Marlborough Weekly 29 November 2022

Christmas wish for critical twins

PAULA HULBURT paula@topsouthmedia.co.nz

The Tipping family have one wish this Christmas - to be together.

Kelly and Aaron, from Blenheim, their four chil dren, Jackson, 5, Ivy, 2, and twins Tyler and Paige, both almost six months old, have not been togeth er for weeks.

The twins, who were born at 29 weeks, have faced life threatening infections, battling both COV ID-19 and serious respiratory infection, RSV. They were put on ventilators as they could not breathe well enough on their own.

Now as their mum reveals the little pair are mak ing improvements, she hopes they can all return to Blenheim from Starship Hospital this week.

“The twins are still currently in Starship on oxygen but will be hopefully heading back to Wairau in the coming week.

Yes, I think it would teach dis cipline and respect to young people. I think it would reduce youth offending. If it helped one person I think it would be worth it.

Brooklyn Bartlett

No, I feel like it wouldn’t change much. It’s just a pun ishment that people have to go through. If it was me, and I was like that, it wouldn’t bother me to do a bootcamp.

Definitely, but it depends on the crime. Obviously if a young person kills someone they should go to jail. Boot camps are a good punishment. I wouldn’t go sticking young people in jail with a bunch of adults.

I think it’s a brilliant idea. It would teach life skills, obe dience and respect. It leaves them with something. I think farming would be good as well. We should inspire them and help them find a path.

Star bauble shines in store for hospice

PAULA HULBURT

Glass baubles brimming with tiny gold stars are set to help Hospice Marlborough care for the community.

Farmers stores across Aotearoa are selling the special Christmas decora tions to raise money for local hospice services.

Every dollar of the $10 purchase price is donated to the hospice and used to help people living in Marlborough. This is the 9th year that Farmers have supported hospices nationally in the lead up to Christmas.

There are two ways Farmers custom ers can support their hospice from today until Christmas Eve; by do nating to the Christmas Tree of Re membrance or by purchasing a lim ited-edition hand painted hospice bauble.

Farmers also passes on 100 per cent of all customer donations to hospice from the Tree of Remembrance.

Hospice Marlborough Promotions Manager/Volunteer Coordinator

Sandy Inwood says the stars on the baubles represent loved ones who have died.

“They light up our skies with love and warmth.”

In 2021 hospic es cared for over 17,500 patients and their whānau at a cost of approxi mately $175.6 mil lion.

The team at Hos pice Marlborough are grateful for the support from Farm ers Blenheim over the last 8 years, resulting in approximately $140,000 donated from the Marlbor ough community, Sandy says.

“The support we get from the community is just wonderful.”

The baubles are available to buy in store or online at Hospice Chari ty Bauble 2022 - Tree Decorations (farmers.co.nz)

Hospice Marlborough Promotions Manager/Volun teer Coordinator Sandy Inwood with this year’s bau ble. Photo: Paula Hulburt.

Would

support military-style bootcamps for youth offenders?

Moi Smith

Chris Murray

Charmaine Price

Home in time for Christmas

FROM PAGE 1

“While the twins have been in Starship I video call my other two and Aaron most days.

“I flew down for a few hours on Sunday 20th to celebrate Jack son’s 5th birthday.”

Tyler and Paige were born on June 1 via C-section at Welling ton Hospital. Paige, who was born first, weighed 1.390kg and Tyler 1.394kg.

The brother and sister spent four weeks in Wellington Hos pital and then another month at Wairau Hospital before being discharged home.

Kelly says the twins have been admitted to hospital five times since their discharge at the be ginning of August.

She has stayed in Auckland while husband Aaron has been looking after Jackson and Ivy at home in Blenheim.

Being apart has been difficult, Kelly says.

“The twins are coming up sixmonths months old on 1st De cember and although we’ve had a few ups and downs we love every minute of having them around,” Kelly says.

After recovering from COV ID-19, the twins were later diag nosed with Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common respira tory virus that causes lung and respiratory tract infections. They began coughing and then struggled to breathe, Kelly says.

“The first signs we noticed with the twins was the coughing, as the day progressed, they were having to work hard to breathe, pulling their tummy muscles in etc and had gone off their feeds.

They were lethargic at times and irritable when awake.”

After being admitted to Wairau Hospital, the twins were trans ferred to Nelson and then onto Starship where they needed help to breathe via a ventilator.

“We were flown to Wellington

ICU from Nelson and that’s where they were put on life sup port, they weren’t improving as they should have been so that’s when we got flown to Starship,” Kelly says.

The Ministry of Health says most adults and older children with RSV will experience symp toms similar to the common cold.

But very young children and premature babies can become very sick and may require hos pitalisation.

Kelly says the twins are improv ing, with their oxygen levels looking better and they are more like themselves.

“Paige is our little madam, who loves the attention and also wants to be cuddled all the time.

“Tyler is our very chilled out lit tle dude who is more than happy to just lay on the floor watching the world around him.

“They are both happy little ba bies though.”

RSV symptoms: warning signs your baby could be sick

• A runny nose

• Coughing or sneezing

• Fever

• Wheezing and difficulty breathing

• Loss of appetite or difficulty feeding due to breathlessness.

In very young infants, the symptoms may be more subtle: irritability or decreased activity may be the only signs your child is unwell.

RSV infections may progress to cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis, especially

in infants.

Shortness of breath or rapid breathing could be sign of pneumonia or bronchi olitis and requires immediate medical attention.

Breathing difficulties indicate there is in

flammation in the airways caused by the viral infection.

If you are concerned about your baby seek advice from your GP or call Health line for free on 0800 611 116.

Wine and Food Festival revived after two year break

on hold for two years due to the pandemic.

Wine and food fans are being urged to book tickets as they start to sell out ahead of the famous festival.

The 36th Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is set to return in February after a two-year break.

Organisers Wine Marlborough say the locals-only and early-bird tickets sold out “in a flash.”

Anyone wanting to buy tick ets need to be quick, says Wine

“Our early-bird and locals-only tickets were snapped up quickly in October.

“These early bird tickets are our way of thanking our amazing local attendees who return year after year and who we now see bringing their adult children –the new generation of wine and food lovers, for a special day.”

New Zealand’s longest-running food and wine festival has been

For the first time, the festival will be held in Renwick instead of its usual vineyard location.

Thirty plus wineries and about 15 food trucks and caterers are confirmed for the festival on Sat urday 11 February at the Renwick Domain.

Among old favourites such as Hunter’s Wines, Forrest Wines and Wairau River Wines, new comers such as Rimapere Vine

yard and The Uncommon Wine of New Zealand are confirmed.

“This is a heritage festival and we have a proven recipe for success,” Marcus says.

“This will be a stellar event after

a tough couple of years for the viticulture industry and winer ies, chefs, caterers and bands are ready to celebrate what’s special about our region – amazing wine, delicious food, and friendly peo ple.

There are three options for tickets next year, general admission, the lounge area and VIP retreat.

For more information and tickets, visit Marlborough Wine & Food Festival at marlboroughwinefestival.com.

Kelly Tipping with son Tyler who needed urgent medical help along side his sister, Paige. Photo: Supplied.

Marlborough General Manager Marcus Pickens

PAULA HULBURT

Green good for the soul

MATT BROWN

Being at one with nature in a bid to boost health is set to become more popular as the practice ar rives in Marlborough.

Known as forest bathing, more than half of New Zealand’s for estry therapy guides caught up in Waikawa at the weekend to share their knowledge.

Ten of the county’s 18 guides gathered at a forest off of Boon’s Road, owned by locals Michelle Clarke and Nigel Muir.

Certified nature and forest ther apy guide Vicky Kyan, who trav elled to Marlborough from Bar rier Island, is credited with being the person who first brought the initiative to New Zealand.

She says while the practice has taken off in other countries, New Zealand has been slower to come on board.

“Forest bathing, as we practice, birthed in Japan in the 80’s.

“It’s really well known and em bedded in health care practice. It’s recognised.

“It can be as simple as noticing the calming effect of the colour green on a tree, or it could bring up deep and meaningful memo ries.”

“It’s going to be everywhere in

five years.”

The visiting guides, who’d travelled from Barrier Island, Waiheke Island, Tauranga, Christchurch, and Wellington took time out to share practices and focus on personal and pro fessional development.

