Marlborough Weekly 7 February 2023

17 Kinross St, Blenheim sales@bpcomputers.co.nz bpcomputers.co.nz

Orions mark end of era for RNZAF

It was the end of an era for the New Zealand Royal Airforce as two special planes made their final landing.

The last two of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)

P-3K2 Orion fleet arrived at RNZAF Base Woodbourne following a formation flight of the South Island.

News

Matt Brown matt@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Peter Jones peter@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Adver tising Sales

Summa Donald summa@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Rosa Tate rosa@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Nikki Andrews nikk i@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Accounts Queries accounts@topsouthmedia.co.nz 100%

The landing last week marked the official retirement of the entire fleet after nearly 60 years of service.

Aviation fans and well wishers were outside the base next to Marlborough Airport to watch the duo come in.

Chief of Defence Force Air

Marshal Kevin Short and Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Andrew Clark, both former No. 5 Squadron personnel who cut their teeth in the Orion, were on board the aircraft.

In a release from RNZAF, a

spokesperson paid tribute to the service, which has been key in finding hundreds of missing vessels in the Pacific.

“Over the past six decades crews have found hundreds of missing people drifting in vessels in the

Pacific and have been the first to arrive at scenes where natural disasters have struck.

“They have also operated beyond our region in security and stability roles.”

The service has employed six

P-3K2 Orions for airborne surveillance and reconnaissance of New Zealand’s areas of economic interest, exclusive economic zone, the South Pacific, and the Southern Ocean including Antarctica.

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-3K2 Orions landed at Base Woodbourne for the last time to be greeted with an arch of honour from the fire service. Photo: Emily Harper/Supplied.

With Australia removing the British monarchy from their currency, should New Zealand follow suit, and who should replace the late Queen on the $20?

Nav Kaur James Bennett Deb Seaward Ant Niterl

FROM PAGE 1

“Whoever was involved, they think they’ve just damaged a piece of hardware but they’ve put a life at risk, potentially their mum, their aunty or granddad.”

Allan, from Blenheim, says there is also a possibility that up to ten new 9v Lithium batteries now at the bottom of the waterway.

The expensive batteries had just been replaced at a cost of $300. The missing medical device was found by a Springland’s School deputy principal who had read about the missing machine in the Marlborough Weekly.

The automated external defibrillator (AED) has gone missing from outside Mayfield School last month after its cabinet was smashed open with a rock.

But while he was pleased to have

Devoted family man dies after work accident

PAULA HULBURT paula@topsouthmedia.co.nz

the the defibrillator returned, it was ruined and unable to be salvaged, Allan says.

“We’re waiting on the final word from our insurance company and very much hope to replace it.

“From our perspective, it’s available 24/7 and while there are still plenty available, but only during business hours.”

Allan, alongside wife Janet, says they would potentially look at placing any replacement outside their own home.

“If it can’t be covered where it was at Mayfield School, then we would have it here. It’s too important not to have.”

An AED can increase someone’s chance of survival by up to 80 per cent if applied immediately.

Locations of local AED devices can be found at https://aedlocations. co.nz/

WorkSafe has opened an investigation into the death of a father-of-two who died after an accident while at work.

Daniel Francis, 35, died on January 22 in Wellington intensive care unit, two days after falling from a ladder in Picton.

The dedicated family man, who is survived by his wife Jessica and two young children, was farewelled at a funeral service last week.

A workplace spokesperson says it can take up to a year for investigations to be completed.

“WorkSafe has opened an investigation into a fatal incident on the 20th of January, at 28 High Street, Picton after a person fell from a ladder. WorkSafe can’t release information during the investigation, which can take up to 12 months to complete.”

Daniel, known to many as Dan, was the owner and operator of

the award-winning building and renovation business Smith & Sons in both Blenheim and Picton. He was also committed to helping young people in the community he called home, volunteering as one of the first mentors with the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Career Navigation programme. Regional manager Kelvin Watts paid tribute to Dan, who was

one of the first people to always help.

“He was humble like that, he just got on and helped, without needing any limelight or fanfare.

“Our over-riding memories of Dan will be his vision for making Marlborough a better place, and his deep commitment to giving back and inspiring others.

“Our deepest condolences to Dan’s family, and to all those whose lives were made better through knowing him.

Dan and the team at Smith & Sons are also a sponsor of the Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough too – giving of both their time and money.

“As a mentor, Dan was fantastic at developing a strong rapport with his group of students - and he served two years as a mentor (in 2018 and 2019) role-modelling and guiding our young people on their journey to adulthood.”

Daniel Francis was dedicated to his family and his community. Photo: Supplied.

The medical device was found dumped in a creek. Photo: Paula Hulburt.

Genevieve’s new journey

She has helped hundreds of primary school children develop life skills, always ready with a smile and a kind word.

Life Education Trust Marlborough’s Genevieve MacDonald has been helping her good friend Harold the giraffe for 12 years.

Now she is ready to let someone else help the popular figurehead and friend as she moves on from the role she loves.

It’s been an experience she will always treasure, Genevieve says, adding her favourite memories are of the children and Harold.

“It’s the children. The children who sometimes come and think they’re too old for Harold but then want to know when they’re coming back. It’s their sense of humour, their willingness to learn.

“When I went into the mobile classroom for the last time and said goodbye to Harold it was sad.”

The Healthy Harold programme supports children to make good decisions relating to their health and welfare.

Teaching covers content including food and nutrition, human biology, , identity, resilience, and substances.

Genevieve, a registered teacher says she spotted an advert for the role and knew it was the job for her.

“It [the programme] looked like a lot of fun and so I applied and low and behold, I got the job.”

Making the move to a new home her and her husband have built just north of Kaikoura marks a new chapter for them both. While she is not retired, the time is right to make a change, Genevieve says.

“We’re shifting angles a bit as it was getting hard to enjoy our lifestyle.

“It’s exciting, we have the most amazing views of the mountains and sea. We’ll enjoy our

Forecast gloomy for sunshine race

Overcast days and rain has seen Marlborough start 2023 well behind in the sunshine race.

Blenheim has started in eighth place for January with 211.7 sunshine hours, nearly 100 hours behind Cromwell, in Central Otago, in the top spot with 308.6 sunshine hours.

And the month still set a record: the least windy.

Plant & Food Research scientist

time but I’ll probably teach again one day.”

Since commencing in May 2006, Marlborough’s mobile classroom has visited about 99 percent of the primary and intermediate schools in the Marlborough region, including Rai Valley, the Marlborough Sounds and Kaikoura.

Harold has always struck a chord with the children who meet him, Genevieve says.

“He’s really cheeky and he makes mistakes and isn’t afraid to admit that. He has a big heart, giraffes have a heart the size of a basketball.

