Marlborough Weekly 6 December 2022

Red carpet treatment for special teen

PAULA HULBURT paula@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Stepping out onto the red carpet, hair glossy and smile beaming, Zoe Osgood has plenty to celebrate.

Two years ago, the Blenheim teen was in Christchurch Hospital undergoing chemother apy for bone cancer.

But those dark days were far from her mind on Saturday as she was treated to a special once-ina-lifetime day out with her friends.

It had been “the best day ever,” says Zoe, 15, who also enjoyed a private flight from Omaka, lunch at Haven Café and a mini makeover.

Arriving at Event Cinema for a private screen ing of Wakanda Forever, the Marvel fan was full of smiles having arrived in style in a convoy of classic cars.

“This is the first time I’ve been able to wear this dress. I got it for a formal but was sick and couldn’t go.

“I’m having the best day; I even got a chance to take the controls of the plane.”

Zoe was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in 2020 after she got an MRI for what her family thought was a sports injury.

Mum Michelle stayed with Zoe while she un derwent surgery and rounds of chemotherapy

Toy Story

Salvation Army team leader Bridget Nolan and Roadhouse Breakfast organiser Luton An derson with some of the donat ed goodies going to families this Christmas. Photo: Matt Brown.

Yes.

Jenny Coxhill

I will be, especially when you’ve got eight grandchildren and they all expect something. This year, I’m going to put money in their bank. With just me at home, it won’t be an expensive Christmas for food. You do cut back though.

I make gifts and I don’t go overboard. When my kids were little, I’d buy them a toy and they would play with the box. Ask your kid if there’s one thing that they would like – or buy something for a child that doesn’t have any toys.

Not really. This is the first Christmas where I’m fully thinking about gifts. I have a lot of new family members, so I want to get good gifts. It’s go ing to be a good Christmas.

while dad Phil and brother Lucas visited as much as they could. Zoe says she will always be grate ful for the help she got. “Two years ago, I was in hospi tal and never thought something like this would happen.

“I didn’t know my friends then as I wasn’t at college but they’ve helped make the day really special.” Accompanied by her friends, Zoe had spent the day getting the VIP treatment. The community had quickly rallied to help make her dream come true with people happily

donating their time and skills. Watching their daughter enjoy her special treat courtesy of Life time Dream Day, Michelle and Phil say they couldn’t be prouder of Zoe.

“She looks so happy,” says Mi chelle.

Lifetime Dream Days Founder

Munt says he is “continu ally amazed” how people step up to help make these dreams come true.

“I’m continually amazed at the kind nature of the people in our community who just really want to get on board and help support this initiative…”

Greg

Zoe Osgood, centre, was given a special Lifetime Dream Day and enjoyed a private screening at Event Cinema. Photo: Paula Hulburt.

With

Mary Glennie

Lucy Heath

Dylan Ivamy

Club’s creditors given deadline

PAULA HULBURT

Clubs of Marlborough credi tors have until the 27 January to stake their claim to any money left after the sale of assets.

The High Court in Welling ton has officially appointed Malcolm Hollis and Richard Nacey of Price Waterhouse Cooper as temporary liqui dators.

And the pair will now work with stakeholders to work out the club’s current financial situation and the future of the now defunct building.

Interim liquidator Malcolm Hollis says it is an unfor tunate end to such a wellknown entity that has served the Marlborough community.  “Our job now is to work with stakeholders to understand the current financial posi tion and affairs of The Club, and options available to it, particularly the future of its

Marlborough, the Blenheim Working Men’s Club was reg istered as a Friendly Society on August 8, 1890. An An nual Return for the year end ing June 2021 showed a bank debt of $3.6 million, liabilities at 4.8 million and assets at $322,959.

trading and close the opera tions of the Club. At the time of closing on Sunday 13 No vember, the club had a mem bership of about 4,000 and employed 50 staff.

Malcolm says it will be a “step-by-step” process to find the best way forward.

step-by-step, carefully man aged process to determine the way forward.”

The closure, announced last month is a devastating blow to staff who worked hard to reinvent The Clubs, tak ing on a CEO, Dan Roos, to help turn the ailing business around. Dan left his job four months before the closure an nouncement.

Commenting in his intro duction to the last financial report, then President John Cragg says thanks needed to go to Dan for his efforts.

“We need to be extremely thankful to our CEO Dan Roos who has developed re lationships with all our cred itors, including the bank, our contributing members, the District Council, government departments and all of our suppliers.”

The latest rating valuation of the land and buildings, done in 2015, was $22,150,000. Va

Missing woman may be in Marlborough

Police and family have concerns for the safe ty of a missing woman who may have travelled to Blenheim.

Luanna Miller, 43, known as Mia, is miss ing from her address in the Nelson area.

If you have seen Mia or can assist Police in locating her, please call 111 and quote file number 221202/8668.

Fire crews rescue pub

A smoke-filled room at Biddy Kate’s Cafe and Bar had emergency services rushing to the pop ular pub last week.

Fire and Emergency were alerted to the smokelogged backpackers and pub, also known as the Criterion, in Blenheim at 2.04pm on Friday, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesper son says.

One witness at the scene, who was evacuated from the building, said smoke was coming from the laundry.

The Clubs of Marlborough closed its doors in November.

Photo: Matt Brown/File.

Fire crews attended a call-out at Biddy Kate’s bar on Friday. Photo: Matt Brown.

CONGRATULATIONS

Marlborough volunteer emer gency responders are now offi cially among the best in the coun try. The Marlborough Response Team recently became the second response team in the country to achieve new national accredita tion standards Team Manager Gary Spence says the team has been working towards accredita tion for eighteen months.

CELTIC VIBES

On the back of his extensive North Island Tour and with his new album ‘From Across the Sea’s’ in tow, acclaimed Celt ic multi-instrumentalist Ren nie Pearson makes his way back across the South Island. With a fresh collection of music and sto ries, he will be returning to The Picton Little Theatre with a show on the 8 of December at 7:30pm. All info and tickets available at renniepearsonmusic.com

Special olympians ready to make a splash

MATT BROWN

Marlborough’s Special Olympics team is raring to go to this year’s national champs in Hamilton.

The team flies out on Thursday for the four-day event where about 20 Marlborough athletes will join more than 1000 others to compete and create bonds through sport.

Marlborough special Olympics coordinator Cindy Adams-Vin ing says the “very cool” pro gramme is a highlight for the region’s special athletes.