Vicky says Forest Therapy, also known as forest bathing or nature

bathing is the practice of immers ing yourself in nature in a mind ful way.

It is meant to help boost physi cal, mental, emotional, and social health.

Michelle and Nigel welcomed the visitors onto their land for the weekend-long catchup. Michelle, who practices forest

bathing and is a guide herself, says it just makes sense.

“Just looking at nature has well being effects.”

“One of the drivers for this week end was being here in commu nity – most of us have only met over Zoom. It’s an opportunity to get to know each other and learn.

Vicky says forest bathing is a

great way for people to engage with their senses.

“We offer people ways to become present with their senses. Bring senses alive. Then, we invite them to slow down; you end up notic ing stuff that you would normally miss.

“It gives a sense of not just calm but belonging.”

Forest therapy guides from across New Zealand gathered at Waikawa to share their knowledge. Photo: Matt Brown.

CHRISTMAS PARADE FUN

As the countdown to Santa’s annual visit be gins, Blenheim gets set to host the Blenheim Lion’s Mistletoe Market and the Pure Events Santa Parade on Saturday. A great variety of floats, walking groups, marching bands and maybe the odd furry friend or two will be sure to spread cheer, with the fun kicking off at 3.30pm from Blenheim School.

OFF ROAD AMBO

Four First Responder volunteers in Okiwi Bay have taken delivery of a purpose-built reliable All Wheel Drive ambulance. With roads in the Sounds badly damaged in the winter storms, the new vehicle should make patient transfers more comfortable.

Art with heart

TREE DELIGHT

The Christmas tree has gone up in The Forum in Blenheim town centre for the festive season. Crews worked hard on Monday to put the tree in place ahead of the start of the Christmas fun which gets underway on Saturday.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

KiwiRail has been working to move cargo on rail to and from KiwiRail’s Blenheim Con tainer Terminal to alternate locations such as Lyttelton or Centreport to take pressure off the Blenheim – Nelson route. “Our efforts are fo cussed on containers in Marlborough that may initially have been planned to be shipped via Port Nelson,” KiwiRail Executive General Man ager Sales and Commercial Alan Piper says. The road is expected to open before Christmas when vital repairs are completed.

MATT BROWN

Art and fashion will be on show on Sunday in a special fundraiser for Hospice Marl borough.

Organised by Raukura Art Gallery and Giftware owner Ruth de Reus, Fashion & Art in the Garden is for a cause close to her heart, she says.

“I lost both my parents and two sisters to cancer; as well as two sisters-in-law when they were relatively young.

“Hospice played a big part –they provided the ongoing support for us.”

She says Hospice’s support for her and her family inspired her to back the “incredibly

important” charity.

“When I opened this gallery, I decided they would be our chosen charity to support.

“If we needed help, hospice was there. We nursed our mother and sister – it could be two in the morning, and they would be there to help.”

She says the support for the fundraiser from artists and the wider community has been amazing.

“Some of our artists are do nating more one piece,” she says.

“It’s because of their generosi ty that’s enabled us to do this.” And a deal could be had, Ruth says. The art pieces go ing to auction retail between

$200 - $3000. “This is a good opportunity for people to get a piece of art at less than the retail value,” she says.

One stand-out artist is fine art landscape photographer Peter Latham, who is donat ing Magical Marlborough. “Some have realistic reserves, but it’s still going to be a really good price.”

Hospice Marlborough keep 100 per cent of the profit.

Hospice Marlborough pro motions manager/volunteer coordinator Sandy Inwood says the relaxing Sunday af ternoon will feature a live auction, silent auctions, after noon tea and bubbles.

Live music, poetry reading and a fashion parade featur ing clothes by Picton-based Sista and Co, as well as a raf fle and a cash bar, promise to make the event one to re member.

“Fashion and art go hand in hand, and it reaches a wider audience,” says Ruth.

Fashion & Art in the Gar den is on Sunday 4 Decem ber at the beautiful West grove garden, 107 Lower Wairau Road, Grovetown. Tickets are $48 and can be purchased from the Red woodtown Hospice Shop, Raukura Art Gallery and Sista and Co, in Picton.

Raukura Art Gallery owner Ruth de Reus, pictured at her Picton gallery, is raising money for a cause close to her heart.

Photo: Matt Brown.

The landfill that’s filling up fast. Or, at least, faster than it was

MAIA HART Local Democracy Reporter

The way it’s going, Blenheim’s landfill will be full by 2050.

So, sooner or later, the Marlbor ough District Council has a deci sion to make.

Does it stick with the Bluegums landfill, on Taylor Pass Rd, or look for a new dump site?

The consent for Bluegums expires in 2030, and council solid waste manager Alec McNeil would like to get the ball rolling, whatever the plan is.

That’s why the council is spending $150,000 for landfill engineers Tonkin and Taylor to carry out a review of the site at Bluegums and beyond.

A report to the assets and ser vices committee this month said

Tonkin and Taylor would “work shop” landfill management and alternatives.

McNeil said the Bluegums land fill was a “strategic asset”, so the council needed to look at its longterm future.

“That’s really what this process sets out.”

Other councils across the coun

try were currently going through the same process, McNeil said “They’ve got themselves in some predicaments because they hav en’t consulted properly, they’ve left it slightly too late.

“So some of the information you need to build up, some monitor ing can take over a two to threeyear period.

“You’ve effectively got to treat the [consent] application as if you are applying for a brand-new site.”

By 2030, based on current in put, the landfill would still have a lifespan of another 17 to 20 years, McNeil said. The running threeyear average input to the landfill was 68,000 tonnes a year. The report said there was a risk con tinued operations at Bluegums would not receive resource con sent approval.

Assets and services committee chairperson councillor David Croad asked McNeil how much of the budget was about review ing the current system, versus the consent process.

McNeil said the consenting cost was separate to the $150,000 budget. The budget for the con sent would be updated in the next

long-term plan, McNeil said.

Meanwhile, councillor Jamie Ar buckle said it was “prudent” to get the review underway.

“In my time sitting around this table, that life of this landfill seems to fluctuate quite a lot,” Ar buckle said.

He said he recalled seeing reports that said the lifespan of the land fill was out to 2060 or 2070.

“What’s changed to bring that to 2047? Obviously we’re trying to reduce a lot of waste going in, so that’s a little bit of a surprise to me,” he said.

McNeil said in 2017, some “or

ganic loading” previously going to other sites had to be brought to landfill due to compliance is sues, which increased the average tonnage going to landfill by about 25,000 tonnes a year.

“That’s part of this assessment review ... is that incoming ton nage likely to change, likely to fall, what other solutions might be out there? But you’re right, the lifespan of the landfill does go up and down.”

McNeil said the whole process going forward would generate alternative options and solutions for waste.

He said, given it would be a “hot topic”, any changes to waste solu tions would be notified to the public and go out for consulta tion.

Councillor Brian Dawson said given the lifespan of the landfill kept reducing, they needed to consider a new site.

Meanwhile, councillor Scott Ad ams asked if there were any sites earmarked should the landfill need to move.

McNeil said that would come out of the assessment, and would take into account a number of consid erations such as the hydrology of the site, and community reaction.

“That’s what this process will flesh out. It’s not just about alternative landfill site, it’s about what is the alternative.

“What is the bigger strategy go ing forward, is landfill the longterm solution and economically is it worth extending it for that 17-year period or is there another solution?”

The review of Bluegums landfill was expected to start in 2023.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air.

Marlborough District Council solid waste manager Alec McNeil. Photo: Supplied/STUFF.

Residents Affected Venue Date Time Ward Ward Community Hall Tuesday 29th November 6.30–8.30pm

New $20 million marine extract plant hoped to unlock seafood secrets

A new $20 million marine extract plant has been opened at Riverlands Industrial Estate, in Blenheim, and is expected to provide up to 48 jobs for scientists and technicians.

The brainchild of New Zealand’s largest seafood company, Sanford, the new plant will explore and hope fully unlock the hidden properties of seafood.

Sanford GM of Innovation Andrew Stanley says the new Bioactives cen tre introduces new tech and equip ment giving the company a chance to double and eventually quadruple their output.

