24 July 2024 The Blenheim Sun

Grateful I’m still here

By Chris Valli

Mary Barnes is grateful she is ‘still here’ and gets to tell her story. A story she says has a happy ending.

The 87-year-old, who lives alone, was dusting in her lounge in Clouston Gardens, Springlands, last month, when

she took a fall. The impact of the fall knocked her unconscious for four days suffering with a broken hip and from dehydration. Mary has also short term memory loss, struggling to recall information or conversations from up to one hour to 24 hours.

Continued on page 2.

LOOKING AFTER MUM: Springlands resident Mary Barnes and son Kevin at her home last Friday. Mary took a fall while dusting and was knocked unconscious, suffering a broken hip and dehydration.

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Handyman hero comes to the rescue

Continued from page 1.

The hero, who found her and came to her rescue, was Russell Montgomery, a handyman/gardener who does odd jobs around the house. Russell knocked on the door and got no response, prompting a decision to take his clothes off to climb through the smallest of openings trough the kitchen window, finding Mary wedged between the lounge table and duchess.

“He is a skinny man, I’m not sure, I’d get through the window,” says son Kevin. “It’s been hard watching Mum’s decline, especially when I first saw her. I don’t think Mum really knew who I was. When I first spoke with her she was going on about a secret room in the house, confused, believing it was all real, because of the hallucination(s).”

Youngest son Kevin, one of Mary’s three children, is a mechanic who lives in Northland and received a call from Wairau Hospital about his Mum’s health status and got on the next available plane to be at Mary’s bedside.

Mary has been living in her home alone since 2002 and throughout her time in the house, had also set up accommodation for travelling contacts through a bed and breakfast. She says she feels disappointed she can no longer do the things she has always done including driving her car and doing her shopping.

“I’m bloody cross with myself,”

SMALLEST OF OPENINGS: Local handyman, gardener

a window to gain access inside the house and

table and duchess.

she says.

Kevin says the house which is two storied, has resulted in a ‘next steps conversation’ where she can no longer use the stairs or access upstairs. She is currently sleeping on the couch in the lounge.

“We need a plan B now,” he says. “The house is now not suitable for Mum’s ever-growing aging needs and she needs something more suitable.”

Mary, nee Sheehan, grew up in a military family and served two tours at Laucala Bay base in Fiji as part of a peacekeeping mission in that country. She worked in

accounts and made sure everyone received their wages every second week. She is a past president and current welfare officer of the Marlborough branch of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Association. She had been recently active driving around the community and checking up with the Marlborough members of the New Zealand Defence Force association, who live in rest homes. Mary also delivers the Blenheim Sun Newspaper and says if there was one paper she wanted to tell, it was ‘the one I deliver’. Since the fall, Mary now has a caregiver. She says the incident has

made her think twice about her own independence.

“I am a little bit disappointed that neighbours couldn’t check in or me, go the extra mile and knock on my door,” she says. “If you’re unsure about your neighbour or a family member, go make sure they are OK. If you notice the curtains have been pulled for a few days or something is a bit odd, pop over,” she says.

Mary often wears a medic alert necklace. However, she had taken the necklace off. “I’ve now got two on,” she smirks. “My sense of humour is keeping me going.”

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

THE

Russell Montgomery had to squeeze through

found Mary unconscious and wedged between the lounge

Pondering a new roof

By Chris Valli

Marlborough’s lawn bowlers have asked the Marlborough District Council for 1.7 million dollars to put a roof over the Whitehead Park Bowling Green in Redwoodtown.

The request for a high tensile membrane roof on June 12 was part of the Council’s Long Term Plan submissions in June.

However, a Council spokesperson says during the deliberation process, Councillors decided to decline the application and refer the request to the Assets and Services Committee for further investigation.

Currently there are 10 bowling clubs in Marlborough with 423 bowlers paying full membership with over 1000 playing socially.

Club member and spokesperson

Mike Ponder says the region’s bowlers ‘desperately need a covered bowling green’ and Whitehead Park, the only Bowling Green with an artificial turf is ‘the ideal choice’. Mike says for the sport to continue to grow Marlborough ‘must have’ an all-weather bowling facility.

“The bowling green is owned by the Council, it’s going to be hard to find a third party to pay for the roof and it’s up to them to put a roof over the facility,” he says. “It can be used in any weather, at nights and mean more New Zealand tournaments come to Marlborough, who often look for a lawn to be covered so that play can be guaranteed.”

“To have a covered green would be the icing on the cake for a growing population when they are looking at options as to where to live and play,” he says. “The artificial

surface (replaced two years ago) certainly helps us in winter with tournaments throughout the week. A roof would double the life of the turf, so there is a huge saving in that alone.”

Mike says if Council does intend to fund towards a potential roof they would be looking to the community to pay for sponsorship and naming rights, which would ‘bring in some substantial money’. There are 12 bowling facilities throughout the country that have greens which are covered with roofed facilities in Dunedin and Invercargill. The Tauranga South

Club opened their facility with a new roof in May.

A Council spokesperson says the MDC Sports Strategic Facilities Plan 2021 suggests a ‘multisport approach’ when making decisions on large capital investments.

Mike says he suggested to Council the company which came up with the design and budget for Whitehead Park, have also quoted to do the outside netball courts at Lansdowne Park.

When asked what the benefits of a roof was for ratepayers in a cost of living crisis, Mike is adamant that the region and the

Marlborough economy would be the benefactors in the long run.

“There’s an economic benefit for everyone in the region with an all-weather roof including retailers, accommodation. Let’s be realistic, what is 1.7 million, which is the quarter cost of a roundabout?

Once this is built, that’s it. If they leave it for another five years, how much will it cost then? It would be a huge asset to the region and not just for bowling,” he says.

All recommendations and decisions regarding the LTP are still subject to final ratification at the full Council meeting on 31 July.

Sun The

Name release, fatal crash, Taumarina

Police can now name the person who died following a crash on State Highway 1, Tuamarina, on Thursday 11 July. He was Benjamin William Foster, 33, of Blenheim. Police extend sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time. Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Rates rebate

Applications for the 2023/2024 rating year have now closed. Applications for the new financial year normally open the first week in August however this will be delayed several weeks for the upcoming 2024/2025 financial year. This will be based on your income for the tax period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. Once dates are confirmed an update will be provided through the MDC website and communications channels, resident organisations, GreyPower, local rest homes and WINZ. Anyone who received the rates rebate in the last financial year will also receive a notification to advise when applications are open.

For more information go to www. marlborough.govt.nz/services/rates/ rates-rebate

Calling all artists

The 2024 Alzheimers Arts, Crafts and Collections Trail will be on Saturday and Sunday September 21 and 22. Organisers are welcoming all previous and new exhibitors to join this wonderful annual event.

For further information contact Helen Knapp 021 126 2508 or Email:MarlboroughAdmin@ alzheimers.org.nz

Whitehead Park Bowling Green in Redwoodtown could be upgraded to an all-weather facility.

Bowling

Kindling Wood

Alzheimers Marlborough has great value bags of kindling wood available again this year. Priced at just $5 per bag, you will be saving money and supporting the important work that Alzheimers Marlborough carries out in our community.

The kindling can be picked up from Alzheimers Marlborough, 8 Wither Road, 9am - 3.30pm daily. If anyone has sacks left over from last year, we would love to get them back. Alzheimers Marlborough, keeping you warm this winter.

Show ‘n Shine

Ford Club Marlborough is hosting the Henry Ford Birthday Show ‘n Shine Meet this Sunday 28th July, at Lansdowne Park 10am - 2pm. A gold coin donation will get you in to see a large gathering of old and new Fords, and there will be food, coffee and raffles. This is a fundraiser for Marlborough Breast Cancer Support Group and Marlborough Riding for the Disabled, proudly supported by Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors.

BootSale Market

The Blenheim Rotary BootSale Market is on every Saturday 8am – 12pm at the Blenheim Railway Station Carpark. Everyone welcome. No booking required, just turn up and choose a site. $5 per site. No sales of alcohol, guns, gin traps or children!

Blenheim doctor wins Yukon 1000

By Chris Valli

Blenheim doctor and adventure sport athlete

Sophie Hart and Tasman Bay’s Nathan Fa’avae have won the world’s toughest and longest endurance race.

The duo took out the Yukon 1000 last Thursday (New Zealand time), paddling 1000 miles along the Yukon River through Canada and Alaska.

The gruelling race winds through some of the most remote landscapes in the world, navigating river rapids, narrow channels and rummaging bears. The duo completed the race in six days and 23 minutes, the second fastest kayak time ever.

Sophie is a locum GP with Blenheim’s Manu Ora, a charity which provides Māori primary health care. The welcoming team of supportive colleagues were there with signs on Monday morning to surprise her. Fair to say, she was surprised after what had been a whirlwind few days.

“I’m a little bit overwhelmed actually,” she says as she arrived. “It’s really nice and great to be home. I certainly wasn’t expecting this.”

The race can be done in canoes or kayaks, with a two-person team, and involves paddling 1000 miles (1609km) along the Yukon River from White Horse in Canada to Dalton Highway Bridge in Alaska through remote landscapes.

The pair paddled 18 hours a day, stopping only for the mandatory six hours overnight. Sophie says they both knew if they had a good race they were ‘hopeful of being competitive’.

