Best Life - March April 2024

Swing, hit, repeat

Cue the choirs

A spirited grandma Leading ladies

LEADERS IN DESIGN, MANUFACTURE & INSTALLATION OF QUALITY KITCHENS

POSITIVE AGEING

Expo

The Positive Ageing Expo expo has been bringing people together since 2008, providing a fun-filled and informative day with over 70 stalls of community groups and services helping you age positively. There’s something for everyone!

The venue offers easy access, ample parking and transport options will be available on the day.

FREE ENTRY

HEADINGLY CENTRE, RICHMOND

10AM – 2PM

SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2024

TASMAN POSITIVE AGING FORUMS

As part of promoting positive ageing, we host regular networking and information sessions for older people in Richmond and Motueka called Positive Ageing Forums. The meetings are open for agencies and individuals and cover various topics such as wellbeing, housing, digital literacy and others.

RICHMOND

Meetings start at 1.00 pm.

• Tuesday 20 February, Tasman District Council Chambers

• Tuesday 7 May, Constance Barnicoat Room, Richmond Library

• Tuesday 9 July, Tasman District Council Chambers

• Tuesday 3 September, Constance Barnicoat Room, Richmond Library

• Tuesday 5 November, Tasman District Council Chambers

MOTUEKA

Meetings start at 12.30 pm and are held at the Over Fifties Social Hub on Pah Street.

• Tuesday 5 March

• Tuesday 21 May

• Tuesday 23 July

• Tuesday 17 September

• Tuesday 19 November

For more information visit tasman.govt.nz/positive-ageing-forum

31-33

8 – 9 Swing, hit, repeat Croquet expert encourages others to give croquet a go.

13 Passionate People

Best Life lifts the lid on a local who takes the cake (or biscuits) with the largest collection of ANZAC biscuit tins in New Zealand.

23 Historical Tales

A look back in time at Brightwater’s Snowden’s Bush.

15 - 17

Cue the choirs

Adrienne Matthews speaks to people who help make up Nelson’s diverse choirs.

18 – 21

Leading ladies

An interview with three of Nelson’s most notable ladies in the theatre, art and dance scene.

29

Well-being

Nurturing mental well-being in older age.

Swing, hit, repeat

On the cover

Swing, hit repeat Annie Henry

Pages 8 - 9

Photo: Tessa Claus

Grab your copy: Nelson City Council, Nelson library, Stoke Library, Greenmeadows Centre, Tasman District Council, Richmond Library, Alioke Eatery, Motueka Guardian office, Motueka Library, Rabbit Island Coffee Co, retirement homes, waiting rooms, cafés and various other locations.

EDITOR

Karen Scott

bestlife@topsouthmedia.co.nz

CONTRIBUTORS

Adrienne Matthews, Britt Coker, Amy Russ, Ro Cambridge, Patricia Pataki, Stella Chrysostomou, Tessa Claus, Vaughan Scott

ADVERTISING

Sarah Board

sarah@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Ph 03 548 5900

DESIGN

Patrick Connor & Toni Woolf

50+ LIVING NELSON TASMAN

PUBLISHER: Top South Media 563 Main Rd, Stoke, topsouthmedia.co.nz

issuu.com/nelsonweekly

Something you read in Best Life got you thinking? We'd love to hear your feedback, opinion and thoughts. You can email us at bestlife@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Hello everyone

What a glorious summer we’ve had. Beach walks, twilight swims and stunning sunsets refreshed my soul after a busy festive season. My bike and I have not reacquainted, I just haven’t got to that yet. But I did get to the Saturday Market one morning; I love the chatter and chaos. It made me realise time is never wasted talking with people. I confess, I have consumed way too much chocolate, and now wish I could shed the ‘festive’ weight like autumn trees shed their leaves.

Speaking of autumn, it’s the season that teaches me that change can be beautiful. I hope you are inspired by the stories of three ordinary ladies I’ve met, who live their best life by making a change in our community through the arts. You too can try something new.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis.

Karen Scott

Swing, hit, repeat

Past president of Croquet Nelson and Croquet New Zealand, Annie Henry knows a lot about the sport of croquet. We talked to her about how she first got into it, her experience competing at two Women’s World tournaments, and how to ‘Give it a Go’ if you’re interested.

When and how did you start playing?

I started playing around 2005 when I joined the Nelson Croquet Club, which is now the Nelson Hinemoa Croquet Club. A friend of mine, Janice, was invited to play croquet and asked me if I would go with her. I agreed and had a lot of fun. Peter Maplesden taught us to play that day. After our first game we went home and excitedly told our respective partners about playing croquet. At first, they weren’t too keen, until they had a go. We joined the club and started playing in tournaments that first year because the club members encouraged us to play. I remember that I was so green that I didn’t know a lot of strategies and was excited to see people jumping over croquet balls to make the hoop. It really opened up a lot of possibilities.

What fitness do you need?

There is no prerequisite fitness needed. Croquet involves walking and swinging a mallet. Like any sport, the fitter you are, the more you enjoy playing. Your fitness does increase because you are out walking and having fun. We’ve also had youth who play croquet, including those with disabilities. We try to encourage all ages and levels of fitness to play. You can always come into the club room and have a cup of tea if you need a break.

How do you play croquet?

There are two popular codes of croquet: Golf croquet and association croquet. Association croquet (known as AC) is over 100 years old while golf croquet (known

Photo: Tessa Claus

as GC) is relatively new, arriving about 15 years ago to New Zealand. With GC, you start in one corner and hit the ball to stop in front of hoop one. The end of the game is when you or your team gets seven hoops first. There’s a bit of strategy in learning how to win the hoop with both codes. With GC you learn the speed of the lawn and your ball hitting strokes. AC starts the game differently but runs the hoops in the same order as GC. AC games are either play to the peg or timed, while GC isn’t timed and plays to the winning score. AC is more like playing chess and billiards on a lawn. Typically people can start playing GC in five minutes. With both games, it is easy to start playing and a challenge each time you play it.

What gear do you need?

Flat soled shoes are all you need to start. All clubs in the region have mallets that players can use. The club has the hoops, croquet balls and mallets for the game, as well as willing coaches to help people learn the game.

What is your favourite thing about croquet?

There are quite a few things I really like about croquet so it’s difficult to pick one favourite. I like that you have to focus and let everything else go. Being very active, this is a welcome change to be present throughout the game. I also like the social aspect and have enjoyed meeting lots of players throughout the years. The other thing I like about it is that there is always a new strategy that can be used to play the game, so it doesn’t get boring, and you are usually challenging yourself to play the best.