“Firstly, Sanford Bioactives will take marine products which we already know have beneficial properties,” Andrew says.

“That’s products like Greenshell mussel powder which has proven anti-inflammatory and joint health benefits. We already make it, we al ready sell it, it is very popular.

“Secondly, there are the new areas of marine extracts and science we are going to explore.

“Some of these are confidential for commercial reasons, but the poten tial is huge, given that Sanford is a fishing and aquaculture company that works with more than 100 dif ferent marine species.”

Andrew says the science is being done alongside partners Cawthron, Plant & Food and Massey Univer sity. “We already know quite a bit about some of their hidden proper ties and we will be working to dis cover more,” he says.

Sanford CEO Peter Reidie says some of the products Sanford will be mak ing in Blenheim can sound like sci ence fiction the first time you hear

about them.

“Hoki skin collagen is one of those. Sanford has been producing this at a relatively small scale. We extract the collagen from the hoki skins and then one of our partners turns it into a nanofibre.

“That fibre is then woven into beau ty masks which melt on contact with damp skin, delivering the collagen deep into the dermis.”

Peter says the beauty masks sell out in South Korea, showing a huge po tential to grow and to make the most of a product, in this case a fish skin, which many people would previous ly have seen as waste.

“This all fits with Sanford’s strategy to improve the value utilisation of the entire fish and eliminate waste. We see this approach as key to sus tainability and getting more value out of New Zealand’s precious sea food,” he says.

“Blenheim is currently world fa mous as a centre for beautiful New Zealand wines. We believe it can and should become famous as a home for marine products and extracts that can take the world by storm.”

Peter says what they know already is very exciting – more jobs and better value for seafood.

“But what we don’t know yet is equally exciting.

“What are the products of the future that will come out of this plant? They could be anything from new beauty products to compounds with medi cal benefits. There is so much poten tial from seafood such as our Green shell mussels, which are unique to New Zealand, and we can’t wait to see what our Bioactives team will do in the future.”

SH6 repairs pass halfway mark

Repairs to SH6 have now passed the halfway mark with a huge amount of work happen ing on the main route between Hira and Rai Valley according to Waka Kotahi.

Regional manager Wellington/ Top of the South Island, Mark Owen, says additional crews are working on Site One and Four as well as at the river and road realignment works at the Whangamoa River.

He says the road is expected to reopen in the later part of the evening on the 18 December.

“The emergency repairs are challenging. Unlike pro grammed road maintenance works at this stage in the repair programme we are not able to advise the exact reopening time,” he says.

Mark says contractors are working very hard to reopen the road on Sunday 18 Decem ber but will need every hour to complete the repairs.

He says the key focus at Site One has now been getting the first concrete pour, with the first one being the largest and most complex.

The wall is being constructed in a series of blocks each building on the previous block created by pouring concrete into form work (temporary mould). Each of the five vertical concrete lifts are approximately one metre in height and in total contain over 15 tonnes of reinforcing steel and 200 cubic metres of concrete.

At Site Two, additional exca vation and drainage has been completed. The crew have placed three of nine required layers of reinforced fill. Sub stantial drainage improve ments are also going in for this site, of which two of the four

double catchpits and some rock lined channel has been completed.

A catchpit is an empty chamber that is installed into a drain age system to prevent silt and debris from building up and causing blockages. The rock lined channel helps to carry surface runoff in a non-erosive way downstream.

Mark says progress at Site Three is tracking well and is a similar block form to Site One.

The crew have poured the first and second block and are now starting the backfilling and get ting ready to start construction of the third and final block.

Once the final block is com plete, construction of the road pavement and asphalt seal can occur, alongside replacement of the guardrail.

Mark says the focus for Site Four was getting the drilling completed, so the site concrete and formwork for the ground beam can begin.

“This is our most complex and largest site. Site Four had a larger crew flown in to work over the weekend to get the work done,” he says.

With the ground anchors and micro piles complete on the lower beam, site concrete was

able to be placed last week. With site concrete in place, the crew is now able to start the steel and formwork construc tion, with the steel columns and timber lagging planned to be done at night.

The drainage crew have nearly completed the installation of the concrete culvert near Site Four, which is 1350mm in di ameter, and have started on the inlet structure which consists of a large concrete wingwall, and railway iron driven into the stream bed to stop debris blocking the inlet.

Several other culverts are also being replaced throughout the closure zone to make the route more resilient to heavy rain events.

The scour site in the Whanga moa River now consists of two work areas, being the river scour rock work and a 200-me tre road realignment.

The river works consists of riv er diversion, 2,500 tonnes of rip-rap installation and granu lar backfilling.

The road realignment consists of a newly designed road curve to shift it away from the river, culvert changes and 200 metres of new guardrail.

An aerial view of Sanford's new Bioactives plant at Riverlands Estate.

Photo: Supplied/Sanford.

SARA HOLLYMAN

Drainage work is well underway at the culvert replacement near Site Four. Photo: Waka Kotahi.

Work at Site One. Photo: Waka Kotahi.

Nelson

Iron Duke Sea Scouts, sea kayaks - $4,900

Wakatu Riding for the disabled, fencing - $2,500

Victory Community Centre, Matariki celebrations - $1,500

FC Nelson, football travel tournament - $1,800

Speak it up, Mental health talk with Nigel Latta - $3,000

The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Trust, hi viz vests for volunteers - $3,151

CONGRATULATIONS

Tasman

Wakefield Fire Brigade, five year service recognition - $1,410

Wanderers Community Sports Club - $3,300

Tapawera School, firewood for school fundraising - $1,658

Moutere Rugby Football Club, junior shorts - $5,000

Tasman Bay Guardians, school marine reserve programme - $5,000

Silvan Forest, trail signage - $5,000

Moutere Birdsong, traps and predator control - $2,000

Nelson Axeman’s Club, wood for competition - $1,227

Richmond Riding for Disabled Group, resurfacing pen area - $1,558

Moutere Hills RSA Memorial Library (Mapua Community Library), books for community library - $2,000

Moutere Community Centre, community basketball hoop - $2,600

Marlborough

Marlborough Boys College, timber to build Leatham Hut - $5,000

Queen Charlotte College, timber for community project – $1,500

Drop for Youth, fundraiser for Graeme Dingle Foundation - $2,000

Renwick Menz Shed, timber for new shed – $4,995

Lions Club Marlborough, firewood for families in need - $2,026

Rai Area School, commercial ovens for welfare centre - $7,231

Marlborough Girls College, First XV Rugby team - $4,700

Nav Pasifika Marlborough, Youth Wellbeing project - $1,800

Opinion

I love Christmas.

Let me make that clear, as each year I pick something at Christmas that grinds my gears and have a rant about it.

I also love Christmas songs despite most of them being so cheesy that they could very well prove fatal to all lactose intolerant people and create a global pandemic of constipa tion.

But that to me is part of the ap peal (not the constipation, just the cheesiness).

However, there is one Christ mas song that I enjoyed im mensely as a child, but now, I can’t stand it.

It makes me angry, angry at how gullible I was to think it was a good and believable song. That song is The Little Drum mer Boy

So for those whose Christmas song repertoire begins and ends with Mariah Carey and may not be familiar with this song. I’ll give it a run down.

Jesus is born. Some kings/ wise men are dropping off some flash gifts. A little lo cal kid wants to give a gift too but he’s broke and all he owns is a drum. So, he plays an im promptu drum recital as a gift. All well and good, I get the message that it’s not what you give but the spirit in which you give.

Very nice, very Christmassy. But not at all believable!

Now, I was raised Catholic. To the average punter we believe

some pretty far out things, es pecially at Christmas. But this song is a step too far. Even for us.

So we are expected to believe that a lady who’s engaged to a guy is visited by an angel and told that she has been selected to have God’s baby, that won’t just be his baby but also be god himself, like some sort of theo logical Schrodinger’s Cat.

And the lady goes, yeah, sure, why not. We believe that, sounds legit.

Then we are expected to be lieve that her fiancée was told that his missus was knocked up by someone else. But he is still expected to marry her and be cool with this. And it takes very little convincing to get him on board.

A little more farfetched than the previous bit in my opinion, but OK. We believe that.