Sophie and Nathan have completed in a number of multi-day adventure races during the past 14 years.

Nathan, a 52-year-old adventure enthusiast,

resides in Tasman Bay has a lifelong passion for outdoor sports and adventure and has become a highly regarded figure in the field.

As the captain of the world’s most successful adventure racing team, he has received numerous accolades, including being honoured as an Officer of The New Zealand Order of Merit in 2023.

Nathan says they had everything from really cold, lightning-thunderstorms to fairly extreme, almost desert-like heat including paddling through a forest fire.

“I guess there are just lots of things that make it overall a pretty authentic adventure,” he says.

The race has been run in the current format since 2009, by founder Peter Coates, who developed the race with GPS tracking expertise.

Blenheim’s Sophie Hart and Nathan Fa’avae won the Yukon 1000 adventure race after paddling 1000 miles (1609km) from Canada to Alaska. Sophie says there will definitely be more adventures in the future. “It’s a little bit addictive,” she says.

1000.

A former competitor Dan Achber, lost nine kilograms during the race and was famously once quoted as ‘let me be clear, unless you are a masochist on a rapid weight loss plan, I don’t suggest you do the race’.

When asked if the result was a surprise Sophie says they were a little bit surprised they got the second fastest time ever.

“We were pleased. The wildlife was cool, we saw quite a few moose. The best bit was being woken up in the middle of the night by a couple of moose splashing around outside our tent so that was pretty cool, a Mum and her two young calves.”

“I’m just keen to get home and see the kids really and get back to work on Wednesday (today). There will definitely be more adventures in the future, it’s a little bit addictive.”

Photos: Chris Valli and Supplied Yukon

Peata’s skate punk persona

By Chris Valli

The opening verses in the song Sk8er Boi (pronounced skater boy) are lyrics Peata Panoho can resonate with.

“He was a punk, she did ballet, what more can I say?” is not only a commendable hook but also something the filmmaker can empathise with as a former ballet dancer.

Born in Auckland, Peata is the second child in a musical family of seven. She became involved in the performing arts from the age of four, appearing regularly in dance shows, chamber music concerts and Blenheim Musical Theatre productions such as Annie (2017) and Phantom of the Opera (2019).

Choosing Avril Lavigne as her star was primarily a decision based on ‘what would be fun to watch’ and ‘what would the audience be interested in seeing’.

“Most people I’ve spoken to

seem to like Sk8er Boi as a song. I’ve always liked it. To be honest I knew nothing about Avril before this, I just enjoyed the song,” she says. “I’ve watched her music video I don’t know how many times now.”

The song by Canadian singer Avril Lavigne was released as the second single from her debut album Let Go in 2002. It tells a story about her rocker boyfriend and a girl he knew in high school that rejected him because of peer pressure from her friends who had a problem with his baggy clothes.

It’s a narrative and interpretation Peata can somewhat connect with and what it means to understand all walks of life, through a cultural lens. Her father is of Maori and Scottish descent, while her mother is of English and Malaysian-Chinese parentage.

“I had quite a sheltered childhood and felt closely connected to my English side growing up

but wanted to avoid judging people based on appearances and cultural backgrounds. Relating to other groups of people, like skater kids, I was never part of that crowd. I liked the song as a teenager because I thought of it as a warning and a challenge not to pigeonhole people for what they wear or do.”

Peata’s younger sister Iona was in Stars in 2019 and placed third as Aretha Franklin singing ‘I Say a Little Prayer’. Peata sang backing vocals with sister Charlotte and brother Solomon.

“That was when it first came on the radar and I thought, this is cool. Someday, I’ll do it, if I have time,” she says. “Iona actually helped me choose the artist, suggesting ones that would suit me. In all honesty, I’m not very pop aware or up to speed on modern musicians, whereas Iona is,” she says.

In recent years, the 24-yearold has been involved with the

Marlborough film industry working as the Wardrobe Supervisor for the film Northspur. In 2021, she starred in the short film, War Paint, which won several international festival awards for best drama and earned her a Best Actress nomination in the 2021 Top of the South Island Film Festival.

“Film is quite concentrated, and you have to bring everything at once and be ready to go when the cameras start rolling. I’ve had to learn lines on the spot and be quicker with everything I did. I come (to the stage) with a better game now, the energy that I bring is perhaps more intense now.”

“I’m definitely going into Stars to have fun. I want(ed) to be back on stage with the last few years involved with film and Covid. There’s nothing like the buzz you get from a live audience, I’m looking forward to that. I’m very competitive, always go for gold,” she says.

Peata Panoho will be performing as Canadian punk pop singer Avril Lavigne singing Sk8er Boi (pronounced skater boy) at next month’s Stars in Your Eyes Blenheim. “Most people I know seem to like Sk8er Boi as a song, I’ve always liked it.”

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

The Whitehead Park Bowling Club has asked the Marlborough District Council for 1.7 million dollars for a covered high tensile, membrane roof.

We asked, what benefit would a roof mean for lawn bowls in Marlborough?

It enables people to get out and about even if the weather is a bit inclement.

A roof on the Whitehead facility would be a huge asset to Marlborough with the availability of having an all-weather green all the time.

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

Lack of oversight

I just read that the MDC are going ahead with their plan to update the A&P Pavilion. While many would see this as a positive move, most ratepayers would welcome to know that, firstly, construction of the building will be as carbon neutral as possible and secondly, the running expense, by way of power consumed and CO2 expelled, is also carbon neutral.

I bring this concern up, as to date, the last three public buildings are certainly not. For instance, the Picton Library, in winter, uses two bottles of gas a week. I must imagine the Marlborough Library and Harwood Park, Sports Pavillion, must also have similar high gas and power usage? Higher thermal insulation would be good.

It is to be noted that the Finance Assets and Services Committee to date, have done nothing to rectify these costs by retro fitting solar panels with a small battery backup.

I was amazed to read that Marlborough Roads will tear up the perfectly adequate

Doug Blenheim

I come from Invercargill and it has one. For the town of Blenheim, it would be fabulous, I know we have a few councilors here who are go getters.

I’ve been playing at Whitehead for the past 15 years and the sun can be a killer. I’ve had taken off six – eight melanomas because of the sun, even covering myself off. We’d like to enjoy our retirement.

It’s good now, adding a roof would to the town and facility a world of good. There would be no cancellations because of rain or delays with heavy frost.

I’m an associate member and I play in the winter time. It would be a tremendous asset particular for club members that play in the summer time, the shade would be good.

Spinning the Narrative on Palestine 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.

asphalt surface on the Picton incline and replace it with the very noisy and car windscreen shattering large stone chip surface, Most roads around Christchurch are asphalt, as indeed is the new Transmission Gully motorway and both have varying speed limits of between 100 and 120kph,. Which begs the question, why the current 70kph limit and the need to replace the road surface, for an inferior one? A rather needless and resource wasteful exercise.

Chris Davies Waikawa

MDC reply:

Council notes the points raised by the correspondent.

Mr Davies will be pleased to know that Council’s decision to use gluelam portals for the construction of the recent Puna Wai Hockey Pavilion in Blenheim resulted in 52 tonnes of carbon sequestration. This is the equivalent to electricity usage by 99 homes

John Vile in his letter from last week re Palestine states that the Palestinian Mufti was an ally of Hitler and had pledged to exterminate every Jew in the Middle East if Hitler won the war.

The Mufti was, understandably, no supporter of the Zionist Jews who were planning to take over his homeland. He never stated any ambition to exterminate all the Jews, but was indeed trying hard to prevent the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. Being against Jews taking over one’s homeland does not make one an ally of Hitler. Instead of publishing half-truths or outright

for one year or 120 barrels of oil consumed. Council construction budgets are kept extremely tight to provide the best value for ratepayers and do not make provision for funding solar installations.

However, when opportunities arise to apply for Central Government funding for solar installations as was the case with Te Kahu o Waipuna – the Marlborough Library, then Council prepares applications to secure these opportunities. New Zealand’s insulation requirements are now extremely high. Recently the Coalition Government announced a review to assess the cost benefit of the new requirements and Council will keep abreast of these developments.

Regarding the work on State Highway 1 at the Picton Elevation, Council’s understanding is that when this was completed in June air temperature was too cold to successfully

lies to suit his own narrative, Mr Vile would have been more credible by highlighting the genocide taking place this very moment in Palestine, by Israel.

The Mufti has now been vindicated 100% in his resistance to a Jewish state. The carnage and mayhem as a result is clear to anyone with their eyes open.

Mr Vile’s eyes seem to be wide shut and his argument and sidestepping of the plight of Palestinians is best described by his surname.

Peter Mathyssen Rarangi.

apply chip seal to the road surface. Instead, a layer of asphalt, which can be used at lower temperatures than chip seal was applied to ensure a robust road surface.

When the weather warms up, a layer of chip seal will be applied over top of the existing asphalt to make the stretch of road safer and more skid resistant. This section of road is within a high-speed curve and adequate road texture for vehicle tyres to grip to is essential. Until the chip seal is applied a temporary 70km/hr speed limit will remain in place for safety reasons.

The asphalt mix used on other highways such as Transmission Gully is different to what has been applied at the Picton Elevation. This mix isn’t available in the top of the South.

Council appreciates the opportunity to respond.

