.

A wooden box with a sheet of glass over it is ideal to place outside for over head light.

Now you need to be very careful not to over water or to dry out completely. Off the heat pad the seedlings likely only

Wally Richards

need a misting once a day to keep them happy and the best time to do this is in the morning and check them late afternoon before tucking them in for the night with a little lullaby.

(Try adapting the words from: Row, row, row your boat. Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily. Life is but a dream. Change to: grow, grow, grow you little seedlings, gently during the day. Merrily, merrily, merrily Life is a real great plant.)

You maybe surprised at the results! Plus comments from neighbours.

Light is so important to plants because that is what they use to make carbohydrates (sugars) which is their life blood to grow. Insufficient sunlight and plants suffer badly, they become weak, attacked by insects and diseases and likely die.

A little trick that I had forgotten about from commercial growers and in particular hydroponic growers and that is Panda Film.

Panda film is a 125mu film that is black on one side and white on the other.

The black side is laid on the soil with the white side facing upwards so it reflects light up into the plants.

This does several things - laid on soil it suppresses weeds and the white increases the amount of light the plant receives and in this case to under the leaves.

This means that the top of the leaf and the underside can both work to create energy for the plant’s growth. (You have greatly increased the energy gathering area of the leaf)

Another advantage is that a number of insect pests hate the bright light from below and tend to be less a problem on your plants.

A 200mm strip would be perfect to plant strawberries into; cut X in the middle.

A problem arises with too many hazy or cloudy skies these days.

Last spring farmers had lots of grass here locally due to ample rain but found they had to buy in feed as the grass was

sorely lacking and milk production was poor.

Talking about Strawberries they are starting to wake up now so it is time to start spraying the foliage fortnightly with Mycorrcin.

This will get the plants producing fruit earlier, obtain bigger better fruit and keep them fruiting longer than otherwise.

You may also like to give them a little of Wallys Secret Strawberry Food about every two months which will give bigger berries and better flavour.

For brown rot on stone fruit a fortnightly spray after the fruit is formed using four products, Wallys Liquid Copper, Wetable Powder Sulphur WP, potassium permanganate and Raingard. Repeat till harvest. Plum trees that have been getting a curly leaf problem for some gardeners is actually caused by an insect called the plum aphid.

It only attacks the leaves as they are emerging; you do not realise it is happening and later the leaves become distorted as they reach maturity.

Once the first sign of leaf emergence spray with Wally Super Neem Oil and Raingard and repeat every week till in full leaf.

It is also a good time to clean up trees that may have lichen on the branches. Left too long these fungi like growths can damage your trees. Use Wallys Moss & Liverwort control at 25mls per litre of water.

Spray the lichen to obtain good coverage. Never mix any other sprays with this product.

Use it on paths for algae at 25mls per litre, on gardens and buildings for liverwort at 50mls per litre and adjust spray nozzle to make a jet and shoot it into the liverwort. Same applies for sphagnum type moss. Does not harm plants.

It is a new season starting and there are plenty of things to do when the weather permits.

Questions phone 0800 466464.

Vanessa Gladman and Sarah Laplanche.

365 Nutrition Bar owner Renee Foster and Jen Foote.

Smith & Sons Reon Paterson and James Hill.

Jenny Roberts from Christchurch and her Insulmax stall.

Cuddon’s Ben Wealthall and Simon Jane from Mitsubishi Electric.

Tish and Libby Wright visiting the stalls.

Invercargill’s Stephen McDowell at his Rude Health Coffee stall.

COMFORT 101: Ray and Sandra Welbourn get comfortable.

Thursday 13 July

Keep U Moving

Gentle walking exercise in the hall for Seniors. Every Thursday 11:30am - 12:30pm at St Christopher’s Church Hall (except 4th Thursday in each month). Stay for a cuppa and chat afterwards. Cost $2. 92 Weld Street, Blenheim. For more information contact Donna Wahrlich, Eldercare Coordinator 027 385 2333 or donna@stchristophers.co.nz

Social Badminton:

9am-noon: Thursday mornings. Simcox Stadium, Battys Road.  $5. All adults welcome.  For more details phone Cathy 021 503 348.