“It’s been an absolute great run but things change, don’t they?”

Rob Agnew blames overcast weather early in the month for the low average temperature and the lacklustre start to the sunshine race.

“The first 2-weeks of January were very overcast,” he says.

“Average daily sunshine from 1 to 14 January was 5.19 hours compared to the long-term average (LTA) daily sunshine for January of 8.57 hours.

“Ten of the 12-days from 15 to 26 January recorded above average sunshine as these 12-days recorded no rain.

“These 12-days also prevented January 2023 becoming the least sunny January on record. However, the final 5-days of the month saw a return of the overcast weather.” It was a bit chilly, too. Only five

days recorded a temperature over 25 degrees Celsius as measured at Blenheim Meteorological station, at the Marlborough Research Centre’s Grovetown Park campus.

The hottest day, on 20 January, reached 29.7°C and was also the windiest day of the month.

“This low number stands in marked contrast to the previous 4-years, which have had between 10 and 20 days above 25 degrees Celsius,” he says.

Rob says January was a very calm month, with only one day exceeding the daily wind-run LTA of 268km.

“This is the lowest January windrun total on record for the 28 years 1996 to 2023.”

The average daily wind-run was 177.8 km, 66 per cent of the LTA of 268 km.

Rain was another feature of January, with 60.4mm of the wet stuff falling on the region – the second highest amount in recent history.

“The above average rainfall in January 2023 follows 4-years (2019 to 2022) when January recorded very low rainfall,” Rob says. “February 2022 recorded 153.4 mm, the second highest February total on record. Hopefully February 2023 will not bring high rainfall.”

Holland & Barrett Health

MATT BROWN

PAULA HULBURT

Genevieve MacDonald will be missed by many people as she steps down from the Life Education Trust. Photo: Supplied.

“ When I lived in the UK, I regularly used Holland & Barrett health products to keep healthy and full of energy! ”

- Laura McGoldrick

NewsInBrief Over 100 holes left by metal detecting at Marlborough’s premier park

GRANT HELP

A Marlborough Age friendly project has been awarded a grant to help people prepare for retirement. Presbyterian Support Upper South received $9125 from the Office for Seniors towards delivering retirement workshops which will include wellbeing, health, finance, employment and community engagement. Team Leader, Presbyterian Support Upper South Tricia Dawson says they are delighted with the grant.

NEW FERRY

Bluebridge Ferry has announced a new ship, the Connemara will set sail across the Cook Strait soon, replacing the Strait Feronia. The new dog-friendly ship has been scheduled to start on February 16. The new ship includes an outdoor exercise area for dogs.

CYCLE TRAIL

The second stage in Renwick’s vineyard cycle trail is underway. The 6.5km section, linking the Allan Scott winery in Jacksons Road to Renwick using off-road routes, is part of a proposed 8.7km trail. Mayor Nadine Taylor said the trail was a significant addition to the existing cycle infrastructure around Renwick, important for tourism, and she looked forward to the completion of the entire project.

FREEDOM CAMPING IS BACK

Council’s freedom camping bylaw, which allows for freedom camping at 11 sites across the district up from just five originally proposed, is set to come into effect this May. The implementation of the bylaw is subject to full Council ratification in March.

A person using a metal detector at Marlborough’s premier park is believed to be responsible for leaving more than 100 holes.

The person or people responsible for the holes are thought to have been coming in to the park at night. Metal detecting is not allowed on Marlborough’s parks and reserves.

Marlborough District Council parks and open spaces manager Jane Tito said they believed the metal detectorist did not have much experience in the hobby.

“Usually metal detectors can dig a piece of earth and practically put it back, so you wouldn’t know that anything had been done,” Tito said.

“It’s one of Marlborough’s premier parks, it’s not a football field or anything like that.”

She said it was “bad enough” that the holes were unsightly, but they also created a health and safety issue.

Tito said in the past they had someone contact the coun-

cil to ask if they could metal detect at Marlborough’s parks which had prompted the council to look into how other councils managed it. “I think we could only find one council that allowed you to metal detect and in order for that there was a permit and an application that had to be made,” Tito said. “It was quite stringent. In the end it probably wasn’t even worth doing.”

She hoped the park and reserves team could track down the person or people who had been creating the damage, but in the meantime

holes would be repaired, and the grass repaired by the gardens team.

Meanwhile, Tito said an issue with excessive stolen roses at Pollard Park which cropped up last year had seemed to resolve itself.

Between 800 and 1000 rose heads – about half the roses in Pollard Park – were stolen in January last year.

Speculation at the time was that they had been taken for events, such as weddings, because it was more than just a bunch for a vase on a dining room table.

“We haven’t had the same

level of taking of the roses like we did last year. Maybe people got wind of it and started to listen so that’s been really good,” Tito said. However, “quite a few” roses had to be replanted to make up for the loss.

The theft had introduced diseases, thought to be caused by cutting roses with dirty, or diseased pruners, which was damaging to the plants. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air.

MAIA HART Local Democracy Reporter

Someone with a metal detector is thought to be searching for hidden gems at Marlborough’s Pollard Park at night. (File photo) Photo: Supplied/STUFF.

Spike in theft prompts police warning

A spike in burglaries and car thefts has police urging the public to keep their property safe.

Sergeant Graham Single says there have been more than 63 burglaries and 41 car thefts reported since December.

“It’s disappointing to see a spike in this type of crime in our community, we are working hard to hold these offenders to account,” he says.

Graham says while police are doing their best to catch the opportunistic thieves, they can’t be everywhere at once; and urges the public to take preventative measures.

• Lock your doors and windows.

• Keep valuables out of sight.

• Install an alarm system – or if you already have one, make sure you use it – and get sensor lights fitted.

• Ensure your vehicle is locked and all valuables are removed.

• If possible, park your vehicle in a garage, but if it must be

parked on the road, try park it in a well-lit area.

Joining a neighbourhood support group can be beneficial to deterring theft, as more people in your neighbourhood can keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Let your neighbours know if you are going away and keep an eye on their property if they're away.

Police also ask the community to check security cameras and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.

The sooner the crime is reported, the sooner it can be investigated. Please report all crimes of this nature to Police rather than taking matters into your own hands as this can put yourself at risk. If you see any suspicious behaviour in or around vehicles occurring call 111.

Information can also be reported to Police on 105, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 after the fact.

We’ve always been local. Now we’re mobile.

A classic car lover’s dream

Known for whales, seafood and a rich history, Kaikōura is a top tourist destination. And a hidden gem makes the coastal town a most stop destination for car enthusiasts.