Frequent flyers: More flights, more seats discussed

MAIA HART Local Democracy Reporter

Marlborough has been tagged as a “growth region” by Air New Zealand, which could mean the size and number of aircraft land ing at the airport could start to increase, Marlborough’s mayor says.

It comes after mayor Nadine Taylor met with a senior region al manager at Air New Zealand, who also discussed the possibil ity of adding services into Marl borough.

“It was sort of one of those free and frank meet and greets,” Tay lor told councillors at a commit tee meeting on Thursday.

a 68-seater plane. Councillors heard on Thursday, at the eco nomic, finance and community meeting, some of those flights were back, but the majority were Q300 planes, a 50-seater. The increased need in capacity comes off the back of a “record in the wrong direction” in the last financial year, after the air port posted an after-tax loss of $568,000.

Marlborough Airport Limited chairman Matt Kerr told coun cillors the last financial year could be “best described as chal lenging”.

happen. In the first four months of the current financial year, the airport had 100,000 passengers.

“I can attest to that coming through the airport last Thurs day,” he said.

But he said there would be some challenges going forward.

“We know that it’s almost certain that regional airlines are going to require us to instigate regional airport security screening.

“That’s going to throw a few logistical issues for us.”

“In fact, we’re back to growth. We’re exceeding budget in the first four months.

“Each month the passenger numbers continue to increase and strengthen, as traffic returns capacity is added, and currently we’re in a profit position, so that’s looking very, very good for the start of the year, and we’re really hoping that maintains.”

MISSING MAN

Police are searching for sightings of Matthew Henry, 42, who is missing from his home in May field, Blenheim and may have travelled further south to either Christchurch or Dunedin. If you have seen Matthew or have infor mation that might help police in locating him, please call 111 and quote file number 221201/1949.

“He was acknowledging that they [Air New Zealand] are running at very high capacity here [Marlborough] ... about 95 to 98%, which is much higher than they're running elsewhere, and on that basis certainly had tagged Marlborough as a growth region.”

Taylor said they discussed in creasing both capacity and the frequency of flights.

Pre Covid-19, Air New Zealand had been scaling up the number of ATR 72 aircraft it had flying into Marlborough, which was

“Challenging for a number of reasons. Covid, we had alert level four lockdown for the first quar ter and then the third quarter we had a red [traffic light] setting,” Kerr said.

Passenger numbers were 29% down on the year’s budget, and approximately 35% down on pre-Covid levels – at just under 210,000 passengers in the finan cial year. At its height pre Cov id-19, the airport had 320,000 passengers a year.

But Kerr told councillors “on a positive note” they had expected a rebound in passenger numbers for the current financial year, which had already started to

Marlborough Airport account ant Adrian Ferris said they were aiming for approximately $3.7m in revenue for the financial year, however this ended up coming in at just over $3m. “We don’t have a very diversified business, we are heavily passenger driven, so when there aren’t the passen ger numbers, you just don’t gen erate the revenue,” Ferris said.

“Essentially the tap was turned off on several occasions through out the year, it's actually a rea sonable outcome in terms of rev enue.”

However, he said the nearly $800,000 deficit before tax was a “record, unfortunately, in the wrong direction”.

But, Ferris said passenger num bers had “stabilised”.

Meanwhile, the airport was con tinuing to explore the possibility of an expansion, but still needed to negotiate more land from its immediate neighbour and the owner of Base Woodbourne, the New Zealand Defence Force. It also needed to negotiate with the three Kurahaupō iwi – Ran gitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō and Ngāti Kuia – who had first rights to Defence Force land as a commercial redress for his torical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi.

The expansion was first mooted in 2020, and it was said at the time if the land was secured the airport would let the Marlbor ough business community de cide what was needed. This could be retail shops, or Marlborough wine and food experiences.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air.

Swimmers Tracey Sawyer, Cameron Rowe, Ryan Tankard, Karl Roberts, Jessica Tyson and Brad McLennan had one of their final training sessions at the Stadium 2000 pool before the Special Olym pic nationals in Hamilton this coming Thursday. Photo: Matt Brown.

A trio of kittens caught in an outof-control blaze have been saved by fire fighters who found them just in time.

Seddon Volunteer Fire Brigade were called to an outdoor rubbish fire that was spreading to a pile of old vineyard posts.

But an hour into the job, a small meow alerted them to the kittens’ plight.

Seddon Volunteer Fire Brigade Deputy Chief Rebecca Stevens says the kittens, now named

Singe, Smokey and Sooty, were just minutes away from disaster.

“Singe would only have survived a couple more minutes as he was more exposed.

“The other two were more shel tered by the posts and would have lasted another five minutes.”

Left with a few singed whiskers, blistered lips and toes, the kittens were rushed to the afterhours vet at Vet Marlborough.

They are now being looked after by a Marlborough Four Paws fos ter carer.

Rebecca says crews from both

Blenheim and Awatere attended the blaze.

“We’d been there a good hour when I heard a meow. We went behind the burning pile and found them underneath; the fire was quite intense.

“They were wet and cold as we’d been putting a lot of water on to supress the fire. They certainly got a lot of cuddles.”

It took crews more than two hours to make the site safe.

Rebecca says people need to be sure that any rubbish fires are su pervised and well out before be

ing left.

Posting about the kittens’ mirac ulous escape on social media, a spokeswoman from Four Paws said the kittens were doing well.

“By some miracle and amazing work from our fire fighters the babies escaped with just a few singed whiskers and blistered toes and lips.

“Thank you so much to the Sed don Fire Brigade, these babies wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for your amazing work.

“A big thank you also to Vet Marl borough.

“These wee kittens have beaten the odds and we can’t wait to see them grow.”

Animal rescue charity Marlbor ough Four Paws is appealing for food and donations for the kit tens and the other cats they care for. Visit www.marlboroughfour paws.co.nz/ to find out how to help.

To find out more about volunteer ing with Seddon Volunteer Fire Brigade or Awatere Fire Brigade visit www.fireandemergency.nz/ volunteering/register-your-inter est-to-volunteer/

PAULA HULBURT

Seddon Volunteer Fire Brigade crew member Kat Watson with one of the rescued kittens, now being cared for at Marlborough Four Paws. Photos: Supplied.

The gift that kept giving

Being generous has paid off for a Blenheim shopper after buying a present won her a $100 cash prize.

When Diane MacRae-Moses need ed a gift for her husband, she turned to her favourite Blenheim jeweller, Gina Botham at GMW Jewellery in Redwoodtown.

And the shopping trip means she can now treat herself to a massage or facial.

Hearing she had won the week ly cash prize in Top South Media’s Shop & Win draw, made her day, Diana says.