Ulysses Retreads Group:

11am: Meet Brayshaw Park Thursdays. Ride to various destinations for lunch. Come by bike, tin top or magic carpet. Bring your laughing gear, a thermal to wear and a story to share.

Blenheim Rock N Roll Club Nights:

7.30-9.30pm: Top of the South Rock n Roll Club, club nights at the Blenheim Bowling Club, bring comfy shoes and water. Great music, have fun and exercise at the same time.

Library Book Club:

6.30pm-8pm: Marlborough District Library. We meet on the last Thursday of the month. Simply bring a book to recommend to other members, and enjoy listening to other member’s (including librarians) book picks. To attend please wear a mask.

Picton Library Book Club:

6.30pm-8pm: Picton Library and Service Centre. Join us in meeting new people and chatting about books. We meet on the first Thursday of each month. To register please email pictonlibrary@marlborough.govt.nz. To attend please wear a mask.

Community Choir:

Thursdays 7-9pm, during school terms. St Ninian’s Hall, 1 Riley Crescent, Redwoodtown (opp church). Come and join the community choir Creative Voice.  All musical abilities and new members welcome. CreativeVoice@ singforfriendship.

Older Persons Seminar:

Every Thursday until 27th July at St Christopher’s Church Hall, 10am to 1pm. Speaker: Karen Delves. Entertainment: Cultural Dance. Morning tea & a light lunch provided. Cost $5. 92 Weld Street Blenheim. Contact: Donna Wahrlich Eldercare Coordinator 027 385 2333 or donna@stchristophers.co.nz .fb St Christophers Community Eldercare.

Friday 14 July 2023

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

what’s on in marlborough

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 15 July

Crop Swap:

Saturday 15th July, 2:00-4:00pm, Crossroads - 2 Redwood Street. $2 koha to our hosts - Sharing abundance from our gardens: Fruit, vegetables, preserves, relishes, jams, herbs, recipes, eggs, flowers, seedlings, baking; - Giving generously and mindfully taking. Further details 027 372 2897

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 16 July

Blenheim Country Music Club Inc

Are hosting a club day at the Nurse’s Hall, entry off Taylor Pass Rd, starting at 2pm. Entry is, $4 per person, non-member, $3 per person paid up member, afternoon tea provided. Musicians and singers welcome, please bring you own instrument. Our theme, is Country Music. For further details, Contact John. 0273555209 or Nola 0277727484

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.

Marlborough Tennis Club: 3pm to 5pm Parker St. Every Sunday– Social Tennis. Non Members $2 All welcome. Contact: Joanna 027 578 6436

Ulysses Rides Calendar: Sunday Rides depart Railway Station carpark as listed. Thursday Rides depart Brayshaw Park carpark 11am. Every Saturday, Coffee at The Runway Café. All rides are weather or (COVID) dependent. Sunday 16th July 11am St Arnaud

Monday 17 July

Marlborough Stamp Collectors Club: 34 Arthur Baker Pace. Phone 021 157 3496 for more information.

Rotary Clubs in Blenheim: Monday & Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm. Rotary is a world-wide service club for men and women – doing great things in your community. For further phone Kevin on 0211 738 784.

Blenheim Scottish Country Dance Club: Every Monday at 7.30pm at Whitney Street School Hall, Whitney Street. Come and try it! You don’t need a partner. For information ring Miriam 928 4479. Blenheim Badminton Club:

Every Monday: Juniors 5.30-7pm, seniors 7-9pm, St Mary’s Hall, corner Francis and Hudson Streets. Anna or Mike, email blenheimshuttlers@gmail.com.

Whitehead Park Bowling Club, Redwoodtown: Every Monday afternoon from 12.30pm to 3pm. All welcome. Contact Mike 572 4013 or John 577 5295. Summer timetable starts October.