Harmon’s Motor Museum, on Beach Road, boasts a massive collection of beautiful muscle cars, iconic English cars and well put together set pieces which will rev feelings of nostalgia for the days gone.

Established in 2017, the museum backs off an American-style diner, just like you see in the movies and featuring possibly the largest burgers in Kaikōura.

Photos: Matt Brown.

Case to fix Marlborough’s roads on fast track

MAIA HART

Local Democracy Reporter

A case to fix damaged Marlborough Sounds roads will be put to the Government as quickly as possible, particularly given it’s an election year, residents have been told.

A series of public meetings have been held in the Marlborough Sounds area over the past week on the future of the roading network after it was badly damaged by floods in August last year.

Marlborough District Council strategic planning and economic development manager Neil Henry told about 40 people at a meeting in Picton: “We have an election of course, so we don’t know how that might affect Government decision-making too. That’s why we’re getting this done as quickly as we can."

“We’re not the only region going through this and there will be other regions asking for support too.”

Pointing to the recent damage after flooding in Auckland, Henry

said they were at least “ahead” of other regions.

The council had been told by Waka Kotahi they needed to “create a network back in the Sounds that is sustainable”, before any funding was released. As part of this, the council commissioned engineering consultant Stantec NZ to investigate what levels of services were needed on Marlborough Sounds roads. This would look at the cost of repairs, climate change, land stability, safety, alternatives to road if necessary, community and economic impacts of access changes and housing land stability risks.

Henry said this meant looking at ways to future-proof the road.

“There will be expectations that there will be improvements,” he said.

It's a stark difference to the response from Waka Kotahi following flooding in July 2021, when they funded 95% of around $85m in repairs – without the council have to put a business case forward.

Courtney McCrostie said the process would make sure any funding given by the Government would actually be spent on ways to solve the problem.

“Hopefully at the end of it we come out with a solution that everybody can live with,” McCrostie said.

She also highlighted challenges, including climate change, a lack of alternate routes and the way the roads were constructed.

“Some bloke would go in with a bulldozer ... then a decade or two later they would go through and widen the road again.

“Compounding that problem is that in some places the geology is really, really terrible, and it’s quite unstable ... we’re not starting from great foundations which is less than ideal.”

For many at the meeting, there were major concerns about the number of logging trucks using Port Underwood Rd. Some thought while they waited for upgrades, logging trucks should not be able to use the road at all.

Port Underwood Rd resident

Gavin Bayliss, who had lived at his property for 15 years, said logging trucks were getting longer and heavier.

“As a result of that, they can’t negotiate the sharp ends without going over the dotted lines. It’s impossible, it doesn’t matter how good of a truck driver you are.”

Marlborough Roads general manager Steve Murrin said geotechnical engineers had assessed the road and given logging trucks the green light.

“To keep business going, they are still operating,” Murrin said.

Written suggestions from residents included providing alternative access for logging trucks, such as barges, tree plantings over new slips, better drainage under driveways and better culvert cleaning.

One thought there should be incentives for culvert cleaning. Others thought pilot vehicles should be compulsory for logging trucks.

Another asked if there had been consideration into moving Kenepuru Rd, one of the major

problem areas in the Marlborough Sounds, to the top of the hill.

Those leading the study will take the feedback away with the preferred options expected by June this year.

Timing for the funding decisions and its implementation were still to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, a Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study has been launched. By Thursday, nearly 200 people had given their feedback.

The survey of Sounds residents, homeowners and businesses is designed to help inform future transport options in and out of the area, the council said in a statement.

The survey can be found at: https://forms.office.com/r/8fP15rGaLg.

A Zoom meeting for those that cannot attend meetings in person will be held on Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air.

Stantec NZ transport engineer

1. Mary Mason and Jennifer Muir

2. Chris and Anna Heunes

3. Sebastian Routa and Alexia Ewtierrez

4. Molly Leitch and Ella Williams

5. Sharee and Grace Williams

6. Johnny Heathen and Jim Tannock

7. Millie Tomkias and Alfred Bonnington

8. Sharee Williams

9. Nick Lamain and Lucy Anderson

10. Alexia Ewtierrez of La Ruca food truck

Catalina

Help protect our marine environment by drifting through summer. Consider drift fishing as an alternative to anchoring.

Anchoring causes irreparable damage to seafloor habitats in the Marlborough Sounds. These habitats are like the coral reefs of the Sounds.

This beautiful tree like form is a hydroid in Kura te au/Tory Channel. Did you know that this hydroid is actually a colony of microscopic animals?

See the Tides & Navigation Guide for more advice and find the best overnight anchoring locations on the Cruise Guide App.

Photo courtesy of Rob Davidson.

Beating the heat across the region

Marlborough Auto Air Conditioning – Mike Budny

AMY RUSS

The region’s only specialised vehicle air con expert, Mike Budny, owner of Marlborough Auto Air Conditioning, offers a fully mobile service that is second to none. His fully kitted out 4wd service vehicle gives Mike the ability to travel anywhere his customers need him to go, whether it be in the heart of the CBD or deep in the backcountry of Marlborough. Based in High Street, Mike has everything he needs onboard to do the job right. “We can go anywhere and can service any area, to work on any type of vehicle. Anything with an aircon unit, we can fix. We can commercially repair and make hoses pipes onsite and make a full diagnosis by pressure testing the system thoroughly, and by the book.” Operating the mobile for three years now, Mike’s prior ex-

BIKES BEYOND

tensive experience in domestic air conditioning has put him in good stead giving him the knowledge and the know-how to tackle any job.

“I really enjoy being out and about on the job and keeping people cool by keeping the air con flowing. I can also retrofit air con systems to vehicles that don’t originally have a unit, for example hot rods.”

With air conditioning now under Health and Safety legislation it is now mandatory for air conditioners to comply with minimum energy performance standards, says Mike. “We also have the ability to put an ozone treatment through your vehicle to get of any nasty smells, germs, diseases etc including cigarette smells, vomit and pet odours.” Ozonation of air conditioning is one of the most effective methods of disinfection. Ozone, oxidises and sterilises everything

that is in contact with, including fungi, spores, moulds, mites and viruses, and removes all odours and mustiness. By ozonising and cleaning the air conditioning, the interior of the car is automatically decontaminated without causing damage or discolouration of upholstery and leather, or damage to electronics and plastics. “Our method is even proven against SARS. The process takes around half an hour. It is via an ozonisation machine that we run O3 through the vehicle which is deadly to bacteria. There is quite a bit of science behind it.”

Mike’s business is largely through word of mouth, but the best point of contact would be email or text. “You can contact me via email at mikebudny@yahoo.com or call or text me on 027 579 2551.”

Marlborough Auto Air Conditioning, “We do it right, first time, every time.”