Tell us about competing at the two Women’s World’s croquet tournaments.

It was very exciting to say the least. The first Women’s World’s GC tournament that I played in was in Cairo, Egypt. The World Croquet Federation (WCF – world governing body) selects players based on their world ranking. Each member country then selects their top players with a reserve list. I was on the reserve list and was able to be one of the top 40 to compete. Even though I was at the bottom, I didn’t finish last and did well. The second Women’s World’s was the same for me - I was a reserve and was able to be one of 56 to play at the clubs in Hawkes Bay where it was held. I

LOCAL CLUBS

Nelson Hinemoa Croquet Club

Cnr. Haven & Halifax St, Nelson 03 548 3977

Club secretary: Jackie Gardner 027 5200 509

nhcc.secretary@gmail.com

sporty.co.nz/nelsonhinemoacroquetclub

was also president of Croquet New Zealand at the time, so it was great to play in the event and be a part of the event as president. Like the first time, I wasn’t last when I finished and finished ahead of half of the New Zealand players who were selected to play. I like being able to just focus and usually play better under those conditions.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to give it a go?

Do it. Contact the club nearest you and ask when you can have a go. More than likely, it will be on club day, which varies from club to club. Or, one of the members or club coach will meet with you and your friends (great to bring along friends when you learn) and give it a go. The green fee is typically $5 for the coaching, use of equipment and time on the lawns. If you are interested, the Top 8 AC and the second Top 8 AC players in New Zealand are playing at the Nelson Hinemoa Croquet Club from 16 - 20 March 20. Everyone is welcome and it’s free to all.

Richmond Croquet Club

348 Lower Queen St, Richmond 021 958 447

Club secretary: Kaye Sutherland 021 757 4668

richmondcroquet7020@gmail.com sporty.co.nz/richmondcroquet

Riwaka Croquet Club Main Road, Riwaka 03 526 6842

Club secretary: Wayne Wooff 03 526 6237

wooffw@xtra.co.nz sporty.co.nz/riwakacroquet

Annie Henry at Nelson Hinemoa Croquet Club.

Discovering the hoarder gene

By Ro Cambridge

Do you have kitchen drawers full of bits of string, rubber bands, half-empty matchboxes, dried-up ballpoint pens, unidentified keys, and those little scribble pads that real estate agents send you? If so, you probably carry the recently identified Hoarder Gene.

This gene, a legacy of our Palaeolithic hunter-gatherer ancestors, affects the behaviour of a significant proportion of the modern population. People in whom the gene is dominant are strongly predisposed to collect objects from the environment and store them as a hedge against future shortage or calamity. Thousands of years ago, the Hoarder Gene prompted useful survival behaviours like gathering plant material for food, fire and shelter, and hunting animals for meat and clothing.

But, ironically, in the 21st century, the gene may be having the very opposite effect. Case in point. A Las Vegas man reported his wife missing, and it was four months before her body was discovered - inside their own housecrushed under a pile of junk. Not only is the gene putting individual lives at risk, but it is also threatening the life of the planet by driving our rampant consumerism.

Market, Founder’s Book Fair, op shops and the local recycle centre. I estimate that up to 75% of shoppers at big-box stores may be operating under its influence.

Until now, I’ve castigated myself for never achieving a clutter-free home worthy of a magazine feature, with soothingly blank walls and acres of pale, unruffled carpet. I’ve felt guilty that I haven’t been able to restrict myself to one small, impeccably curated, perfectly-stacked, collection of books, or a single artfully-arranged totem on a gleaming coffee table.

But now that I know I’m afflicted with the Hoarder Gene, all that shame and guilt has vanished.

But now that I know I’m afflicted with the Hoarder Gene, all that shame and guilt has vanished. Looking back, I see that I’m descended from a long-line of bargain-hunters and op-shoppers. My grandmother was a hunter and gatherer until well into old age. She’d arrive home from her daily rambles with oddities picked up from second-hand shops - anything from a rusted tobacco tin full of postage stamps to a collection of tiny bird’s eggs in a nest of cottonwool, or a packet of hair nets. And always, a handbag full of lollies pinched from the Pick’n’Mix counter at Woolworth’s.

Expensive genetic testing is the only certain way to determine if you carry the Hoarder Gene. However, I’ve developed a simple self-test questionnaire which is quicker, and just as accurate. The Kitchen Drawer Question (see above) is just one of a 100 questions on my Hoarder Gene Discovery and Screening Tool. Other questions include: “Can you still walk into your walkin pantry?”; How many pairs of reading glasses do you own?”; “Is there enough room in your garage to park your car?”; “How old were you when you first rented space in an off-site storage facility?”

My own research suggests that the Hoarder Gene is widespread among regular visitors to Nelson’s Sunday

During my research I consulted a back issue of Oprah Winfrey’s magazine featuring an article on decluttering. I was amazed to discover that these advisors were innocent and unwitting carriers of the Hoarder Gene at its most virulent. How else to explain Claire’s pride in her rack of 50 matching bras and underpants? Or Brooke, purring over a cabinet holding 125 pairs of shoes? Or Elena, happily posing with 300 scarves?

I’ll be sending Oprah a copy of my Hoarder Gene Discovery and Screening Tool, as soon as I’ve ordered the bookcase I saw advertised in her magazine: it converts from a bookcase into a coffin. How nifty is that? I think I’ll order two.

Yesterday’s junk is tomorrows treasures

My interest in collecting ANZAC biscuit tins started after I served in the New Zealand army in the Vietnam War from 1970-1971. The first tins, filled with ANZAC biscuits were released in 1999 and featured photographs from WWI. The original biscuit was called Soldiers’ Biscuits, sent by mothers, wives and women’s groups to their men in battle. After landing at Gallipoli, they were renamed ANZAC Biscuits.

I first started collecting ANZAC tins 24 years ago, and now have 86 that I’ve sourced from Australia and around New Zealand. Supermarkets now sell commemorative tins; it’s a long-standing tradition to raise funds for the RSA, with one dollar donated for every tin sold. Last year had a limited-edition tin, designed by fashion icon, Trelise Cooper, ‘Poppies blowing in the wind.’ Of course I had to buy it to add to the collection, so it’s just as well I still like the traditional ANZAC bikkies.

