Marlborough Weekly 1 August 2023

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Therapy pets community callout

PAULA HULBURT paula@topsouthmedia.co.nz

With an infectious grin and a penchant for pats, Bella is the perfect therapy pet in training.

The good-natured seven-monthold boxer dog is being trained to visit bedsides across the region.

Now, Hato Hone St John in Marlborough is looking for more furry friends to help brighten lives as they get ready to roll out the initiative further across the region.

Therapy Pets team leader Marlborough Tracey Currie is on the lookout for other canine companions to join Bella in making a positive difference in the community.

“It’s an amazing programme that involves pets and their handlers who visit rest homes, schools, hospitals, care facilities and other establishments or events, bringing comfort to individuals and groups, regardless of age,” Tracey explains.

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“We have a fabulous group of therapy dogs here in Marlborough, with each of them being unique and special.”

From pure breeds and cross breeds including a corgi, boxer,

a border collie and a spoodle, there are lots of therapy pets already sparking smiles.

But it’s not just people who benefit, Tracey says.

“Additionally, it’s not just the receiver of the St John Therapy Pet visit that feels the love and joy of a visit.

“It also provides the dogs with attention and positive interactions; and in our volunteers it provides a sense of pride from sharing their animal companion with others.”

Therapy pets generate a range of social benefits that contribute to the health, wellbeing and quality of life of people who receive the service.

Tracey says research has shown animals have a calming influence and can help with recovery times after illness.

When she spotted the volunteer role, it ticked all her boxes, she says.

“I’ve seen how animals can make a difference to people’s lives and I know personally the benefit of having pets to love, pat and spend quality time with.

“Not only is this a role that I enjoy but I also feel supported and part of the wider St John team,

locally and nationally.

Potential therapy pets and handlers in Marlborough undergo a dog assessment by Lisa Evans from The Dog You Have to ensure that they are suitable.

“Like our therapy pet volunteers she also provides her time to support our program, and she does an amazing job of it,” Tracey says.

“Our volunteers come from various backgrounds; have varied

Fabric-a-brac fundraiser back for round two

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Quilters, sewers and fabric fans of all kinds can soon combine their material passion with support for a great cause.

Marlborough Fabric-a-brac will get underway again in September, raising vital funds for Hospice Marlborough.

And organisers are calling for help to hopefully beat the total raised last year.

Last year’s Blenheim event – the first Fabric-a-Brac in the South Island – raised $5800 for Hospice Marlborough.

Organiser Tracy Johnston says every dollar raised will benefit hospice.

for stalls, but people can also leave fabric for sale with the staff at the Hospice Shop in Redwoodtown”.

The fundraiser will be held on Saturday September 16 from 10am to 2pm at Blenheim’s Baptist Church Hall on the corner of Beaver Road and High Street.

Tracy says stall spaces are filling up fast for those with collections to sell.

Stallholder Rachel Bishell from popular store Fabric Creations says she wouldn’t miss the event.

life experiences, ages, work and family commitments, but what they have in common is a love of providing a service to the community in which they live.  Currently we only have dogs visiting as therapy pets in Marlborough. However, we’re not just limited to our canine companions but also welcome other additions including fluffy bunnies.” To find out more email tracey. currie@stjohn.org.nz.

Breaking news

A 37-year-old man has been arrested in relation to a fire at a Corletts Road property on 10 July.

Police were alerted to the building fire at 1.10pm which destroyed a large sleepout. The man is scheduled to reappear in Blenheim District Court on 31 July, charged with arson and wilful damage.

it’s been a great way to let people know about my store and the wide range of products and equipment I have for fabric crafters and creators.”

www.topsouthmedia.co.nz 52 Scott

hellomarlborough@topsouthmedia.co.nz Proud

“Every dollar earned from the cafe, stallholder fees and sales of fabric on the Hospice tables goes back to Hospice Marlborough.

“We’ve still got some booking

“You’re surrounded by material, sewing and quilting accessories, and heaps of other people who love fabric and sewing as much as you do.

“It’s not just fun on the day, meeting all these people with similar interests and fascinating projects on the go, but for me,

For more information on the Marlborough Fabric-a-brac, contact Tracy on 021749368.

Tracey Currie with therapy dog in training Bella. Photo: Supplied.

Christine Law and Sandy Inwood from Hospice Marlborough ready for the doors to open at the 2022 event. Photo: Supplied.

Community rallies around family after fire

A Seddon family whose home was destroyed by fire has told how the compassion of their community has helped overcome disaster.

Summa Donald, Scott Bruning and their children lost almost everything they own in a devastating fire last week.

But the family have revealed how the strength of love and support has helped them cope in the aftermath of the tragedy.

“The strength of love, concern, eagerness to help, generosity, kindness... everything is the most incredible thing I have ever experienced,” Summa says.

“Our friends and family are amazing but the support from a whole community has been the most humbling of all. I feel incredibly lucky and proud to call Seddon home.”

The company director had returned home after dropping the children off at school when the lights in their Tetley Brook Road home started to flicker.

Thinking it was a small earthquake, she says she paid it little attention at first.

But when she began to smell something burning, she went to investigate.

“I followed the smell to the porch,

opened the door and a huge cloud of thick black smoke instantly filled up the hallway.

“I saw flames up the side of the wall. I remember the feeling of complete disbelief. My first instinct was to turn off the electrics, but I couldn’t see anything because of the smoke.

“I grabbed our puppy and ran outside and tried to find a hose which in hindsight was completely ridiculous.”

Four appliances and crews from around the region rushed to the scene on Wednesday but the fire was already well involved.

Summa says her immediate neighbour Dave Newman rushed to help when he spotted the flames.

By this point, panic had set in, and Dave took over the 111 call.

“I couldn’t think straight. I waited out on the road for the brigade, and it was all a bit of a blur.

“I still had hope that the house could be saved, I couldn’t see much from the road.”

Scott arrived home and joined neighbours who quickly came to see if they could help. Seeing people she knew helped hugely, Summa says.

“It was a real comfort to know faces and see Scott, all the neighbours were all there to help in some way.

“Another neighbour took me to their house and then the whole road turned up for support, it was truly and most incredible and overwhelming feeling of love and support.”

While not officially confirmed, it is believed a lamp is to blame for

the blaze.

The community have quickly rallied round to help the family. Seddon School held a mufti day to raise money and others have donated household goods, clothes and teddies.

Summa and Scott say they have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity.

“Our insurance company, Crombie and Lockwood and Vero, have been amazing. Not just with the process but their caring, kindness and support has been so reassuring.

“It’s a scary time but they have helped to take some of the burden,” Scott says.

“The kids have had safe and secure places to stay. Our neighbours have been incredible, John

and Maria Ryan have given us somewhere to stay which incredibly kind.

“When you realise you really have nothing left, the comfort of having somewhere to go means everything.”

The support has shown the family how special people are, Summa adds.

“I feel that I could never repay any of it, but I know this has shown me how special people are, that no matter how little you think your support might impact someone, it actually means more than I can put into words.

“The emergency services not only did their jobs incredibly but the support after and the donations for the kids was amazing.

“We have had an overwhelming amount of support from supportive messages, shoulders to cry on, hugs, donations of clothes and everyday items, to money, vouchers, accommodation, helpers onsite, everything you can think of and then things you don’t realise you need.

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out and had us in their thoughts, words will never express our gratitude, but please know that you have impacted us in the most amazing way which will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”

The family home in Seddon was destroyed by fire, but the family have been overwhelmed by support.

Photo: Supplied.

PAULA HULBURT

First past the post in plastics

PAULA HULBURT

A factory recycling plastic waste has officially opened its doors in Marlborough.

Kiwi company Future Post’s Burleigh-based factory was declared open by Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith on Friday.

The eagerly awaited opening will see the business divert as much plastic as possible from landfill to create sustainable fence posts.

Future Post general manager Hassan Wong says the move means the company will now be able to convert about 4000 tonnes of plastic per year.

Managing director Jerome Wenzlick says there was a lot of demand for its fence posts from wineries in the top of the South Island so it made sense to open in Blenheim.

“We can actually show that plastic straight off the vineyard is made into a post and back to the vineyard, you can’t get much more circular than that.”

Made from 100 per cent recycled waste plastic, Future Posts are as strong as timber.

But unlike wood, manufacturers say the plastics post won’t split or rot.

Ahead of the opening, soft plastic recycling bins have returned to the region.

The collection points for the Soft Plastics Recycling are already proving popular, with each filled to overflowing almost every day.

Five years after the initiative had to be scrapped, the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme (SPRS) is back, with bins already up in collection points across Blenheim.

The move means plastics such as bread bags, bubble wrap, plastic wrappers of products such as biscuits, chips can all be recycled.

All the soft plastic in the region will be collected and baled by JBL Environmental, and processed locally at Future Post’s new Blenheim plant.

The Packaging Forum (operator of the Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme - SPRS) CEO Rob Langford says that after five years away, it is an exciting move.

“We have been working on restarting collections in the region

Barber back to build family legacy

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

life, he stayed put.

for some time, and the upcoming opening of Future Post’s new plant has helped this happen.

“In the past, growth of the scheme was limited by our onshore processing capacity as we only collect what we can process and recycle.

“Future Post expanding into the South Island has meant an increase in its production capabilities, and therefore we have been able to add more collection points.”

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

Half a century after Steve Wilson’s uncles opened a barber/ tobacconist in Blenheim, Steve is continuing the legacy - right back where it all began.