Mike Budny – The region’s only vehicle aircon expert. Photo: Nikki Andrews.

People are the heart of local retail store

Placemakers Blenheim – Gene Simmiss

AMY RUSS

Worked largely in construction and mining since early 2010, Gene Simmiss Placemakers Blenheim Branch Manager has given the role his all since he began with the company three years ago.

With a strong team focus and a passion for quality customer service, Gene has led his team through some of the toughest few years the country has endured, earning the title of Retailer of the Year at the 26th Annual New Zealand Hardware Awards in 2021.

“I have been with the company for three years, and my passion for the role is driven by having the right people around me, including customers and staff, and their ability to deal with different people on a dayto-day basis. At the end of the

day, we are solution providers, people come to us for advice, and we have the mindset where no question is a silly one.”

Gene originally lived in Christchurch working in height access hire with Accessman, before moving to the region within the company. He was shoulder tapped for the role just prior to the nationwide lockdown in 2020.

Placemakers, as an entity, are phenomenal with the support of their staff, says Gene.

“They are fantastic at allowing a bit of freedom in the role, and the resources to back ideas and encourage innovation within the branch.

But mainly I would like to say a huge thank you to our customers, who make the business what it is, we appreciate them and without them we wouldn’t be where we are.”

Gene also credits his tight-knit team with delivering a quality service to the region.

“We have fifteen people on the team and our staff members are just brilliant, one person has been with the branch for thirty years. We generally spend a lot of time at a workplace, and I believe it has to be a place of inclusivity for all.

We need to provide a place where they are proud to work, empowering people within the workplace to take ownership of their areas.”

You have to wear a lot of different hats in a manager’s role, says Gene. “You have to be a counsellor, a friend, a boss, and a colleague, and I think that is what makes a good leader, the ability to handle different situations - and having great people around you.”

Gene Simmiss – Proud of his award-winning team who pride themselves on great customer service and product knowledge. Photo: Supplied.

Tap into your creative side and breathe new life into preloved items

AMY RUSS

Fast gaining popularity, there has never been a better time than now to start upcycling and make the move into a more sustainable society.

Not a new concept, upcycling is defined as the refurbishing or repurposing of a material or product with the purpose of creating something of higher quality or value, giving old or unwanted materials a second life, and reducing pollution and waste. Not only is it a great way to save money but is also a creative way to be more environmentally friendly so you can also feel good about doing your bit to help the planet!

As a huge added bonus, upcycling

has even more benefits than recycling does, because to recycle something is to break the original item back down into a raw state, and then reuse it again. With upcycling, the item is repurposed without first having to take it back to its original state.

Many common household items can be upcycled with ease including plastic, glass, clothing and textiles, aluminium, cardboard and paper, wood and rubber. Re-using these materials provides enormous benefits to the environment, society and economy and helps to reduce the number of materials and products ending up in the landfill. It minimises the use of natural resources and raw materials, leaves a smaller carbon foot-

print, reduces consumption, and minimises the strain on valuable resources, such as fuel, forests and water supplies. Upcycling can become a fun hobby bringing with it many social benefits as well as encouraging creativity.

Old furniture can easily be upcycled with a bit of sandpaper and hardware, and a chair given new life with some new upholstery. Sideboards can be transformed into tv cabinets, old ladders into bookshelves, wooden pallets can become beautiful standing vegetable planters or outdoor furniture.

Part of the fun of upcycling can be the thrill of the hunt as there is a treasure trove of goodies that need just a little bit of love and of course

There are usually three forms of shopping for preloved clothing; op-shopping, vintage shopping and consignment shopping.

there is the satisfaction of creating something with a little bit of pizzazz! Chipped plates can become bee baths, or turn old teacups into hanging bird feeders, broken crockery can be used for stunning mosaics or broken mugs used for planters - there really are no limits to what you can create.

Fast fashion is an issue that needs to be addressed as clothing and textiles require a vast amount of energy, water, and polluting chemicals for production. Clothing is one of the easiest things to upcycle as the options are endless.

You can turn old jeans into shorts, reusable bags and wall organisers. Tee shirts can be transformed into shopping bags, doormats and hanging planters. Old socks can become cleaning rags or bean bags for outdoor activities, old jeans can be patched together to become a quilt, or wedding dresses can be reconstructed into everyday wear. Old clothing can transform into entirely new items by turning a silk jacket into a scarf, a dress into a tunic or a printed shirt into a purse.

Fabrics can be dyed, patched, embroidered, cut or even turned into gift wrapping!

There are usually three forms of shopping for preloved clothing; op-shopping – which is done at stores whose items have largely been donated, vintage shopping –where the clothing of a particular era is sought after, and consignment shopping - where you can generally find quality designer items for a fraction of the original cost. Another addition is the wonderful gift of sharing which comes in the form of clothes swapping. What you don’t fancy anymore might be a treasure for someone else so invite friends and family for a little clothing swap and have fun bringing a smile to people’s faces.

A goldmine of information, tips and inspirational ideas lies at your fingertips with online how-to guides and walk-through video tutorials on just about anything you can imagine. Take the leap, get creative and help the planet by upcycling an item – you never know, it must just be the start of something beautiful!

Don't replace it, FIX IT!

Part of the fun of buying pre-loved can be the thrill of the hunt as there is a treasure trove of goodies.

By George, he did it … fundraising passes $100k mark

“They are just the best, insane … Brendon [Ferguson], Andrea [Koorey], Molly [Glover], the ‘two grandfathers’ Ross [Anderson] and Jon [Haack], my parents and sisters, grandparents, they were all invaluable, plus so many others who helped in so many different ways. Then the turnout on the foreshore today was amazing.”

Although the final tally of funds raised has yet to be calculated, George is stunned with the response so far.

“It is way more than I expected. We got $64,000 from the last event so I set the target this time at 100k, thinking anything over 64k would be epic. It just shows how we continually punch above our weight in this part of the world.”

“Huge ups as well to his ‘extended family’, the folks that are out there on the boats and kayaks, following him around the lake, it really does lend weight to that saying, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’.

“He is a living example of that –he’s super-respectful, super-supportive and he also has the confidence to go and do extraordinary things.”

This isn’t the first time the thirdyear Canterbury University student has dipped his toes into the water on behalf of youth mental health. In 2020 he completed his first “Black Dog Swim”, covering the 61.5km length of the Queen Charlotte Sound and back again, raised more than $60,000.

peter@topsouthmedia.co.nz

‘Plan B’ worked out just fine for Marlborough ultra-distance swimmer George Glover - despite eel bites, aching shoulders and numbing water temperatures.