My favourite tin is Simpson & His Donkey at Gallipoli WW1 1915. It is the rarest and most famous tin, painted by Horace Moore-Jones from a photograph. Private Simpson used donkeys to carry seriously wounded men to the first aid station at ANZAC Cove. He never fired a shot at the enemy or was ordered to leave the trenches, yet Simpson and his Donkey epitomize the ANZAC spirit and became more famous than any soldier awarded the Victoria Cross. Years ago, that tin cost me about $60, today it can fetch up to $400.

I keep about 30 tins on display at Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Community Centre in Stoke where the Nelson/Stoke RSA office is situated. I have been a committee member and support advisor of the RSA for 36 years, also serving as president of the club. There is no more room in my kitchen so it’s nice that other people can enjoy the tins.

Other things I collect are: Prattware earthen glazed pot lids, New Zealand pottery from Luke Adams 1800’s, Molle Pottery from the 1960’s and the local Nelson history of Robinson’s Bros’ apple wine carafes from the 1960’s really interests me. I have hundreds in my collection altogether and love to share the passion at local antique fairs and events that the Nelson Bottle and Collectables Club hosts. Some say I have an obsession, my wife says with amusement, ‘it’s a disease!’ I’m really a passionate person – ‘other people’s junk become my treasures.’

Barry Pont with some of his collection of ANZAC biscuit tins.

Photo: Vaughan Scott

Karen Scott lifts the lid on local man Barry Pont who takes the cake (or biscuits) with the largest collection of ANZAC biscuit tins in New Zealand.

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Cue the choirs

Nelson/Tasman is fortunate to have more than a dozen active choirs operating in the region. Adrienne Matthews speaks with those who help make up these diverse choirs, from church groups to eclectic world choirs.

There is nothing quite like singing in a group, filling the air with music, while giving the lungs a good workout. The combination of a diverse range of voices creating a melodic tapestry of music uplifts the soul, is good for body and mind and brings joy to those who listen. Groups of people from all cultures have gathered together to sing for time immemorial and the Nelson/Tasman region is blessed with an abundance of choirs to join.

Members belong to choirs and singing groups for a variety of reasons. The joy and fun that comes with making music with others and the camaraderie of being part of a group are usually the first reasons given. They can be a great option for those who want to become more confident in their musical ability and knowledge as well as a boost to self-esteem. They can also open up a whole new world of music, including that from different cultures.

Singing helps reduce stress by raising levels of endorphins, the “feel good” chemicals, which can reduce anxiety and give a sense of well-being. It also helps with breathing and posture, contributing positively to physical health.

Some Nelsonians belong to more than one choir. John Foes-Lamb, secretary of the Nelson Male Voice Choir,

is also a member of the Nelson Civic Choir and the Nelson Cathedral Choir.

Established over 90 years ago, the Nelson Male Voice Choir gave its first concert at the Nelson School of Music in 1933. It has only ever stopped meeting for two years during World War 2 which tragically took the lives of five of its members.

These days it has 25-30 members aged from 17 to 80 plus. John has been a member for ten years. “I enjoy the companionship. They’re a really good bunch,” he says.

Three years ago, he also joined the Nelson Civic Choir. “There we have the opportunity to sing a different range of music including large choral works like the Messiah. As if that wasn’t enough musical activity, he also belongs to the Nelson Cathedral Choir. “My wife Philippa and I went to a Christmas day service there a few years ago and she pointed out they seemed a bit short in the male department and the next thing I was in that one as well. When the choirs have combined services, I can be hopping around all over the place, sometimes singing as a tenor, other times as a baritone,” he laughs.

Nelson’s Civic Choir is one of the oldest community choirs in the country, established 160 years ago. A

ABOVE: Mosaic is Nelson’s oldest world music choir, established 25 years ago.

Singing helps reduce stress by raising levels of endorphins, which can reduce anxiety and give a sense of well-being. It also helps with breathing and posture, contributing positively to physical health.

non-audition choir, it holds regular concerts, social occasions and workshops and, like many other choirs in the region, joins together with other groups on occasions for concerts.

The Nelson Bays Harmony Chorus belongs to the international Sweet Adelines organisation that was founded in Oklahoma, USA, in 1945 by a small group of women who loved to sing. A barbershop, a capella style, it spread throughout the world and Nelson’s own very enthusiastic branch perform a number of concerts each year and attend the annual Sweet Adeline’s national competition.

Co-director Alex Charlton developed her love for the barbershop singing style when she was at high school and is loving being involved again. “I had a break for about ten years after I left school but then returned to it,” she says. “I love it. They are such a great bunch of ladies.”

Trish Armstrong who has been a member for nearly 25 years was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the Sweet Adelines International Convention in New Orleans. Her acceptance as part of the winning NZ national choir that attended was via an audition and involved intense coaching both in the month before and during the event. “It was a fantastic experience to be with such world class choirs,” she says. Remarkably, the New Zealand entry finished seventh. “The Nelson Bays Harmony Chorus is such a wonderful group to be in,” she says. “The friendships formed, the new music to learn, the coaching and opportunities that arise are all fantastic.”

Tasmonics is another a cappella group for 4-part mixed voice. Established 25 years ago it was previously Men in Accord but now includes anyone and has a repertoire of songs in barbershop style. The choir sings for various organisations and takes part in barbershop contests. The Tasman region has four ‘world music’ choirs; Zing in Golden Bay, Inakord who meet at the Riverside Community, Mosaic and Haven. These choirs celebrate the diversity of cultures across the world by performing music from many different countries, usually in their original languages. Mosaic is Nelson’s oldest world music choir and was established 25 years ago. Local artist Dana Rose, who has been a member for 24 years, loves the wide repertoire the choir performs with pieces chosen from across most of the world’s continents. “It is a wonderful experience to sing songs in different languages, with a variety of rhythms, textures and sounds that are very unlike what we are used to,” she says.

Jenny Daniell leads the Haven Choir which provides an interesting repertoire that is a mixture of Te Reo, English and other foreign languages.

These choirs are part of eight regional choirs, including one from Greymouth, which join together under the Top of the south (TOTS) banner once a year for a weekend of singing, performing much-anticipated concerts every two years.

Jochen Maurer directs both Golden Bay world choir Zing and the Golden Bay Choir. The latter’s repertoire includes a wide range of pieces composed from around 1500 until today.

Also focused on classical singing is the Nelson Chamber Chroma Choir. Founded in 2010, it performs mostly classical works from the Renaissance period of the 14th century through to those by modern composers. Wonderfully committed choir leaders are a feature of the Nelson region. Erica Sims takes two choirs, the long-standing Take a Chance Singers, under the

Co-director of the Nelson Bays Harmony Chorus Alex Charlton with other choir members.