“It was an amazing surprise. We don’t have a lot of extra cash so I might get a massage or a facial.

“I don’t get to do those things an ymore.”

Diana says she is a regular at the store which specialises in hand crafting distinct jewellery of the highest quality.

The store contains a selection of beautifully crafted jewellery to suit all styles and ages and Gina has always been a great help, Diane says.

“She’s been very helpful and astute.”

Prize delight as Shop & Win delivers again

PAULA HULBURT

An apprentice engineer shop ping for a new rod caught more than he bargained for after he landed a surprise $100 cash.

Callum Hayton, 18, from Blen heim is the latest lucky winner in the Top South Media Shop & Win competition.

Shopping locally paid off for the Eckford Engineering employee after a trip to Henderson’s on Grove Road.

Callum says he had been in to choose a new rod and reel set from the huge range on offer at Henderson’s A recent streak of good luck prompted him to enter the in store draw, he says.

“I bought a new rod and reel combo. I’ve been doing a bit of fishing lately – sea and trout.

“I don’t know what I’ll spend it on – maybe another rod from Henderson’s or maybe a couple of beers.

“I’m really happy.”

Alongside other local stores, Henderson’s is encouraging people to shop local by taking part in the popular annual Shop & Win competition.

Founded by John Henderson in 1998, the business is now owned by Mike and Brenda Ponder.

As well as going into the draw to win the big $5000 prize, en trants are also in line for a $100 win, drawn randomly each week.

Callum says he enjoys shopping locally and has already put an other entry in towards the ma jor prize.

He’s a regular visitor to Hender son’s, he says.

“I’m a bit lucky. I don’t usually enter things, but Mark put the piece of paper in my hand.

I go in there quite a bit – it’s bloody good. I like shopping lo cally, anyway.”

Regular iHair client Tina Noad was also celebrating after she won a spot prize in the draw.

Tina, a big fan of the profes sional services and stylists at the Market Street salon, was delighted to win a top haircare pack.

Tina Noad was the lucky recipient of a spot prize from iHair. Photo: Matt Brown.

Callum Hayton reeled in a $100 cash prize by shopping at Henderson’s. Photo: Matt Brown

Diane MacRae-Moses was delighted with her $100 win. Photo: Matt Brown.

Five-time NZ rally champion brings skills to Marlborough

ALAN COTTINGTON Marlborough Car Club

The Marlborough Car Club held the annual Fairweather’s Taylor Pass Rally Sprint last month.

The competition is also the sec ond round of the Top of the South Rally sprint Series held in conjunction with Nelson and Westland Car Clubs.

The event, and series, has fanat ical support from competitors around the South Island and this year had a special entry with fivetime NZ rally champion pairing of Richard and Sara Mason com ing down from Masterton.

Local competitors were also joined by crews from Canterbury, Nelson and club member Jonty Brensell returning from western Australia to compete.

With significant road damage caused by July’s flooding, the club decided to shorten the event from its traditional format to reduce the risk of further damage to the road and competitors’ vehicles.

While shorter, the Blenheim sec tion to the summit running in both directions offers competi tors some of the most diverse and challenging bits of road in the country.

Competitors were enjoying this and pushing hard from the very start with plenty of stories of on the limit driving and near misses at the end of each run.

The first run, aided by over night rain keeping the dust away, showed what was to be for the

day with Richard and Sara Mason in their Subaru Impreza taking an early advantage of three seconds over local star Richard Bateman in his Mitsubishi Evo 9.

Jonty Brensell fresh from his eye-opening performance at the WRC Rally NZ event in his 1600cc Toyota Starlet grabbing third place ahead of Jason Clark (Evo 9) and Jacob Bennett (Im preza) tying for fourth.

Matthew Linning in his Mk2 Es cort took a big advantage in Class C and the expected battle in Class A between local Paul Roughan (Starlet) and Cantabrian Chris Herdman (Starlet) did not disap point with Chris taking a slender 2 second advantage.

Run 1 saw the demise of Jeremy Beaton from Canterbury caught out on a tricky left hander corner putting his Evo off the road and out of the event.

Runs 2 and 3 were much the same at the head of the field with Rich ard Mason extending his advan tage over Richard Bateman and a three-way battle for third sep arated by mere seconds between Jonty Brensell, Jason Clark and Jacob Benett.

Run 2 also saw the demise of im pressive youngster James Barnett from Nelson in his father's Maz da RX7, caught out on a fast left hand corner rolling the car off the road.

Fortunately, the crew were un hurt and the car looks repairable after being recovered at the end of the event.

Further down the field there were some incredibly good battles and crews pushing hard to gain hard fought seconds over their rivals. Unfortunately, the battle in Class A ended early with Paul Roughan running into mechanical woes and out for the event leaving Chris Herdman with a comforta ble advantage over Nelson driver, Pat Norris who moved into 2nd in Class A.

On to the 4th and final run of the day. Richard Mason equaled his times from run 3 which was enough to secure the outright win by 10 seconds.

Richard Bateman, pushing hard to close the gap on Mason had a narrow escape which left the car pivoting on a steep bank down into the trees.

Fortunately, he was able to get the car back on the road but dropped time and was not able to improve on his times from run 3 but these

were still good enough to secure 2nd overall.

To the battle for 3rd and some how Jonty Brensell managed to wring a little more out of the little Toyota Starlet and find an other 4 seconds securing him 3rd overall ahead of Jason Clark in his Evo 9.

With the top 3 overall not eligible for class results Jason Clark took the Class D win with Jacob Ben nett having brake issues in his last run dropping him out of the bat tle for 3rd overall but still came away with another strong result in 5th overall and 2nd Class D. Matthew Linning drove well all day and hung on to a fine 6th Overall and secured the Class C win.

One second further back were Hugh Owen in his Evo 9 and Blenheim youngster Liam Gee in his Toyota Levin for 7th and 8th showing how close the competi

tion was.

Hugh took 3rd in Class D and Liam the Class B win.

Class E win went to Vahur Otts in his Subaru Impreza ahead of Ben Musk in his Subaru Legacy.

Class C 2nd place finisher was Merv Hatcher in his Mitsubishi Starion ahead of Hugo Bowden in a good drive in his BMW to secure 3rd in class.

Second in Class B went to Phillip Parkes in his Toyota Starlet, 5 sec onds ahead of Gavin Peterson in his Toyota Corolla who took 3rd in class.

Class A went to Chris Herdman and a fine 11th overall, with Pat Norris coming home in 2nd place.