Just before noon on Saturday, the 20-year-old emerged from the pristine alpine waters of Lake Rotoiti, having completed 15 circuits of the St Arnaud waterway, a total distance of around 300km. His marathon effort was all in the name of charity, his aim to raise funds for Mike King’s I Am Hope charity. So far over $126,00 has been pledged with the total rising by the day.

The Rotoiti swim became George’s ‘Plan B’ after unseasonal and inauspicious weather conditions conspired to foil his first fundraising effort, a 300km ocean swim from New Brighton Pier, in Christchurch, to Whites Bay in Marlborough.

Undaunted, George and his trusty support crew put their heads together and quickly came up with an alternative, swapping the East Coast saltwater journey for the fresh waters of Lake Rotoiti. Schedules were revised, arrangements made and, on Saturday, January 28, George set off. His game plan was clear, complete two 20km laps each day, sleeping and eating between swims, for just over a week. It sounded simple but, like many extreme challenges, there was a reason no-one

had done it before. It was bloody hard work and tested the young man’s physical and mental capacity to the max.

Immediately after stepping ashore to the applause of over 100 supporters gathered on the beach to mark the occasion, George said his immediate concern was “sorting out my shoulders”.

“For the last 100k or so they have been clicking, so I need to rehab that rotator cuff area.

“Sleep is number one though … I’m looking forward to grabbing some pizza and falling asleep watching re-runs of Blackadder.”

Although disappointed the East Coast swim didn’t go ahead, George said the Rotoiti swim worked out better in terms of support while in the water. “In that respect it was a lot easier on me … but this swim was physically and mentally harder than the last one [the Queen Charlotte Sounds Black Dog swim] and it needed to be.

“[The water] was obviously calmer, but just because it meant around 90 hours in the water, it was nuts.”

His low point came on day three, exiting the water after just four hours as the declining water temperature took effect.

“That was my wall,” he recalled. “I told myself then that now I needed to pull finger and that was the discipline, from there on.”

Reminding George that he was not alone in the lake was a territorial and over-aggressive eel

who twice bit through his wetsuit during a night swim, leaving scars on his back and persuading him to keep his eyes fixed on the bottom whenever possible.

A regular high point came at the completion of the night swims.

“We had a red light on in the tent and it was really hard to gauge distance … you would swim in and realise that the ground was right there. You would touch it and think, thank goodness that’s done … and then you are back in

The funds raised will provide more than 800 counselling sessions for New Zealand’s most at-risk youth, supporting the charity’s work, providing positive societal attitudinal change around mental health throughout New Zealand.

I Am Hope founder Mike King was one of many to swim alongside George for part of his journey and is mightily impressed by the young man’s attitude and character.

The following year the former Marlborough Boys’ College head boy prompted his university mates to stage New Zealand’s first Cricket Marathon, raising $42,000 while running a marathon in an overnight game of backyard cricket.

His work around raising awareness and removing the stigma around mental health have seen him recognised in the 2022 Kiwi Bank New Zealander of the Year awards, being nominated as a semi-finalist in the NZ Local Hero of the Year category.

If the crowd on the shore of Lake

in six hours.”

He also enjoyed seeing the reaction of his support swimmers when they swam through the flow of icy river water at the top of the lake.

“It just takes your breath away, especially if you aren’t prepared for it.”

George is adamant he would never have come close to achieving his goal without the organisational skills and loyalty of his support crew.

“He is an extraordinary young human being … he doesn’t do things for the limelight or the accolades … he is such a humble kid but he is a doer,” said Mike. “Lots of people talk about stuff … there are lots of ‘gonnas’ out there, as in ‘I’m gonna do this or I’m gonna do that’. When George came to us and said ‘I’m gonna do this’ we said, ‘how can we help’ and he replied ‘we don’t need any help, we are just going to get it done’. And he does it.

Rotoiti on Saturday had any say in the matter, he would win hands-down.

Donations can still be made at givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/ swim-2-uni-a-mammoth-swimlike-never-before

George Glover dips his toes in Lake Rotoiti for the final time at the completion of his mammoth swim. Photos: Peter Jones.

A large crowd gathered on the Lake Rotoiti foreshore to celebrate George’s achievement.

PETER JONES

Scan to head to George’s givealittle

Medals galore at SI rowing champs

Wairau results...

GOLD

Boys U15 octuple sculls – Willem Rowe, Aiden Bennett, Logan Flight, Toby Randall, Hunter Marfell, Drew Materoa, Luke Bown, Bronson Blissett – Blake Marfell cox

Men’s club eight – Dylan Locke, Zac Jenkins, Liam Collins, Joe Hughes, Hugh Straker, Liam Kirkland, George Lindstrom, Shane Henry – Blake Pitts cox

Women’s club eight – Grace Straker, Sophie Saggers, Brooke Harper, Mila van Rensberg, Izzy Brick, Hazel Glover, Ella Barnes, Bella Rayner – Molly Wilkes cox

Girls U16 coxed four – Grace Straker, Mila van Rensberg, Brooke Harper, Sophie Saggers – Grace McKendry cox

Rayner, Harriet McLauchlan – Tessa Unwin cox

BRONZE

Men’s premier single – Fred Vavasour

Women’s club coxless pair – Brooke Harper, Sophie Saggers

Women’s novice eight – Elizabeth Bowron, Iris Vavasour, Georgette Herkt, Abby Craig, Lily Smith, Ana Bailey, Georgia Marfell, Ebony Howes – Lilly McMillan cox

Boys U16 coxed quad – Hamish Lindstrom, Jock Flanagan, Louis Girling, Oliver Wakelin - Jack Shaw cox

Men’s club coxless quad – Liam Collins, Hugh Straker, Joe Hughes, Liam Kirkland

Marlborough rowers returned from the recent South Island championships at Lake Ruataniwha with a swag of medals.

The large contingent, which included athletes from Marlborough Boys’ and Girls’ Colleges rowing under the Wairau club banner, picked up four gold medals, four silver and nine bronze.

A highlight at the top level was the effort of Fred Vavasour, who claimed a meritorious third placing in the men’s premier single sculls. He also picked up two more premier bronze medals, in the quad and the double alongside Logan Docherty, this time rowing in Oamaru RC colours.

Wairau had plenty of success at the club level, four club rowers merging with four Marlborough Boys’ College oarsmen to take out the men’s club eight title. Dylan Locke, Zac Jenkins, Liam Collins, Joe Hughes,

Hugh Straker, Liam Kirkland, George Lindstrom, Shane Henry, plus coxswain Blake Pitts combined superbly for a well-deserved and decisive victory.

Wairau coach Mark James said he was especially happy for the club trio of Collins, Hughes and Kirkland who have joined Wairau from Porirua this season. They not only picked up their first medal in the eight, but also added a silver in the club four and a bronze in the club quad alongside the more-experienced Straker.