Bruce Chapman-Cohen Blenheim

Noel Doran Blenheim

Andrew Bishell Picton

Geoff Storm Blenheim

Ross Neal Blenheim

Blenheim’s water to be chlorinated

Blenheim’s water supply is to be chlorinated to ensure it meets national regulator Taumata Arowai’s standards.

The water regulator requires a residual disinfectant, which is typically provided by chlorine, and while Blenheim’s water is currently treated for protozoa and bacteria, there is no chlorine dosing.

Council’s Planning and Development Engineer Stuart Donaldson told July’s Assets and Services Committee that chlorination would initially be done on a temporary basis at the Central Water Treatment Plant (CWTP) until a permanent dosing plant was built. There is sufficient space to install permanent chlorine dosing at the secondary water treatment plant in Springlands.

“There is currently not enough room for a permanent chlorine dosing plant at the CWTP,” Mr Donaldson said. “Chlorine dosing would initially be at a temporary plant until the sodium hydroxide dosing plant is complete and there is sufficient space for a permanent dosing plant.”

Chlorine is a safe, simple and inexpensive way to disinfect drinking

water, capable of killing most common bacteria including campylobacter and norovirus. It’s generally used alongside other processes such as protozoa barriers which remove single-celled parasites such as cryptosporidium and giardia.

Provision has been made in the Long Term Plan for chlorinating the supply.

Mr Donaldson said Taumata Arowai had reinforced the need for Blenheim’s water supply to be chlorinated from 31 December this year. This was to ensure it met the Water Services Act and the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules.

The committee recommended upgrading the existing CWTP site, which has been developed over time with the pH correction plant built in 2000 and disinfection, a reservoir and pump station added in 2012. Changing the pH correction plant from hydrated lime to sodium hydroxide will free up space for a permanent chlorine dosing plant.

Mr Donaldson added that existing equipment would be re-used as much as possible to save money.

Wither Hills submissions close soon

Balancing soil conservation and native plantings with recreational use and farming is the aim of the Wither Hills draft management plan, now open for submissions.

Parts of the farm park, which covers 1,029 hectares, were originally bought by the Crown in 1944 to address soil conservation and that role is still the overriding priority for management today.

Council Parks and Open Spaces Planner Linda Craighead said the plan sets out a strategic direction for community comment.

“The review of the existing plan began in 2022 with discussions by Council staff, iwi and stakeholders and last year the public was invited to provide their thoughts on future management options,” she said.

That process resulted in 92 responses from which the draft plan was then developed.

“The farm park is iconic and a highly valued backdrop to Blenheim and the plan includes an overview of the values of importance to the community,” Ms Craighead said.

Key issues include providing recreational opportunities for a wide range of participants and activities, restoring native habitat, controlling pests, managing fire risk and protecting the landscape and cultural heritage of the area. Farming is an important management tool as well.

Consultation closes on 9 August – to have your say go to: www. marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/ have-your-say-consultations

Chilean needle grass rust fungus approved

A rust fungus that affects Chilean needle grass could help slow the spread of the highly invasive weed in Marlborough.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved the release of the fungus to control the spread of the grass which is widespread in Marlborough, with 2,615 hectares affected.

Councillor Barbara Faulls, who holds Council’s biosecurity portfolio, said without an intervention such as the fungus, farmers, landowners and biosecurity staff were fighting an uphill battle against the damaging weed.

“Rust fungus (Uromyces pencanus) will hopefully give us the advantage of not having to search for the proverbial ‘needle in a haystack’, as it will spread and do its job without too much human intervention,” she said.

“The fact that it is host specific is a comfort to landowners as well.”

Chilean needle grass, a perennial South American grass, was first recorded in Marlborough in the 1940s in the Blind River area. Plants form dense clumps, excluding pasture species, reducing farm productivity with the potential to cost farmers millions of dollars in lost production. Animal welfare is also an issue as the seeds have sharp tips that can get into pelts and eyelids, causing blindness.

Council applied to use a strain of rust fungus, Uromyces pencanus, as a biocontrol agent against Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) in New Zealand.

Council’s Biosecurity Manager Liam Falconer described the release as “significant” and had involved many years of work from councils, Landcare Research, EPA and the community.

“We hope the rust will become well established in Marlborough, slowing the growth and seeding ability of Chilean needle grass and reducing harm to livestock and loss of production,” he said.

“Testing shows this rust fungus can successfully slow infestations, killing the foliage of Chilean needle grass as well as reducing its growth and seed production.”

Liam said that biocontrol was a long game and it might take a number of years before an impact from the initial releases was seen.

“This rust fungus is highly host specific, meaning it only lives on Chilean needle grass and is highly unlikely to harm native plants or animals. There is also no risk to people,” he said.

A study has estimated the potential cost of lost production could reach as much as $1.16 billion nationally, if the weed is left unchecked.

In recent years the EPA has approved other biocontrol agents for old man’s beard, Sydney golden wattle and moth plant, amongst other pests.

Mayor Nadine Taylor hosted a delegation from Otari Village in Japan last week. The delegation included Mr Nakamura Yoshiaki, Mayor of Otari. Otari is part of Marlborough’s Sister Cities programme.

It was a warm welcome - both mayors have sons of the same age who participated in the sister cities youth exchange programme while at high school. Gifts were exchanged including handmade cloth and whisky from the Japanese and native wood bowls and wine from Marlborough.

Mayor Taylor said it was great to see the 33-year relationship continuing with youth exchanges planned for 2025.

“The Sister City agreement with Otari came about through friendships made at Outward Bound - Otari is home to an Outward Bound School and there are still student exchanges going on between Otari and Marlborough today.”

Otari Village is a small town in Nagano Prefecture, north-east of Tokyo, which hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. Otari is a holiday resort with good skiing and snowboarding facilities.

Biosecurity Manager Liam Falconer with an example of Chilean needle grass at the Wither Hills Farm Park

Mayor Nadine Taylor with Nakamura Yoshiaki, Mayor of Otari

Wither Hills Farm Park

with the Sun

Transforming the pool into personalised training one

Marlborough aquatic personal trainer

Tania Horton loves her job and says she is ‘here to help people get stronger and better’. As Chris Valli discovers, movement is doing wonders for a new breed of aqua enthusiasts.

Blenheim’s Tania Horton is a mum, first and foremost, with three teenagers, albeit ‘only one’ is living at home at the moment.

“This is the first time in my life that I have been able to focus on me and my career,” she concedes. “This time it’s about me.”

Bought up in Ward/Seddon, Tania previously for seven years worked in group fitness and teaching Marlborough’s primary school children through the fundamentals program at the Stadium 2000 before a certain respiratory disease reared its ugly head in 2020.

“With the Covid restructuring I went beekeeping for 18 months and absolutely loved it. I was at the bottom of the rung, I didn’t have to think about anything. It was physical and I loved being outside and it was a great group of people.

“But it was too hard on the family, they and I never knew what time I was going to be home and it was non-stop doing 12 hour days. It became too much and I burnt out.”

She says she ‘literally gave her job up’ with nothing to go to.

“I took a massive risk but they (Stadium 2000) gave me my job back here but only if I could train in the gym under Rick (Ricky White, Health and Fitness Lead) and they took me on.”

Upskilling as a personal trainer meant that she had to get her study done ‘pretty smartly’ thanks to a few weeks ‘rest’ from the effects of Covid. Qualification came from hard work,

eight months later (normally takes one year).

“It was always in my head that I was going to do this in the water,” she says.

The ‘this’ moment was aquatic therapy. Or should that read, ‘Tania Horton, The Aquatic PT’. Aquatic fitness is movement in the pool and incorporates mobility exercises, strengthening activities, aerobic conditioning and functional tasks.

Aerobics Suzy Aitken circa early 90s it is not.

“It’s going to help so many people”

Tania, 43, had no backing or business plan for her vision, she ‘just knew in her heart’ that it was going to work and that she would ‘make it work’.

“I used to teach aqua aerobics classes here every day and I had a lady that once said to me, can you give me one on one training in the water. I asked around and essentially I couldn’t because I wasn’t trained as a personal trainer. It always kind of stuck with me. That same lady has been with me for two years now, coming to classes two sessions a week.”

The Covid and beekeeping hiatus she says, gave her the mindset to just ‘throw everything into it’.

She still does training sessions in the gym. However, face to face in

COLLABORATING THE FITNESS JOURNEY: Tania had no backing or business plan for her

and says she ‘just knew in her heart’ that it was going to work. Aquatic therapy is physical therapy in the

and incorporates mobility exercises, strengthening activities, aerobic conditioning and functional tasks.

the pool is the part of the job she loves as it allows specific task instruction. Tania says she is currently working on an app where she can provide clients with video instructions which tailors a strengthening program accordingly to the needs of the client.

She currently has around 50 clients on a weekly and fortnightly basis. However, she admits she has to focus on reducing her ‘mental space’ as she has another challenge and goal to get off the starting blocks.

“It’s a massive amount of work and learning,” she says. “It’s going to help so many people. My youngest person is 21 and the stigma of older people doing it is changing. The water is the most enjoyable place to work out. Everybody should be able to move and exercise their body, it’s just the intensity that varies.

The science behind aquatic exercise has many health benefits, such as improved heart health, reduced stress, and improved muscular endurance and strength. Aquatic exercise also can improve joint use and lessen pain if you have osteoarthritis.