The experienced hairdresser and businessman has gone full circle, back to in the same premises where he trained in the family barbershop.

At the helm of iHair for three weeks, Steve says it’s special to continue the legacy of his family’s long running barber business.

“The family has been here since before Blenheim was known as Blenheim and Wilson Barbers was around for years - I’m glad to be able to follow in their footsteps.”

Steve says he first got the chance to buy the business 12 years ago but not ready to leave Wellington

“My uncles wanted me to buy the business back in 2011 but I wasn’t ready to make the move back, so my parents bought the business and held on to it for five years.

“One of our current stylists, Sarah, was the owner operator for five years and did fantastic, so I’ve got long term plans going forward”.

Steve now has his sights set on training Marlborough’s new crop of stylists through live-streamed training with connections in London.

“London is still the hub of hairdressing, and growing up I was obsessed with the technical cutting of Vidal Sassoon – so it’s a real honour to have worked alongside some of the most influential stylists in the world and bring it to Blenheim.”

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Blenheim New World’s Lorraine Atherton and Alex Rangi at the store’s newly installed soft plastics recycling bin. Photo: Paula Hulburt

Steve Wilson is the new owner of Blenheim’s IHair, in the same building his family first opened their barbershop business.

Photo: William Woodworth.

Vintage car dream up in smoke

PAULA HULBURT

A Grovetown business owner has seen his life’s passion go up in flames.

Specialist Mercedes automotive engineer Maarten Anthonise, 88, is coming to terms with the loss of his Grovetown car yard following a fire on Wednesday.

The fire has forced his hand and he will be closing the yard for good and retiring, he has revealed.

The renowned mechanic who is known for vintage Mercedes car collection, was treated at Wairau Hospital for a burn and blister on his hand.

He was back at the car yard on Thursday to assess the extensive damage.

Speaking to the Marlborough Weekly, Maarten says he is grateful no one was seriously hurt in the fire which broke out just before 9.30am.

“I was working on a car when the fuel pump shorted out and fuel caught fire.

“I got out quickly but wish I’d had time to go back in and get more things and saved some more of my tools. Some of them I’ve had for 35 years.”

All that is left of the Vickerman Street yard where he worked is

the burnt-out shells of seven cars in his collection.

A well-known figure in the community, Maarten, originally from Holland, started his unique collection 35 years ago.

Thankfully a nearby garage which houses other cars escaped the flames.

But his much-loved Mercedes I70 DS, which had only just come out into the yard, has been destroyed.

Four fire appliances and a water tanker attended the scene which saw pupils at nearby Grovetown School evacuated as a precaution. Maarten says he wants to say a “very big thank you” to all the firemen and women who worked so hard to put the fire out.

The owner and director of Starparts Blenheim Ltd, Maarten is rightly proud of all he has achieved since he started the business in 1980.

But now it is time to call it a day, he says.

“It was a good hobby that I have enjoyed, but things happen, that is life and things come to a sudden end.”

“It’s time. By the time I get everything sorted it isn’t worth it. I’m just going to cut my losses.

“It’s not quite how I wanted it to end but there’s no use in sitting down and crying about it.”

Art, reimagined

Marlborough Art Society members are repurposing and reinventing to great effect as the theme of their new exhibition.

Revived – recycle, reinvent, repurpose opened for the first time on Saturday. Artist Bonnie Croad impressed Envirohub judges with her creation, Bird on a Wire, winning an award for best creative and artistic use of recycled materials. Nina Russell was also an award recipient.

The exhibition is being held at the High Street art gallery and is open to the public until 13 August.

Grovetown business owner Maarten Anthonise watched in horror as his car collection was destroyed in a blaze.

Photo: Paula Hulburt.

Air of confidence after comp win

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

The battle to find New Zealand’s best young aircraft engineer has seen a Blenheim hopeful defend home territory to take third place.

RNZAF Base Woodbourne hosted the WorldSkills NZ Aircraft Maintenance National Selection Competition last week. And after claiming third, Airbus Blenheim’s Michael Hey will join seven other top competitors at the Nationals in November in a

bid to go on to the final in France.

Ten aircraft engineers, or engineers in training under the age of 25 pitted their wits against one another over three tasks.

Competitors were judged by eagle-eyed expert engineers from civilian outfits, and the military.

WorldSkills New Zealand representative and NZ Defence College Programme Developer Michael Naus says the support the competition gets is a huge credit to the people within the industry.

“A variety of aircraft engineers

from the NZ Defence Force, Air New Zealand, ServiceIQ/Te Pukenga, the Air Force, and Airbus NZ, give up their time each year to give back to their industry, and wide-ranging industry support of the competition emphasises the importance of recognising and raising trade skill levels in the aviation industry.

“It was great to see Marlborough’s Michael Hey from Airbus competing. Michael is the first Airbus employee to compete, and he certainly showed the Airbus/ServiceIQ apprentice programme in a good light.”

“His focused and consistent performance led him to a well-deserved third place.

The top eight competitors now go on to the Nationals, hosted by the Air Force Museum in Christchurch in November this year - with one winner selected for the WorldSkills International Competition in the Aircraft Maintenance category next September in Lyon, France. At the end of an intense day of determined but friendly competition at Woodbourne, first place went to Ross Brodie from Christchurch and second to Tim Duncan from Wanaka, with Michael in third.

Competitors were tasked with six hours of tasks, including finding faults on an aircraft, fabricating, and installing a repair to an air-

craft’s structure and changing a fuel filter on a helicopter turbine engine.

“WorldSkills fosters vocational education and training through national and international competitions, and to represent New Zealand the competitor must have excellent trade skills and also display the resilience, stamina and attitudes to cope with the intensity of international level competition,” says Michael. “I commend all the competitors for believing in themselves and having the guts to put themselves forward against other high performing young engineers to see who New Zealand’s best young aircraft maintenance engineer is.”

The 10 competitors, judges and officials at this year’s WorldSkills NZ Aircraft Maintenance National Selection Competition: Photo: Michael Naus/Supplied.

Michael Hay examines a piece of a helicopter during his aircraft fault hunt task. Photo: Michael Naus/Supplied.

Council rubbish bag voucher in your mailbox now

Rubbish bag vouchers are being delivered to property owners now so keep an eye on your mailbox.

This will be the last time vouchers for Council issued rubbish bags are sent out.

On 1 July 2024 the current rubbish bag and recycling crate service will end and the new wheelie bin service will begin. A small, standard or large wheelie bin set (depending on the size the property owner has chosen) for rubbish and recycling will be delivered to properties on the kerbside collection routes prior to 1 July 2024. From 1 July 2024 the current recycling crate will be for glass only.

Properties on the expanded kerbside collection route who don’t currently have a crate will be issued with one at the same time as the wheelie bins.

Dublin Street closed

Picton’s Dublin Street has been closed to traffic and pedestrians for about 20 months.

The closure is necessary to enable work on the Dublin Street overbridge which, once complete, will create a key connection for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists between Picton town and the port area.

It has been carefully designed to feature a dedicated lane for pedestrians and cyclists, with urban design and greenery reflecting the cultural story and landscape of Waitohi Picton.

Broadway is also closed to through traffic between Market and Auckland streets but stay open for pedestrians and cyclists.

This is all part of the redevelopment of the new terminal to accommodate Interislander’s two new purpose-built ferries and create a welcoming gateway for Waitohi Picton.

For more information go to: www.irex.co.nz

From 1 July 2024 any remaining Council bags will no longer be picked up from the kerbside however, Council rubbish bags will continue to be accepted at the transfer stations or can be disposed of in the wheelie bin. Council bags will no longer be able to be purchased from 1 July 2024.

For more information on the wheelie bin roll out go to: www. marlborough.govt.nz/services/refuse/changes-to-wasteservices-from-1-july-2024

FREE OF CHARGE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

To qualify, you need to be paying the rates on the home you live in, your name must be on the rates invoice and your home cannot be used principally for farming or business purposes. How much the rebate will be, depends on the amount of your rates, the total income of you and your partner, and the number of dependants living with you. Applications are now open and you can apply in person at the Council Offices in Blenheim or Picton, or go to www.marlborough.govt. nz and search for Rates Rebate. You will need your income details for the year ended 31 March 2023 to complete the application. Applications for this rating year close on 1 July 2024 and no late applications will be accepted. For more information contact the Council on Ph: 03 520 7400 or email mdc@ marlborough.govt.nz

Like some extra dollars in your pocket?

A few extra dollars are always helpful and if you are a ratepayer on a low income you may qualify for a rebate of up to $750?

Game for a new lease of life

A pair of board game enthusiasts saddened by the closure of their favourite gaming space have snapped up the town centre store.

Jacob Thorp and Lillian James were regulars at Delicia on Blenheim’s Scott Street, enjoying the cafes regular game nights.

So, when the café shut its doors recently, the pair jumped at the chance to launch Marlborough’s first tabletop game hub. It’s about the social aspect of the games says Jacob.

“These game nights build connections and communities in the same way that playing sport or taking part in theatrical productions does.

“The revenue from the evening game events here was more than the café’s revenue, so we know there’s a definite gap in the market for somewhere like this”.

Jacob has spent much of his career working in mental health and says the new outlet, Sanctum Tabletop will benefit gamers in different ways.

“The games we play are all very social games, and plenty of the children that come along aren’t

disabilities that limit their social confidence.

“By giving them this creative outlet, it allows for a healthy kind of escapism where you see

“We’ve been able to get our hands on a coffee machine, so we want to have this up and running as a café by next school holidays,” says Jacob.