“From a healthy standpoint for the club and young people that success was just tremendous,” said Mark. “Their hard work is certainly paying off … they are training much harder than they have in the past.”

Also striking gold was the boys under-15 octuple sculls crew, comprising Willem Rowe, Aiden Bennett, Logan Flight, Toby Randall, Hunter Marfell, Drew Materoa, Luke Bown, Bronson Blissett and cox Blake Marfell.

The women’s club eight of Grace Straker, Sophie Saggers, Brooke Harper, Mila van Rensberg, Izzy Brick, Hazel Glover, Ella Barnes, Bella Rayner and cox Molly Wilkes battled to a narrow win in their final, while the girls under-16 coxed four, comprising Straker, van Rensberg, Harper, Saggers and cox Grace McKendry, were much more convincing as they also picked up a second gold. MGC coach Sean O’Neill said the regatta had proved one of the most successful in recent times for his charges. He said a highlight was seeing Wairau’s three big boats - the octi, then the men’s and women’s club eights - picking up three consecutive golds in a row on finals day.

Next up for the Wairau contingent is the New Zealand champs, also at Lake Ruataniwha, on February 14-18. They will field eight club rowers as well as two members of the NZ summer squad - Kirstyn Goodger and Kobe Miller.

RAI VALLEY A&P SHOW

RAI VALLEY A&P SHOW

4 March 2023

4 March 2023

Fun for everyone - amusements, food stalls

Fun for everyone - amusements, food stalls

Rai Challenge - carry a pig around an obstacle course

Rai Challenge - carry a pig around an obstacle course

Really Young Farmer competition - kids give it a go

Really Young Farmer competition - kids give it a go

Equestrian events including show jumping

Equestrian events including show jumping

Wood chopping

Wood chopping

Vintage vehicles, trade sites

Vintage vehicles, trade sites

Want to enter? schedule on website

Want to enter? schedule on website

SILVER

Men’s senior single – Tristan Gregory-Hunt

Boys U16 coxed four – Hamish Lindstrom, Jock Flanagan, Louis Girling, Blake Campbell – Jack Shaw cox

Men’s club coxless four – Hugh Straker, Liam Collins, Joe Hughes, Liam Kirkland

Women’s intermediate coxed four –

Men’s novice coxed quad – Walter Wickham, Willem Rowe, Aiden Bennett, Henare Panaho – Blake Pitts cox

Women’s novice coxed four –Elizabeth Bowron, Iris Vavasour, Abby Craig, Katie Fenwick – Jemima Soper cox

Men’s club coxless pair – Dylan Locke, Zac Jenkins

Girls U17 coxed four – Bella Rayner, Ella Barnes, Izzy Brick, Ha-

Wairau rowers, from left, Joe Hughes, Tristan Gregory-Hunt, Hugh Straker and Liam Kirkland enjoyed a successful regatta. Photo: Sharron Bennett Photography.

PETER JONES

Ella Clarke

Coast to Coast a family affair

In 2020, Finn McKenzie was part of the support crew which helped his father, Isabel Estate winemaker Jeremy McKenzie, to victory in the two-day, three-person category of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast.

Three years later, the 16-year-old Marlborough Boys’ College student will tackle the iconic course himself, competing in the twoday individual section.

And Dad won’t be far away. For the third time Jeremy will tackle the event’s most-daunting challenge, the Longest Day. He finished sixth in both 2012 and 2013, before his athletic endeavour was derailed by a horrifying knee injury sustained while hunting.

The 46-year-old made his comeback in 2020, alongside Dan Busch and Patrick Higgins, the trio claiming a team category, but his desire to revisit the Longest

Day prompted him to sign up for the individual gut-buster once more.

Making it even more special is the fact his son will also be on the 243km course, albeit striving for a different title.

“Finn was there when I last competed and I guess that was a bit of an eye-opener to racing Coast to Coast for him.

“I always wanted to come back [and do the Longest Day] … and with Finn getting an entry for the two-day it has been great to train and paddle together.”

To that end, the duo have made several trips south to gain invaluable practise time on the course.

“We have done the run a couple of times and also the paddle three times,” added Finn, who has tapped into his father’s vast knowledge of the challenging run and particularly the kayak sections.

“I am pretty new to the paddling side of it,” the nationally-ranked

junior mountain biker suggested, “I only started at the end of last year, so there is plenty of work to do.”

Always keen for a challenge, Finn has set his goals high, aiming for a top three finish in the overall two-day section and a win in the schoolboy category.

Jeremy’s expectations are also high, suggesting a top 15 position would be a great result.

“I don’t have the same clip that I used to have but my biking is relatively strong … it was my recovery after the accident and I have carried that on,” he said.

“I can still tick over through the run, the rock, rough and tumble

suits my style. My paddling has probably got a touch stronger than it was back in the day … nutrition plays a big part also.

“I was probably fitter and faster back then but I have done a lot more endurance stuff between then and where we are today, which should set things up pretty well,” he reckoned. As well as tackling one of the country’s iconic sporting challenges for the first time, Finn has used the opportunity to break up his rigid mountain biking training regime. He will travel to Europe in April to race on the world junior UCI championship circuit and has been hard at work hon-

ing his MTB technique.

“The Coast to Coast has given him something else to focus on,” said Jeremy.

“It is good to balance the trainings, mix it up. I am a believer in the theory that when you are young you shouldn’t just focus on one thing … things like the Coast to Coast build character and resilience, and all those other good things that will help with individual racing as well,” he added.

The 2023 Coast to Coast begins on Friday, February 10, when the two-day athletes set off, followed by the Longest Day field the following day.

Celtic maintain cricketing momentum

Celtic continued their late season revival in the Marlborough Twen time. Tim Abrahams top scored for Valley with 25 from 24 balls en 30 from 20 balls, while Tom Sutherland finished the job in just

FREE RENTAL PROPERTY HEALTHY HOMES CHECK

For all new rental property clients, we will provide a free independent Healthy Homes* check and the first month's management free.

Contact one of our specialist Property Managers and find out more today

board after their 20 overs. Leading the way was Luke Pannell with 64 from just 41 balls, while Luke Holdaway added an unbeaten 29 from 26 lower in the order. Corey Bovey’s 2-26 from four was the stand-out Renwick bowling effort. Renwick’s reply began promisingly, sitting at 2-64 at one stage, before the wheels fell off. Bovey, 30 runs from 28 balls, and Kirk

Nicholas, 19 from 14, showed the way but their lower order had no answer to the MBC attack. Tim Petrie bagged 3-9 from three overs to do the damage at the top of the innings, then his fellow bowlers chipped in, claiming wickets regularly to stop Renwick establishing any profitable partnerships as they slumped to 124-8 when the final ball was bowled.