“There’s 360 degrees of resistance in the water to start with. Once you learn how to move the water and the water to feedback on you and get the muscle activation that you are looking for, that’s when you get the results. The muscles have been worked, like they could be in the gym. One lady said to me, I feel like all my joints have been lubricated.”

So how does water make the former runner, who has run every track in the Wither Hills, feel holistically?

“I ended up with a knee injury in 2017 and had surgery. I found

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the pool and had to use it for up to 50mns for cardio and until my injury healed. Mum was here (in the pool) and said, come to aqua aerobics, that’s what they call it. I don’t, that’s part of my transition into educating people around aquatic fitness, and it’s so much more than that.”

What about those who might be taking shot cuts in the pool and not ‘doing the exercises correctly’ or getting the full benefit?

“I can see by the way the water is moving, it’s something I have learnt after doing this for two years now. Even by asking questions, where are they feeling that and they tell me somewhere else. It’s what I love to do. It’s giving so many people a fun, enjoyable way to work out. I’m giving people an option, so they can move their body for their own mental and physical health.”

vision

pool

Dear diary, here’s to the 7-day weekend

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Time to dig out the fabric stash

The countdown is on for the annual Fabric-a-brac Marlborough event set to run on the morning of Saturday, August 17 at Connect Blenheim.

23 stallholders are booked in to sell their personal collection of hoarded fabric and sewing treasures, Tim the scissor sharpener and sewing machine repair man will be there and the team of bakers have planned out the menu for the pop up cafe.

Fabric-a-Brac is a market that brings together sewers, quilters, crafters and other fabric fans to buy and sell vintage and modern fabric and sewing supplies, with all proceeds

supporting Hospice.

The Hospice Shop is still gratefully receiving donations of fabric, habedashery, wool, sewing and craft supplies right up until August 10.

“Every donation makes a positive impact on the funds we can raise on the day for Hospice Marlborough, so now is the time to clear our your cupboards for a good cause.” says Marlborough Fabric-a-brac Coordinator Tracy Johnston.

Every dollar earned from the pop-up cafe, stallholder fees, gold coin donations, raffles and sales of fabric and sewing supplies on the Hospice tables goes directly back to Hospice

Marlborough.

This year’s Marlborough event will run from 10am till 1pm.

Donations of fabric and sewing supplies can now be dropped off at the Hospice Shop on Cleghorn St in Redwoodtown until August 10 during their normal opening hours, Monday-Friday 10am – 4pm and Saturday 10am to 1pm. For more information, contact Tracy Johnston on 021 749 368. Gold Coin donation on entry appreciated For more details on the event: https://www.eventfinda. co.nz/2024/fabric-a-brac-marlborough-2024/blenheim

The annual Fabric-a-brac Marlborough event is set to run on the morning of Saturday, August 17 at Connect Blenheim from 10am till 1pm. Donations of fabric and sewing supplies can be dropped off at the Hospice Shop on Cleghorn St in Redwoodtown until August 10 during their normal opening hours.

One man’s mission to transform lives

By William Bisset - Director of Brilin

In 2008, William Bisset’s world was turned upside down. His sister Linda, celebrating the birth of her seventh child, was diagnosed with cancer and given just months to live. Almost simultaneously, his mother suffered a stroke and was found to have cancer, as was his father. Tragically, all three passed away before the Brilin Project—named in honor of his uncle Brian and sister Linda—could be fully realised. These profound losses ignited a burning question within William: What are the driving forces behind disease?

This question set him on a path of relentless research and discovery, culminating in the Brilin Project, an initiative dedicated to functional medicine and the cutting-edge technologies. Today, William is traveling the length and breadth of New Zealand, sharing his insights through ‘The Great Health Awakening’ New Zealand Tour.

The seminars, which have received overwhelmingly positive feedback, aim to shed light on the underlying causes of health conditions. Attendees, including medical professionals, have expressed delight at learning about some of the lessor known precursors to inflammatory diseases. One participant remarked that the seminar ‘gave her hope’, a sentiment echoed by many others. Testimonials from these events, captured on video, speak volumes about the impact of William’s message. William is careful not to provide direct medical advice; instead, he encourages his audience to research specific pathways and consult with their own medical professionals.

William’s journey is as inspirational as the content of his talks. Battling his own health issues, he managed to lose over 75 kilograms and restore his vitality. His seminars focus on seven essential areas critical to understanding and managing disease. These areas

are explored with the depth and clarity that come from years of personal experience and professional dedication.

At the heart of William’s motivation is the memory of his family members lost to cancer. Their struggles fuelled his commitment to uncovering the root causes of disease and sharing his findings with others. The Brilin Project embodies this mission, combining scientific, natural, and functional medicine to tackle a wide range of conditions, from cancer and autoimmune disorders to chronic fatigue and arthritis.

Functional medicine, which forms the backbone of the Brilin Project, takes a holistic approach to healthcare. It views the body as an interconnected system and seeks to identify and address the underlying imbalances that lead to illness. This approach contrasts with traditional medicine, which often focuses on treating isolated symptoms rather than the root causes of disease.

William’s seminars are not just educational; they are transformative. He draws upon his own experiences and extensive research to help others restructure their thinking and approach to health. His story is one of resilience, reinvention, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

For those attending The Great Health Awakening New Zealand Tour, the experience is not just about learning, it’s about finding hope and inspiration in the journey towards better health.

The Great Health Awakening New Zealand Tour is in Blenheim on August 3rd. Book now by emailing events@brilin.co.nz or calling 0800 774 885. PBA.

William Bissett will be in Blenheim on August 3rd sharing his insights as part of his ‘The Great Health Awakening’ New Zealand Tour.

PHOTO: Anthony Phelps

A Golden Opportunity.

Redwood’s ‘Olympic’ Open Day

Looking for the gold standard in Aged Care? Join us at Redwood Village for our Olympic-themed Open Day.

Catch our Resident’s Relay, enjoy a Morning Tea fit for an athlete and be entertained by local legend, Terry Price.

Whether you’re looking for Rest Home or Hospital level care, Redwood is the gold standard. Friday 26 July from 9.30am - 1pm.

To find out more, call our team on 0800 333 688.

Locals driven to succeed

‘Deep South’, Linda’s family have over 150 years of local history.

Dwayne & Linda Cosgrove 100% Local, whilst Dwayne originally hails from the

Dwayne has over twenty plus years in the industry having started out in Marlborough with the former TradeZone Blenheim store as a sales representative. Dwayne is very driven to succeed and has a great passion for the industry he works in.

The opportunity to join TradeZone came about nine years ago when Dwayne had an opportunity to onboard with Opel Industries Ltd – TradeZone Nelson.

“That opportunity turned into us buying the business three years later in 2018,” says Linda. “But the dream was always TradeZone Blenheim and on August 7, 2023, that came to fruition with us opening a new store at 50 Grove Road.”

The two stores are Opel Industries Ltd –TradeZone Nelson at 35 Quarantine Road and the new store, TradeZone Blenheim Ltd, 50 Grove Road.

“Our team have worked hard over the first year to ensure we have the right Industrial Tools, Engineering Equipment, & Consumables that our customers need. We continue to work hard to source the right gear, so our customers are getting value for money and the right product to get the job done,” she says.

Linda says TradeZone Blenheim has a small but effective team.

“When you come into the store you will be greeted by Daniel, who like Dwayne has a passion for Engineering & Industrial Supplies. Daniel is supported by another local, Melissa. If you blink you might miss her as she has a passion for all things fast and furious and you might be more familiar seeing her behind the wheel of her stock-car,” says Linda. “Melissa adds another great dimension to the team.”

Dwayne and Linda split their weeks over the two locations, either in behind the counter serving the great locals who support their store’s or in behind the scenes working on the day-to-day business and ensuring that they have the supplies on hand to meet customer needs.

“Our admin lady Donna has a friendly

voice on the phone and is the person to help you with all account enquiries. We are looking forward to building up our team as the business continues to grow, so we can be seen out in the field extending our services,” she says.

“Being local, supplying local and supporting local. We stand by what we sell. We have a passion for what we do, we source the right gear and the right price to bring you the end consumer a quality product that is going to get the job done,” she says.

“Being part of TradeZone New Zealand, the team can source the best products from the best suppliers around the globe. “We only stock top quality products from the best brands, we stand by our products and our staff specialise in what we do.”

Local glass company, Viridian, has been serving and supporting the Marlborough community for well over 50 years.

TradeZone Blenheim appeared on Grove Road last year. Owners Dwayne and Linda Cosgrove are all about 'being local, supplying local, and supporting local. "We stand by what we sell."

One of Blenheim’s few remaining pubs, the Grove Tavern, continues to flourish

Household classic, favourite beers on tap and a wholesome winter menu, caters for all, with the central location, ideal to catch up with mates and spend a quality meal with family.

The 2024 winter meal is the classic meat and three vegetables with delicious options from steak, chicken, fish and pork with a variety of sauces to indulge in.

Owner Chris Brice has been in the role for two years and says there is a great staff on board, with local patronage continuing to grow, including sponsorship with the Harlequins Rugby Club, Wairau Softball and the Tasman Mako.

The Tavern has also recently hosted rugby teams for the Seddon Shield U52kg tournament which was held at Lansdowne Park.