Off Your Rockers sing a range of songs from mid-twentieth century to current numbers, often with instruments.

Waimea College Community Education banner, and the Stoke Songbirds. As for most Nelson choirs, no audition is required and the main focus is on enjoying singing and having fun. “The Stoke Songbirds are very social,” she says, “and both choirs are an opportunity for people to just enjoy making music together.”

John Botting started the Mapua Community Choir when he and his wife moved to the area in 2019. Having been actively involved in music teaching throughout his life and a member of the Nelson Civic Choir and the NZ Male Voice Choir, music plays a big part is his everyday life.

“I discovered that local people were looking for an opportunity to get together and make music,” he says. “It’s a very social choir. The most important things are that we enjoy what we do and leave practices having had a very good sing.”

Also based in Mapua are the Coastal Stringers who combine their love of playing the ukelele with singing. They have members coming from Motueka, Ngatimoti and Nelson and their aim is quite simple - to have fun.

Philippa Beckman has a busy life as musical director for Tasmonics, Off Your Rockers and Sing Your Lungs Out. Off Your Rockers is for those 65 plus who sing a range of songs from mid-20th century to current numbers, often accompanied by those members who can play instruments.

Age Concern also encourages those who are retired to make music together with two choirs under its wing; Singing Yourself Well and Fun Singing with Ukelele.

For those who enjoy religious music there is the Sunday Gospel Community Choir based at the Riverside Community and Nelson Cathedral choir.

Every January a group of 70-80 choristers get together for nine days at the Teapot Valley Summer School to

work with a conductor, often one from overseas. It is a chance to learn new skills and is popular for the camaraderie it brings and the chance to sing together in a beautiful place with choristers from around New Zealand. There is one black cloud facing many of the region’s mixed choirs; the lack of male singers. Mapua’s John Botting bemoans that singing is not an integral part of general New Zealand culture the way it is in many countries. “It’s very much a part of Maori and Pacific cultures just as it is for the likes of the Welsh, but generally men are reluctant to join choirs here,” he says. This is despite the fact that many men have tremendous voices and would be a huge asset to the many choirs desperate for their participation. All leaders of mixed choirs in the region want to hear from any willing to give the experience a go. “They will be amazed at how much they enjoy it,” was the most common cry from all. Opportunity abounds for singers with such a wide range of choirs available, all extending a warm welcome to new members.

Give singing a go

The Mapua based Coastal Stringers.

Leading ladies

If you pluck the heart out of the flax bush, where will the bellbird sing?

Karen Scott finds out that the flax bush of creativity is well and truly alive. She speaks to three local bellbirds who continue to weave their own song into the fabric of our community through dance, theatre and art.

Peta Spooner has been teaching dance in Nelson for more than 40 years.

Photos Vaughan Scott

Peta Spooner

Dance teacher, choreographer, mentor

Peta is a straight talker, as straight as a ballet dancer’s back at the barre. She is feisty and fiercely passionate about her students and serving the community.

Born and bred in the North Island, Peta began dancing at three years old when her mother took her to watch her sister’s ballet lessons. She used to practice at the back of the room. By 15 she started to teach. Fifty-five years later, the passion for teaching and choreography is still flourishing.

Peta moved from Wellington to Nelson in 1983 and established the Peta Spooner Academy of Dance. She has taught thousands of pupils, guiding and preparing them for shows, exams and competitions.

Peta says she loves teaching children. “I feel the same about the students today as when I started with the little ones, they were my specialty. Now I can’t get off the floor, so I leave that to my younger teachers. Retiring will never be an option; I have a commitment now to the senior students. I love seeing them progress, it's what makes me tick.” She couldn’t wait to show me the new pink tutus and laughs, “Sparkles and sequins are not my thing!”

students. I'll never get tired of it. The older students are encouraged to work with the younger ones, and we have always made way for students with disabilities in the studio, they are a lot of fun.” Peta feels strongly about ensuring every child has the opportunity to dance if they wished. She trained as a psychopaedic nurse so is very used to working with children with physical and mental needs.

When asked what advice she would give to a younger Peta, without hesitation she replied, “Have faith and belief in yourself and know you are there for the children. Do not change your heart to please others.”

When asked what advice she would give to a younger Peta, without hesitation she replied, “Have faith and belief in yourself and know you are there for the children. Do not change your heart to please others.”

In 1985 she established and funded The Wakatu Dance Theatre Trust, to provide support and encouragement to the young people of Nelson. Today her dance studio provides so much more. It offers a physical space to a diverse range of community groups from mum’s and bubs classes, elderly groups, adult dance, yoga, pilates, group fitness and circus classes, and a safe place for the homeless to share a meal together.

Peta is inspiring, generous and humble, with her heartbeat to serve community she is a bellbird who continues to sing.

What is her thing? “Honesty, integrity, kindness, caring and giving, are the attributes I like to nurture in my

Gwen Daly

Actor, director, producer, screenwriter

As I sit across the table from Gwen, I can see the sparkle in her eye and hear the passion in her voice as she shares her love for the theatre.

Gwen’s story begins sitting on a beach in Morocco, aged 24 and dreaming of becoming an actor. Irish born and brought up in England, Gwen embarked on an adventure to Sydney at 21, where she auditioned for drama school and was accepted. “I was shy and introverted, one of seven children, but on the stage, I was seen. When I acted, I found it easy to become another person. It was the magic of turning an everyday situation into an experience for people... To take people into a space to tell a story, either in a play or a film and transfer them to another time and create something totally different… I loved it. When I acted, I became that person, when I directed, I wanted people to feel all the emotions of being that character; it’s the power of taking people to another place.”

“I was shy and introverted, one of seven children, but on the stage, I was seen.”

Gwen returned to the UK, met partner Mic, a professional musician, screenwriter, playwright and editor, and in 2001, Nelson became home with a dream of opening a pub theatre. In 2009 an old church in the heart of the Nelson CBD came up for sale, so with business partner Eelco Boswijk, it was purchased and converted into the first craft beer free house in Nelson. Two years later, a yurt was installed in the Free House garden as a venue for music, but it wasn’t long before Gwen saw it as a space for plays. Jo Public Nga Tangata Theatre Company was formed. “We had music bands, movie nights, poetry reading and plays. This became the place accessible for anyone and everyone who wanted to have a go.”