“We have dreams of also being a game and merchandise retail store but we’re just running on volunteer help and our enthusiasm at this point.”

If you are able to assist Jacob, Lillian and Sanctum Tabletop, are able to volunteer or are just interested in coming along to a games night, contact the team on 022 165 2159.

BEES FOR BEGINNERS

A free course for backyard beekeepers is open for registrations at NMIT Te Pūkenga in Blenheim. The level 2 apiculture course covers safe handling of bees and how to control the grass and weeds arounds hives among other key aspects. Apiculture tutor Dion

Mundy says students will also get the chance to extract honey using campus facilities. “The programme is designed to be fun, engaging and a great introduction to the world of beekeeping,” he says. www.nmit.ac.nz/study/programmes/nz-certificate-in-primary-industry-skills-apiculture

WIN FOR WAIRAU WETLANDS

The Department of Conservation has announced a government investment of $276,000 to support the protection and management of Te Pokohiwi-o-Kupe. Rangitāne o Wairau Kaiwhakahaere Matua (General Manager) Corey Hebberd says the money will go towards the Wairau Wetlands Cultural Values Mapping and Management Project. The initiative will involve mapping the cultural dimensions of the landscape, building a knowledgebase for the future and implementing a kaitiaki programme to monitor, maintain and protect important sites and cultural values.

WINE TIME

The 21st annual New World Wine Awards will get underway in Blenheim from Tuesday, with more than 1200 entries from more than 130 local and overseas wineries and distributors. The independent judging panel is made up of 17 experts from across the wine industry, including respected winemakers and industry professionals, who will each taste around 100 wines per day. The full results will be announced in October.

MOVING TIMES

Exercise specialist Hannes Schoeman is holding a free 20-minute talk on the importance of how we exercise, open to enthusiasts of all levels of fitness. The MOVE WELL talk will be held at Marlborough Line’s Stadium 2000 multipurpose studio on August 9 at 6pm.

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Jacob Thorp and Lillian James are excited about hosting Marlborough’s first tabletop game hub. Photo: William Woodworth.

problem is the forestry’: Human activity a ‘dominant factor’ in Marlborough Sounds slips

A majority of the near 8000 landslides in Marlborough’s severe rain events happened where “humans have been messing with the land”, new research has found. And despite “indigenous forest” making up nearly half the vegetation in the Marlborough Sounds, and copping some of the heaviest rain, landslides in these areas were “under-represented” after the flooding in 2021 and 2022. The findings have prompted a council staffer and councillors to call for more research so a policy can be developed to manage the risk of landslides.

Following the severe flooding in Marlborough in July 2021 and August 2022, GNS Science mapped the distribution of landslides across the Marlborough Sounds and visited some properties to assess damage.

Off the back of that research, a report prepared by Marlborough District Council soil scientist Matt Oliver said in both storms, the greatest number and density of landslides did not occur in the areas that received the highest rainfall.

Nearly 4000 landslides were

mapped after each of the storms. Data from 2021 showed 35.5% of landslides were triggered in harvested exotic forest, 28.7% in exotic plantation forest, 10.4% in broadleaved indigenous hardwood, 6.1% in low-producing grassland and 6% in high producing exotic grassland. In 2022, 28.3% of landslides were triggered in high-producing exotic grassland, 18.6% in broadleaved indigenous hardwood, and 13.1% in manuka/ kanuka. Exotic forest accounted for 8.9% and harvested forest for 5.9% of landslides.

“The differences between impacts of the two storms illustrate how difficult it is to attribute slope failure to single causal factors,” the report said.

“The storms occurred across different locations, at differing intensities, total rainfall, and timing.

“The differing locations led to differences in local geology and land use. However, what seems clear from these data is that landslide density cannot be solely attributed to rainfall alone.”

Speaking to councillors at an Environment and Planning committee meeting this month Oliver said the “problem” was forestry

and human interaction with the land.

“Let’s just get it out there,” he said. “Harvest forest and exotic forest makes up around about 18% of the land cover (in 2021), yet it contributed something in the order of 65% of the landslides.

“The rain didn’t fall evenly. It fell everywhere, it fell most heavily on the indigenous forest, and it fell most heavily on the highest slopes, yet those are under-represented.”

He said the data showed that indigenous forest made up close to 50% of the land area.

“Yet it’s only contributing maybe

5% of the landslides,” he said.

“That’s something we understand intuitively. What these graphs are showing us is that human induced land use is the problem here.”

Humans were the “dominant factor”, he said.

“Landslides occurred most heavily where humans have been messing with the land,” he said.

“That’s a very crude way of putting it. But scrub is regenerating land of old pasture, we have pasture, exotic forest, forest harvesting. They all contribute hugely to the landslides.”

He said the damage had been significant.

“When you go and view these things, and you look in the windows that have been pushed in, and see the kids cots that have been pushed against the wall by mud, it is very hard not to be moved by the risks these things pose to people, the risk these pose to infrastructure, and the risk these pose to the environment,” he said.

Further “multi-variate” analysis was needed Oliver said, which in turn would lead to new policy.

“There are too many risks here.

“With climate change, and increasing likelihood of more of

these storms, we will only see more damage, and more risk.

“My great fear at night when I see a 100mm rainfall forecast for the Marlborough Sounds is that some members of our community may not make it through that storm event, and I don’t wish to see that happen.”

Environment and Planning committee chair and Wairau-Awatere councillor Gerald Hope said the report was “really important”.

“It’s benchmarking where we are,” Hope said.

“But it does raise issues for future consenting and how we actually proceed with Sounds developments. So it’s significant in its context.”

The committee approved a recommendation that the council included an “assessment of landslide risks” in the Marlborough Sounds into its natural hazards programme.

This could “better coordinate” research into all the natural hazards likely to be faced by the council in the future.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air.

New research has mapped the slips that occurred in the Marlborough Sounds after flooding in 2021 and 2022. Photo: Supplied/Waka Kotahi.

STREET

CHATS TO LOCALS AND ASKS...

Now that it is underway, have you been following the Women’s Football World Cup?

Community comments

It’s not really for me – I’m not that interested in football in general because it’s just not that exciting for me. Great to have though.

I have quite a few friends that are just enamoured with it. Watching it has been a pretty low priority for me to be honest, but I hope they do well.

CARLI SETS SIGHTS ON WORLD CHAMPS

Marlborough powerlifter Carli Dillen is on a path to Mongolia.

Way to go Carl

Kate Faith-Pickering

She really is a world class champ

Heather Nish

HUMBLE HELPER HONOURED

Meaters of Marlborough owner Mike Newman was recognised by Blenheim Rotary for his community work.

Well deserved! He’s helped so many community organisations over so many years! A man with a big heart.

That’s awesome! Congratulations! Well-deserved Mike you give so much especially to the young and up and coming athletes in Marlborough. We at Marlborough Softball have had the pleasure of indulging in a sausage or two. We cannot thank you enough for what you have given to MSA over the years.

Janine

Hoani

RE: BOWLING CLUB BACKS OUT

Very unfair comment to label Mr Batchelor a racist, when he’s speaking up for many who are seeking a harmonious country once more without bias, but through fair play, integrity and equal rights. That’s the only way to really stamp out segregation.

Diane

Jackson

Yeah, I watched the full opening game, saw bits and parts of the second, and I’ll definitely watch the game on Sunday as well. Hope they can keep it going though and get a few more games in the knockouts.

Not really, just not particularly a sport that interests me. I was more concerned with the new season of SailGP.

Jac Lockington

Mike has helped our whānau and so many others. He is an extraordinary man; it’s wonderful to see the amazing mahi he does for individuals and communities be recognised.

David Arthur Leahy

RE: SCHOOL OF ROCK

I got home late from rehearsal and read your lovely story about School of Rock. Thank you so much. I’m sure this will help us sell some tickets, and I’m delighted with the coverage. Thanks again, Ngaire Searle – director, School of Rock.

Marlborough Farmers Market

1. Bailey Coltman and Aristelle Arcilla

2. Stacey Boswell, Honor Malneek and Robbie Malneek

3. Dahlia, Jeff, Honor and Shiloh Fyfe with Granny Wheeler, Frankie Wheeler, Scott and Belle Fyfe

4. Jeanne and Peter Harvey with Zach and Christine Wardle

5. Jonathan, Jordyn, Mackenzie and Abby Manu

6. Julia Gray, Margaret Tepania, John Kershaw and Jane Buckman

7. Lance and Shirley O’Connor

8. Pippa, Grant, Isobel, Jamie and Anna McCulloch

9. Seb and Liina Klaver

10. Ashleigh, Olive and Frankie O’Gilvie-Lee

Southern Jazz Youth Festival Returns

ADRIENNE MATTHEWS

It is not long now until the sound of jazz will be uplifting the Marlborough region thanks to the arrival of over two hundred young musicians from around the South Island for the popular Southern Jam Youth Festival.

It has been two years since the last event and the participating students have had plenty of time to prepare for what will be an outstanding week of performances, visiting primary schools, gaining tuition from top jazz aficionados and performing in a final Gala Concert on Saturday 12 August.

Katrina Lange, Event Manager for Pure Events Marlborough is thrilled for the region that the event is back.

“Aside from the students who come from twelve schools entered and make up eighteen bands, the event brings many more visitors to the area,” she says.

“Many performances are held in local venues throughout the week which helps local business at what is often a quiet time.”