The Believe it or Not quiz nights hosted by Tasha Knox started in early June and are beginning to generate healthy interest.

The quiz is on every Thursday from 7 – 9pm.

The awesome bistro is also available for dinner or function hire, so come on down and try their new setting where bookings are essential.

With bookings of 15 plus people, the bistro offers a smoked meat option, enquire at 578 5502 or at 77 Grove Road to find out more.

Grove Tavern owner Chris Brice says the 2024 winter meal is the classic meat and three vegetables with delicious options from steak, chicken, fish and pork with a variety of sauces to indulge in.

Marlborough Motorcycles on Warwick Street: New owners Daniel and Amanda Morton took the over the business just over a year ago.

Support our Community

“We rise by lifting others”

“Coming together as a community strengthens us all!”

Investment In our communIty

Have you invested in our community this week? If there is one thing that’s important in a cost of living crisis it’s living within one’s means. It’s also paramount to support Marlborough’s local business and shop local. You probably have without realising it. If you have grabbed your morning coffee from one of Marlborough’s coffee stalls or cafes, popped into the local supermarket to grab the ingredients for dinner, bought some meat for the barbecue from a local butcher, or made any local purchase at all, then yes, you have invested in our community.

Shopping locally is more than just saving yourself a long drive on a pothole-ridden highway to the nearest bland mall or big-box store. Shopping locally means saving more than just a few kilometres of petrol and the cost of parking.

Shopping locally means helping the

owner of your local hardware store put some money aside in their savings this week, and it means helping pay the wage of the local teenager who is saving for their college or university fees.

Shopping locally means investing in the people who live in our region, most of whom don’t just run a business in the area, but themselves invest right back into our community, by employing locals, buying their own business supplies locally, donating items to fundraisers and raffles, and even donating their own time as volunteers to a wide range of groups and activities.

So this week Blenheim Sun readers, make the choice to invest in our region by investing in the people who make it such a great place to be, and do your bit to ensure there is still a thriving community here for many years to come.

A golden opportunity

Redwood Retirement Village is hosting an Olympic-themed Open Day this Friday 26th July. Members of the public looking for the gold standard in aged care can join residents for fun Olympic-themed events including a torch relay, morning tea fit for an athlete and a live performance from local legend and resident Terry Price. These events will be followed by a tour for anyone interested in checking out the brand-new

care centre.

Resident and Care Manager, Jacqui Drysdale has been at Redwood for 4 years now and says, “Redwood is known for the high quality of care provided to our residents in the community and we’ve gained lifelong partnerships with families that come through our doors.

“The new premium offering has seen an overwhelming response from the community,

with some members coming in just to see what the fuss is about and have a look at the picturesque view from the firstfloor windows.”

Residents are looking forward to the sport-themed event, including 93 year old Garth Livick who was Fiji’s champion snooker player in 1976, and runner up for billiards the same year.

Check out the brand new Care Centre this Friday 26th July from 9.30am - 1pm. PBA.

Sharing country with a Blenheim audience

By Chris Valli

The Nelson Country Music Club is bringing their New Zealand Sun City Country Music Awards fundraising event to Blenheim.

The country music club will be hosting a ‘Country Showcase’ concert on Saturday July 27, 1.30pm at the Marlborough Boys’ College Hall.

The concert will feature Marlborough’s own Matthew McNeilly in a rare hometown performance, while he is in-between international cruise ship contracts. Matthew is a seasoned entertainer, set to delight local country music fans. Joining Matthew in the line-up, is fellow ex-Marlborough Award Winning performer – Vicki Downes (Nee Galloway) who now hails from Canterbury.

The show will also feature NZ Gold Guitar past winners Zac Griffith and Matt Hantler, and the current Intermediate NZ Country Entertainer of the Year, Maddison Connor. They will be backed by a fantastic fourpiece band.

All proceeds will go towards the running of this year’s Sun City Country Music Awards, scheduled to be held at Club Waimea (Richmond) over Labour Weekend.

The SCCMW is a major country music singing contest that draws performers, young and old alike, from all over New Zealand to compete.

The concert will feature Marlborough’s own Matthew McNeilly in a rare hometown performance, while he is in-between international cruise ship contracts. Matthew is a seasoned entertainer, set to delight local country music fans.

The event costs upward of $35,000 to run annually and the volunteer committee are hugely appreciative of the wonderful support from the public at their fundraising concerts, and are sure the upcoming Blenheim Showcase will be no exception. The SCCMW committee would also like to acknowledge the past support and assistance of the former Blenheim Country Music Club. So round up your friends, family and neighbours and be sure to get along to the Marlborough Boys’ College Hall on Saturday, July 27 for a not to be missed show. Admission is $20 (Kids free.) Raffles will be available for purchase. PBA.

LEGEND: Redwood Village resident Garth Livick, Fiji’s champion snooker player and billiards runner up in 1976, is looking forward to the Olympic-themed Open Day.

HIGH QUALITY OF CARE: Jacqui Drysdale has been Care Manager at Redwood Village for 4 years and says lifelong partnerships have formed with families that come through their doors.

Call to ‘increase wahine firefighters’

By Chris Valli

Husband and wife Steve and Karen Gibson love being volunteer firefighters. They’d also love to see more women firefighters join them in the Wairau Valley Brigade.

Karen joined the brigade a year and a half ago and is now a Breathing Apparatus Wearer, Medical Co-Responder, and is due to go on her Qualified Firefighters course in December.

Currently there are three women at the volunteer fire station and Karen says it ‘would be awesome to increase our wāhine representation’.

Karen concedes joining as a volunteer firefighter came from the ‘continual persistence’ from Steve and says she initially wanted to prove to herself that she could do it.

“Maybe it was a midlife crisis?

I was already getting up when the alarm went off to help Steve get out the door quicker. My hesitation was whether joining was a commitment I wanted to make. Did I

have the time to commit to it? It’s become our hobby, something we do together and that we are both passionate about. I thoroughly enjoy getting out there and doing all I can to help,” she says.

Women are currently underrepresented in Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ). Out of approximately 12,000 volunteers, only 15% are women.

“I personally see no reason why women can’t be great firefighters. Age, strength, and stature shouldn’t be barriers; they are assets to a diverse team. While there may be household logistics, child care, and employer support required, this applies equally to men as well,” says Karen.

Steve agrees and says age is no barrier. Both of us are in our 50’s and the role is manageable for anyone who is healthy and has a reasonably good level of fitness,” he says.

He adds the community may not always be aware that their brigade

can respond to medical emergencies too.

“Wairau Valley does not have a GP living here, but we are able to respond and provide a high level of first aid. Community members should never be afraid of ringing 111, even if they are in doubt. We are available 24/7 to respond and we are here to support.”

Steve says they returned from working overseas in 2020 and built their passive off-grid home in the village. Steve joined the brigade three and a half years ago and is now a Qualified Firefighter, Pump Operator, Breathing Apparatus Wearer, Medical Co-Responder, and is about to go on his Emergency Response Drivers Course. The brigade has 15 members and is equipped with two trucks, one is a pump, and the other is a tanker.

Karen says the best part about what she does is the teamwork.

“I really enjoy our training sessions, as they not only equip us with necessary skills but also strengthen

with the Wairau Valley Brigade. They’d also love to see more women firefighters join them in the brigade.

our bond as a team. When the siren goes off, it’s time for us to apply that training. We might be tasked with putting out a fire, assisting at a medical event, or responding to a car crash. It’s rewarding to know that our actions can help someone during a difficult time.

Midwinter lunch and connection

By Chris Valli

The Marlborough Stroke Club is a voluntary organisation offering support, education and friendship to stroke survivors and their families in the Marlborough region.

Through the help of the wider Marlborough community, they also can whip up a lovely midwinter lunch for their members which took place on Friday, July 12 and consisted of the form of BBQ platters and Trumpet ice creams.

Brad Miller from BBQ HUB was in his element with his great cooking, Meaters of Marlborough providing the meat, and generous sponsorship from New World and PaknSave. Meaters, Stadium 2000 and Subway, along with two members provided raffle prizes.

Strokes occur when blood flowing to the brain is interrupted, with often

devastating effects and can occur across all age groups.

The BBQ Hub was officially started in 2022 when Heating Marlborough moved premises and opened as Heating Marlborough and the BBQ Hub.

Spokesperson Vyvienne Dunlop says the Marlborough Stroke Club really appreciated the support and generosity of the local community helping them to make life better for stroke survivors and their families.

RIGHT: GENEROSITY OF COMMUNITY: Brad Miller from BBQ HUB was in his element with Meaters of Marlborough providing the meat for a midwinter lunch for Marlborough Stroke Club members recently.

Date Sunday 28th July 2024

For me, being a firefighter is a meaningful way to contribute to my community.”

If Blenheim Sun readers would like to join Karen as a volunteer firefighter in the Wairau Valley Brigade contact volunteer@fireandemergency.nz

Riding for the

Printing proudly donated by Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors

Karen and Steve Gibson love being volunteer firefighters

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Let’s create something amazing together!