Since that time Gwen has many achievements to her name: In 2018 she directed and produced two short stage plays, 'A Busy Man' and 'The Smart House' for Jo Public. In 2016 she was the actor, director, and producer for a short film ‘Late Equaliser’ which won best supporting actor and People's Choice Award at Top of the South Film Festival. A year later she directed and produced the short film 'Starfish,' and 'Monster Sale' in which she was awarded best support actor and best film at the Top of the South Film Festival Nelson 2017-18.

So what’s next for Gwen? “For five years I have been writing a series for television, but I have to put it to bed. I am not a natural writer, I’m too manic. I like to act and want to make a short film again. If I could advise a younger Gwen I would say, “Believe in yourself, follow your passion and doors will unexpectedly open for you. You can do it!”

Gwen has never lost her passion for acting, nor her vision for a special place in Nelson for the performance arts. A special flaxbush, where people can be seen and transported to another time and space.

Gwen Daly has had a long-time passion for acting and the performance arts.

Karen Loten

Artist, teacher, visionary

Karen’s creative space is a visual delight; bright canvas artworks hang on the walls, pots filled with paintbrushes, patchwork fabric stacked on shelves, and the easel, with a not so usual piece in progress. ‘The Studio,’ has texture, colour and a quiet calm about it.

We chat about her paintings, love of creating fabric art and laugh about how I can’t draw past stick figures. Then comes the pearl; “Anybody can make a mark, and that’s the start. Draw something around the stick figure, it becomes a tree, or anything you want.”

“Anybody can make a mark, and that’s the start.”

Karen begins to share her memories of enjoying art at high school and striving to create a masterpiece on newsprint. “I had a brush only fit for glue, and rounds of poster paint in a six-hole patty tin.” Nowadays, Karen enjoys painting in bright acrylics, “I enjoy creating art which makes people smile. Now art is my retirement hobby, but it has provided me with so much more.”

Her art roots are in pen and ink, with her first-ever sale being a drawing of a wild sea on the rocks of Muriwai Beach, West Auckland. The love of the ocean comes from being a volunteer lifeguard and her first visit to New Zealand at aged 28 in 1981 for a surf lifesaving competition with the Welsh team. She trained as a PE teacher in the UK, teaching for more than 30 years in both the UK and New Zealand.

Karen became a member of Art Group Nelson in 2020 when relocating to Nelson and has been club president since 2021. Art Group Nelson fosters and encourages artists at all levels and last year commemorated 50 years of the club and Art in the Park, held in the unique venue of Queens Gardens.

I asked Karen what advice would you give to your younger artist self and how are you inspired to create your own artworks? “Firstly, stay passionate. Challenge yourself by trying something new and keep learning. Don’t let work get in the way of your creative side. Just the doing gives time for yourself.”

To stay inspired Karen visits galleries and exhibitions. “I see art everywhere, when it moves me, I sketch it, I always have a small pad with me. Then I can paint from the heart, a painting has to have soul. I like to encourage people to think outside the box about their work, it might be a shade or a different brush stroke, don’t copy anybody, just enjoy it.” Great wisdom from a lifeguard to us all.

Karen has a vision for an Arts Centre for Nelson Tasman, where the community shares knowledge and sparks each other’s imagination. A home where workshops and exhibitions, arts and crafts, can be held in one place, meeting both the creative and artistic needs alongside the well-being of the community. This bellbird sings a great song, “Doing art is a lifelong pursuit,” Karen says.

Karen Loten enjoys creating art which makes people smile.

Brightwater’s Snowden’s Bush

The Waimea Plains once looked vastly different to how they do now. On the Tasman Bay side there were fertile plains of river soil on which Maori grew kumara. The backdrop to these going south were large areas of lowland, mixed broadleaf, podocarp forest with towering species like rimu, kahikatea, tōtara, miro, mataī and totara in abundance.

A rare example of this forest remains as Snowden’s Bush in Brightwater. The five hectares is home to magnificent specimens of totara, matai and titoki, some of them over a century old.

By 1843 the area was being settled by Europeans and the land on which the forest stood was owned by the Snowden family. They allowed people to picnic there and visitors would come from miles to what was considered one of the region’s prime picnic spots.

In 1853, five acres of land in front of Snowden’s Bush was offered to the local Protestant church society so that the minister could graze his horse and cow and grow vegetables. Other stock grazed in the bush area until it came under Department of Conservation control and was stopped to allow regeneration of plant species and the return of native bird life.

Meanwhile, the area on Waimea West Road was then in the ownership of the Nelson Diocesan trust. In 2018 local concern was raised when the parishioners of St

Paul’s church made the decision to sell the land so that a new vicarage could be built with the proceeds.

This saw community spirit whipped up and the Friends of Snowden’s Bush Trust formed to raise the money to purchase it and incorporate it into the existing Snowden’s Bush reserve. Thankfully the Diocesan Trust discounted the price and allowed the Trust time to raise the funds required.

Over three years many private donors and businesses contributed to the fund with the final amount needed donated by the Pinegrove Trust, set up in honour of long-term Brightwater resident Laura Hill. The reserve contains a plaque in honour of her contribution.

Not only is Snowden’s Bush an important part of the region’s ecological history, it is also a magical place to visit. A meander along the pathways through the towering trees gives a sense of what the area must have been like before humans arrived. There is always a chorus of birds, including native kereru, piwakawaka and korimako.

The local community is very involved in the upkeep and ongoing improvements with many new plantings added recently. It is the perfect place to take a picnic and relish the sense of peace and grandeur that comes from being in an ancient forest.

Snowden’s Bush, Brightwater. Nelson Provincial Museum, Kingsford Collection: 153729

Story Adrienne Matthews

Proving your identity

Next year is 100 years since the first driver licences were introduced in New Zealand. Initially issued by local authorities, and renewed annually, the Ministry of Transport became responsible in 1953, issuing wallet-sized booklets requiring five-yearly coupons to keep them current. In 1986 these booklets were replaced by plasticised paper licences, needing multiple folds to fit your wallet. Confusingly called ‘lifetime licences’, they were printed with an expiry date - 50 years hence – and required updating 10-yearly. Hard plastic licences with photograph arrived in 1999, amidst much controversy. Many considered this would become a kind of pseudo ID card, and strongly objected. Nowadays, we carry a variety of cards with photo, signature, and possibly our date of birth and address!

So, if you’re asked for photo ID, what’s acceptable?