It was another magnificent event enjoyed by all competitors and living up to its reputation. Thanks to all the organisers and helpers who made the event and prize-giving run smoothly.

NZ Rally Champions Richard and Sara Mason, from Masterton, came first overall at the Marlborough Car Club’s annual Fairweather’s Taylor Pass Rally Sprint last month. Photo: Becky Gee.

Toy donation drive biggest yet

MATT BROWN

The call went out for toys and people delivered – by the carload.

Operation Gifts for Kids, collects donations of toys for local fam ilies who may struggle to buy Christmas gifts.

And this year’s haul is looking like the biggest ever says organis er Luton Anderson.

“This would have to be the big gest. Roadhouse have gone above and beyond this year,” he says.

“Absolutely amazing generosity on display today. It blew us away with the sheer number of toys that were donated.

“The generosity of Blenheim is incredible. When you’re a kid, Christmas is the best time of your life.”

The Roadhouse Breakfast is a weekly breakfast catch up for all petrol heads and enthusiasts.

Generous members turned up in force to support the dona tion drive, with 232 cars coming through the gates.

Laden with gifts for children of all ages, cars of all shapes and siz es turned up.

Salvation Army team leader Bridget Nolan says they liaise with social services who refer families who need a festive boost.

“It’s giving the joy of Christmas.

“A lot of our clients struggle and

says went above and beyond to encourage donations.

“He went around the business and challenged them to match his donation.”

But Richard says it was other peo

Richard Bateman arrived at the popular, monthly car show with a wagon filled to the gunwales. Photo: Luton Anderson.

Drummer boy a poor attempt at comedy

Dear Ed,

After reading poor attempts of comedy in previous issues, I feel the column by Chris Lippiatt, Marlbor ough Weekly 29th November 2022, reached an absolute low.

The lack of knowledge shows that the writer needs to investigate the topic. There is a lot more to Christi

Comic

anity than what he thinks he knows.

For a start he could look at the his tory of that time, both in the Bible and other writings. Jesus’s birth was foretold many times in the Old Testament, often hundreds of years before the event.

I agree that the words of The Little Drummer Boy are not of theologi

cal correctness. It is simply a song expressing Christmas sentiment. However, it is worse to denigrate words of Scripture and the belief of people who celebrate the birth of Jesus.

I, for one, am grateful for His com ing.

Colleen Bevans.

The Little Drummer Boy was the subject of last weeks col umn by Chris Lip piatt. of the

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY SWEET CREATIONS

James White

NOVEMBER 2022 AWARD PRESENTED TO

Blenheim Christmas Parade

Helping

AMY RUSS

With a reputation as being the ‘goto’ store for interior inspiration and practical, helpful advice, the team at Guthrie Bowron Marlborough, offer the very best in interior deco rating and design. From new builds to renovations, redesigns, and up dates, the team takes pride in creat ing individual concepts from plan ning to completion. The new owner of Guthrie Bowron Marlborough, Bruce Abbott and his highly trained team have extensive backgrounds in the decorating industry, working with colour, texture and design to enhance client’s decorating projects. Bruce says he is fast finding his feet in the managing directors’ role with the support of his incredible staff. Absolutely loving every day, he says his small amount of background experience in painting and decorat ing has definitely helped him in the

industry, but there is still plenty to learn from his teams combined ex perience. “I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge and my staff are just incredible! They are very patient and every day I enjoy waking up and going to work. I am lucky enough to have fantastic staff with over 60 years of experience in the industry between them their knowledge is just unbelievable.”

A one-stop shop for home decora tors, Guthrie Bowron is one of New Zealand’s most trusted decorating specialists. Stocking everything from curtains and blinds, paint, wallpaper and flooring, they offer expert specialists in every store.

The Marlborough showroom is 100% locally owned and operated, and the staff have years of specialist knowledge, which assists them with advising clients on all aspects of their requirements, helping clients to realise their home-decorating vi

Photos: Paula Hulburt and Matt Brown.

realise their home-decorating vision

sion. “We do everything! We have instore Colour Consultants, Window Specialists, Flooring Specialists, and a Paint Specialist that has been with the store for over 30 years. What he doesn’t know about paint, isn’t worth knowing. We are also very lucky to have an in-store machinist for cur tains and blinds, and access to two fabric workshops across the country for a super-quick turnaround.”

For Bruce and his wife Caroline, part of the drawcard behind the change of career was the calibre of respect people had for the franchise. “Af ter being in the winemaking indus try for 19 years, I was looking for a change. We stumbled across an ad vert for the store, and we decided to go for it. Everyone always has really positive things to say about Guthrie Bowron, and the support we have re ceived from the community has been incredible.” Passing on the torch, pre vious owners Colin and Katrina Legg

have been extremely supportive of Bruce. “I would like to thank Colin and Katrina who have been fantastic during the handover, and in provid ing ongoing support. Also, the staff and Guthrie Bowron for their back ing. Everyone including the suppli ers and sales reps have been brilliant throughout the entire process. “They have such an in-depth knowledge of the industry and our products, and I love tapping into that. I love being creative. Both of my parents are art ists so it I think it runs in the blood.”

With a clear vision for the store and plenty of ideas in the pipeline, Bruce looks forward to bringing a fresh new look to the brand. “In time I would like to do a complete makeover of the store and I would like to create a real focus on our ability to put together interior design schemes for our cus tomers.”

Guthrie Bowron Marlborough offers advice and products for interior dec

orating and design, and work with local tradespeople, people building new homes, offices or baches, and others who are ready for a fresh look and renovating or redecorating their existing space. Highly trained and with extensive backgrounds in the decorating industry they are always happy to help with trusted advice, inspiration and solutions tailormade to your needs. “We are able to help people makeover their homes and support their design ideas, creating a bespoke design package for each cli ent’s needs.”

Passionate about interior design, many local homes have benefit ed from the touch and creative flair Guthrie Bowron Marlborough can provide. If you are building, reno vating or redecorating and looking for inspiration and helpful advice, be sure to pop into Guthrie Bowron, 40 Main Street, Blenheim. guthriebowron.co.nz

New owners of Guthrie Bowron Marlborough, Caroline and Bruce Abbott. Photos: Matt Brown.

Fresh and friendly with five star service

With an extensive background in the industry, the new owners of Four Square Picton, Emily and Mason Bradbury, have been visit ing the district for many years be fore making the move permanent in September.

Moving from Twizel, Emily says it was the Sounds that the fam ily first fell in love with. “It’s the water, whether it’s being on it, around it and of course in it, the Sounds has so much to offer!