This year the venues are The Vines Village, Oxley’s Bar & Kitchen, Le Cafe Picton, Marlborough Public House, 5Tapped Limited, The Good Home Marlborough, Woodbourne Tavern & Motels, The Speight’s Ale House, Biddy Kate’s Irish Bar and Fairweathers.

10 August

1-3pm at Vines Village

Free performances by Wakatipu High School, Marlborough Boys College and Burnside High School

4-6pm at Oxley’s Bar & Kitchen

Free performances by Wakatipu High School, Christchurch Boys’ High School and Shirley Boys’ High School

6-8pm at Marlborough Public House

Free performances by Papanui High School, Burnside High School, Christ’s College and St Margaret’s College

7.30-9.30pm at Le Cafe Picton

Free performances by Christchurch Boys’ High School, Wakatipu High School, Burnside High School and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School

4-6pm at 5Tapped

Free performances by Hagley College, St Margaret’s College, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School and Middleton Grange School

7.15-9.15pm at Biddy Kate’s Bar

Free performances by Marlborough Boys’ College, Christ’s College, Christchurch Boys’ High School and Wakatipu High School

7.30-9pm at The Good Home

Free performances by Hagley College, Papanui High School and Marlborough Boys’ College

In addition, bands will be visiting six local primary schools to inspire younger children in an interactive way and spread the joy of creating music.

“The event is very fortunate to attract prestigious musicians to tutor and judge the bands,” says Katrina.

“The participants will benefit greatly from the input this year of Rodger Fox and Dr Dave Wilson.”

“One of the most exciting things about the festival is seeing the ongoing development of students as they rise from the junior ranks of their schools to the senior ones,” she says.

“They often start out quite shy and unsure of themselves but as the years go by and their experience increases, so does their ability and confidence. Some even go on to study music and have full-time musical careers.”

Throughout the week, a number of students are chosen for an All-Stars Band which performs at the Gala as well as the representative bands from all the schools entered.

“It is always a thrilling night of great, uplifting music,” says Katrina.

Fortunately, for those who have missed out on tickets for this, they can attend any of the venues throughout the week where bands are performing to get a taste of the musical magic on show.

1-2pm at Delicia Cafe

Free performances by Burnside High School and Marlborough Boys’ College

7-9pm at Woodbourne Tavern

Free performances by Shirley Boys High School, Papanui High School and Christ’s College

7.30-9.30pm at Fairweathers

Free performances by Christchurch Boys’ High School, Marlborough Boys’ College, Middleton Grange School and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School

For more details visit Pure Events Marlborough

Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival

12-2pm at Speight’s Ale House

Free performances by Hagley College, Middleton Grange School, St Margaret’s College and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School

7pm at ASB Theatre

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM ASB BOX OFFICE, WWW.ASBTHEATRE.COM

“One of the most exciting things about the festival is seeing the ongoing development of students as they rise from the junior ranks of their schools to the senior ones.”

Featuring all the participating schools plus The All Stars Band alongside our prestigious judges Dr Rodger Fox, Dr Dave Wilson and Erna Ferry.

KEEPING YOU MOVING

Grand opening on Grove Road a labour of love for automotive workshop owners

Taking care of the region since 1975, the team at Auto Super Shoppe Blenheim have catered for all makes, years and models of vehicles including British and European, Range Rovers, VW, Audi, classic cars and campervans over the years.

Since taking over in 2021, owners Grant and Kelly have thrown their heart and soul into the business, working tirelessly to build on not only what their predecessors have created but to also put their own mark on the company.

It is the many different aspects of the business that continues to

ing of fun and excitement at the grand opening of Auto Super Shoppe at 40 Grove Road.”

Adding a new Honda Service Centre for Blenheim the couple say they cannot wait to meet all of Marlborough’s Honda owners, “And we look forward to helping with all of your vehicle maintenance and repair requirements.”

Celebrations kick off at 10am with a Honda display and run through to 1pm.

“Get ready to explore the cuttingedge models that are redefining the driving experience and be blown away by the latest and greatest from Honda!

“Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a

drive their passion for their roles, say the couple.

“We love the enjoyment of problem-solving and the hands-on work, the satisfaction of helping others and the continuous learning, the sense of accomplishment and the forming of customer relationships. We really like to be able to help our customers and help to formulate a plan for them, moving forward.”

Expanding the business to include a second site on Grove Road has been a labour of love for the couple, and they are excited to announce their grand opening of the centre on Saturday, August 5.

“Rev up your engines and join us for an adrenaline-packed morn-

city dweller, or a family adventurer, there’s a Honda for everyone in this stellar lineup.”

With DIY workshops on essential car maintenance tips, hosted by the team expert mechanics, Slot Car Racing for the kids, a free sausage sizzle, exclusive offers for all attendees and exciting spot prizes to be won, the team are going all out make the day unforgettable.

“Bring your family, friends, and fellow car enthusiasts to celebrate this momentous occasion with us. Whether you’re a car aficionado or just love a good time, our event has something for everyone, see you there!”

Auto Super Shoppe 40 Grove Road, Mayfield

AMY

RUSS

“We love the enjoyment of problem-solving and the hands on work, the satisfaction of helping others and the continuous learning...”

Grant and Kelly, pictured centre, with their dedicated Auto Super Shoppe team. Photo: William Woodworth.

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Small enough to care about your job but large enough to get the job done right

Mako teams chase

PETER JONES

It's Mako time in the top of the south. The burgeoning ranks of Tasman rugby fans across the nation are anticipating plenty of “fins up” moments as both the Mako men’s and women’s teams dive headlong into another season of provincial rugby.

The men kick off their Bunnings Warehouse NPC premiership

campaign against Otago at Nelson’s Trafalgar Park on Friday, August 4, while the Mako women opened their bid for the Farah Palmer Cup [FPC] championship crown against the same opponent on July 22, then took on North Harbour last weekend, at the same venue.

With the Rugby World Cup being staged in France later this year, the Mako men’s selectors have had to

perform something of a juggling act as they finalised their squad for a demanding NPC campaign. World Cup squads will not be confirmed until late August, leaving questions over the availability of key players, who may or may not travel to France with either the All Blacks, Tongan, Fijian or Samoan sides. Consequently, a potent mix of international stars, Super Rug-

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by players and club competitors were named earlier this month in an enlarged Tasman squad. Despite uncertainty over high-profile players such as All Blacks David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Shannon Frizell, Ethan Blackadder and Finlay Christie, the Mako will still be able to field a side stacked with talent.

A backline comprising NZ un-

Tasman Mako men:

der-20 stars Noah Hotham and Macca Springer, plus Super Rugby standouts Mitch Hunt, Alex Nankivell, Levi Aumua, Timoci Tavatavanawai plus returning stalwart Tom Marshall is an exciting proposition. Rising stars such as halfbacks

Louie Chapman and Graham Urquhart, plus the versatile Taine Robinson, Tomasi Alosio and Will Gaulter just add to a potent

Props: Ryan Coxon, Matt Graham-Williams, Luca Inch, Tyrel Lomax, Sam Matenga, Atu Moli, Kershawl Sykes-Martin. Hookers: Feleti Kaiti’u, Quentin MacDonald, Monu Moli, Sam Moli. Locks: Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Pari Pari Parkinson, Antonio Shalfoon, Quinten Strange (co-captain). Loose forwards: Seta Baker, Ethan Blackadder, Miracle Faiilagi, Shannon Frizell, Max Hicks, Hugh Renton, Anton Segner.

Inside backs: Louie Chapman, Finlay Christie, William Havili, Noah Hotham, Mitch Hunt (co-captain), Tim O’Malley, Graham Urquhart. Midfield: Levi Aumua, David Havili, Alex Nankivell, Taine Robinson. Outside backs: Tomasi Alosio, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Will Gaulter, Will Jordan, Tom Marshall, Macca Springer, Timoci Tavatavanawai.

Tasman Mako women:

Marama Elkington (Marist), Shevaun Collier (Marist), Manaia Ashley Ulutupu (Marist), Raumati Rogers (Wairau), Peleoaiga Loto (Linwood), Philomena Petaia (Linwood), Precious Auimatagi (Marist), Alicia San Martin Alonso (Waimea), Tanita Garnett (Kahurangi), Grace Guyton (Waimea), Brooklyn Logan (Waimea), Neve Anglesey (Waimea), Tamara Silcock (Marist), Sui Pauaraisa (Linwood), Luisa Tafia (Kahurangi), Jess Harvie (Waimea), Milli Mills (Marist), Lucy Brown (Kahurangi), Lucy Mahuika (Marist), Shelby Lin (Marist), Keeley Ridley (Waimea), Cassie Siataga (Linwood), Alma Ngametua (Marist), Ashleigh Wood (Kahurangi), Lesieli Taufa (Marist), Chloe Dixon (Kahurangi), Fiaali’i Solomona (Wairau), Sarah Jones Kahurangi), Amelia Hammet (Marist), Eve Findlay (Waimea), Bethan Manners (Waimea), Ashlee Forsyth (Waimea), Iva Sauvira (Marist).

provincial success

attacking force.

Up front, Super Rugby regulars Quinten Strange, Pari Pari Parkinson, Anton Segner, Hugh Renton and Max Hicks will provide both experience and expertise, complementing a collection of front rowers able to match any in the competition.

Prop Kershawl Sykes-Martin had a strong season with the Crusaders while Ryan Coxon, Luca Inch, Sam Matenga and former All Black Atu Moli boast plenty of

NPC experience.