Coming Up:

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.

13 August, 10 September, 8 October, 12

November.

Ulysses Ride Calendar:

Thursday 13th July 11am Retreads Group

Sunday 16th July 11am St Arnaud

Wednesday 19th July 7pm Committee

Kelvin Watson

Thursday 20th July 11am Retreads Group

Sunday 23rd July 1pm Social ride to Kekerangu

Thursday 27th July 11am Retreads Group

Sunday 30th July 1pm Rai Valley

Deliverers

About 20 people from Idea Services Marlborough had a morning tea and coffee at the Marlborough Library last week. Support worker Philippa Hyndman says the highlight for the group was the 'good coffee' from CBD.

Winter Vineyard in the late winter sun: The distant mountains are part of the Richmond Range. The waterbody is a creek that runs through some vineyards. The vines in this vineyard are yet to be pruned. Photographer Liz Davidson says she often photographs the creek and its environs from a different angle and at various times of the year.

Seddon Shield goes to Marlborough

By Chris Valli

The Marlborough under-52kg primary school rugby side won the Seddon Shield tournament in Motueka last week.

Marlborough beat West Coast 87-5 on Monday, Golden Bay Motueka 60-12 on Tuesday, and outclassed Buller 74-0 on Wednesday.

After a bye on Thursday, the Red Devils comprehensively bet Nelson on the Friday with a decisive 40-7 victory.

Player of the tournament was halfback Marshall Coles. Dad Grant Coles says Marshall just ‘did everything really’ and works hard at his game, often down at the park or back lawn kicking, passing or running.

“He is motivated to go further and studies the game on TV. He led the team as a captain, tackled hard and scored some amazing tries. Nine tries from four games and some great kicks,” says Grant.

The Marlborough team was: Fionn Heagney, Theo Large, Zavier McDonald, Thomas Andrews, Phoenix St George, Andrew Moli, Adam van Gruenen, Cooper Murray, Marshall Coles, Tom Heagney, Louis Hickman, Jade Joseph, Cyrus Prestage, Jack Wickens, Ash Murrell, Chey Wirepa, Tom Dunne, Toby Rose, Harry Robertson, Dylan Gifford. Management: Glenn Blackmore, Paddy Dowling, Kieran Hickman.

The tournament will be held in Blenheim next year.

Golf Results

Marlborough Golf Club

Tue 4 Jul: 9 Hole Par Div.1: Pam Morris -2, June Maslin -2, Leana Gargiulo -3.

Div.2: Elizabeth Bibby 0, Leonie Savage 0, Roslyn Leov -2.

Thu 6 Jul: Men’s Stableford Div.1:

Blenheim Golf Club

Mon 26 Jun: 9 holes Stableford Glen

Hurcomb 17 David Waters 15 Bob Tapp

15 Doug Shaw 14 Stuart Parker 13 Mike

McConnell 13 Ian Clark 13 Ladies Jenny

evans 16 Elaine Brown 16

Wed 28 Jun: Medal 0-29 Sa-Nga Grupp

net 84 30+ Jenny Evans 83

Thu 29 Jun: Stableford: David Dyer

41 Mike Gardiner 39 Graeme Parker 34

Don Lamond 34 Tere Poa 34 Bob Tapp

33 Graeme Daines 33 Desz Campbell 32

Buck Asplet 31 9 Holes Gen Hurcomb

17 George Addis 17 Ian Hatcher 16 Pani

Swann 15

Sat 1 Jul: Monthly Medal Gross Mark

Le Compte 72 Net Nigel Smith 70 Sam

Rainbird 70 Trent Davies 72 Mark le

Compte 72 Mike Gardiner 73 Luke Yar-

rall 74 Graeme Daines 74 Brian Yarrall

74 Michael Daines 75 Don Lamond 75

Ladies Rachel Bell 71 Sa-Nga Grupp 73

Ramon Coleman 38, Tom Kelsall 36, Ken Steel 36, Dave Knappstein 35. Div.2: Brian Chippendale 38, Colin Marsden 36, Werner Pluss 34, Ross Inder 30.