It is also hard to not mention the native bush with all the awesome trails, views and beautiful bird song to enjoy along the way – it’s the best place on earth that’s for sure!”

The couple managed the Twiz el Four Square for four years and prior to that the Hanmer Springs store, both drawn in by the com munity involvement that the Four

Square brand holds dear. Emily and Mason look forward to seeing first-hand what their customers and community needs are, on the shop floor.

“Fresh Foods is where our passion lies. Nothing beats good quality home-cooked meals and being cre ative with what is in season. Driv ing customers to buy in-season to help with the purse strings is some thing that we want to be better at, as it makes such a huge difference to what we are spending even in these expensive times.”

Emily says the ability to offer face to face service and help customers in person is what makes their busi ness unique. “We are local people serving our customers and ensur ing we are meeting their needs. Some of our customers live alone and our phone orders and door to door delivery service offers com fort and company to some and that is really special to us. We have met

so many awesome customers, and we are really grateful for that. It has been amazing to see the collective support shown by the communi ties through a really tough couple of years. As Four Square owners we have been lucky to be a part of that.”

Passionate about providing a top-quality service, the couple welcome any customer feedback.

“We love hearing about products that are out there that we may have missed so we always welcome ideas and suggestions from our custom ers. We want to be better grocers every day and keep challenging the status quo. We need our customers to talk to us and tell us how we can be better for them.”

For a friendly, fresh and convenient supermarket delivering a 5-star service visit Four Square Picton today.

Four Square Picton 49 High Street, Picton 7220

Congratulations

Square Picton,

on the purchase of Four

to my daughter Emily and her family. We are so lucky to have you all in town.

AMY RUSS

Emily and Mason Bradbury with children Georgie and Carter are excited to now call Picton home.

Summer rays and longer days are finally here

Make the most of the Marlborough sun in your outdoor spaces. Photo: Supplied.

AMY RUSS

The bees are buzzing, the garden is blooming, and with the seasons holidays fast approaching, now is the ideal time to get your home and garden ready for the beautiful balmy days ahead.

Unsure on where to start? Don’t worry, here’s a few top tips to help make your summer prep an absolute breeze in our top 8 checklist.

1. Clear the clutter

It’s time to pack away those winter clothes and do a deep clean, dusting, and going through your closet and cup boards, dumping out or donating all those clothes you never wear. Make the space light and airy, swap winter blankets for summer throws, and thermal cur tains for lighter, thinner shades. Change the bedding and clear out bathroom and kitchen cabinets of old expired products.

2. Bug-proof your home

Nothing is worse than having a house in fested with insects in summertime. Seal any gaps and cracks that have appeared over winter, clear overgrown vegetation, keep spaces clean, and minimise stag nant moisture around the home. There are many natural options to consider when it comes to safeguarding your home against unwanted visitors. It’s the time of year that bugs enjoy the most, as many insects are unable to thrive during the cold winter months. Consider con tacting your local pest control specialist for advice.

3. Prep your outdoor space

Whether your idea of relaxing is to lay out on a beanbag with a good book or enjoying a beer with friends, there’s something special about spending time outside. Before summer kicks in, make sure that your outdoor space is clean, and in tip-top shape by giving it a good hose-down. Revamp your garden furni ture set and take care of your outdoor tables, chairs and loungers. Remove dirt, cobwebs, dead leaves, and other debris by using warm soapy water. Use a pres sure washer to remove built-up grime on wooden furniture sets or wooden benches and perk them up with weath er-proof paint or varnish. String up out door lights, place lanterns to create a pathway, and clean the winter build-up from solar sensors. Don’t forget to add summery outdoor cushions to your out door lounge.

4. Deep clean your BBQ

Now is the perfect time to slip on your gloves and remove grease and grime in time for alfresco dining. Turn on the grill to its highest heat and close the hood for 10-15 minutes. Open the lid to let cool and scrape the grates with a non-bris tle metal brush. Empty debris from the interior and wash out with warm soapy water. Use an old metal knife or spatula to scrape the sides of the grill chamber freeing it from any grease and food par ticles that have hardened, removing any grime, tough stains and burnt-on food.

5. Get your garden ready

Sweep up any dead leaves, mow the lawn, remove weeds, prune bushes and plants, deadhead flowers and keep your gardens and lawns well-watered. If you haven’t started already, get your salad greens planted and add a touch of colour with floral favourites, keeping the busy bees happy by pollinating and helping your produce to grow all summer long.

6. Revitalise your interior space

Summer is the perfect time to play with home furnishings and add splashes of colour and texture. Choose bold colours, patterns and tactile materials. Adding a statement item to a room can change the entire feeling of that space. Warm er tones such as sunshine yellows and burnt oranges reflect the warm summer weather and bring instant optimism and a sense of positivity into the home. Add beach vibes with a glass bowl of pretty shells, a container of sea weights, or rope wrapped candleholders.

7. Incorporate some greenery

Bringing in garden flowers is the easiest way to invite summer into your home. Hand pick or purchase a fresh bunch of summer blooms and be creative when it comes to displaying your floral fa vourites. Try using interesting bottles or vintage pieces to add a bit of character. Purchase potted summer annuals and perennials and display indoors, before planting in the garden to thrive outdoors and bring summer joy for many weeks to come.

8. Check your appliances

Schedule a fridge/freezer check-up as they work harder than ever during the warmer months. As temperatures rise, they can become much more prone to a malfunction. Clean ceiling fans and air conditioners to ensure your units are working to the best of their ability. Freshen up filters and perform a thor ough functionality test. Schedule a pro fessional to look, so you’ll be good to go all summer long.

Silver lining for ‘Black Cloud’

PETER JONES peter@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Their club may be no more, but memories of the Opawa Rugby Club live long in the minds of those who were involved with Marlborough’s famed ‘Black Cloud’.

Next year former players, admin istrators and supporters will have a chance to share those memories and catch up with old acquaint ances when a reunion is held in Blenheim over King’s Birthday Weekend, June 1-4.

The planned get-together is the brainchild of former ‘Black Cloud’ players Mike ‘Duke’ Elli son and Alan Church.

“We were having a catch-up in June and Alan brought up the idea of a reunion. I had also been thinking along those lines for a while so we decided to get some thing up and running,” said Mike.

A committee comprising Mike, Alan, Gerard Coffey, Larry Smith, Phil Fisher, Greg Brimble and John Hegglun was formed to bring the event to fruition.

The formal part of the event will be held at the Lansdowne Park Hub, the over 200 guests expect ed to attend.