PETER JONES

Finn and Jeremy McKenzie will both tackle the Coast to Coast this year. Photo: Peter Jones.

MONDAY

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

BLENHEIM BEGINNER LINE DANCE CLASSES Mon

2-3pm and Mon 6-7pm. First lesson free, then $6 per lesson after that. Senior Citizen’s Hall, 172 High St. Ph Judith 5787554 or 0212341095

BLENHEIM SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Mon

7.30pm Whitney St School Hall. No partners needed. Beginners welcome. Ph Heather 02102587325.

MARLBOROUGH GUILD OF WOODWORKERS Mon 9am-12pm, 7-9pm. Wed 9am-12pm. Sat 9am-12pm. Wooden toys & projects. 1st Sun monthly 1-4pm. Brayshaw Park. Ph Philip 5705188.

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

ROTARY CLUBS in Blenheim, meet Mon & Tues 5.30pm. World-wide service club for men & women, doing great things in your community. For info on meeting venues. Ph Blenheim Club Secretary Andy Rowe 021842928. Blenheim South Club Secretary Dean Heiford 0212462642.

TUESDAY

SAYGO Exercise & Balance for Seniors. 11.30am12.30pm. Ph Diana Brooks Eldercare Coordinator 0212694198 or email diana@stchristophers.co.nz for more info.

SUNBELT TOASTMASTERS Learn public speaking & improve your confidence. Tues 6.20pm Fortnightly. St Mary’s Community Centre. Ph 0276001788 or email sunbeltblenheim@gmail.com

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 & 3rd Tues mornings. Ph Tina 0211045945.

MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB Parker St. Tues 8.3012pm. Social tennis. Morning tea 10am. Non-members $5. All welcome. Ph Joanna 0275786436

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

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 RNZAF Base Woodbourne. Recruiting new cadets aged between 13 & 15 for 2023. For more info email: 27sqn@ cadetforces.org.nz

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

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

PICTON TABLE TENNIS for adults Tues 10am-12noon. Little Theatre, Picton. $4 per session. Meet people & get

MARLBOROUGH’S COMMUNITY NOTICES

PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

MARLBOROUGH’S HOME OF ENTERTAINMENT • THE LATEST BLOCKBUSTERS • SNACK BAR • FAMILY MOVIE DEALS

some exercise. Morning tea provided. 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.

PICTON LINE DANCING Classes restarting Tue 7th Feb from 9.30am. Anglican Church Hall. $6 per class. Beginners welcome. Enquires to Carol 0212125252 or Raewyn 021715484.

WEDNESDAY

STRETCH & BREATHE Exercise for Seniors. 10-11.30am

Ph Diana Brooks Eldercare Coordinator 0212694198 or email diana@stchristophers.co.nz for more info.

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 condition 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/caregivers catch up, Wed 10.30-12pm, town Plunket Clinic, 16 Henry St. No charge.

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.

DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP Meets every Wed 1011.30am to support each other, have regular speakers, outings, share in a safe environment. Ph Alistair Crawford 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 arrangement. 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 community for over fifty years. Would you like to know more about the Lion’s club or are interested in becoming a Lion. Tea meetings held 2nd & 4th Wed. Ph Delphine Lee 0299425004 or Helen Williams 0211458572.

THURSDAY

KEEP U MOVING Gentle walking for Seniors. 11.30am12.30pm. Ph Diana Brooks Eldercare Coordinator 0212694198 or email diana@stchristophers.co.nz for more info.

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, Lor-

raine 03 578 1240, or Shirley 03 578 3728.

COPD SUPPORT AND EXERCISE GROUP Free. Every 2nd & 4th Thurs 1.30pm. Redwoodtown Community Hall, Cnr Weld & Cleghorn St. For more info contact Asthma Marlborough 0272057244.

SOCIAL BADMINTON Thurs morning 9-12noon Simcox

Stadium Batty’s Rd. $5. All adults welcome. Ph Cathy 021 503 348

PICTON TABLE TENNIS Thurs 10am-12pm, Port Marlborough Pavilion, Waikawa Rd. All adults welcome. $4 incl. morning tea. Equipment supplied. Ph Ernest 0275 888 453.

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

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

KNIT & NATTER Marlborough District Library. We are starting Thurs 26th Jan, then 2nd & 4th Thurs of the month, 10am-12noon, tea & coffee provided. All welcome. Bring your yarn & have a yarn. For info ph Sue 5785317.

FRIDAY

SCAMS PRESENTATION Fri 17th Feb 7pm Riversdale

Community House, 131 Budge St. Presenter: Senior Constable Russ Smith. This presentation will help you understand what motivates scammers, why they target you, what to look out for and how to avoid becoming a victim of a scammer. All welcome. Supper provided.

NATIVITY TUNES FOR TOTS Music, food & fun for pre-schoolers & caregivers. Starting Fri 17th Feb 9.30am. Wesley Centre, 3 Henry St. During term time. Ph 5783909 for more info.

LUNCHTIME CONCERT 12 noon, Fri 10th Feb, featuring Leeanne Meikle singing vintage jazz songs. Anglican Church, Nelson Square, Picton. Free entry, light refreshments afterwards. Your koha appreciated.

PICTON NEWCOMERS NETWORK ‘SUNDOWNERS’

5-6pm at Café Cortado on the waterfront. 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.

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

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

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

WORKING BEE Te Whanau Hou Grovetown Lagoon followed by BBQ. Every 2nd Sunday of the Month, Feb to Nov. Planting & tending trees, weeding, mulching & continued conservation. Meet at Wairau Rowing Club,

Steam Wharf Rd, Grovetown. 9.30am-12pm. Email Justine Johnsonmarlborough@gmail.com for more information.

BAHÁ’Í DEVOTIONS 1st & 3rd Sun, 10.30-11.15am, Marlborough Community Centre, 25 Alfred St, 12th Lane, Blenheim cnr Farmers carpark. “In the garden of thy Heart plant naught but the rose of love”. www.bahai.org.

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.

BLENHEIM ROTARY BOOTSALE MARKET 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.

MARLBOROUGH STROKE CLUB is a voluntary organisation dedicated to the wellbeing of those who have experienced a stroke, and to the support of their caregivers. 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, Wairau Bar 1250 AD, The Wine Exhibition, Early settlers, Asian Dolls, 1870 to 1970 Fashion, 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 & ability. Including back country expeditions, easy local rides, more serious mountain bike races. Marlboroughmountainbike@gmail.com.