It depends on the organisation, and you should ask what’s wanted. Different banks may accept a Passport or NZ Drivers Licence (even if they’re recently expired), NZ Firearms Licence, NZ Certificate of Identity, NZ Refugee travel document, or Kiwi Access Cards. Kiwi Access (which replaced the 18+ card) is administered by the Hospitality Assn, and is recognised by the government as photo ID and evidence of age. It’s a good alternative if you don’t have a passport and no longer drive. Your Kiwi Access card is available for both Kiwis and international visitors, is valid for 10 years, and costs $60. (forms /photos are available from PostShops, AA, or online.)

If you’re over 65, you probably have a SuperGold Card. Did you know you can add a photo? (AA Licencing outlet). The photo is free, and SuperGold Cards don’t expire. However, if your card is a combined SuperGold/ Community Services Card, it has ‘CSC’ on the back, is income tested, and needs renewing. supergold.govt. nz/sgc-application-form.pdf )

Most drivers licences last 10 years (cost $32.40) but when you reach 75 a medical certificate is required from your GP, registered nurse /nurse practitioner or specialist, at your cost. Your licence is then issued for 2-5 years, but costs less to recognise the increased frequency of renewal.

To keep you up-to-date on the road, ‘Staying Safe’ is a classroom-based, refresher workshop option for senior drivers. Complete with take-home workbook, this session reminds you of traffic rules / changes, and explains other transport options to keep you mobile. (nzta.govt.nz/senior-drivers or 0800 822 422)

Citizens Advice Bureau Nelson Tasman volunteers will print application forms for all kinds of things for free, and help you complete them if required.

Paru Paru Rd Nelson, TDC Richmond, Community House Motueka Ph 03 548 2117 or 0800 367 222 cab.org.nz

CAB Nelson Tasman

What’s On during March and April 2024

Monday March 4

Monday March 4 Nellie Knitters

Tuesday March 5 Bowls

Wednesday March 6 Reading to Odie-the therapy dog

Thursday March 7

Friday March 8 Gentle Giants

Saturday March 9

Sunday March 10

Burrell Park Tāhunanui

- Nightingale Library Memorial

United Bowling Club, 201 Waimea Road

Stoke Library

Miyazu Gardens

Upper Trafalgar St

Bank Walk From 8.30am, Wakefield Quay

Sunday March 10 Kids Weetbix Triathlon 7am-1pm, Tāhunanui Beach

Sunday March 10 Jazz on Village Gree, Collette Janson Trio 1pm-3pm, Founders Heritage Park

Monday March 11 Tai Chi

Isel Park, Stoke

Tuesday March 12 Technician Induction crew course 6pm, Ph 03 548 3840, Theatre Royal

Wednesday March 13 Use the eBus with confidence trip. Join at Nelson bus interchange Meet 9.30am at Age Concern Bridge St

Saturday March 16

football tournament

Neale Park

Sunday March 17 St Patrick’s Day Gypsy Pickers 4pm, Prince Albert, Nile St

Sunday March 17 Port Nelson, Vickerman Street, Open Day 11am-4pm, Port Nelson

Tuesday March 19 Live Poets open mic night 7pm-9pm, Yaza Cafe

Tuesday March 19

The Umbrella Project, a showcase of theatre works, tickets from Eventfinda 6.05pm-7.05pm, The Refinery ArtSpace

Thursday March 21 Give croquet a go 1pm-2pm, Hinemoa Croquet Club, Rutherford Park

Friday and Sunday 22 and 24 March Cricket White Ferns vs England Saxton Oval 1pm, Saxton Oval, tickets from Ticketek

Saturday March 23

Sunday March 24

Riding 50cc scooters ‘Seals to eels’, 225km ride fundraiser. 8.30am start Start Tāhunanui sportsfield paula@helirecue.co.nz

Mullticultural Festival 11am-4pm, Founders Heritage Park

Sunday March 24 Live music, ‘Tasmonics’ acapella style 2pm, Elma Turner Libary

Monday March 25 Tai Chi 10am-11am, Saxton Field

Thursday March 28

Sing along in Anzac Park 10am-11.30am, Anzac Park

Sunday March 31 Nelson Giants, 5.30pm Trafalgar Centre

Saturday April 6 Marchfest craft beer and music festival 1pm- 9pm, Founders Heritage Park

Saturday April 6

Sunday April 7

Positive Aging Expo 10am-2pm, Headingly Centre, Richmond

The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Open Day 10am-4pm, Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

Sunday April 14 Design your Own Tea Cup 1pm-3.30pm, Elma Turner Library

Fatal fashion

“Fashion fades, style is eternal,” fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent famously said. However, there are some fashions that are best left in the past.

Fatal Fashion, the latest exhibition at Broadgreen Historic House, looks at how fashion has slain and maimed through time (with a focus on nineteenth and early twentieth centuries). From dangerous dyes to flaming fabrics, awful injuries and disease; the litany of loss in our quest for style is long and lethal.

Broadgreen House has a nationally significant textile and period costume collection of more than 3,000 items from the 1750s through to the 1950s including one of New Zealand’s oldest quilts made in Ireland in 1776. “We have so many wonderful textile objects to work with, including early gowns, accessories and furnishings” says curator Māhina Marshall. Working alongside co-curator and textile expert volunteer Karen Richards, from the seed of an idea planted several years ago, they have been working tirelessly for several months to research and put this latest exhibition together.

“There are so many gruesome tales associated with historic fashion trends,” says Māhina, “some hazards arose in response to existing traditions and customs and were generally economically driven. There were also ghastly accidents as a result of outlandish styles or simply the desire to be fashionable.”

Launching in March as part of Tuku 24, which celebrates Nelson’s unique heritage, history, and culture over six event-filled weeks, Fatal Fashion will be a must see! Broadgreen’s 2022 exhibition The Secret Lives of Dresses was so popular that it inspired a national short story competition.

Broadgreen House has been a popular destination for exhibitions, tours, talks, holiday activities or simply a picnic in the picturesque Samuels Rose Gardens since it was bought by Nelson City Council in 1965. Prior to that it was owned by only two families – the Buxton family who had the house built in 1853, and the Langbein family who owned the house from 1901.

It is an immaculately restored example of early cob construction and has been lovingly and beautifully refurbished and furnished to show family life in early Nelson. “A lot of grandparents bring their grandchildren during the school holidays,” says Māhina. “There’s always things for children to do.”

A team of 25 volunteers are a key part of Broadgreen’s success. “Our volunteers are so amazing and talented,” says Māhina. “They help us tell the story of Broadgreen, take visitors on guided tours, assist with special events and help with our exhibitions and education programmes. They’re all passionate about sharing history.” However, Māhina says they’re always on the lookout for more volunteers, whether it’s to help with the collections, administration, education, or any other area. “There are lots of ways for people to engage to help preserve our history and create wonderful experiences for our visitors.”