Quentin MacDonald, the mostcapped Mako, is joined in the hooking stocks by Western Force player Feleti Kaiti’u, who played for the Wallabies in 2021, plus rising star Monu Moli.

With two home games - the second against Auckland in Blenheim on August 12 - to open their campaign, there is considerable optimism around the side’s ability to make a strong start and perhaps go on to repeat their

premiership-winning efforts of 2019 – incidentally, also a World Cup year.

A date to remember is August 23, when Tasman have a Ranfurly Shield clash booked with Wellington in the capital, offering a chance to tick the one remaining box for the nation’s newest union after previous championship and premiership triumphs.

The Mako women are feeding in a different pool, hoping to make an impact in the second-tier FPC

championship division.

The 2022 season represented something of a breakthrough for the Mako women, picking up two wins and reaching the quarterfinals, but coach Mel Bosman and her team will be keen to take things a step further this time around.

Experienced playmakers Sui Pauaraisa and Cassie Siataga are back to lead the side around the park, alongside a selection of talented youngsters, 13 of whom are

set to make the Mako debut. With an average age of just 20, the team is young and hungry to improve, says Mel.

She says it’s the best the team has looked since its inception seven years ago.

“I’ve been involved for the last seven years, and there’s been the mental shift that coaches are really looking for.

“It’s not something you can coach; it’s something that comes from within,” she added.

Tools, tools and more tools!

Tradezone Blenheim opens its doors on August 7

Locally owned and operated, Dwayne and Linda Cosgrove, owners of Opel Industries Ltd –Tradezone Nelson, and the soon to be opened Tradezone Blenheim, have long held a passion for providing a top-quality service and providing the best tools, components, consumables and knowledge to their customers.

Accepting a role with Blenheim Engineering Supplies many years ago as a sales representative, Dwayne worked his way through to sales manager, building up customer and supplier relations, and achieving Top Sales Awards within the TradeZone Group.

Taking the next step in 2015, Dwayne relocated to Opel Indus-

tries Nelson with the core function of managing the business, says Linda.

“Dwayne and I purchased Opel Industries Ltd – TradeZone Nelson in 2018. I joined the team in January 2019, taking over the business’s administration and finance. This is an area I am re-

our two adult children and family live.”

Bringing their wealth of knowledge to the industry, Linda says they are passionate about their roles on a daily basis.

“Selling tools and machinery, our team, and the relationships we build with our customers, suppliers, and the local community that we support is vastly important to us.

ally at home with having spent the previous 25 years working in roles that revolved around management and accounting.

“Dwayne and I are proud of what we have achieved to date in Nelson, whilst still maintaining family life in Marlborough, where

“Understanding our customers’ needs enables us to help their businesses to operate effectively and successfully, and this always remains a top priority. These relationships are important for us to gain a deeper understanding in an ever-shifting environment.”

Being part of TradeZone New Zealand, the team are able to source the best products from the

AMY RUSS

“Understanding our customers’ needs enables us to help their businesses to operate effectively and successfully, and this always remains a top priority.”

Dwayne and Linda Cosgrove are excited to be opening a second Tradezone store in Blenheim. Photos: Supplied.

best suppliers around the globe. “We only stock top quality products from the best brands, we stand by our products and our staff specialise in what we do; our team can be relied on to source those difficult-to-find oneoff items.

“We are also strongly committed to staying at the forefront of technology, delivering the latest in quality equipment and advice.” Along with winning multiple awards throughout their journey, including 2020 TradeZone

Supreme Store of the Year, 2020 TradeZone Outstanding Medium Business, and more recently 2022 TradeZone Supreme Store of the Year and 2022 TradeZone Outstanding large business, opening

“With the addition of our new store in Blenheim, this will give us more of a range across both of the stores. We will have a bigger and better offering, giving our customer more options.

“The dream was always to operate our own TradeZone store, that dream initially was to have a store located in Blenheim, but the timing was not right. Now after having been in Nelson for five years, the time IS right and we are ready to open our second store in Blenheim!”

team. They have a vast knowledge and familiarity of the products that Kiwi businesses, tradies, DIY enthusiasts and motorists require.

“We will have a full range of tools, power tools, welders, water blasters, compressors, tool chests, generators, wheels and castors, and welding spares and gear, along

their newest store TradeZone Blenheim in August is high on Dwayne and Linda’s list of personal highlights.

Distributing all across the country, TradeZone has been one of the main suppliers of trade and industrial tools, equipment and engineering supplies to the Top of the South for over 30 years and Linda says customers will find a full range of quality tools, equipment and service that offer huge value for money.

“We never compromise on service, and we ensure every customer is greeted by our friendly

“With the addition of our new store in Blenheim, this will give us more of a range across both of the stores. We will have a bigger and better offering, giving our customer more options.”

with our standard range of abrasives, consumables, and everyday engineering gear.

“Our trained team hand picks every item that we stock, so you are safe in the knowledge that if we sell it, it’s been picked by our team who vet every item in our inventory.”

“Success has not come easy, it has taken much dedication and hard work. We owe a huge thanks to our suppliers, our customers, TradeZone NZ, the support from the other TradeZone Stores, and family and friends. All of your support helps us to build

long-lasting relationships that are important to us in our business.”

“We make sure we look after our customers and support the com-

sponsorship.

“We take great interest in what is happening around our local community, and we believe in giving back to those who support our business. We are local, we support local, keep it local.”

Keeping customers up to date with a full list of supplier specials and promotions, the TradeZone bi-monthly Caliper Magazine is recognised as the industry’s leading product magazine, that professional trades rely on to ensure they get the best brands at the best prices throughout New Zealand, and is available upon request.

“Customers can register for a free digital copy or get one mailed to them, just ask instore or apply online.”

hosting their grand opening on Monday, August 7.

“Join us when the doors open at 7:30am,” says Linda. Come on down and check out the opening specials! We will have the sausages sizzling, balloons for the kids, spot prizes and giveaways throughout the day.

“Drop your business card in and go into the draw to win a Gear Wrench 243 piece Mechanics Tool Set.”

Tradezone Blenheim will be open on 50 Grove Road five days a week, from Monday to Friday, 7:30am through to 5pm. Contact 03 577 2040 for more information.

munities that support us. It is really important for us to give back to the local community through sponsorship or support to up-and-coming engineers –whether that be in the form of items for a raffle to raise funds or donations of goods for prizes or

The couple’s Tradezone branch in Nelson, on Quarantine Road, also has an onsite workshop – servicing and repairing a vast range of gear from water blasters to generators, welders, power tools, and nail guns to name a few.

Tradezone Blenheim, will be

“It is really important for us to give back to the local community through sponsorship or support to up-and-coming engineers.”

Falcons set for final bid

It was a busy rugby weekend across the top of the south, with both the Tasman women’s and men’s sides in action, plus the Marlborough Red Devils and leading college sides.

On Saturday, defensive intensity, coupled with commendable attacking intent, saw the Marlborough Boys’ College First XV get the better of a tough rival and book a place in the forthcoming Miles Toyota premiership Plate final.

The Falcons overcame Christ’s College 26-20 in a highly-entertaining encounter on the MBC front field, getting their nose in front late, then having to repel a lengthy period of attack as the Christchurch side strung together multiple phases with time up.

MBC opened the scoring after 10 minutes, hard-running centre Cohen Stewart bagging the first of his two tries.

However, by halftime the visitors were in front, scoring twice late in the half to lead 12-5 at the break.

A desire to move the ball wide paid dividends from MBC early in the second spell, winger Carter Aitken scoring in the corner, from where Hugh Robinson converted to level the scores.

Ten minutes later pressure created by an unrelenting MBC defence and some clever kicking paid off, Stewart bagging his second, Robinson converting from close range this time.

However Christ’s, as they showed all match, were not about to lie down and a series of forward charges set up field position from where winger Henry Thin dotted down.

Although the conversion bounced back from an upright, just three minutes later lock George Austin landed a 40m penalty to put his side in front with 10 minutes to play.

Again, MBC upped the ante, tackling superbly to pin Christ’s in their half. Eventually the break came, co-captain Will Flynn surging over the line after an incision from elusive winger Leo Marfell.

Robinson’s third conversion gave MBC a six-point advantage and set up a frantic final few minutes as the visitors threw everything at them in a bid to extend their season for another week.

Ultimately though, MBC’s de-

fence proved the difference, as it was in their previous upset of Christchurch BHS, and they will get to play once more.

Falcons’ standouts on the day were many and varied. Halfback Ata Obetaia had one of his best games, all the outside backs showing dash and enterprise, the loose forwards hunting as a pack and creating a string of turnovers, while the tight forwards matched anything their rivals could throw at them and anchored some secure set pieces.

Next week MBC will head south for their final hit-out of the season, taking on St Andrew’s, who beat Selwyn 28-27 on Saturday, in the Plate final.

In the premiership final Nelson will host Christchurch BHS after downing St Bede’s 31-19.

Christchurch progressed with a 27-17 win over St Thomas.

Second half blitz

Whoever said “you have to play the whole 80 minutes to get the job done” obviously was not referring to the Tasman women’s rugby team at Trafalgar Park on Saturday.

The Mako women won their Farah Palmer championship clash with North Harbour in Nelson after turning a 21-0 halftime deficit into a 26-21 victory.

It was the classic “game of two halves”.

In the first 40 Tasman were shunted off the park by a Hibiscus side who registered three converted tries, showing more structure, intent and power. The Mako were unable to force field position, could not hold the ball

for lengthy phases and struggled with a dysfunctional lineout. But, whatever coach Mel Bosman said and planned at halftime had immediate effect.