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

MARLBOROUGH ARTISAN CRAFT MARKET Sat, Market Place. Come down & meet your local craft people. Children’s area with games for young & old. A free Community Site to promote or fund-raise your organisation. Renwick Tennis Club 8 Uxbridge St.

MARLBOROUGH FARMERS MARKET A&P showgrounds, 9am-12pm Sun, local fresh & seasonal produce & products.

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.

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.

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

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

Railway.

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

BARNABAS CHURCH BLENHEIM 4pm Sun service. St Ninians Church, corner Riley Cres & Alabama Rd. More info: barnabas.org.nz.

KETO SUPPORT GROUP meets Sat fortnightly (approx. 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

BLENHEIM ROWING CLUB Rowing on the Wairau River from the boatshed at 259 Jones Rd, Grovetown. Every Sun from 8.45am. Tues & Thurs from 4.45pm. Novice & experienced rowers welcome, any age. Learn to Row programme. Full details at blenheimrowing.co.nz or contact 027487622.

WEEKLY STEADY AS YOU GO CLASSES Mon 10.3011.30am The Foundry, John St. Tues 1.30– 2.30pm, Union Parish, 40 Broadway, Picton. (2 doors down from Police Station). Tues 11.30am-12.30 St Christophers Hall, Redwoodtown. Wed 1.30-2.30pm, Marlborough Community Centre, 25 Alfred St, Blenheim. For more information call the Age Concern office 5793457. Cost Blenheim $2 per class. Picton $3 per class.

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 email soundsvehicle@gmail.com.

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

PICTON MEN’S COMMUNITY SHED 2 Market St. Wed 8.30am-2.30pm. Sat 8.30am-12noon. Ph Bill Rogers 5735507 or Rex 021469191. A place of welcome for Picton’s menfolk.

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 community. We provide equipment, tools & workspace for most woodwork & metalwork projects. Open Sat 9am-12noon. Mon & Thurs 1-4pm. Ph Dave 0212340057.

SENIORNET MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS Linkwater Hall, Queen Charlotte Drive. Our tutors are available for people 50+ who need assistance with their computer or smart phone. Contact Secretary Ian Cameron (03) 574 2558 to arrange.

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

MARLBOROUGH TRAMPING CLUB A very active club. Mid-week & Sunday trips, plus overnight & extended trips. Find info at http://www.marlboroughtrampingclub.co.nz or marlboroughtrampingclub@gmail.com

COMMUNITY NOTICES ARE FREE TO COMMUNITY GROUPS, SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, GOLD COIN DONATION EVENTS & FUNDRAISING ONLY. DEADLINE: 10AM FRIDAY. 50 WORDS OR LESS. TO ADD A COMMUNITY NOTICE PLEASE CALL 928 4121 OR EMAIL HELLOMARLBOROUGH@TOPSOUTHMEDIA.CO.NZ . DUE TO THE POPULARITY OF THIS COLUMN, WHILE EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE, INCLUSION CANNOT BE GUARANTEED FOR FREE ADS.

Carpenters / Contract Carpenters

T&D Construction are a local Commercial Building Company in Blenheim, with over 50 years experience in the Building Industry. We are currently looking for experienced Carpenters or Contract Carpenters to join our team in Blenheim. A minimum of 44 hours per week and great remuneration will be supplied to the right applicant.

To be successful you must:

• Be trade qualified (Carpenters only)

• Have a clean drivers licence

2023 Grape Harvest Tractor &

Drivers

FUNERAL NOTICE

Our Community JAMES, Roy Vernon

On Thursday February 2, 2023, peacefully at home. Aged 85 years. Dearly loved husband of Vivienne for 60 years. Much loved father and father-in-law of David and Paulette, Philip and Wendy, Anton and Julie; and daughter-in-law Michelle, Mark and Sarah, and the late Narelle. Special grandad of his seven grandchildren and great grandson. Special thanks to all who cared for Roy during the past five months. Messages may be sent to the James Family, St. Andrews, RD 4, Blenheim 7274. In special memory of Roy, please bring a garden flower to the service, or a donation to St. John would be appreciated and may be made at the service or online to a/c 12-3167-016514200 Ref. JAMES. A service for Roy will be held at the Church of the Nativity, Alfred Street, Blenheim at 1.00pm on Wednesday February 8, followed by private interment at Omaka Cemetery. The service may be viewed online via https://youtube.com/live/ lWuYem1C-Ro

Respectfully cared for by GEOFFREY T SOWMAN FDANZ (03) 578 4719 www.sowmans.co.nz

VISITING ANTIQUE DEALER WISHES TO PURCHASE:

Rings - Bracelets

- Necklaces - Compacts - Souvenir Ware.

Clocks- Radios - Cameras - Telephones - Butter Churns, Early Shotgun & Rifle AmmunitionReloading Gear - Telescopes - Binoculars - Barometers.

Fly Rods - Reels - Gaffs - Nets - Flies - Lures - Ice Axes

- Wooden Skis -Golf Clubs - Cricket Bats - Rugby Balls

- Small Wooden Cabinets - Medical Instruments - Bone Handled Knives - Canteens Cutlery.

Old Car Parts - Lights - Speedos - Horns - Gig Lamps -

Vintage Vehicle Number Plates.

Old Tools - Planes - Saws - Chisels - Spanners - Old Padlocks & Keys.

Musical Instruments - Violins - Trumpets AccordiansMusic Boxes etc - Hat Boxes & Trunks.

Old Coins - Pre-Decimal Especially Early Crowns & Sovereigns - Pound - Banknotes especially with Maori head.

War Badges & Medals - Uniforms - Lodge Medals -

Fire Brigade Medals Trading or Communion Tokens

- Bayonets - Hunting Knives - Early Axes.

Old Tins - Tea - Honey - Cigarette - Tobacco - SpiceBiscuit etc.

Gold - Alluvial - Nuggets - Dental or Coins

Old Bottles - Crocks - Whisky Jugs - Ginger Beers - Oil Bottles.

Toys - Fun Ho - Matchbox - Dinky - Meccano - Hornby Trains - Dolls - Teddy Bears.

Cast Pots - Kettles - Irons. Maori - Statues - Carvings -

Artifacts - Books.

China - China & Glassware - Belleek- MoorcroftDoulton - Shelley - Sylvac - Maling - Royal Winton La

Lique - Clarice Cliff - Beswick Animals Fish or Birds.

NZ Pottery - Crown Lynn - Temuka - Milton etc -

Any Stuffed Animal Heads - NZ Railway & Shipping Crockery.

Advertising Signs and any pre-1950 Advertising Items. Phone 03 615 5290 or text 021 101 8469

Email: thom.taylor@xtra.co.nz