To find out more about Broadgreen House, their upcoming exhibition, or how you can help, check out their new website broadgreenhouse.nz

Volunteer Karen Richards and curator Māhina Marshall prep one of the exhibits in Broadgreen House’s latest exhibition Fatal Fashion.

Just one of the 3,000 pieces from Broadreen House’s textile and period costume collection.

Nurturing mental well-being in older age

As we age our mental health becomes a crucial aspect of our overall health. Common mental health issues affecting seniors include depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Patricia Pataki from PP Therapy says, fortunately, there are some proactive measures we can take to prevent and combat these challenges.

Depression

Depression often takes a toll on seniors due to factors such as isolation, chronic health issues, and the loss of loved ones.

Tips for preventing/combating it: Relying on social connections can be helpful; reaching out regularly to friends and family can help to shift our focus from the problematic aspects of our lives to more positive things. Additionally, talking to other people is also important because studies show that it decreases stress and helps to foster a sense of belonging. Physical activity (such as daily walks) can also help, as being active releases endorphins (aka “happiness hormones”).

Anxiety

In older age, anxiety is most frequently caused by life changes or health concerns. It can present itself as frequent worrying, restlessness or agitation that comes and goes, and it may also cause physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or sleep issues (i.e. insomnia).

Tips for preventing/combating it: Simple activities like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercises can significantly reduce anxiety levels. Talking about whatever is causing us stress with a trusted friend or family member can also be helpful. Additionally, if the cause of the anxiety is health-related, talking openly about our worries with a healthcare professional (i.e. GP or nurse) can also provide clarity and reassurance.

Cognitive decline

Cognitive decline, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, becomes more common with age. However, it is important to note that there are many types of dementia,

and not all of them are as severe as others. If you notice any signs which make you worry about the possibility that you may have dementia, it is always a good idea to visit your GP and have a chat with them about your concerns first.

Tips for prevention: Research shows that regular mental stimulation is key to preventing cognitive decline; doing activities like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills can all help to keep our brain active and youthful. Regular exercise enhances blood flow to the brain, reducing the risk of dementia. And finally, studies show that eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 (found in fish, nuts and seeds) may also be beneficial.

Seeking professional support

It is important to recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength; not weakness. If you find yourself struggling with persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety or unease, you may wish to consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Psychotherapists and counsellors specialize in providing tools and strategies to navigate life’s challenges.

In our golden years, nurturing our mental health becomes an essential task. Let’s remember that every emotion we experience is valid, and seeking assistance when needed can be the first step towards feeling better!

Patricia Pataki is a board-registered psychotherapist and counsellor, working in private practice. She has offices in Stoke and Nelson Central. pptherapy.co.nz

A spirited grandma

Swashbuckling adventures are not just for intrepid explorers and scurrilous pirates. Britt Coker talks to one woman who has spent 26 years seeking a treasure more precious than gold.

It wasn’t something she initially wanted to do but here she is, Sheila Budgen, longtime volunteer crew member of the tall ship Spirit of New Zealand. It was actually a sailing trip by their eldest daughter on the Spirit of Adventure years ago that inspired Sheila and her family to get involved. Her daughter raved about the experience so much that when the 42-metre, three-masted tall ship came to Nelson, Sheila and her husband went along to see what all the fuss was about. In the process, they discovered the ship was needing more volunteer crew. Her husband was keen.

“I said, well, you’re welcome to do it but I’m not doing it. But he signed me up to do a weekend trip and 26 years later I’m still sailing.”

Sheila averages about four trips a year and, of course, the treasure she pursues is not a bounty of riches, but a journey of self-discovery for young people aged 16 to 19. Who wouldn’t when reflecting on their life, trade pieces of eight for their own teenage years with more confidence, increased resilience, and lifetime connections off the back

of a unique experience? It’s Sheila and the rest of the (mostly) volunteer crew that help make this happen for hundreds of young people every year.

The family’s first-hand enthusiasm for the experience subsequently inspired them to set up their own trust - The Spirit of Nelson Tasman Trust - to raise money to enable local teens to experience life onboard the Spirit of New Zealand and possibly even transform their lives as a result. Every year they help place between two to four young people

on the ship.

Now a Sheila she may be, but that’s not what the teens that she meets on the Spirit of New Zealand call her.

“I usually say to them, you’ve got 50 odd names to learn, we’ll make one easy, you can call me Grandma.”

Twenty six years, four voyages a year, 40 teenage crew each time, that’s an awful lot of quasi-grandchildren to run into in supermarkets, airport terminals and formal functions.

“The funniest occasion was when the previous governor general host-

Sheila Budgen on board the Spirit of New Zealand, which she spent 26 years as a volunteer crew member.

ed a soiree at Government House in Wellington for all the things that he and his wife were patrons of, and I was invited to represent the Spirit of Adventure Trust at this evening thing and my husband and I trotted off on our best behaviour.

The Governor General’s aide-decamp was a woman lieutenant in the navy with all the gold braids and she was welcoming everybody and all the rest of it, and she said, ‘Grandma! I sailed with you eight years ago.’ And my husband rolls his eyes at me and says, ‘Can I not take you anywhere without someone shouting Grandma at you.’”

“I usually say to them, you’ve got 50 odd names to learn, we’ll make one easy, you can call me Grandma.”

The teens come from all walks of life, from the privileged to those a lot less so. They sometimes share things about their lives she wished she didn’t know, or can’t believe when she does. “One of them said he'd never been with good people before. I said to him, we’re nothing special, we’re just ordinary people. You just give them a little look into how life could be.”

A typical day on the voyage begins with a 6.30 am jump off the ship into the water, Sheila included (“I don’t ask them to do anything I wouldn’t do myself”). Breakfast and chores follow. A crew gathering, daily

inspirational quote and then the activity varies from there. They may up-anchor and sail off, or go onshore to do beach games or go for a day tramp. Plus, they’ll do a beach clean-up before the trip is over. Each day ends with a debrief and fun team activity, then bedtime at 9.30 when everyone is usually happy to hit the sack, tired from the day’s adventures, and all too aware tomorrow’s sunrise will be followed by a plank walk into the cool water.

The biggest shock to the system is not the early morning swims. “We take all their phones and ipods off them, so they've got no technology for ten days, and each day one of them takes on being a leader for the day. For some of them that’s no problem, but for others it's a real challenge. So they develop their leadership skills, their social skills, all sorts of things. I just see how much they get out of it.”