Then we fast forward to the baby being born and three

kings who are also wise men follow a star to the place where Jesus is born so that they can give him super expensive gifts, then disappear, never to be heard from again.

This has to be the most difficult pill to swallow in my opinion. Not that someone thought it appropriate to give gold to a baby.

Not that seeing a star in the sky gives specific information as to who has just been born and where they currently are.

No, the difficult thing to un derstand is that the kings were also wise men.

Whoever heard of a wise po litical leader? As bordering on the realms of fantasy as that sounds. We believe that.

Now a couple of thousand years later some person decides to write a song to coincide with this event about a boy and a drum.

That’s where I say NO. They’ve gone too far.

Now we may believe that God has a son who is also himself with a virgin who was engaged and the fiancée was cool with it and then some political leaders invented GPS to give him pre sents.

That’s one thing.

But to get me to believe for one second that the mother of a new born baby has some ran dom kid down the street bang on her door and offer to wail on his drum for her baby.

And she says yes?

That’s not belief, that’s just stu pidity.

Just a thought

CHRIS LIPPIATT Comedy Chris

1. Alex, Jason and Jackie Kennedy, Jenny Reeve and Holly Kennedy.

Mara McCurdy, Rachel Tau-Alupe, Natasha Cook and Sally King.

Duncan Marfell and Lorraine Wilson.

Kaye Surgeoner, Mark James and David Mote.

Barb and Paul Freeman.

Marlborough Sports Awards

6. Lawrence and Rochelle Turner.

7. Stacey Gerritsen, Jennifer Ritchie, Stacey Spurlock, Rob and Rose Harrison.

8. Alan and Norilyn Spencer, Kay Lingham, and Tracey Blissett.

Savour in the Park

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AMY RUSS

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Hamish Griffith and his partner Lisa Sturgess are excited to be bringing Milestone Homes to the Marlborough Region.

Building a better New Zealand

Simcox Construction was founded by Ian and Margaret Simcox in 1985, working throughout the province and upper half of the South Island building the business to employ a staff of over 70.

Starting as a drain laying compa ny, the Marlborough based busi ness has since evolved over the years to include Civil earthworks and infrastructure projects in cluding roading, Three Waters, vineyard developments, build ing dams and recontouring land, subdivisions, water, wastewater and the ability to complete un derwater work at the marinas.

Industries manager Antony Clark has been with the company for over 16 years and says it is his pas sion for finding solutions across not just the Marlborough district but also across the South Island that drives his love for the indus try. “What keeps us really engaged is the sheer diversity of the projects we can undertake. No two days are the same. We are consistently evolving and getting better at what we do. We are all about our people and our community, and work ing together using smarter more standout technology.”

The combination of Simcox Con structions values, expertise, and workforce cements them as one of the largest and most capable civil construction groups in the South Island. “We are a homegrown com pany who are committed to the Marlborough region. We currently have multiple generations work

ing within the company and I feel that’s a real testament to our values and culture.”

Joining forces with Isaacs Group, formed by Sir Neil and Lady Diana Isaac in the early 1950’s, has ena bled the company to grow expo nentially and offer an opportunity to undertake greater complex pro jects within civil construction. “As a part of the Isaac Group, has ena bled better systems and structure, investing heavily in manpower and plant technology. Isaacs brings Simcox a really wonderful com mitment to training and develop ing people. We were pretty good at it before, but now we really bring some horsepower!” Antony says the resources Simcox now have available are second to none. “It was an easy merger of the com panies,” says Antony as they both share the same values and commit ment to their staff, their communi ty and the environment. “The value we place on our staff and the way we do things, it’s all about families. It’s really exciting where we could be heading with the Isaac Group and there’s opportunity to do some high-quality projects, mingle with some new skillsets and learn new things.

Simcox Construction 14 Taylor Pass Road

AMY RUSS

What began with a passion for cakemaking in 2015, has grown to one of the region’s most delectable destinations. Sweet Creations started its journey in a home kitchen before owner Melissa opened her studio and sweet café on John Street.

Three years later, Melis sa and her exceptional team are on the move to a fabulous new space at 14 Auckland Street and are excited to launch the new store on November 30. Passionate about creat ing edible works of art, Melissa has been busy refurbishing the new store and looks forward to introducing a new look lunch menu. “Baking and smiles have always been my passion, I love what I do, and I love to see the joy and happiness that it

brings. There is never a dull day, it’s always a hap py one. We have loved our time at John Street, but now is the time for even better! Its fresh, cool, and it’s exciting and we can’t wait to share it with the people of Marlborough.” The team have enjoyed fantastic support in Marl borough since starting the business and Melissa says they are super proud that almost every celebra tion in Marlborough has involved a sweet creation. “From weddings and

birthdays to office shouts, we are thrilled to be such a big part of this fantas tic community. We are thrilled Marlborough has got such a sweet tooth, but we are equally thrilled to be starting to make some fresh and delicious lunch options.”

Having fantastic support of her family, friends, cus tomers and the communi ty has made the business what it is, she says. “It is a great place to work, we have simply the best team, everyone here shares the

same common goal in putting smiles on faces and treats in tummies! We are so grateful to the Marlborough community and look forward to satis fying their sweet craving for many years to come.”

Opening on November 30, stop in and say hi to Melissa and her team at Sweet Creations.

14 Auckland Street, Blen heim. 027 304 7504 info@sweetcreations.nz

Auckland Street Sweet Studio

Solidarity through volunteering Celebrating those who help to

General manager of Volunteer Marl borough, Meg Martin says this year's theme of solidarity really helps to foster a sense of belonging and connection in the community. “People band together to improve the wellbeing of Marlbor ough, its residents, and its organisations.

Volunteering opens people's minds to more diverse ways of thinking, intro duces them to new people and cultures, worldviews, and opportunities availa ble in their communities. We are very lucky to have so many wonderful people in Marlborough putting in their time for volunteering and mahi aroha, in so many different ways.” Many of the com munity groups, organisations, sports

teams, youth groups, and more would struggle to run their incredibly valua ble programmes and projects, says Meg, without the help of people giving their time. “Even schools, church groups, and marae have vast teams of volunteers who dedicate their time to ensure that things are running smoothly and serving their various communities.”

Meg says well over 6000 people have worked through Volunteer Marlbor ough over the years, but it is hard to know the exact number of people who volunteer their time to the community.

“I wish we could more easily measure the number of volunteers in the region!

We are very aware that there are people who help with their child's sports team or at their school, people who help in

their neighbourhoods, on their mar ae, in their church, and in other places that don't consider it volunteering but just something that is done to help their community. This is one of the reasons we have started to refer to our work as 'vol unteering and mahi aroha'. We are hope ful that the upcoming census will more accurately reflect the numbers.”

International Volunteer Day is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and or ganisations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities.

The act of volunteering is found in all cultures, languages, and religions. Each year, hundreds of millions of people vol unteer their time and skills to help make the world a better place. When they vol

Celebrated on December 5, International Volunteer Day is an opportunity for volunteers, and volunteer organisations, to raise awareness of, and gain under standing for, the contribution they make to their communities. Notable across the world, the international observance day was designated by the United Nations in 1985 to celebrate the power and potential of volunteerism. BLENHEIM LIONS MISTLETOE MARKET with our very own,

SATURDAY 3rd DECEMBER 9am to 2pm in the CBD

0800 VOLUNTEER victimsupport.org.nz Victim Support volunteers are needed now! Apply today! Full training provided WE FIND VOLUNTEERS FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS AND WE WILL FIND OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU! • Enrich your life • Broaden your horizon • Use your skills • Contribute to the community Become a VOLUNTEER & help enrich lives & communities through volunteering in Marlborough 1 Market Street, Shop 8, Blenheim OPEN: Mon – Fri: 9am – 3pm P: 03 577 9388 E: mgr@volunteermarlborough.org.nz www.volunteermarlborough.org.nz

Meg Martin says well over 6000 people have worked through Volunteer Marlborough over the years.

make the world a better place!

unteer, they help to improve the lives of others. And when they volunteer, they also gain a greater sense of belonging to their communities.