ABOVE: Marshall Coles beating a Golden Bay defender. Marshall was instrumental in the U52’s success and was named player of the tournament and scored nine tries in the four games.

LEFT: MARLBOROUGH PROUD: Marshall Coles and Theo Large hold the Seddon Shield.

NZ Orienteering Championships

The Marlborough Orienteering Club is hosting the New Zealand Secondary Schools Orienteering Championships with three events commencing tomorrow – Saturday, July 15.

The event is held at 17 Valley Farm (Indevin) while the event taking

Rarangi Golf Club

Wed 5 Jul - Mens Combined

place on Friday is within the CBD based out of Blenheim School. Saturday is at the Wither Hills Farm Park. Please be aware that there will be an increased number of pedestrians in the Blenheim CBD on Friday with a start and end time of the event from 10am till around 12pm.

Mon 3 Jul: 9 hole Stableford: Stuart Parker 21 Leo Hawkins 20 David Dyer 20 Kobe Hart 20 George Addis 19

Ross Agnew 18 William McCallum 18

Dave Menzies 18 Brian Burgess 18 Bob

Tapp 18 Alex Herd 17 Clarry Neame 17

Ladies Jan Pegfler 19 Colleen McLeod

16 Helen Neame 16 Wendy Avery 15

Shirley Godsiff 14 Bernice Arnold 14

Jill Hurcomb 14

Wed 5 Jul: LGU Net Medal 0-29 Elaine Brown 73 Sue Duckworth 73 30+ Bernice Arnold 70 Jenny Evans 78 9 holes medal net Yvonne Hore 38 Margaret Hamilton 38

Thu 6 Jul: Stableford Steve Anderson 37 Graeme Daines 37 Alex Herd 37 Jim Findlay 36 Desz Campbell 36 Phil Starkey 36 Don March 35 Nigel Smith 35 Mike Gardiner 34

Par: Allen & McLagan -1, Hill & Curgenven -1, d’Auvergne & Kirby -2, Dixon & Gibbs -3, Shutkowski & Browning -4, Mitchell & Short -5, Nichol & Ilott -6, Van Vianen & Best -7.

Thu 6 Jul - Ladies Midweek Net

Medal: Denise Hodson 71, Carla Hepplethwaite 72, Maria McConway 74, Pippa Lee Minhinnick 75, Di-

Picton Golf Club

Sat 1 Jul: Monthly Mug Nett-Ian Molly 72, Jeff Pascoe 72, Nick Wright 72; Trevor Gullery 73, Phil Hawke 73; Iain Berrie 74.

Tue 4 Jul: L.G.U. Nett-Overall Winner Sue Murray 70; 0 to 18.4 Jo Prescott 76; 18.5 to 30.1 Maria McConway 73, Julie Rosie 73; 30.2 + Margaret Frisken 78, Denise Finch 80.

anne Betts 76, Tracy Bary 77, Annie Hubert 80, Aroha Minhinnick 80, Sue Campbell 80, Anne Newman 80. Sat 8 Jul - Stableford: MensHamish Holst 35, James Sutherland 30.

Sun 9 Jul - Net Medal & Stableford: Mens - Terry Lane 69, Bill Keenan 71, John Muir 71, Rob Lopez 73, Jake Nurse 74, Mark Fyfe 76, Jack Wicks 77, Ian Hale 78.

Thu 6 Jul S/F - Len Barlow 44; Ian Molly 37; Bill Gatrell 36, David Bunt 36; Jeff Pascoe 34, Nick Wright 34; Stefan Roguski 33.

Fri 7 Jul 9H Putts - Margaret Frisken 15, Mary Butler 15; Penny Edwards 16; Maria McConway 17; Lyn Pawson 18, Joyce McClelland 18.