DECODER

Across: 1. Publish, 5. Tariffs, 9. Aloha, 10. Third-rate, 11. Threefold, 12. Corgi, 13. Repel, 15. Available, 18. Etymology, 19. Ditch, 21. Raita, 23. Demeanour, 25. Heartfelt, 26. Ochre, 27. Theorem, 28. Year dot. Down: 1. Plaster, 2. Biography, 3. Irate, 4. Hot potato, 5. Third, 6. Ridiculed, 7. Flair, 8. Sterile, 14. Look after, 16. Asymmetry, 17. Betrothed, 18. Earshot, 20. Harvest, 22. Inane, 23. Dream, 24. Aroma.

toe, tor, torc, tore, trek.

cote, orc, ore, recto, ret, roc, rock, ROCKET, roe, rot, rote,

coke, cor, core, cork, cot,

Scent (5)

RENWICK RUGBY BACK TO BACK CHAMPIONS

the Renwick Rugby Club Division 2 team went back to back at the weekend with a 19-11 win over Waitohi at the Renwick Domain on Saturday.

PHOTOS: Tasman Community Rugby.

WELCOME HOME SOPHIE

Sophie Hart and Nathan Fa’avae won the world’s toughest and longest endurance race; the Yukon 1000, paddling 1000 miles along the Yukon River through Canada and Alaska last week. Chris Valli was at blenheim Airport on Monday morning where

FAMILY 101: Jack, Will, Hannah, Charlotte, Ryan McGruddy and Michelle Chapman.

Renwick rugby personality Nick Dickson is all smiles after his team go back to back after winning the competition in 2023 and 2024.

Sophie’s husband Nick Ross welcomes his wife home.

MANU ORA’S GP TAKING FLIGHT: Primary health care team Manu Ora colleagues and family from left; Rachel Inder, Tania Gregory, Mary McWatters, Sophie Hart with husband Nick, Emily Marfell and Sara Simmons.

doctor colleagues welcomed Sophie home.

UP THE GUTS: Jarod Bryant, Jaydn Holdaway and Daniel Jones.

Will McGruddy (far left) joins team mates after the final whistle on Saturday.

5 minutes with...

AnnA Polson

Community Outreach Coordinator

Kaipupu

Sanctuary/ Picton Dawn Chorus

 Are you a dog or cat person?

Definitely a dog person. I do like cats but I like birds more.

 My friends would say I am… Good at organizing get-togethers.

 The best advice I ever received was?

My mother used to always say ‘you catch more flies with sugar than vinegar’. Basically you’ll get further in life if you are nice to people.

 What would you buy if money was no object?

A nice big cruising yacht. With someone paid to maintain it.

 Local coffee haunt?

Le Cafe Picton - the best in Marlborough.

 Favourite takeaway?

Green Thai Duck Stir Fry from Thai Panda.

 The shop you can’t walk past is...? The Picton Bookshop.

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

A puppy.

 Where is your happy holiday place?

Anywhere with a good couch and an interesting bookshelf.

 Favourite programme or series currently watching?

Recent guilty pleasure is Yellowstone. I know I shouldn’t but it’s really good.

 What’s one thing on your bucket list?

I am terrified of sailing offshore but really want to brave up and do it one day.

gardening this week

Spud growing time: By Wally Richards

Growing your own potatoes may take a bit of garden room, for those with smaller sections, but the advantages of having your own freshly dug spuds far outweighs any loss of garden space.

It was very traditional for gardeners to at least grow a few potato plants so that they can have their own new potatoes at Christmas time.

Those that have larger gardens are likely to grow several rows of spuds so that they have a good supply for most of the year. If you have a new section, then remember that the old way of breaking in new land, before lawns and gardens were set out, was to plant all available land in a crop of potatoes. This would help break up the soil and make for better lawns and gardens later on.

There are several good reasons to grow as many potatoes as possible.

The foremost in my mind is flavour and texture found in home grown spuds when compared to purchased potatoes. I personally have stopped buying cheap potatoes that one finds at some shops. These potatoes more often than not don’t keep, have rots in them, lack flavour and breakup easily when cooked. The more expensive ones can also lack in flavour and only be average cookers even if they tend to keep longer.

In fact the only spuds I prefer to buy are certified organically grown, as these spuds are just about as good as the ones I grow. They have good flavour, excellent texture, hold well and are delicious when baked.

I can be paying twice as much for the organic potatoes but they are worth every penny. If you have a source of really good spuds from a grower or retailer then you will know what I am talking about.

Potatoes are to our diet, what rice is to some other countries, and seldom do you have a hot traditional meal that does not consist of potatoes, baked, boiled, mashed or chipped.

We are all aware that potatoes are a root crop and many will also be aware that root crops will have in themselves, more of whatever is in the soil, than foliage crops grown in the same area.

For instance if soil has been slightly contaminated with lead from old paint, it may still be safe to grow lettuce and cabbages but not so carrots, radishes and potatoes.

Commercial growers of potatoes will be using herbicides, fungicides and pesticides along with chemical fertilisers to grow and care for their crops.

Theses chemicals build up in the soil over years of cultivation and so it’s a logical conclusion that potatoes you buy that are not certified organic will have some degree of several chemicals in their flesh.

As we eat potatoes most days, then we could have the possibility of health problems in the future. If this is so, then as we know, babies and children’s

developing bodies are likely to have more health problems than adults.

It is not like taking a poison into ones system, that has a reaction immediately or within a short period of time.

Its the gradual buildup in our tissues over an extended period of time, before we succumb to a problem which could be a cancer or other serious illness.

When we add up the better flavor and no chemical content from growing our own spuds (or buying organic ones) it is well in our interest and our loved ones.

I have noticed certified seed potatoes been available in garden centres for a while now, but my feelings to start off too early (in cooler areas), is not much of an advantage.

Now we are into July, it is a good time to buy them and sprout them before planting.

There are basically two types of potatoes, early and late (there are mid term which fall in between) Early spuds will mature in about 90 days or less and be ready to harvest when they flower.

Late ones, will take about 120 days and be ready to harvest when the tops have flowered and started to die down.

So we are looking at 3 to 4 months from planting to harvest. If it takes the rest of July and a bit of August to have the seed potatoes shoot, and green up the shoots, we are looking for the potatoes to mature about November to December.

Nice timing for Christmas. Very early potatoes maturing in October will leave ground available for summer crops to plant about Labour Weekend.

Perfect. Now for my secret, which I have given to many gardeners, to grow the very best potatoes.

Select whatever variety you prefer and sprout them. The hot water cupboard will speed up the starting of sprouts, then outside into a sheltered spot to green up the shoots in good light but out of direct sunlight. Make your trench or holes for planting about 20cm deep.

Place a small handful of sheep manure pellets, a desert spoon of Gypsum, a table spoon of Neem Tree Powder and a half teaspoon of BioPhos under each sprouted spud and cover with soil.

As soon as the shoots appear through the soil, cover with more soil and keep doing this till you have a good sized mound. Once you reach the good sized mound size, most danger of frosts will be over.

If not spray the tops with Vaporgard.

The covering with soil before the sprouts get over 4cm tall means the whole of the shoot underneath will form new potatoes.

The longer the shoot the bigger the crop. I have self sown spuds in the garden at this time and their tops have not been unduly affected by the frosts we have had, as they have been sprayed with Vaporgard.

The first time I used the sheep manure pellets and Gypsum trick, I ended up with

Cliff Kidneys as big as Ruas, still with the kidney shape.

If spring conditions favour blights, you can protect the potatoes with sprays of the new Wallys Copper Nutrient. Spray the foliage weekly with Magic Botanic Liquid to also improve results.

When you have finished mounding up the potatoes sprinkle some more Neem Tree Granules on the soil to assist in preventing damage to the tubers from the pest called Potato Psyllid.

Crops that are planted later and are still in the ground from November onwards should be sprayed all over with Neem Tree Oil to give extra protection from these new pests.

The frequency of these sprays would likely be about every couple of weeks.

If you have been badly affected by psyllid damage previously then to eradicate the pest you strengthen the plants cells with silica which is achieved by using Wallys Cell Strengthening kit.

The psyllids can not pierce the now tough skin of the plant to feed and starve to death. Use also on tomato plants and Tamarillo for the same problem. Ideally don’t clear the area before planting with any herbicides and don’t use any chemical fertilisers and sprays. Either weed area by hand or even better, dig over first burying all the weeds underground. Do this now so the ground will be ready when your seed potatoes have sprouted.

If you have no vegetable garden you may plant a few spuds in flower gardens or grow them in containers. In containers such as buckets, make up the growing medium from 90% compost and 10% clean top soil.

One third fill the container with the mix, put in the sheep pellets, Gypsum, etc with the seed potato and cover. As shoots come through keep covering as you would do in the garden till the level is just an inch away from the top rim. Potatoes need to be kept moist while growing but not to have wet feet.

If you don’t normally grow spuds try a few this season, you will be glad you did.

Certificate of Fitness

Wonderful pumpkin

Thank you to the lovely person who left pumpkin in the Johns kitchen box. Wonderful density and colour! Need seeds from them for sure.

Any reason as to why the cost of a Certificate of Fitness for a smaller truck or Mobile Home in Blenheim varies so much? One provider is over $100 dearer than others for the same, if not more helpful service, pays big dividends to shop around .

Three News

So, why did all those people have to lose their jobs pray tell?

The news is no different, and the weather too, which I’m very happy about. One weather is NOT good. But seriously, I see hardly any change, except it’s no longer 3NewsHub!