Past President, and current Vice President of the Blenheim Lions Club, Delphine Lee, says people are often surprised at the number of community projects the Lions club are involved in. “We have a wonder ful group of over 60 people who assist in a lot of different ways.” From helping with the annual Santa Parade to chopping wood and assisting with the local Food Bank, to helping at festivals, collecting donations and parking cars, the team get an immense sense of satisfaction from their work. “We have a great group of people that give back to the community and have a lot of fun along the way!”

Currently organising the Mistletoe Mar ket, Delphine says a huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes for the region's largest street market. Held on December 3 on Market Street, the event has been run ning for five decades. “We start planning in July, contacting the council, and store

owners, and so on.” With around 165 stalls, Mistletoe Market is one of the most popu lar markets in the Top of The South, and is widely supported by the Blenheim com munity, with many local businesses con tributing every year. “It is a huge amount of work to put together, but it is a really fun day!” A fun, family friendly affair, the Mistletoe Market is open from 9am to 2pm and offers a large selection of stalls with something for everyone, including food, gifts, jewellery, clothes.

Always keen to recruit new members, Del phine encourages people to spend some time with the Lions Club. “Pop down and join a meeting, spend a morning with us and hear what goes on. We welcome new faces into the fold!” Meg agrees, saying, “Whether you are someone looking to give back to your community for an hour a month, 10 hours per week, a one-off event, a group, team, business project, or any where in between...we can help! Come talk to the team at Volunteer Marlborough!”

Vital to the survival of many organisations around the region, volunteers are the back

bone of the community and without them, many services would be unable to contin ue. Make sure to thank those that serve our

community, let them know how much we appreciate their efforts and help to make the region a better place.

Blenheim Lions Club volunteers, asssisting with track restoration on the Wither Hills.

IN THE PARK

Join in the magic of Christmas in the Park!

A kiwi classic, Marlbor ough's annual Christmas in the Park is back, bigger and better than ever on December 11, with organ isers saying the event is all about Christmas songs and carols, families com ing together and children having fun!

Running for over a decade, Christmas in the Park be gan life as Carols by Can dlelight in Seymor Park before moving to Pollard Park and becoming the large-scale celebration that it is today. Event director, James McKenzie-Wiley says with the introduc tion of Marlborough Brass Band and various local and out of town artists, Christmas in the Park now attracts over 5000 people

each year. “The communi ty needs events like Christ mas in the Park to bring everyone together, to cel ebrate Christmas together, but to also champion local talent. The event is perfect for families and friends to come along and sit and en joy the event.”

Key sponsorship helps or ganisers to keep the free event running, and this year is no exception. The team are excited to wel come Mitre 10 MEGA Marlborough into the fold as their new naming rights sponsor. “We appreciate all of our sponsors so much!

Christmas In the Park is a fantastic family-friend ly event and I believe Mi tre 10 Mega are a great fit. They really want to sup port their local communi ty and we are grateful to

have them as a long-term sponsor.”

Along with the Marlbor ough Brass Band perform ing on the night, James says the team will be debuting their very own Children’s Choir. “This is also spon sored by Mitre 10 MEGA. We will have over 70 chil dren on stage perform ing for most of the night. They will be singing carols along with the Brass Band, but they will also be doing some of their own items. I can't wait to see the kids up on stage! After all this event is really for Marl borough kids, because we know how much kids love Christmas.”

Hot food and beverage carts, a sausage sizzle, ice-creams, donuts, can dy floss and face painting vendors will be availa

ble on the night. “Most will have eftpos but cash would be useful. We will be showcasing Life Flight Trust at Christmas in the Park and during the event we will be passing collec tion buckets around to collect donations for Life Flight. We'd love people to give what they can. We can confirm that Santa is making plans to come along although he said he might be running late, he needs a ride into the event so we're working with his people on that now!”

Bring a blanket, some chairs or even a picnic basket and join in the magic of Mitre 10 MEGA Marlborough’s Christmas in the Park on December 11, from 5pm to 7pm.

AMY RUSS

Wairau take cricket final honours

PETER JONES peter@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Wairau are the SBS senior crick et grade 40-over champions after edging past Wairau Valley in a low-scoring final at Horton Park on Saturday afternoon.

Top qualifiers Wairau were made to battle all the way for a two-wicket victory in the cul mination of the 2022-23 sea son-opening competition. They won the toss and decided to insert Valley, expecting the pitch to become better for batting on as the match progressed, a situation that did not eventuate.

Valley made a strong start on their way to 177-6 from their full complement of 40 overs, openers Sam Boyce and Jamie McVittie blunting Wairau’s new ball attack before they were separated with 37 runs on the board, McVittie falling for a patient 10.

Boyce was joined by Luke Pannell and the pair set about taking the sting out of the Wairau attack, mixing belligerent strokes with clever placement and smart run ning to push the score past three figures before Boyce fell victim to spinner Griffin Carter for a handy 48 from 73 balls.

Matthew Stretch joined Pannell in the middle and the pair contin ued to set the foundation of a big score, taking Valley’s total to 155 before a smart piece of fielding by Tim Petrie saw the end of Pannell for a well-compiled 54 from 78 balls. Stretch followed nine runs later for 24 from 33 as Valley tried to put their foot on the accelera tor in the final overs. However, it was the Wairau bowlers who dominated the final stages, the

experienced duo of Nick Weaver and Tarin Mason ensuring there were no late-innings heroics.

Weaver ended with 2-27 from his eight overs, Mason taking 2-31 from seven. Carter claimed 1-34 from eight while Baxter Croad, Josh Alexander, Petrie and Hunt er Ruffell all played their part with some tight overs. A black mark on the Wairau fielding ef fort was 31 extras, including 28 wides, a statistic that nearly came back to bite them.

While their total was lower than they would have hoped for, Valley had the runs on the board and a handy bowling attack to defend it with, a potent combination of spin and pace.

They made a penetrating start, Boyce bagging opener Hunter

Ruffell with just his second deliv ery then picking up Mason in his third over to leave Wairau precar iously placed at 2-17.

However, opener Cooper Roberts remained at the crease and was to play a pivotal role in proceedings. Wickets regularly fell around him as the required run rate rose. Top scorer Andrew McCaa, fresh off a century for the Tasman/Wel lington side in the over-40 in ter-provincial tournament being played in Marlborough at the moment, came and went for 15. Petrie made just a couple of runs before being bowled by Greg Stretch then Weaver departed for seven with 96 runs still required for victory and only five wickets remaining.

However, Roberts found a

staunch ally in Carter and the big-hitting opener flicked the ON switch, taking 19 runs off a Joel Pannell over, then 12 from Je thro Moran’s bowling to drag the match back into Wairau’s grasp.

After hitting the first two balls of Luke Pannell’s sixth over for his fourth and fifth sixes to take Wairau within 38 runs of vic tory Roberts was bowled for a match-defining 87 from 79 balls by the tenacious Pannell, setting up a tense finale.

Carter and Carter Aitken eked the score to 155 before Carter was bowled for an invaluable 16 by Boyce, bringing veteran Colin Wood to the wicket.

He and Aitken added 10 more runs before Boyce struck again, removing Aitken with just 13

runs required and two wickets remaining.

With Valley pushing fielders close to the bat and bowling tightly, runs were hard to come by as the overs ticked by but eventual ly the cool-headed Wood found a gap in the cover field, stroking the ball through to clinch victory with seven balls remaining.

Boyce was an outstanding part of Valley’s attack, claiming 4-26 from eight overs, Luke Pannell bagging 2-29 from 6.5 and Greg Stretch 2-39 from seven. Mat thew Stretch bowled economi cally to concede just 25 from his eight.

Final scores: Wairau Valley 1776, Wairau 178-8. Wairau win by two wickets.

The victorious Wairau side with the SBS 40-Over Championship Trophy. Photo: Peter Jones.

Neve nails top spot in women’s triathlon

PETER JONES

Neve Mckenzie proved that age is no barrier to success in the Marlborough Women’s Triathlon, becoming the youngest champi on in the event’s long history on Sunday.

Fourteen-year-old Neve signalled her potential the last time the event was contested, in 2020, by coming home first on the run leg. The event was shelved last year due to COVID restrictions but she was back this time around, a couple of years older and with plenty more triathlon experience under her belt, including a na tional schools title.