The Opawa club was formed in

April 1906, as part of the club rugby District Scheme which split the province into six sepa rate clubs on a geographical basis. They won the prized Citizens Cup in their first season and went from strength to strength, claim ing numerous senior and junior titles over the years and produc ing a steady stream of represent ative players – including future All Blacks Alan Sutherland, Phil Clarke, Jack Best and Anton Ol iver along with Maori All Black Jim Joseph.

In 1994 Opawa officials elected to combine with two other Blen heim clubs, Old Boys and Red wood, to form the Harlequins club, their headquarters based at Lansdowne Park.

After initial success, Harlequins have struggled to field top lev el teams in recent seasons but showed they are on the road back last year when they fielded a side in the division two competition.

Mike, who played for the ‘Cloud’ in the 1970s and ‘80s, sees the re union as “a chance to give some thing back to the club”.

“The reunion has evolved into a fundraiser, with the aim of rais ing some money for the Harle quins club,” he said.

“We just want to be part of a cel

ebration and it felt like the right thing to do,” said Mike, who is now based in Napier.

The celebrations begin on Thurs day, June 1 at the Lansdowne Sports Hub from 5pm with reg istration, photos, meet and greet with finger food plus an auction.

The following day participants will gather back at the Hub in the evening for food, entertain ment and the completion of the

auction.

On Saturday, the Harlequins senior team will be wearing ret ro playing jerseys during their match on the Lansdowne No 1 ground, followed by the after match at the old Harlequins clu brooms.

Then it is back to the Hub for a three-course meal with live en tertainment.

The next day involves lunch

at Dobson Street Beer Garden with live entertainment and final goodbyes.

Merchandise, polo shirts, sweat shirts, hoodies and a book on the club’s history will be for sale. Mike urges those interested to go to the Facebook page called “Opawa Rugby Reunion” where all the details including itinerary and registration forms can be found.

Skater inspired by world championship trip

Competing against the world’s best inline speed skaters at the 2022 World Roller Games in Ar gentina proved inspirational for 16-year-old Erin Green.

The Year-12 Marlborough Girls’ College student was part of a four-strong NZ team which travelled to South America dur ing October and November and returned “feeling inspired and ready for more”, according to her mother Roxanne Green, who was manager of the NZ contingent.

“The trip lasted around 3 weeks and was full of great memories, experiences and some eye-open ing racing with the world’s best skaters. I really enjoyed the expe rience … learned heaps, but real ised there is plenty more to work on,” said Erin.

“My best individual placing was 23rd and in the relay our team qualified for the final where we got seventh.

“Although I did not obtain my top 20 goal, I was able to change my perspective on my performances

by mixing it up in big packs dur ing the races and gaining more experience instead of worrying about the placings.”

Roxanne says the Kiwi skaters’ efforts should be qualified by the fact they were started at the back of the field, due to the fact NZ missed the previous world champs. This meant they had to work extra hard to fight their way towards the front of the pack, us ing plenty of energy in the pro cess.

However, this provided an oppor tunity for the Kiwis to gain some “race smarts” competing among big fields, and “experience of be ing pushed around which you can only get at those big events”, according to Roxanne.

Prior to the champs the NZ con tingent had been excited to test their skills on the highly-rated vesmaco surfaces but were ulti mately disappointed as the tracks proved less than satisfactory.

“The track was lumpy,” said Rox anne, “it was a bit like riding a rollercoaster and the girls got sore shins, especially in the ear

ly stages. Everybody was in the same boat so they just got on with it, but it was a bit disappointing.”

Her sentiments were shared by coach Bill Begg, the vastly-ex perienced skating mentor from South Canterbury, who also trav elled with the team.

He described the champs as “a very challenging experience”, mentioning bumpy corners on the bank track, gale force winds, plus varying grade bitumen and tar snakes on the road circuit.

“The marathon skaters had to deal with traffic on the open course, which was one of the

worst-organized courses I had dealt with at 44 world champion ships,” he added.

Roxanne concurred, adding that Erin’s group in the marathon were “nearly wiped out by a bus”.

“Two skaters got hit by cars and we also lost touch with one of the Kiwi girls who fell when out on the big circuit. We had no idea where she was and no-one could tell us what had happened to her.

That went on for half an hour until we tracked her down … the whole thing was definitely an eye-opener.”

Now back home and straight into

training, there will be no letting up for Erin as she bids to gain in valuable racing experience.

She will attend the flat track and road nationals in Palmerston North on January 2, followed by the bank track nationals in Feb ruary then the Oceania champs in April.

Soon after they conclude, she will head to Europe for six weeks, competing in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.

Buoyed by her trip to South America, Erin can’t wait to move onto the next stage of her bur geoning career. “I am excited to see what 2023 has to bring for me and my skating,” she added.

Erin’s world championship re sults:

Track - 500m 23rd; 200m dual TT 27th 21.67; 10,000m elimi nation 23rd; 1km 26th 1.41.626.

Relay 7th Road - 1 lap 25th 35.423; Elimi nation 28th; 100m 23rd 12.424

Marathon - open ladies 42km 61st 1.21.52.061 (field of 130 jun ior and senior ladies and 40 mas ter ladies)

Former Opawa player Mike ‘Duke’ Ellison is one of the organisers behind next year’s reunion. Photo: Peter Jones.

PETER JONES

Erin Green, second from left, and the NZ team in Argentina. Photo: Supplied.

Canterbury/Otago teams claim over-40 cricket double

PETER JONES

Canterbury/Otago cricketers dominated the final day of the inaugural New Zealand Over40s Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) in Blenheim early last week. Teams from the lower South Is land took out both division one and two titles when the final acts of the ground-breaking four-day event were staged at both Horton and Oliver Parks.

These are the first official over40s matches ever held in New Zealand, as the age group was only established over the winter.

The country’s four regionsAuckland, Districts, Wellington/ Tasman and Canterbury/Otago played each other in round-robin format across two divisions, cul minating in an exciting finals day.

At Horton Park Canterbury/Ota go took on Wellington/Tasman in the division one decider, with a glut of runs being scored.

Batting first Canterbury/Otago reached 318-5 in a match reduced 35-overs per side due to a wet outfield. Opener Hardeep Singh was the star of the show, slam

ming a majestic 174 from just 104 balls, an innings that contained 24 fours and seven sixes as lo cal motorists came under threat. Nigel Collins chipped in with 84 from 48 balls to help the south erners to an imposing total. With such big hitters as former Black Cap Hamish Marshall and Wellington first class play er Deepak Joon in their side, as well as Marlborough Hawke Cup player Andrew McCaa, Welling ton/Tasman backed themselves to chase down 318 but fell ago nisingly short, their chase ending at 298-7 when the final ball was bowled. Joon made 92 from 72 balls, Marshall 48 from 32 and McCaa 36 from 28.