Coming out with more energy and motivation, the Mako took advantage of a North Harbour sin-binning after seven minutes to register their first try, to lively midfielder Chloe Dixon.

First five Cassie Siataga converted, then slowly took control of the match with her long kicking game. Three minutes later replacement Sarah Jones got on the scoresheet, the beneficiary of a clever pass from stand-out winger Fiaali’a Solomona.

Siataga missed that conversion but made no mistake 15 minutes later when she added the extras to a superb solo effort from Solomona, racing over 50m on the left flank after a solid fend-off to her opposite.

However, the home side still trailed 21-19 and, with time running out they rolled the dice. Hot on attack up under the Harbour posts they turned down a penalty shot to win the match, tapped and spun the ball wide where it was gratefully accepted by centre Lesieli Taufa who dotted down for the winning try, again converted by the influential Siataga.

She, alongside loosies Sui Pauaraisa and Tamara Silcock, midfielders Dixon and Taufa, Solomona, plus hardworking locks Tanita Garnett and Brooklyn Logan, along with captain and No 8 Tamara Silcock were influential

py with how some of the guys we introduced today, or those who were having their second crack at this level, performed.”

He mentioned the work of No 8 Angus Fletcher, hooker Josh Te Hira, lock Hunter Leppien, winger Jack Gray and loosie Seta Baker, while the player of the day was the versatile Taine Robinson who alternated between 10 and 12 as well as kicking well for goal.

The squad are set to be bolstered by the likes of Quinten Strange, Alex Nankivell, Macca Springer and Noah Hotham for the Otago match, handy additions to a side which is building the depth necessary to cope with a physically-demanding campaign.

in manufacturing a comeback for the ages.

Mako win in Hanmer

The Tasman men’s side will head into their 2023 NPC premiership campaign opener against Otago with a two-from-two pre-season record after overcoming Canterbury in Hanmer on Friday.

A week after getting the better of Manawatu at Lansdowne Park, the Mako downed the Red and Blacks 47-24.

The Mako led 19-12 at the halftime break then pulled away midway through the second spell for a morale-boosting victory.

Co-head coach Gray Cornelius declared himself happy with the side’s efforts, especially their defence.

“It was a pretty tight first half … our ability to defend through multiple phases was good again this week. Also, I was pretty hap-

“Some guys have really stuck their hands up over the last two weeks so it is really good to see a bit of depth there now … it means we have some difficult selection debates, which is always nice as a coach.”

Gray says that while it is good to have pre-season victories, “it is a different kettle of fish when you start playing for [competition] points”.

“But we are happy with where we are at for this time of year and we know we have plenty left in us so I can’t wait for next week.”

The Mako meet Otago at Trafalgar Park on Friday, with a 5.35pm kick off.

Red Devils beaten

The Marlborough Red Devils came up short in their first outing of the season in Murchison on Sunday, losing 37-29 to Buller. In the later game, Seddon Shield holders West Coast were beaten 35-26 by Nelson Bays. Next weekend Marlborough play West Coast and Nelson Bays take on Buller at the same venue.

Marlborough Boys’ College centre Cohen Stewart is about to score his side’s first try against Christ’s College on Saturday. Photo: Peter Jones.

Mako centre Lesieli Taufa on the burst. Photo: Shuttersport.

Rangers win, Buccaneers beaten

Rangers AFC kept their Nelson men’s division one football hopes alive with victory over a strong Nelson Suburbs Reserves side in Nelson on Saturday.

The Blenheim visitors prevailed 4-3 against a side buoyed by a few players from their number one side, who had a bye this week in their Southern Premier League campaign.

Rangers’ manager Wolfie Waechter said his side welcomed the chance to come up against such a strong unit and described it as a “really good football game”. The visiting side did not take long to get on the scoresheet, midfield maestro Bjorn Waechter on the end of an accurate Kane Elvy cross. Ten minutes later they doubled their lead, man of the match Jack Morris netting after a Keagan Mortimer assist.

However, a side with such quality players was always going to come back and Suburbs scored

their first from the penalty spot after 35 minutes, making for a 2-1 halftime scoreline.

Ten minutes after the break Rangers struck once more, Finn Hawes scoring a stunner, driving the ball into the top corner from 20m.

Again, Suburbs replied quickly, a goal from a corner reinstating the one-goal margin.

Then, with half an hour to go, Rangers bagged an insurance goal, Morris beating two defenders and slamming the ball home from a tight angle.

Rangers made some changes as players tired in the final stages, but the home side again closed the gap, Southern League striker Alex Ward scoring a superb goal. From there it was all hands to the defensive pump for Rangers, with keeper Luc Sherwood coming up trumps in the final minutes, brilliantly saving a goal-bound free kick to ensure his side claimed all three points.

Wolfie felt Rangers deserved to

prevail, given they created more chances, and applauded “a huge team effort”.

With two matches left in the league season, Rangers are away to Tahuna next weekend, a win in that clash ensuring their final match, away to leaders FC Nelson, will be a title-decider. Meanwhile, a slip-up by leaders Central Buccaneers has thrown

the local men’s division one competition wide open.

A win to Buccaneers against Picton Wildcats on Saturday would have sealed the deal but it was not to be, the seasiders getting up for an upset 2-0 victory.

Second half goals to Leon Hawkins and Mana Collins did the job for Wildcats at the Renwick Domain.

With one round remaining, Buccaneers hold a one-point lead over Call Care Trojans, who were defaulted to by BV Masters on

Saturday. This weekend, Buccaneers take on Central Wolves, Trojans meeting Picton. The other div one match on Saturday saw Wolves notch a 5-1 win over Rangers Woodbourne, Matthew Stretch bagging a double.

Division one points: Buccaneers 35, Trojans 34, Masters 24, Wolves 13, Picton 10, Woodbourne 7. In division two, Rangers Reserves appear to have the title sewn up, barring an avalanche of goals from their closest rival, Call Care Spartans. Reserves are three points clear with a much better goal difference, meaning they would have to lose next week and Spartans win with a mountain of goals, to change the result.

On Saturday, Reserves downed Trojans Marlborough Men 6-0, Spartans accounted for Rangers Masters 2-1, Call Care Red beat Central Privateers 6-1 while Picton and Rangers City drew 2-2. Division two points: Reserves 34, Spartans 31, Rangers City 28, Privateers 20, Call Care Red 15, Picton 12, Rangers Masters 7 Trojans 3.

Caleb Speedy squeezes the ball in at the near post for one of his three goals for the Call Care Red division two side on Saturday.

Photo: Peter Jones.

PETER JONES

Shield-winning Red Devils reunited

PETER JONES

It may have been 50 years since they made history but, on Friday night, memories of one of the great moments in New Zealand sport were still fresh in the minds of rugby’s ‘Red Devils’ of 1973-74.

Exactly half a century since a group of well-prepared and motivated Marlburians relieved Canterbury of the prized Ranfurly Shield in Christchurch, most of the remaining members of what just became known as ‘The Shield Side’ gathered at their former home ground.

On Friday evening, a dinner was held at Lansdowne Hub for former players and administrators, plus partners and widows and in some cases family, along with Marlborough rugby life members. They came together to celebrate the day the ‘Log of

Wood’ came to Marlborough for the one and only time and to recall the glory days as the ensuing challengers came and went away empty-handed.

Of the starting XV on that fateful day at Lancaster Park, three have passed away, namely Alan Sutherland, Jim Joseph and Kerry Hodges.

Aussie residents Tom Forrest and John Thompson were unable to

attend, but the remainder of the team were at the dinner. Players in the side which won the Shield, such as try-scoring hero Brian Ford, David Neal, Brian Dwyer, skipper Ramon Sutherland, Steve Marfell, Tony Goddard, Richard May, Bosun Huntley, Graeme Cocks and Jack Davie became household names in the region over the next 12 months, as Marlborough defended the

Tennis titles decided

PETER JONES

Titles were shared around at the recent New World Blenheim Marlborough Junior Winter Open.

The annual event was contested on Saturday and Sunday, June 1516, at the Forrest Wines Marlborough Tennis Centre and involved many of the top of the south region’s upcoming players.

Liam Howes, from Nelson, was one of the stand-outs, claiming the 14 boys’ singles title from Marlborough’s Josh Harris 6-1, 6-4.

Nelson’s Lara Power took out the 14-16 girls crown from compatriot Ivy Scutt, Wellington’s Elsa Pryor won the 12 girls section from Nelson’s Taylor Orme, Marlborough’s Alexander Watmough-Smith claimed the 12 boys title from local Finnbar Duncan, Nelson’s Indiana Wincer beat local Amy Watmough-Smith in the 10 girls section while Nelson’s Max North prevailed over Marlborough player Aiden Su in the 10 boys grade. Nelson player Connor Edmonds came out on top of the 16 mixed singles group, ahead of compa-

triot Dylan Wilson, Nelson duo North and William Robinson won the 10 boys doubles, Howes and Marlborough’s Max Sowman pre vailed in the 12-14 boys doubles, Marlborough’s Lily Atkinson and Amy Watmough-Smith took out the 10 girls title, Marlborough’s Mia Harris and Power won the 12-14 girls doubles, Nelson’s Sabia Longman and Power were victorious in the 16 girls doubles, while Edmonds and Wilson combined to win the 16 mixed crown over locals Ella Sowman and Dan Clarke.

‘Log’ six times, before eventually losing it to South Canterbury in August 1974.