Ultimately Neve made no race of it, dominating from start to finish in drizzly conditions to win by over four minutes. She opened

up a sizeable lead on the run leg, stretched that out on the cycle section and completed her swim leg before any other athletes had entered the pool complex. Her time is thought to be a new race record, although that had yet to be confirmed.

The event, New Zealand’s old est women-only triathlon, was contested for the 39th time, with 90 entrants this year. Unlike tra ditional triathlons, it was run in reverse order; starting with a run/ walk, leading into a cycle and fin ishing with a short swim.

It comprised a 5km run, mainly along the Taylor River bank, fol lowed by a 14km cycle leg up to the landfill on Taylor Pass Road and finished with a 100m swim at the Aquatic Centre.

Neve finished in the smart time

of 48 minutes 47.2 seconds, with former winner Nikita Gane sec ond in 53.06.2 and Kylie Senior, 54.32.4, third.

The young winner said she felt comfortable on the run but strug gled initially on the cycle leg.

“The run was fast and smooth, then on the first part of the bike ride I felt I was going nowhere. But when I got to the turnaround and realised that I had quite a good lead that gave me motiva tion to go faster and I had a good ride on the way back to the pool … it was super-fast.

“I found it hard doing the swim leg after all the running and bik ing because usually it is first. It felt like I was pushing through concrete in the pool but I got there OK.”

As for the weather conditions,

Neve admitted she enjoyed run ning in the wet but cycling “not so much”.

“You get drips of water in your eyes off the front of your helmet and the lines on the road are slip pery … but otherwise it’s quite fun racing in the rain.”

After picking up several top five placings previously, Neve was thrilled to break through with a win in one of the province’s icon ic events.

“I have got a busy season to look forward to,” she said, “and this is a great way to kick start things off.”

Her future plans include a trip with the Tasman team to the NZ secondary school track and field champs in Taranaki next month where she will compete in the 1500m and 3000m events, fol lowed by a return to multisport at

the Manawatu Triathlon Festival a week later.

Nikita, a two-time winner of the race, said she had enjoyed the event after giving up on any thoughts of reeling in the flying winner from the early stages.

“I had no chance of catching Neve … from the start gun she was miles ahead.

“I said to her Mum a couple of years ago that it wouldn’t be long before she got to take that trophy home and she did it in style today.

“There were lots of familiar faces out there so it was nice to see lots of locals taking part.

“The rain added another dimen sion which made it quite adven turous, and it was great to have no wind to contend with,” Nikita added.

Wendy Iguaran heads off on the cycle leg.

The top three placegetters in Sunday’s Well & Good Marlborough Women’s Triathlon, from left, Nikita Gane, winner Neve Mckenzie and third-placed Kylie Senior. Photos: Peter Jones.

Leigh Bradley nears the finish.

Brigit Beattie shows the way over the Taylor River bridge.

Wynne Garrick has competed in every Marlborough Women’s Triathlon since the event started in 1983.

Junior Sportswoman of the Year Charlotte Lightfoot.

Sturrock Saunders picked up the Marlborough Sports man of the year Award on behalf of his son, Callum.

Rowers Kobe Miller and Fred Vavasour were part of the Team of the Year, the Wairau quad.

Squash player Paul Moran was named Junior Sportsman of the Year.

Olympian Tom Walsh was an entertaining guest speaker.

The Marlborough Under-15 basketball team were among the Team of the Year nominees.

Dressage star Melissa Galloway was named Marlborough Sportsperson of the Year at last week’s awards evening.

Tight tennis tussles order of the day

PETER JONES

Marlborough Forrest Wines continue to set the pace in the Wine Brokers NZ premier in terclub tennis race.

The competition leaders notched a 4-2 victory over clubmates Marlborough For rest Wines 2 at Pollard Park on Wednesday evening, a couple of close encounters deciding the issue.

In the top doubles Hamish Mor row and Scott Walpole downed Dan Clarke and Stephen Demp ster 7-5, 6-2 to get MFW1 off to a perfect start, however Mieko Kimura and Daniel Riordan levelled the tie with a 6-4, 6-2 victory in the No 2 doubles over Brad Stebbings and Amber Ly ons.

Morrow showed he is approach ing his best form with a conclu sive 6-2, 6-3 win over Clarke in the top men’s single, then Wal pole battled to a 4-6, 7-5, 10-7 victory over Dempster in what

was to prove a decisive effort.

Riordan pulled one back for MFW2 with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Stebbings before Lyons wrapped it up with a decisive victory over Kimura in the women’s single.

In the other division one tie, Rapaura Wairau River Noir came out on top of clubmates RWR Blanc 5-1.

Although the final result was clear-cut, three of the matches went to a super tiebreaker.

In the top single Noir’s Hamish McRae eventually got the better of Anthony Walkenhorst 2-6, 7-5, 11-9 in a typically-tight en counter.

Walkenhorst and Clyde Sow man scored Blanc’s sole win with a 1-6, 6-2, 11-9 win over McRae and Glen Cameron, while Noir’s Ella Sowman and Eveline Apthorp eventually overcame Stu Campbell and Pauline Fudge 5-7, 6-4, 10-8 in the other double.

The singles all went Noir’s way,

Ella Sowman beating Clyde Sowman 6-1, 6-0, Cameron downing Campbell 6-0, 6-4 and Apthorp winning by default over Fudge.

Both division two ties were tight, ending 3-3 after the six matches were played and hav ing to be decided on countback.

Marlborough Falcons got the better of Marlborough Next Gen, both sides winning six sets apiece before Falcons edged ahead 47-42 on games won.

Mike Weaver and Josh Harris both scored two wins for the Falcons while Ben Preece and Leon Marusaki bagged both doubles and singles wins for Next Gen.

Rapaura Wairau River Rose came out on top of the other tie, prevailing 52-46 on games countback after the set score was level 7-7.

Kobe Hart and Jack Winstan ley scored two wins for Mix ‘n’ Match while Jane Davidson did the same for the victors.

Tennis juniors take skills down south

PETER JONES

A small group of Marlborough junior tennis players recently travelled to Ashburton for the South Island primary and inter mediate schools finals.

Traditionally this tournament is staged in Timaru but due to

court resurfacing it was shifted this year to Ashburton. The Marl borough contingent consisted of Kobe Hart, Josh Harris, Mia Har ris and Emily Preece, who com peted in the open grade events, plus Joseph Gilhooly and Zoey She who took part in the year 6 and under division.

Although competition was tough and, for some of the children the first time they had played out of Marlborough, they all gave a strong account of themselves.

Josh Harris and Mia Harris both had wins in their first round, keeping them in the main draw, but Kobe drew the No 2 seed in

his first round match. Emily lost a three-set marathon in her first round clash while Joseph and Zoey faced tough opposition in their singles.

Both Josh and Mia placed sev enth in their grades, Kobe fin ished 10th and Emily 15th.

Josh and Kobe reached the dou

bles semi-finals before going down to the eventual second place-getters, while Mia Harris and Emily lost their consolation semi-final.

Joseph and Zoey battled hard but were unable to manage a doubles win with their respective part ners.

Rapaura Noir’s Ella Sowman scored two wins during the latest round of premier interclub tennis. Photo: Peter Jones.

MARLBOROUGH’S COMMUNITY NOTICES

MONDAY

MARLBOROUGH GUILD OF WOODWORKERS Mon 9am-12pm, 7pm-9pm. Wed 9am-12pm. Sat 9am12pm. Wooden toys & projects. 1st Sun monthly 1-4pm. Brayshaw Park. Ph Philip 570 5188.

RUMMY-0 CLUB Mon 12.30-4pm Bowls club rooms, Weld St. Ph Joy 577 6191/Mary 5788747.

BLENHEIM SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Mon 7.30pm Whitney St School Hall. No partners needed. Beginners welcome. Ph Heather 02102587325.

CARE AND SHARE A place for creatives to meet, en courage & share their skills. Mon 9.30am fortnightly. Nativity Centre (76 Alfred St). Ph 5783909 for more info.

LINE DANCING Beginner line dance classes. Mon 2pm & 6.30pm at Senior Citizens Hall 166 High St. 1st les son free for new beginners. Ph Judith 5787554 or 0212341095.