In the division two final at Oliver Park Canterbury/Otago also got the job done, beating Auckland by one wicket to make it a Main land double.

After the tournament, a New Zea land side and a New Zealand A side was named to play the Aus tralian Over-40s in Christchurch in February. Following that se ries, the New Zealand squad will be selected for the Over-40s

Division one results (winning teams first)

Thursday

Wellington/Tasman 287-2 (Deepak Joon 128, Hamish Mar shall 102 – 35.1 overs) Auckland 284-7 (45 overs).

Softball honours shared

The Saints senior men’s softball side shared the honours with Nelson rivals Stoke Eagles at Lansdowne Park on Saturday, each side winning one of the double-header games.

Despite an early start to get over the hill, Eagles began stronger, taking out the first encounter 4-0.

Although Saints managed to get a few runners on base they struggled against the pace and variations of Eagles’ pitcher Ri ley Power.

A home run to Eagles batter Brayden Reynolds got the vis itors on the board in the very first inning, then they added three runs in the third, hitting a single and two doubles off the pitching of Will Macdonald.

All Saints had to show for their efforts with the bat were a dou ble and single to Dane Gill, plus single base hits to Braden Healy and Anaru Anderson.

The second encounter also be gan badly for the home side,

Eagles putting a string of hits together off the pitching of Blake Wisdom to score five runs in the bottom of the sec ond.

Saints’ batters, however, were beginning to find their range and cashed in during the top of the fifth, hits to Tyler Bird, Dane Gil and Campbell Gill helping them score six runs and grab the lead for the first time on the day. However, Ea gles bounced back with their sixth run in the bottom of the fifth to tie the ball game up.

Campbell Gill scored the goahead run in the seventh, helped by a Joe Timms hit, but Eagles levelled again in the bot tom of the seventh, sending the game into a tie breaker inning. Runs to Anderson, Dane Gill, plus Tyler and Jason Bird pushed the home side ahead 11-7 and although Eagles’ run ners crossed home plate twice in their final at-bat, Saints took the honours 11-9.

The sides will meet again in the Intercity final to be played in Nelson in a fortnight.

Districts 257-7 (44.4 overs) Can terbury/Otago 256 (44.2 overs) Friday

Wellington/Tasman 302-8 (An drew McCaa 117 – 45 overs) Dis tricts 195 (Sean Windle 5/34, 41.2 overs) Canterbury/Otago 258-9 (45 overs) Auckland 199 (37.1 overs)

Canterbury/Otago 159-6 (20 overs) Wellington/Tasman 157 (20)

Districts 161-7 (19.4) Auckland 158 (19.5)

Monday (finals)

1-2 Canterbury/Otago 318-5 (35) Wellington/Tasman 298-7 (35) 3-4 Districts 164-5 (32) Auckland 163 (44.3)

Division two results

Thursday

Auckland 265-5 (39.2) Welling ton/Tasman 263-6 (45) Districts 166 (40.5) Canterbury/ Otago 150 (25.1)

Friday

Districts 351-9 (44.4) Welling ton/Tasman 350-8 (45) Canterbury/Otago 200-9 (41.5) Auckland 194 (41.1)

Sunday

Canterbury/Otago 169-4 (20 overs) Wellington/Tasman 102-9 (20)

Auckland 130-6 (20) Districts 98 (17.3)

Monday (finals)

1-2 Canterbury/Otago 244-9 (42.2) Auckland 240-9 (45) 3-4 Districts 164-5 (32) Auckland

Cricket World Cup in Pakistan, in September/October 2023.

Hardeep Singh scored a scintillating 174 to set up victory for his Canterbury/Otago division one side. Photo: Peter Jones.

PETER JONES

Saints’ pitcher Will Macdonald on the mound. Photo: Peter Jones.

Rowers relish river hit out

Rowers from schools and clubs throughout the South Island eased into their 2022-23 season at the Meridian Marlborough Rowing Champion ships last weekend.

A steady stream of novice, senior and masters crews made their way down the Wairau River course between the Wairau and Blenheim row ing clubs on both Saturday and Sunday.

The Marlborough champs are a traditional pipe-opener event to the season, and this year attracted club and school, crews from Nelson and Canterbury as well as a strong representa tion from the Marlborough-based clubs.

Competition was robust, with plenty of support coming from supporters lining the banks, as coaches worked on honing combinations before forthcoming championships, beginning with the Otago champs next weekend.

Photos by Peter Jones.

The Wairau novice octuple scull crew head up to the start.

Single sculler Tristan Gregory-Hunt had a successful weekend. Wairau rower Hazel Glover enjoyed her race.

Picton masters Amanda Inkster and Ryan Lock bring their boat

Cricket reps beaten by Buller

PETER JONES

The Marlborough senior rep cricket side slumped to a first innings defeat in the opening match of their 2022-23 Hawke Cup campaign, losing to Buller at Horton Park on Sunday.

In a low-scoring encounter on a wicket that promised more runs than were scored, Buller pre vailed in the zone three qualify ing match by 15 runs on the first innings.

Having won the toss and decid ing to bat, Buller stuttered their way to 217 in 54.4 overs. Marl borough’s four-pronged pace attack of Nick Weaver, Jaden Adams, Sam Boyce and Joel Pan nell picked up wickets at regular intervals, a 59-run third wick et partnership between Ryan Hughes, 33, and Alistair Burnett, 53, resurrecting Buller’s innings after Adams had removed both openers cheaply.

Their other partnership of note was between veteran Troy Scan lon, 29, and former Marlbor ough player Greg Knowles, who hit 44 from 44 balls. The experi enced pair added 43 for the sev enth wicket and, although the tailenders could only push the score past the 200-run mark, it meant Buller had something to bowl at.

Weaver, 3-48 from 17.4, and Ad ams, 3-87 from 17, were the most successful Marlborough bowlers, with Pannell taking 2-35 from 10 and Boyce, 2-38 from 11.

The home side’s chase began promisingly, openers Cooper Roberts and Jamie McVittie tak ing the score to 33 before Rob

erts departed for 15. His opening partner went soon after for 18, beginning a post-tea slide which saw five Marlborough top order batsmen back in the shed with just 65 runs on the board.