Wheelie bin stickers

The problem with the new wheelie bins, in Picton, was mostly the fault of the council, whereby the stickers, in the bins, were both labelled either week 1 or week 2. Instead of each bin having a separate date. Who was to know there 2 separate rounds.

Barbers cat

Simeon Brown is like the barbers cat. He’s full of wind. Making a lot of noise about something he knows little about. He reckons he’s going to fix NZ’s pothole problem with a bitumen patch. Bit like putting a band aid on an ulcer ! ! There’s only one way to fix a pothole properly. That is to dig it out, replace all the fractured base course,compact that up to a required standard using a Clegg Hammer to test compaction and then reseal the top. To try and do it any other way is just a waste of time and money. They’re all the same this lot ! !

Text Appeal

Knowing I was an avid Sun reader, I was asked by a regular at a local bar if I had any idea who the person was texting the Sun with story’s about bar regulars, he had all the cuttings from the Sun, which were quite amusing, unfortunately I was unable to help him, although a thought did cross my mind, has Banksy ventured into the text world?

Insurance premiums

Ridiculous! Household, contents and car insurance came to just under $4,000. My NZ pension used up for two months. Now sorted. Cancelled my contents so now I’m not on bread and water and hoping that nothing happens to make my decision ill advised. There must be thousands in a similar situation. Greedy insurance company’s compounded by lack of miserable pension. Grrr!

NZ Vaping Must Go Too

Full credit to our OZ Neighbours on hearing the wake up call and acting responsibly on this extremely serious destructive issue.

And to the ‘Powers That Be’ on the Parliamentary Benches, please take the right, logical step and follow suit.

This disastrous legacy of the less than competent and shambolic Greens/Labour Government is adversely affecting thousands of New Zealand’s Citizens. And costing millions of taxpayers dollars on corrective health care.

Thank you

Many thanks to the team at Wairau Hospital Emergency Department, especially nurse practitioner Mike McNabb. Went in there with chest pains and Mike and the team were excellent in their thorough analysis of the problem (angina) and the recommended treatment. We hear a lot of criticism of the health system, but this is the latest in several excellent treatments I’ve had from Wairau Hospital - ED, general wards and Outpatients in recent years. Thanks Mike and the ED team.

Just missed

Saturday morning raining and using pedestrian crossing to get to bootsale at railway. Clear to cross but oh no an idiot speeding so fast and vaping could not stop and skidded past me braking and just missed me. Is there a law against vaping while driving. Guy probably brain dead anyway.

Thank you

Would like to thank the young lady who assisted me by holding my German Shepherd dog during his photo shoot on Wednesday 17th July at Pollard Park. Much appreciated.

Mussel farming

I see mussel farming interests telling government they want to extend existing marine farm consents by 20 years. But with all farms now mussel growth rates have halved. Carrying capacity of habitat is stressed now! Greed overcomes common sense?

Lesson learnt

If you live near a community recycling bin that has now been taken away don’t put your bins out too early. The folks that are used to behaving badly will come and fill them to overflowing with all the junk they used to leave lying around there.

Pig hunter

To the hunter that left the dead pig next to the road up the Leatham Valley with only its jaw gone, but there for all to see, could you explain why? Just another great look for pig hunters - you are a clown!

Plaudits

I had occasion recently to return an electrical appliance to Mitre 10 due to switch malfunction at 6 months use. Unfortunately I had lost the receipt. Thank you Vince for searching back on computer and organising replacement item. Plaudits for Mitre 10 staff.

Wattle awareness

Interesting article on Wattle Awareness Month. I moved to Picton 8 years ago and over that time have seen the spread of wattle over the hills surrounding the town. They have over taken the native trees in many areas , you can just about see a few natives surviving. Is the council going to do anything about them? Are they going to leave them just like old mans beard.

I have contacted the council twice about pampas grass growing on their land in the street I live in. Nothing done. I think that answers my question.

Talk of the week

Deserving recipient

Congratulations to Noel Herd, a very respected man and jeweller, on being presented with your Masters Certificate.

Kindness appreciated Epic

To the beautiful young man who stopped and asked if I was ok on the side of the road when in a distressed state. Your kind words made my very tough day a slightly better one. Your friends and family are lucky to have you in their lives. Your mum would be proud. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Congratulations to Sophie Hart and Nathan Fa’avae on completing and winning the Yukon 1000 kayak race. What an epic achievement.

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.

Not good enough

At last someone has raised the issue of, or lack of, rubbish bins at the Fairhall Cemetery; I totally agree! One bin, not good enough Blenheim council; how much thought went into that decision, clearly very little.

Unfair

40 years of patchwork, quilting

Marlborough Quilters past and present members will be celebrating 40 years of service to the local patchwork and quilting community in August.

Alongside the charitable aim of donating quilts to people in need, the guild has always had an educational focus, teaching new members about use of colour, new techniques and quilting styles; traditional, modern and artistic.

Every year a challenge is issued to members. The results of this year’s ‘make a bag’ challenge were exceptional. Over 20 entries were created in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Members’ Choice Prize was won by Gerardine Frost with second place to Gayle Sisson and third shared between Maria Cooper and Eleanor Cole. The Judge’s Choice Prize was won by Eleanor Cole, closely followed by Gayle Sisson and Maria Cooper.

The bags will be on display for the public at The Sewing Store on High St from July 30.

The dinner to celebrate 40 years will be held at the Vintage Car Club, Brayshaw Park on August 10 at 6pm. Past and present members are welcome. The colour to wear is red. Email marlborough.quilters@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook for more information.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

WEDNESDAY 14th AUGUST 5.30pm

Alzheimers Marlborough 8 Wither Road, Blenheim

Everyone with an interest in stroke and stroke recovery most welcome

fbbmarlborough@gmail.com www.fabricabrac.co.nz Connect Blenheim corner of High St and Beaver Rd, Blenheim

Holding their winning bags are from left to right, Gayle Sisson, Eleanor Cole, Gerardine Frost and Maria Cooper.

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 10am - 4pm. We will be closed on the following days: Anzac Day 25 April, Kings Birthday 3 June, Matariki 28 June

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

PiNE , 3cu/m $230 Macro 3 cu/m $280. No texting, no computers. 0273267416

Death notices

aYSON: Ross Stewart. On 17 July 2024, at the Marlborough Hospice, with family at his side, aged 77. Dearly loved husband of Lesley and a much-loved dad and father-inlaw of Michelle and Chris Sharpe (Kaiapoi), Vaughan and Diane (Tauranga), Kirsty and Andrew Macdonald (Christchurch). Loved Pop of Jack, Samantha; Abigail and Toby and loved by his fur baby Poppy. A loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Messages to 9 Pope Crescent Blenheim 7201 or www. cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Marlborough Hospice (Acc. No. 03 1369 036520700 ref. Ayson) would be appreciated or may be made at the service. A celebration of Ross’s life will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services on Thursday 25th July at 1.30pm followed by private cremation. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.

HadFiELd: Janet Helen. Miss Janet Helen Hadfield formerly of Meehan Street passed away peacefully at Springlands Lifestyle Village on Thursday 18th July, aged 90 years. There will be a private cremation followed by a Memorial celebration of Janet’s life at a date and place to be advised. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz Thank you to the staff of Springlands Lifestyle Village for the care provided to Janet over the last twelve months.

LiSa Rayner on behalf of the Kilmartin Family would like to express our gratitude for the cards, flowers, kind words and support regarding the sad passing of my father Tony Kilmartin “Kills” 03/04/2024. Also Marcia Roberts would like to acknowledge the support during this time. A very heart felt thank you to Wairau Hospital, Life Flight Trust and Nelson ICU department.

YORkE: Lloyd Sydney 29-07-2020. Dad another year has passed, we love and miss you each and every day. Jason and Angela

BLaCk: Murray. Murray passed peacefully at Marlborough Hospice surrounded by family on July 12, aged 69 years. Much loved husband of Lorraine and father and father-in-law to Aaron and Cheryl, Ange and Ryn, and Erika and Phil. Proud grandfather to his grandchildren Jonty, Josh, Tyler, Maddie, Anna, Benjamin, and Charlotte. Loved brother and brother-in-law to Malcolm and Morene, Alison and Aiden, and uncle to his extended family. The family are extremely grateful for the tender care of Hospice Marlborough, and the previous years of support from Wairau Hospital and Civic Family Health. According to Murray’s wishes, a private service has been held.

HOdgkiNSON: Pamela (Pam) (formerly Gifford). On July 17th peacefully at Redwood Lifestyle Care, in her 74th year. Loved wife and best mate of Olly. Beloved mother and mother-in-law of Mike and Anne, Tracy, and treasured step mother to Rosemary and Dave, Neville and Barbara , Darryl and Jo , Leanne and Paul , Rebecca, Claire, Steve and Susan. Adored nana Pam to her grandchildren, Christina, Rachel, Brad, Bridget, Nina, Fallon, Jonty, Byron, Claire, Hadley, Jason, Teressa, James, Carla, Drew, Renee, Desiree, Tori, Brooke and her ever increasing great-grandchildren. Loved little sister to Shirley and Ross Low and the late Barbara and Judith. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals. co.nz Special thanks to Redwood Lifestyle Care especially Wendy and Sue. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Marlborough MS and Parkinson Society (Acc. No. 02 0600 0149108 00 Ref: Hodgkinson) would be appreciated or may be made at the service. A celebration of Pam’s life has been held. A recording of the service can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.