Others such as Mark Best, Dave Hammond, Mike Guillemot, Brian Hunter, Phil Jeffs, Duncan Cassidy, Bruce Kenny, Richard Hegglun, Colin Campbell, Kevin Sutherland and Kerry Love, as well as astute coaches Ralph Caulton and the late Doug Saul, also played their part in turning

the small but intensely proud province at the top of the Mainland into ‘Ranfurly Shield Country’.

Dwyer, a loose forward during the Shield reign, labelled Friday evening’s get-together as “very successful, excellent”.

“There was a good turnout … we used the new facilities at Lansdowne Park, which everyone was very impressed with, especially those from far away who hadn’t seen it before. There was little formality, Ralph [Caulton] and Ramon [Sutherland] said a few words, but the camaraderie was still there, really noticeable. In those days there was a really strong personal connection between everyone in the group, including the families.

“[On Friday] Everyone got on like we had seen each other yesterday … a worthy celebration of a wonderful time,” he added.

Marlborough player Josh Harris was runner-up in the 14 boys’ singles. Photo: Peter Jones.

Members of the famous 1973-74 Marlborough Ranfurly Shield side gathered in the Lansdowne Hub on Friday evening. Photo: Supplied.

Sport In Brief

Students win nail-biter

PETER JONES

A thrilling late-night matchup between Pelorus Gill Construction and Marlborough Girls’ College provided the highlight of the latest round of premier netball at Stadium 2000.

Jade Otway, pictured below, underlined her promise with a strong showing in her debut for the New Zealand senior women’s tennis side. The 20-year-old Marlburian, currently at college in the USA, was part of the Kiwi combination which lost to Chinese Taipei in a close-fought promotion play-off battle in their Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group 2 event, played in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The young NZ side, captained by Marlborough’s Matt Hair, topped their round-robin group after five rounds and took on Chine Taipei in the battle for promotion to Asia/Oceania Group 1 next year. Jade got NZ off to a perfect start, taking down former doubles world number one and top 50 singles player Latisha Chan 6-4, 6-2 in the first single. With Erin Routliffe losing the second single the result rested on the doubles, with Jade and Erin losing a close match 6-3, 7-5, a single break of serve in each set proving the difference. NZ Tennis said “the form of Otway in particular, on debut for New Zealand, was a great boost for the side”.

In a match that see-sawed throughout, the students eventually prevailed 51-48, holding their nerve over the final stages to forge a narrow lead and get the job done.

Adding to their efforts was the fact they used just seven players throughout, three members of their squad either injured or unavailable on Tuesday night.

It was a sterling effort from those that were involved, from resolute circle defenders Brooke Harper and Poppy Lane, through the hard-working Liz Pousima, Ella Sowman and Izzy Tupouto’a in midcourt, to the ever-improving shooting duo of Anel Moli and Hazel Glover.

In contrast to their MGC rivals, Pelorus fielded a strong bench, using all 13 players over the course of the match.

Scores: Marlborough Girls’ College 51 (Anel Moli 28/39, Hazel Glover 23/29) Pelorus Gill Construction 48 (Liv Pinkerton 13/15, Kate Gaudin 19/23, Karli Murphy 16/22).

MGC defender Poppy Lane picks up an interception. Photo: Peter Jones.

Quarter scores (winning team first): 12-14, 13-12, 15-13, 11-

9.

Pelorus Edridge Contracting

61 (Paige Lovell 40/53, Megan Cosgrove 17/26, Laura Evans 4/10) Harlequins Fairweathers

18 (Aston Underwood 14/23, Sophie Ridley-Scott 4/17).

Quarter scores: 16-3, 15-3, 136, 17-6.

Harlequins Indevin 64 (Wiri Bristowe 35/51, Lauren Mur-

ray 10/19, Ramona Waikato 10/14, Kayla Collins 9/13) Tokomaru Crafar Crouch 40 (Naomi Fowler 21/24, Gemma Hika 17/23, Kayla Wilson 2/2.

Quarter scores: 13-9, 11-9, 2110, 19-12.

Points after week two of round two: Harlequins Indevin 6, Pelorus Edridge Contracting 6, Pelorus Gill Construction 4, MGC 3, Tokomaru 1, Harlequins Fairweathers 0.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN US… If you would like to be a part of the rugby tipping for NPC 2023, please contact Rosa rosa@topsouthmedia.co.nz or Kirsty kirsty@topsouthmedia.co.nz before end of the day Friday 4 August.

NETBALL FUNDRAISER

Fancy a morning walk or run in the glorious Marlborough countryside – and a chance to assist the Marlborough Girls’ College netball team as they head for the South Island champs? On Sunday, August 6, the Brancott Rd Airstrip Walk/Run fundraiser takes place, offering a chance to stretch your legs and catch some stunning panoramic views of the province from the Tempello farmland. It starts at 591 Brancott Rd, off New Renwick Rd, between 9am-11am. Walking time on the track is expected to be around 2-2.5 hours. The round trip is 6km to the saddle and 7.8km to the airstrip. Cost is $15 per person with registration on the day. For more information contact Megan at netballhp23@gmail.com or check out the MGC netball page on Facebook.

Paul O’Donnell

Warren Cairns

Michael Winkler

Terry Duff

Peter Jones

Rob Hellstrom

Antony Clark

Susan Barron

Brad Taylor TERMS & CONDITIONS: Advertising credit won can be used across any TSM Marlborough platform including the Marlborough Weekly, Marlborough Magazine and the Marlborough App and must be redeemed no later than 31 December 2023 | All credits exclude GST | Only 1 prize will be awarded per placing (1st, 2nd, 3rd) | All tipping picks must be received no later than midday Monday, day of print for that week’s Tuesday newspaper issue and sent to hellomarlborough@topsouthmedia.co.nz. If not received by this time, home games will be allocated on your behalf Your tipping picks are for the following week’s weekend games For every correct ‘team win’ guess, one (1) point will be awarded and points will be accumulated over the 18 weeks | In the event of a tie-breaker a ‘scores guess’ for the FINAL will be added and one (1) additional point will be awarded to the closest guess | Fixtures may change at the discretion of Super Rugby and dates were correct at the time of printing.

Greg Somerville Gavin Williams 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

William Woodworth PTS TASMAN VS OTAGO TARANAKI VS CO. MANUKAU HAWKE’S BAY VS NTH HARBOUR MANAWATŪ VS WELLINGTON NORTHLAND VS CANTERBURY BAY OF PLENTY VS AUCKLAND SOUTHLAND VS WAIKATO NORTHLAND VS TARANAKI

WEEK 1

BOWLERS BAG NZ TITLE

Picton lawn bowlers Helen McIsaac and Jenny Anderson took out the National Champion of Champions Pairs title in Dunedin recently. After winning their way through to the final stages by winning the Marlborough title, Helen and Jenny were too good for all comers, forging an unbeaten record. In the final they defeated the much-touted Hinuera duo, Debbie White and Bev Corbett, the Picton pair prevailing 21-12.

MARLBOROUGH’S COMMUNITY NOTICES

PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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

MONDAY

RENWICK ARMS COUNTRY CLUB CARD SECTION

2pm every Mon we meet and play EUCHRE at the Springlands Tavern Restaurant, 16 Boyce St, Blenheim. Beginners are welcome to learn & play. $5 per afternoon. Ph Chris 0272077631.

WITHERLEA INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Mon 7pm Redwoodtown Community Hall. All welcome, no age limits. Only gear needed is soft sole shoes. Ph Moira 027 4808272/ Heather 0273106675.

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/ Mon 6-7pm. First lesson free, $6 per lesson after that. Senior Citizen’s Hall, 172 High St. Ph Judith 5787554 / 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 info.

ROTARY CLUBS 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

RENWICK ARMS COUNTRY CLUB CARD SECTION 2pm every Tues we meet and play CRIBBAGE at Springlands Tavern Restaurant, 16 Boyce Street, Blenheim. Beginners are welcome to learn & play. $5 per afternoon. Ph Chris 0272077631.

SAYGO (Steady As You Go) Gentle exercise & balance class for Seniors. Every Tues 11.30am-12.30pm. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St, Blenheim. Cost $2. Stay for a cuppa & chat after. For more info ph Donna Wahrlich, Eldercare Coordinator 0273852333 email donna@ stchristopers.co.nz

MARLBOROUGH HERB SOCIETY Meets 4th Tues of month, 7pm. Various locations. To promote use, educate & identification of herbs. Email: mhsgarlicpress@gmail. com

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 / 0223007342.

BLENHEIM CHORAL (Marlb 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-12pm. Little Theatre, Picton. $4 per session. Meet people & get 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 Tue 9.30-11.30am Anglican Church hall. $6 per class. Beginners welcome. For info Ph Carol 0212125252/Raewyn 021715484.

MARLBOROUGH WOMEN’S CLUB MAHJONG New members welcome. 1-3.30pm $4. afternoon tea. Free tuition available. 12 Battys Rd. Ph Gail 0272214121.

WEDNESDAY

PICTON LIONS Join a worthwhile volunteer group, both female & male members wanted, good fellowship, all money raised goes back to Picton community. First Wed of the month. Ph Norman 0274336242

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL Every Wed 7.30pm. Blenheim Bowling Club, 65 Weld St. Come along & enjoy yourself! Ph Erin 027 234 1709.