Matthew Stretch and Hunter Ruffell set about dragging the home side back into the match, establishing a partnership by playing each ball on its merits and putting away the loose de liveries. They defied the Buller attack until stumps were drawn on Saturday evening, seeing their side through to 119-5, Stretch on 26* and Ruffell on 30*, with just 99 runs needed for first innings points.

A key to reaching that target was retention of wickets in the early stages of day two but their hopes were short-lived, Ruffell adding only a single to his over night score before becoming Sam Jope’s second victim. However, the Stretch/Ruffell partnership had provided 68 runs and put Marlborough back on track for victory.

But Buller had other ideas, their bowlers exerting pressure on the home side’s lower order and chipping out wickets on a regular basis. Stretch fell for a patient 45 from 91 balls with the score on 141, then Weaver was dismissed 10 runs later, with 67 runs still required.

Boyce and Ben Ivory-McCullum dug in, adding 37 before the for mer was dismissed for a handy 33 from 92 deliveries. With the last pair at the wicket and the total ticking past 200, Marlborough hopes began to rise but were dashed when Ivory-McCullum,

who batted responsibly for 22 from 55, was caught in the cov ers from a leading edge, ending Marlborough’s innings at 202 in the 79th over.

The visitors used six bowlers, all who bowled economically de spite heavy workloads. Knowles, who bagged 4-43 from 20 overs, was the pick of the crop, Jope claimed 3-72 from 23.1 overs while Scanlon, 1-48 from 22 was typically parsimonious.

Buller, who began their second innings 15 runs ahead, needed

Wairau, MBC kick off T20 competition with wins

PETER JONES

Wairau and Marlborough Boys’ College opened the 2022-23 Marlborough senior Twenty20 cricket competition with victo ries on a chilly Friday evening.

Playing at Horton Park, Wairau and Valley fought out a tight encounter, Wairau eventually prevailing by two runs. They amassed 142-8 batting first, Cooper Roberts with 40, Hunter Ruffell, 27, leading the scoring. Greg Stretch picked up three wickets for Valley, while Joel Pannell grabbed a brace.

Valley’s reply was well on track until the final few overs when they lost leading scorers Jamie McVittie, 57, and Matthew Stretch, 39. Some tight bowling and fielding applied pressure to the incoming batsmen and ultimately they fell just short, ending on 140-6. Five runs were required from the final over, bowled by Ruffell, and he conceded just two to bring his side home. Tarin Mason and Jonathon Mackey both claimed a couple of wickets. The other match was much more clear-cut, MBC prevail

ing by 75 runs. Their healthy total of 193-3 was based around a superb unbeat en 76 off just 40 balls from Tim Petrie, while Griffin Carter, 40 from 24, and Aidan Conroy, 34 from 40, were the other main contributors. Twenty nine ex tras also helped MBC’s cause. Liam Young, Josh Poole and Tom Sloan claimed one wicket each. Celtic were dismissed for just 118 in the 18th over, Poole with 24 from 23 top scoring.

Griffin Carter and Carter Ait ken both bagged a brace of wickets.

to bat out the majority of the re maining overs to deny Marlbor ough a possible outright victory and they did just that, despite a few early hiccups.

At 4-71 the visitors were in some danger of allowing the home side back into proceedings, before a superb unbeaten 82 from No 4 Michael Grafton, assisted by 33 to Andrew Duncan and an un beaten 20 from Scanlon saw them to safety at 210 for five when the captains agreed to shake hands, the match ending in a draw, with

Buller claiming the vital first in nings points. Marlborough coach Jarrod Englefield said he felt his side were well in the game after Buller’s first innings.

“I actually thought Buller would have been a bit disappointed by their efforts with the bat … they put together some handy part nerships, put themselves in good positions to capitalise on that and then we got key wickets … so, even though the run rate was higher than what we would have liked, to chip them out for 217, well we were quite happy with that.”

He was not so happy with his side’s run chase though, lament ing the fact that, like their rivals, they continued to put themselves in good positions where they could kick on only to lose wickets at key times.

“At five down overnight we were still confident of reaching the total. We were looking at five 20run partnerships which was well within reach. We just needed to start well.

“The tailenders showed how to bat on a slowish wicket if you are prepared to hold in there, so it was quite frustrating to fall short, although there were positives to be taken from the match.”

Next weekend Marlborough head south to Rangiora to take on Hawke Cup holders Canterbury Country, who repelled a heldover challenge from Southland in mid-November to retain the 112-year-old trophy.

Marlborough’s third and final qualifying match is against Nel son, in Blenheim, on January 1415.

Marlborough pace bowler Joel Pannell bowls on the first day of the Hawke Cup qualifying game at Horton Park. Photo: Peter Jones.

MARLBOROUGH’S COMMUNITY NOTICES

ford for details 0272 883 032.

MONDAY

U.3.A. MEETING Mon 12th Dec held at Cloudy Bay Fu neral Services Rooms, 15 Boyce St, Springlands, 2pm. Ann 03 5784200.

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.

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 tonight, 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 7th Dec 2022 (one week early). 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 1011.30am to support each other, have regular speakers, outings, share in a safe environment. Ph Alistair Craw

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

SOCIAL BADMINTON Thurs morning 9-12noon Simcox Stadium Batty’s Rd. $5. All adults welcome. Ph Cathy 021 503 348

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 15th 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 7-8pm Riversdale 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.

SITUATIONS VACANT

Our team prepares and processes resource consent applications, provides District Plan help and advice to land developers, large and small. It is a varied role with some project management components.

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• Have experience working under the Resource Management Act (RMA).

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Annual Reporting Meeting

(Pursuant to sections 100-102 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010)

The Trustees of the Marlborough Electric Power Trust advise they will be holding the Trust’s Annual Reporting Meeting for beneficiaries on Tuesday 6th December 2022 at 7.00 pm, to be held at the Whitehaven Room, ASB Theatre Marlborough, 2 Hutcheson St, Blenheim.

The meeting is to: Report on the operation of the Trust and Marlborough Lines Limited (the Company) during the preceding financial year and on the financial statements of the Trust and the Company for the financial year ended 30 June 2022.

• Confirm appointment of auditor and set their remuneration. Enable general discussion and information to beneficiaries of the Trust.

Copies of the Trust’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 30 June 2022 will be available from Tuesday 29th November 2022 at the offices of Blenheim Accounting Ltd, 36 Maxwell Rd, Blenheim (office hours 9am-5pm, Monday to Thursday) and can be viewed on our website www.mept.co.nz

Brenda Munro Trust Secretary