Ba RE land wanted to lease. Approximately half a hectare there or abouts, suitable for growing vegetables. Please phone 02102748425.

P ENN yla NE Records always buying records. Excellent prices paid. 430 Colombo Street, Sydenham 366 3278 Open 7 days a Flyi NG N UN records wanted. Will pay Pin Group Coat $1000,

Records, Sydenham 7 days. 1999 Honda 90h.p. Outboard motor, long shaft. Runs well. Can be seen running. 03 578 9982 T R am P i NG boots, brand Scarpa Manta size Euro42/UK8. Brand new $450 contact 0211411587

FRaSER: Maureen Kaye. On 17 July 2024, at the Marlborough Hospice after a long battle with cancer, aged 59 years. Dearly loved partner of Bruce and a much-loved mother of Kerryn and the late Cole. Loved nana of T.J, Pyper and Thomas. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz A celebration of Maureen’s life has been held. A recording of the service can be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.

JONES, Leslie Brian (Les): Sunrise 28.3.1936, Sunset 18.7.2024. Aged 88 years. Loved husband of the late Helen, loved ‘old man’ of Gary, Ray, Brian, Barb, Wayne and their partners; loved ‘grumpy grandad’ of all the grandies. Dad passed peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday July 18, 2024 at 11.09am. In lieu of flowers, a donation would be appreciated to either Picton Rowing Club 03-1710-0002021-00 or Waitohi JAB 03-1710-0003892-000, ref. JONES WHANAU. A farewell service for Les was held at the Port Marlborough Pavilion, 181 Waikawa Road, Picton at 11.00am on Monday July 22, followed by private cremation at the Sowman Crematorium. The service was livestreamed and details may be accessed via our website www.sowmans. co.nz/upcoming-funerals

NaSH: Sylvia Mary. On 18 July 2024, at her home in Springlands Lifestyle Village, aged 84 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Eric and a loved mother of the late Sue Johnstone; and Carol. A loved sister of Bill, Dave, Jim and Nicola. A loved and respected grandmother of Marcus and Shaun; Chloe, Ben and Adam and a loved great-grandmother. Messages to c/- PO Box 9 Blenheim 7240 or www.cloudybayfunerals.co.nz In lieu of flowers, donations to St John Ambulance and SPCA NZ would be appreciated or may be made at the service. A celebration of Sylvia’s life will be held at the Springlands Chapel, Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, 15 Boyce Street on Wednesday 24 July at 2.00pm followed by private cremation. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed on the Cloudy Bay Funeral Services website.

WELLS, Leigh Francis: 1950 - 2024: It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Leigh, who passed on Saturday June 29, 2024. Aged 74 years. Dearly loved brother of Cheryl and uncle of his nieces. He will forever be in our hearts. You left without warning Gone so fast Now all we have are memories Of our past

Sport - a powerful rehabilitation tool

Blenheim’s Ben Lucas says there is no event in the world like the Paralympics. As Chris Valli discovers every time he comes away from the Paralympics he feels ‘just a little bit different’.

Ben Lucas reckons the Paralympics is ‘just amazing’.

“You’ve got ordinary, everyday Kiwis who have got extra challenges in life. To see what people can do with what they might be missing from a physical or cognitive perspective is absolutely amazing.”

As the New Zealand team gets ready for Paris next month, Ben says there is no shortage of storylines. The New Zealand team will try to back up an extraordinary effort from the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago where they came home with an impressive tally of 12 medals (six gold, three silver and three bronze).

“To see the likes of Anna Grimaldi excelling in the long jump and heading to Paris trying to win her third gold medal in a row or Holly Robinson [Women’s Javelin F46] who I knew from when she was 12 years old, to become flagbearer in Rio and medal. And Scott Martlew [Para canoe] who I first met, a week after he got discharged from hospital. To follow the human stories. It’s just blows your mind and there are many more,” he says.

New Zealand’s Paralympian No 99 should know. The Blenheim Para-athlete has been around the Paralympics for more than 30 years. He has done it all, competing for New Zealand for 10 years in wheelchair racing and represented his country at two Paralympic Games.

Ben was the team captain for the New Zealand Paralympic Team at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. He was also the Chef de Mission for the

highly successful New Zealand Paralympic Team at the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

The 58-year-old has also been a board member and administrator and was the chief executive officer of the NZ Spinal Trust.

He worked as Sports Development Manager at ParaFed Canterbury and was instrumental in setting up the Academy Programme that supported and continues to support the success of many Canterbury Para athletes.

“To see someone come back to the village with a medal around their neck is just such a special moment. It’s awesome to shake their hand or give them a hug, because you know how much work has gone into achieving that medal.”

Being the flag bearer at the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney was a highlight leading the New Zealand out to a sold-out Homebush Stadium. Another highlight was when Mark Inglis, who Ben had helped support in his Paralympics dream, won a silver medal in Para cycling in Sydney. He came back to the village to find his mentor.

“He put the medal around my neck and said: ‘This is just as much yours as it as mine mate’. It was such a proud moment. My heart just about burst through my chest.”

Ben believes sport is a powerful rehabilitation tool. In 1989 aged 24, Ben crashed his motorbike into a U-turning van and broke his L3 lumbar vertebrae which left him paralysed.

He has vivid memories of that day in Newmarket and the doctor informing him he would never walk again. He was admitted to the Auckland Spinal Unit and

Golf Results

Tues 9 July Single Par-Vicki Eastgate +1;Helen McIsaac -2;Dido Harper -3,Margaret Frisken -3,Anita McCaffrey -3;Sharyn Eden -5,Jenny Hart-5. Thurs 10 July S/F- Jellle Keizer

Blenheim Golf Club

July 15 9 hole Stableford Ann

Walker 19 Jenny Evans 18 Elaine Brown 16 Brian Burgess 19

Graeme Barsanti 19 Don March 19

Don Lamond 18 Dan Crawford 17 Stuart Parker 16 Brian Brown 16

remembers the fear he felt going home to Blenheim.

“You wake up the next day and go ‘Oh, my God’ this is real. What’s my life going be like, everything has changed? And there is a real fear of the unknown.”

The constant throughout his career was the incredible support he received from the Blenheim community.

“They were so good to me. I was so proud to represent my region on the world stage. And when I won a bronze medal, in the wheelchair marathon at the 1994 Commonwealth Games, the support went to another level. I knew with that success came the responsibility to give back.”

He says getting back into sport made him feel normal again and gave him a sense of hope and purpose.

Ben now works for ACC as their Lead Disability Advisor and is proud of the partnership they have with Paralympics NZ. ACC supports the pre high performance initiative the Para Sport Collective. It’s a three-year initiative created by PNZ that supports pre-high performance Para athletes and coaches to achieve their goals, after a need was uncovered for greater support.

He has simple advice for any Marlburians with a disability who are considering chasing their Paralympics dream.

“Give it everything you have. I met some incredible people and have been all around the world and I am so grateful to have had those opportunities.”

The Paralympics are from August 28 – September 8 and is live on TVNZ.

40;Graham Morrel 39;Tony Calvert 36;Mike Ashworth 35,Jeff Pascoe35,David Bunt 35,Ant Booker 35. Fri 11 July S/F-Maria McConway 15.Ellie Gillies 15,Lynette

July 17th Hidden Holes All in Jenny Evans 9 Holes Shirley Godsiff

July 18th Gross Stableford Graeme Daines 39 Dave Dyer 36 Jim Findlay 35 Don March 35

Ben Lucas works for ACC as their Lead Disability Advisor and is proud of the partnership they have with Paralympics NZ. He says a constant throughout his career was the incredible support he received from the Blenheim community. “They were so good to me. I was so proud to represent my region on the world stage.”

Pearce 15. Sat 13 July-Bavarian/ Terminus Cups-Men Gross D Watson/T Goss 72;B Blackman/S Blackman 81;Nett-H Taylor/A Parker 68; Blackman/S Blackman 69;Mixed Gross-B Bavin/A

Tere Poa 35 Ray Herd 35 Nigel Smith 35 Stuart Parker 35 John Cootes 35 Duncan Cassidy 35 9 Holes Levi Mano 19 Glen Hurcomb 18 July 20th Medal Luke Yarrall

Thomas 70;I Molloy/M Keenan 83;Nett-J Pascoe/M McConway 67; J Rainbird/J Rooney 69;. Thurs 18 July S/F-Ian Molloy 40; Hiram Taylor 39;Jeff Pascoe 38;Iain Berrie36,Ant Booker

68 Mark Hoare Chris Hill 70 Sam Rainbird 73 NTP Fairweathers 9/18 Mark Hoare Sowmans 3/12

Chris Hill

July 22 9 Hole Stableford Karen Morris 18 Jenny Evans 16 Ann

36;Jock Mannington 35,Graham Morrell35; Ian Johnson34; Fri 19 July 9H S/F-Maria McConway 17;Ellie Gillies 15;Vicki Eastgate 14;

Walker 14 Kay Ayson 14 Men

David Horrell 19 Dan Crawford 19 Dave Dyer 17 Dave Menzies 16 Graeme Barsanti 16 Justin Taipana 15 Don March 15 Clarry Neame 15.

Picton Golf Club