ROTARY CLUBS in Blenheim meet Mon & Tues 5.30pm. A world-wide service club for men & women, doing great things in your community. For info on meeting venues, ph Jon 0272229505 or Kevin 0211738784.

TUESDAY

RED HAT SOCIETY The Kiwi Damsels in De-Stress are part of a worldwide organization for women to enjoy fun, laughter & friendship. A specific dress code is part of the fun. This daytime group meets twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Tues mornings. Ph Tina 0211045945.

SAYGO Exercise & Balance for Seniors. Ph Diana Brooks Eldercare Coordinator 0212694198 or email diana@ stchristophers.co.nz for more info. Finishes 13th Dec 2022. Starts 7th Feb 2023.

PICTON NEWCOMERS NETWORK 1st Tues of month ‘COFFEE & CHAT’ 10-11am, Seabreeze Café, London Quay. New to town? Need help to settle in? Interested in local activities? We can help! Ph Cathy (Coordinator) 0210451799 picton@newcomers.co.nz

ST JOHN BLENHEIM YOUTH DIVISION 6-7.30pm Tues (school term) All youth welcome, 5 - 18 years. Adult leaders 18+ Marlborough Youth Trust 18 Kinross St, Blenheim Central.

PICTON LINE DANCE CLASSES Beginners welcome. Tues 9.30am. Anglican Church Hall. $6 per class. Ph Carol 0212125252 / Raewyn 021 715 484.

RENWICK PLUNKET PLAY GROUP Tues 8.45-11.45am during school term. Renwick Playcentre building, Have lock St. Come & join us for some great fun. All welcome!

MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB Parker St. Tues 8.30am-12pm. Social tennis. Morning tea 10am. Nonmembers $5. All welcome. Ph. Joanna 0275 786 436.

PERSISTENT PAIN SUPPORT GROUP Tues 5-6pm, Biddy Kate’s, 2 Market St. Drop-in group for people with persistent pain & those supporting them.

DAFFODIL CONNECT is an informal coffee group to meet other people living with cancer. This group is ON HOLD from Tues 22nd Nov through the holiday period and will resume in Feb 2023. Any queries, please con tact Cancer Society 03 579 4379.

MARLBOROUGH HERB SOCIETY Meets 4th Tues of month. 7pm, various locations. Promote use, educate & identification of herbs. Text only Meredith 0272122773.

SIT AND BE FIT Tues & Thurs 1.15pm Cost $2. Contact Riversdale Community House 5780469 or 0223007342.

SUNBELT TOASTMASTERS Learn public speaking & improve your confidence. Tues 6.20pm fortnightly. St Mary’s Community Centre. Contact sunbeltblenheim@ gmail.com or ph 0276001788. Last meeting this year 6 Dec 2022. First meeting next year 17 Jan 2023.

BLENHEIM CHORAL (Marlborough Singers) Tues 7pm, Wesley Centre, Henry St. New members welcome, no auditions necessary. www.marlboroughsingers.org.

BLENHEIM AIR TRAINING CORP Tues 6.30-9pm RN ZAF Base Woodbourne. Recruiting new cadets aged between 13 & 15 for 2022. For more info email: 27sqn@ cadetforces.org.nz

KNITTERS & SPINNERS MEET-UP Meet up Tues 10am, Picton library. Bring your knitting to the library for this social catch-up.

ART THERAPY GROUP for pregnant women. Tues 5-8pm. Ph Tatiana 0279019807.

TABLE TENNIS for adults Tues 10am-12noon. Lit tle Theatre, Picton. $3 per session. Meet people & get some exercise. New members welcome. Ph Ernest 0275888453.

RENWICK MENZ SHED 54 High St Renwick. Left side of church. Morning tea provided. Tues 9am-12pm. Ph Dave 021 0228 2592.

WEDNESDAY

BLENHEIM PROBUS CLUB Retired/semi-retired? Enjoy good fellowship? We’d love to see you at our meet ings, 1st Wed of the month (except Jan), 10am, Wesley Centre. Coffee mornings & outings as well. Ph. Raewyn 5784576 or Robert 5788938

LITTLE CRITTERS PLAY GROUP Wed 9.30-12noon. Community House, 131 Budge St. Ph Linda 0221099242

STRETCH & BREATHE Exercise for Seniors. Ph Diana Brooks Eldercare Coordinator on 0212694198 or email diana@stchristophers.co.nz for more info. Finishes 14th Dec 2022. Starts 8th Feb 2023.

MARLBOROUGH MULTICULTURAL CENTRE hosts a newcomers morning tea, Wed 10.30am-12noon, 21 Henry St. Opportunities for Newcomers & Marlburians to make friends, practice English & support each other. Everyone welcome. Tea, coffee & biscuits provided. Ven y practica tu inglés. Te esperamos.

HEART HELP SUPPORT Community group dedicated to the well-being of those who live with a heart condi tion or experienced a heart attack. Offering support to whanau. Meet 3rd Wed of the month, 10am, Quench Chateau Marlborough, 95 High St. Ph Jenny Goss 0211629102.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS casual parents/caregiv ers catch up, Wed 10.30-12pm, town Plunket Clinic, 16 Henry St. No charge.

SUPPORT GROUP for postnatal mothers. Every Wed, 9.30am to 12pm. Childminders help with babies. Ph Tatiana 0279019807.

MARLBOROUGH CHINESE FELLOWSHIP Chinese Christian group, whether interested in the Bible or Christianity, desiring to grow in the faith, or would like to meet new friends, we welcome you. Wed 6-7.30pm, St Christopher’s Church. 92 Weld St. Ph Guan 0221 642 782, Mandy 0224 326 886.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING 7.30pm, Wed, Picton Little Theatre. No partner needed. Beginner’s welcome.

DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP Meets every Wed 10-

11.30am to support each other, have regular speakers, outings, share in a safe environment. Ph Alistair Craw ford for details 0272 883 032.

MARLBOROUGH VINTAGE CAR CLUB MUSEUM Sun & Wed, 1.30 – 3.30pm, Brayshaw Park, Arthur Baker Pl, Blenheim. Donation appreciated. Other times by ar rangement. Ph Bill 0275 784 322.

BLENHEIM PETANQUE CLUB Games held at courts, 65A Weld St, Wed 1-3pm & Sun 10am-12pm. Ph Chris 5787303 or Brian 5742267.

LIONS’ CLUB OF BLENHEIM Serving the commu nity for over fifty years. Would you like to know more about the Lion’s Club? Interested in becoming a Lion? Tea Meetings held on 2nd & 4th Wed. Ph Delphine Lee 0299425004 Helen Williams 0211458572.

WAITOHI SOCIAL CLUB for a bit of fun & friendship. Join us the last Wed of month, 10am Picton Library. FREE event, all welcome!

THURSDAY

INVITING YOU TO COMPANIONS for ages 65+, 1st Thurs of Month. 1pm. Harvest Life Church, 22 Nelson St. It’s free, so no strings attached & there’s YUMMY afternoon tea. We have an interesting programme throughout the year. For more info ph Avon 03 579 2440, Lorraine 03 578 1240, or Shirley 03 578 3728.

KEEP U MOVING Gentle walking for Seniors. Ph Diana Brooks Eldercare Coordinator on 0212694198 or email diana@stchristophers.co.nz for more info. Finishes 14th Dec 2022. Starts 9th Feb 2023.

COPD SUPPORT AND EXERCISE GROUP Free. Every 2nd & 4th Thur 1.30pm, the Foundry hall, 3 John St. For more info Ph Karen at Asthma Marlborough Inc 035791609 or 0272057244.

KNIT & NATTER Marlborough District Library 2nd & 4th Thur of the month, 10am-12noon, tea & coffee provided. All welcome. Bring your yarn & have a yarn. For info ph Sue 5785317. Last day for the year 2nd Thurs of Dec 2022. Start again 4th Thurs in Jan 2023.

COMMUNITY CHOIR Thurs 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. F: CreativeVoice@singforfriendship.

MARLBOROUGH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 2nd Thurs of month, 7.30pm, Emergency Management Operating Centre. For all interested in Amateur Radio, Electronics & Emergency Communications.