RAPAURA INDOOR BOWLS CLUB Wed 7.30pm. Rapaura Hall. New members welcome. Ph Sue 021661717

BLENHEIM PROBUS CLUB Retired/semi-retired? Enjoy good fellowship? We’d love to see you at our meetings. 1st Wed of the month. 10am. Wesley Centre. Coffee mornings & outings as well. Ph Ann 5787046 / Jan 0226353919.

PICTON - SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Wed 7.30pm. Picton Little Theatre. No partner needed. Beginner’s welcome. Ph Lynda 0212600860.

STRETCH & BREATHE Gentle stretching & balance class for Seniors. Every Wed 10-11am. St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St, Blenheim. Cost $2. Stay for a cuppa & chat after. For more info ph Donna Wahrlich, Eldercare Coordinator 0273852333. Email donna@stchristopers. co.nz

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. Interested in the Bible or Christianity, desire 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 0221642782/Mandy 022 4326886.

DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP Meet every Wed 1011.30am to support each other. Regular speakers, outings, share in a safe environment. Ph Alistair Crawford for details 0272883032.

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/Text John 021979323.

LIONS’ CLUB OF BLENHEIM Serving the community over sixty 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.

WAITOHI SOCIAL CLUB. We meet 10am at the Picton Library, every third Wed of the month for fun & friendship. Gold coin donation for morning tea. After meeting we go for lunch at one of the venues in Picton, should you wish to join us.

THURSDAY

PICTON BRIDGE CLUB CLUB Every Thurs 6.50pm Port Marlborough Pavilion. All levels welcome. Ph Judy 021685348.

KEEP U MOVING Gentle walking exercise for Seniors. Every Thurs 11.30am-12.30pm (Except 4th Thurs in each month). St Christopher’s Church Hall, 92 Weld St, Blenheim. Stay for a cuppa & chat after. Cost $2. For more info ph Donna Wahrlich, Eldercare Coordinator 0273852333. Email donna@stchristophers.co.nz

INVITING YOU TO COMPANIONS Ages 65+. Free. 1st Thurs of Month. 1pm. Harvest Life Church, 22 Nelson St. Afternoon tea, interesting programme through the

year. For info ph Avon 035792440/Lorraine 035781240/ Shirley 035783728.

COPD SUPPORT & EXERCISE GROUP GROUP Free. Every 2nd & 4th Thurs 1.15pm Redwoodtown Community Hall, Cnr Weld & Cleghorn St. For info ph Asthma Marlb 0272057244.

SOCIAL BADMINTON Thurs morning 9am-12noon

Simcox Stadium Batty’s Rd. $6. All adults welcome. Ph Cathy 021503348

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.

MARLBOROUGH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 2nd Thurs of month, 7.30pm, EOC, 4 Wither Rd. For all interested in Amateur Radio, Electronics & Emergency Communications.

KNIT & NATTER Blenheim Library every 2nd & 4th Thurs of the month. 10am-12noon. All welcome. Bring your yarn & have a yarn. For info ph Sue 5785317.

FRIDAY

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

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 0210451799 or email picton@newcomers.co.nz

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

UPBEAT ORCHESTRA All ages. Instruments. From beginner-grade 5. St Ninians Church Hall, Alabama Rd every Fri 5-6.30p. Email upbeatorchestra@gmail.com for info.

MARLBOROUGH WOMEN’S CLUB AVO 2-4p.m. Guest speakers. $5. Afternoon tea. Guests welcome with a view to join for fellowship & relaxed environment. 12 Battys Rd. Ph Dianne 0212147757.

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

RENWICK SOCIAL TENNIS Every Sat, 2-4pm 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.

SUNDAY WORKING BEE – TE WHANAU HOU GROVETOWN LAGOON Every 2nd Sun of the month. 13 Aug. 10 Sep. 8 Oct & 12 Nov. Meet at Wairau Rowing Club, Steam Wharf Rd, Grovetown. 9:30am-12pm, followed by a BBQ. We plant trees, tend previously planted trees, weeding, mulching & any jobs for continued conservation. E: Justine Johnson Johnsonmarlborough@gmail. com

BAHÁ’Í DEVOTIONS 1st & 3rd Sun, 10.30-11.15am, Marlb 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 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 or 021929955.

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 FARMERS MARKET A&P show-

grounds, 9am-12pm Sun, local fresh & seasonal produce & products.

REDWOOD MARKET Redwood Tavern car park, Cleghorn St. Sat, 8am-12pm. Plants, garden products, flowers, crafts including handmade soaps, cards & jewellery. Raising money for your community.

PICTON RAIL & SAIL on the Foreshore. Mini train rides & yachts from 20 cents. Every Sun & 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. for info email barnabas.org.nz.

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

KETO SUPPORT GROUP meet Sat fortnightly (approx. beginning & mid-month) 10am. Revival Café, Springlands. Informal gathering of folk interested in this dietary practice. No charge, no obligation but the coffee’s great! For info Ph 0275057774.

REPAIR CAFÉ We’ll fix your small repair on site, on the day, while you have a cuppa. Sewing, darning, bikes, small furniture, wooden items, toys, electronics & mobile phones. 9am-12noon. 26th Aug (Monthly, every 4th Sat). John’s Kitchen, 2 Redwood St. Donations accepted.

GENERAL GROUPS

SOUTH ISLAND MASTERS GAMES Over 30 sports for players of any level. 10-23 Oct in Marl. For more info go to simasters.com

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Thurs /Sat 7-8pm. Riversdale Community House, 131 Budge St. BLENHEIM ROWING CLUB Rowing on Wairau River from the boatshed. 259 Jones Rd, Grovetown. Every Sun 8.45am. Tues & Thurs 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 info ph 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. Email soundsvehicle@gmail.com or Ph 5741311.

AA MEETINGS Marlborough area. Ring alcoholics anonymous for help to stop drinking. Ph 0800229 6757. www.aa.org.nz. Meetings: 7.30pm Mon, Plunket Rooms, 21 Bythell St / 7.30pm Wed Picton Model Railway, 1 Picton Wharf / 7.30pm Fri St Luke’s Church Hall, 20 Ferry Creek Rd, Spring Creek / 7.55am Sat Salvation Army Rm, 35 George St / 7.30pm Sun at Church, 54 High St, Renwick.

PICTON MEN’S COMMUNITY SHED 2 Market St. Wed 8.30am-2.30pm. Sat 8.30am-12pm Ph Bill Rogers 5735507/Rex 21469191. A place of welcome for Picton’s menfolk.

BLENHEIM MENZ SHED 4 Dillons Point Rd, Bright Centre Complex. Where men of all ages 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/ smart phone. Ph Secretary - Ian Cameron (03)5742558 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, overnight & extended trips. Info at www.marlboroughtrampingclub.co.nz or marlboroughtrampingclub@gmail.com

ECKFORD, Miles Thomas

Died 21 July 2023, aged 82yrs in Cornwall England.

Eldest son of the late Captain Thomas Sugden Eckford and Mrs June Eckford. Husband to the late Frankie Eckford. Brother and Brother in law of the late Robert and Vicki Eckford, Jenny and Bryan Haggitt, George and Noel Eckford, Tina and the late Eric Jones. Loved Uncle of all his nephews and nieces.

Messages to 45 Park Terrace, Blenheim 7201

RAURANGATIRA, Luke

Sunrise - 1 February 1938

Sunset - 18 July 2023

Papaki kau ana ngā tai o mihi ki a koutou te hunga i atawhaitia i a mātou i ngā wiki tata kua taha ake. Me pēwhea rā e rite ai i a mātou tā koutou manaakitanga, he uaua hoki! Ohaoha mai ngā whakaaro kua riro i a mātou, ngā koha, ngā putiputi me ngā tūmomo kai…..tēnā te mana o Rehua! Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua kōrua tahi Ngāti Toarangatira ki Wairau kaore e ārikarika ngā mihi.

Miharo hoki tō mātou marae o Wairau Pā mai i te kauta ki te paepae kua rangatira e koutou i tō mātou pāpā. Ki ngā whānau me ngā hoa i tae tawhiti mai i tae tata mai ngā mihi rawa atu. Waihoki he mihi kau ana ki a Dr. Rhonda Turner, koutou Marlborough Hospice, Poswillo Pharmacy, Spring Creek School, Meaters me Anzco nei a kupu whakamiha ka rere. He aroha mutunga kore mai i te ngākau iti o te whānau o Raurangatira Luke ki a koutou katoa.

Attention all Advertisers – Terms of Trade: By placing your advertisement you agree with the terms and conditions of the Marlborough App Ltd. Namely, payment by the 20th of the following month. In the event of non payment interest will be charged on all debts 90days + overdue, The costs of any debt collection costs, included agency costs, will be on-charged to the client. For full terms of trade go to https://marlboroughweekly.co.nz/terms-of-trade/.

CLASSIFIEDS

PH 928 4121

hellomarlborough@topsouthmedia.co.nz

WORK WANTED

I work privately as a caregiver / companion to the elderly. Assisting with shopping, appointments, social outings etc. Also meal prep and light housework. 3hrs minimum on a weekly basis.

Please contact Bridget 0274248121 or bridgetsmith241@gmail.com to discuss your needs.

References and police check available.

Renwick Arms Country Club Inc

AGM Sunday 13 August 2023 at 2pm

92 High Street, Renwick Nominations close on Sunday 6 August at 6pm

Any enquiries call Kelly 572 8597 or 0275728597 or email office@renwickarms.co.nz

WANTED STAMPS / COINS POSTCARDS, OLD TOYS and collectables WANTED TO BUY $$$ 021 1388 949

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