PICTON TABLE TENNIS 10am-12pm, Port Marlbor ough Pavilion, Waikawa Rd. All adults welcome. $3 incl. morning tea. Equipment supplied. Ernest 0275 888 453.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Thurs 7-8pm Riversdale Community House, 131 Budge St.

FRIDAY

RENWICK SOCIAL TENNIS Fri 4.30-6.30pm weather per mitting. Members $2. Visitors $5. 10 Uxbridge St (behind Bowling Club). Ph Leigh Andrews 0211913034 or visit our Facebook Page for more details & other upcoming events.

UPBEAT ORCHESTRA community orchestra for all ages, instruments, from beginner-grade 5. St Ninians Church Hall, Alabama Rd every Fri 5-6.30pm For more info email upbeatorchestra@gmail.com.

PICTON NEWCOMERS NETWORK ‘SUNDOWNERS’ @

Chart room, Picton Yacht Club Hotel, 25 Waikawa Rd, 5-6pm. New to town? Need help to settle in? Interested in local activities? We can help! Ph Cathy (Coordinator) 021 045 1799 picton@newcomers.co.nz

LINK Fun & board games & afternoon tea for all in the lounge at Nativity Centre, 76 Alfred St every Fri 1pm. Gold coin donation appreciated. Ph 5783909 for info.

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB Parker St. Every Sun 3-5pm. Social Tennis Non-Members $2 All welcome. Ph Joanna 0275786436

BLENHEIM ROTARY BOOTSALE MARKET We’re back! Railway station carpark, Sat, 8am-12pm. Blenheim Rotary Bootsale operating over 25 years, funds to local/ international projects. New or used items, plants, food, coffee carts welcome. See bootsalemarket on Facebook.

THE ROADHOUSE BREAKFAST for car enthusiasts of all genres. 1st Sun of month, Riverlands Roadhouse, coffee cart on site, cafe has great food. 100+ cars at each of first two events.

BAHÁ’Í DEVOTIONS 1st & 3rd Sun, 11am, Marlborough Community Centre, 12th Lane, Blenheim cnr Farmers carpark. “In the garden of thy Heart plant naught but the rose of love”. www.bahai.org.

CRUISEY CHURCH for kids of all ages & their families. Includes bible stories, games, songs, crafts & dinner. 3rd Sat each month 5-6.30pm. St Andrew’s Church, 5 Henry St, Blenheim. Koha appreciated.

REDWOOD MARKET Redwood Tavern car park, Cleghorn St. 8am-noon every Sat. Plants, garden products, flowers, crafts including handmade soaps, cards & jewellery. Raising money for your community.

MARLBOROUGH STROKE CLUB is a voluntary organi sation dedicated to the wellbeing of those who have experienced a stroke, and to the support of their car egivers. We offer support, friendship & education with various meetings held each month. Ph Vyvienne Dunlop 5783837 / 021929955.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Sat 5.30-6.30pm Rivers dale Community House, 131 Budge St. MARLBOROUGH MUSEUM at Brayshaw Park, open 10am-4pm. Maori treasures, the Wine Exhibition, Wairau Bar 1250 AD, Early settlers, Asian Dolls & Tex tiles, local pottery plus more! FREE entry on Saturdays.

MARLBOROUGH MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB committed to seeing mountain biking flourish in Marlborough. We hold regular rides suitable for all levels of fitness & abil ity. Including back country expeditions, easy local rides, more serious mountain bike races. marlboroughmoun tainbike@gmail.com.

BLENHEIM FAMILY HISTORY GROUP Interested in Family History Research & building your Family Tree? Contact us for advice & assistance. Informal gather ings held 3rd Sun of month, 1.30–3pm, Family History Rooms, Brayshaw Park. Ph Lauri 578 8385.

MARLBOROUGH ARTISAN CRAFT MARKET Sat, Mar ket Place. Come down & meet your local craft people. Children’s area with games for young & old. A free Com munity Site to promote or fund-raise your organisation. Renwick Tennis Club 8 Uxbridge St. REPAIR CAFÉ New community initiative. We’ll fix your small repair on site, on the day, while you wait & have a cuppa. Sewing/darning, bikes, small furniture/wooden

items, toys electronic & mobile phones. Every 4th Sat monthly, 9am-12pm, John’s Kitchen, 2 Redwood St. Donations accepted.

PICTON RAIL & SAIL on the Foreshore. Mini train rides & yachts from 20 cents. Every Sunday & the school holi day’s, subject to weather.

BLENHEIM RIVERSIDE RAILWAY Runs 1st & 3rd Sun of the month. We have Eftpos. facebook/RiversideRailway.

MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB Parker St. Every Sun 3-5pm. Social Tennis Non-Members $2 All welcome. Ph Joanna 0275786436.

MARLBOROUGH FARMERS MARKET A&P show grounds, 9am-12pm Sun, local fresh & seasonal pro duce & products.

BARNABAS CHURCH BLENHEIM Sun services, 4pm (all welcome). St Ninians Church, corner Riley Cres & Alabama Rd. Scripture-based, church (est. Jan 2019). Affiliated to Church of Confessing Anglicans Aotearoa New Zealand (CCAANZ). More info: barnabas.org.nz.

WORKING BEE Te Whanau Hou Grovetown Lagoon, followed by BBQ. Every 2nd Sun, Feb to Nov. Planting & tending trees, weeding, mulching & continued conser vation. Meet at Wairau Rowing Club, Steam Wharf Rd, Grovetown. 9.30am-12pm. Email Justine: Johnsonmar lborough@gmail.com

KETO SUPPORT GROUP meets Sat fortnightly (ap prox. beginning & mid-month), 10am, Revival Cafe, Springlands. Informal gathering of folk interested in this dietary practice. No charge, no obligation - but the coffee’s great! Ph 027 505 7774 for more info.

MARLBOROUGH ASSOCIATED MODELLERS SOCIETY miniature train rides, $2, 1st & 3rd Sun of month, model yacht & boat sailing Sun, 1pm-4pm, Brayshaw Park.

GENERAL GROUPS

BROOKLYN CROQUET CLUB Tues, Thurs, Sat, 1pm Golf Croquet, Whitehead Park grounds, Brooklyn Dr. Mallets supplied.

MENZ SHED Blenheim, 4 Dillons Point Rd, Bright Centre Complex. Where men of all ages can meet to just chill out or do projects for themselves or the com munity. We provide equipment, tools & workspace for most woodwork & metalwork projects. Open Sat 9am12 noon. Mon & Thurs 1-4pm. Ph Dave 0212340057.

MARLBOROUGH YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (MYP) not-for-profit networking group dedicated to the next generation of professionals. Connecting like-minded people & fully integrating them into Marlborough life style. Connect with us on Facebook.

MARLBOROUGH COMMUNITY VEHICLE TRUST Have difficulty getting to medical appointments in NELSON? This trust was created to carry people to Nelson for medical appointments. Ph 574 1311 or soundsvehicle@ gmail.com.

AA MEETINGS Marlborough area. Ring alcoholics anonymous for help to stop drinking. Ph 0800 229 6757. www.aa.org.nz.

SENIORNET MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS Linkwater Hall, Queen Charlotte Drv for people 50+ to learn about technology & what it can do for them. Includes monthly ‘Drop-In’ session open to all. Interest groups meet monthly. Digital imaging, Family History, Smartphones, Tablets. Ph Liana Bull 027 255 1511.

Jackie Searle

DEATH

BRUNTON

Robyn Elaine (nee Munro)

On Sunday, November 27, 2022, peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by family, aged 59 years. Dearly loved wife and best friend of Jeff, much loved and adored mum of Jake, and Zoe, much loved daughter of Faye and Lester Munro (Blenheim), loved sister of Craig, and Garry Munro, and sister-in-law of Ashton, and Kelvin Brunton. Robyn will be hugely missed by all her family and friends. Special thanks to all those who have provided care and support to Robyn and her family. Messages may be addressed to The Family of the late Robyn Brunton, c/- PO Box 39001, Christch urch 8545. In lieu of flowers, donations to Graci Founda tion (Gynaecological Cancer Research) would be appre ciated, and may be made online at www.graci.co.nz. The Service to celebrate Robyn’s life will be held in St Andrew’s College Centen nial Chapel, Normans Road, Christchurch, Tomorrow (Thursday), at 1.00pm.