“Ät the end of the trip when we're doing the last debrief, I always say to them, ‘Just shut your eyes and think back ten days and how you felt when you first saw the ship at the wharf, now think about how you feel about it now, and does anyone have anything they want to share?’ and it's quite interesting how they react to being there.”

“I don’t think any of them goes away without getting something out of it, though it often takes a little while to actually think about it, think back over what they've achieved and what they've done.”

As an adult, it can be easy to forget how much knowledge you have accumulated until you observe a teenager with an onion in one hand and a potato peeler in the other. Or you send someone off to get a lettuce and they come back with a cabbage (“But they’re both green, grandma”).

Of course, personal growth and increased confidence is the main purpose of ten days at sea. While the experience is dressed as a sailing adventure it’s more an opportunity to step away from tech addictions, parental governance and landlubber routines. And in the space where comfort zones dissolve, team spirit is forged. Everyone takes a turn to lead, and by virtue of trading places, obey. How to chop an onion, identify a lettuce, clean a toilet and sail a tall ship. We learn how to do most of these things at one age or another. But sometimes when you condense a

“I don’t think any of them goes away without getting something out of it, though it often takes a little while to actually think about it, think back over what they’ve achieved and what they’ve done.”

whole bunch of new experiences into a short space of time you can jumpstart a surge in confidence levels and self-reflection that can dramatically change a person's entire lifepath. Not to mention what several days of salt-spray facials and horizon-dipping sunsets can do for the soul.

At 79, Sheila has recently said her last “Ahoy, me hearties”. If you’re looking to take her place, you don’t need previous experience as a sailor to become a volunteer crew member. You have to be reasonably fit, enjoy working with teenagers, and be able to leave home, work and loved ones for ten days at a time. For Sheila, her resignation was a pragmatic decision that she freely admits to still have moments of regret about. She’s loved the role, as well as raising money through the trust (which will continue) for local teens to experience a trip. The sharp minds of youth last for a long time though, so while the sailor’s life may have ended for Sheila, she’s sure to hear people calling out “Grandma!” when she least expects it, for a few more years to come.

Understanding the true value of a home

As an award-winning sales consultant for Re/ Max Elite Nelson, Janice Emery understands what it takes to ensure a positive outcome for her clients. A licensed real estate consultant, Janice has been involved in the industry since 2007. The effort that she places within each listing has earned her repeat business and regular referrals from multiple existing clients.

Janice provides genuine care, considerable effort and special attention to detail, alongside her extensive experience in advertising, to focus on the unique selling points of each and every home. “Every property has at least one,” says Janice. “I provide advice on simple, cost-effective ways to enhance the overall appeal of the property to ensure it is desirable in a competitive market. These can be as simple as attending to outstanding maintenance or completing improvements. Sometimes you may find items like carpet or curtains need replacing or it could simply be having the garden tidied and the house washed. It is always good to stand back and take a fresh look at your home and complete any required works prior to marketing.”

It is important to have the right person working alongside you with a deep comprehension of the property market, Janice says, and it is really helpful for people to understand the value of their property. “Your home is likely to be your most significant asset. Knowing the true value of your home can help you with those important financial decisions – i.e. can I afford a larger home, can I afford to move into the area I have always admired, can I afford to help out the children, what are my retirement options.”

Producing a free resource booklet, that contains advice on everything from property preparation to expert advice when moving, Janice aims to make the process as easy as possible for her clients. “The booklet contains information on preparing your property

for sale, plus professional advice and information to assist with the entire process.”

Janice’s customer feedback consistently speaks of her utter professionalism, effective communication and solid professional advice with an acute understanding of the industry – all a true testament to the absolute dedication that Janice places within each role.

A recent testimonial validates this: “Janice was recommended to us, and she exceeded our expectations. During the sale of our property and the purchase of another, Janice was always professional but very approachable and supportive. Communication and level of service was exceptional.”

Janice Emery

Licensed under REAA 2008

RE/MAX Elite

03 548 7705 or 0274 470 805

janice.emery@remax-elite.co.nz

Janice Emery, Licensed under REAA 2008, from RE/MAX Elite provides genuine care for her clients.

Chocolate cake

This recipe was given to me by my sister-in-law. She had been asked to make a chocolate wedding cake for her niece and this recipe was perfect. Delicious, easy to make (she needed to make multiple) and could be decorated as needed. I typically reduce the sugar content of the cake and use ganache icing (also reduces sugar and the slightly bitter chocolate pairs well with the sweeter cake).

INGREDIENTS

2 cups sugar

¾ cup cocoa

1 ½ tsp baking powder

1 ½ tsp baking soda

1 ¾ cups flour

1 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

½ cup oil

1 cup milk

METHOD

Mix all ingredients together.

Add 1 cup boiling water. (This is a very wet mix.)

Bake at 180’C for 1 hour.

Ganache icing

INGREDIENTS

250g good quality dark chocolate (broken into pieces) 1 cup cream

METHOD

Put broken-up chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat cream on a low-med heat until it is steamy but not bubbling.

Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Leave to sit for 5 minutes.

Stir mixture together until smooth then spread on cooled cake.

Ganache will thicken the longer it sits and cools.

Nola Timpson

The Bookshelf

Stella Chrysostomou of VOLUME reviews four new books. volumebooks.online

The Puppets of Spelhorst

Kate DiCamillo and Julie Morstad

$28

Walker Books

Five puppets lie forgotten in a trunk, left in the dark, unwanted. Once they had been on display, crafted with care, performing together. They belonged together and they had a story. Would they be together again, and would there be a new story?

Kate DiCamillo works her magic with The Puppets of Spelhorst. With the texture of a folktale, she reveals the story of a girl, a boy, a king, an owl, and a wolf. An old man sees a puppet in the window of a toy shop and a memory of past love is rekindled. He wants to take her home and look into her eyes, so like those of his sweetheart long gone, but he is obliged to take all the puppets. And so, it comes to be. In the night the girl sitting atop a dresser sees the moon and describes its beauty to her companions. The old man sleeps and does not awaken. And then an adventure begins.

A journey that will take them through the hands of the rag-and-bone man, to an uncle with two inquisitive nieces, where a new story will be made, one which involves all of them — even though they will have their fierce teeth tampered with (the wolf), be mistaken for a feather duster (the owl), left abandoned outside and kidnapped by a giant bird (the boy), be snaffled into a pocket (the girl), and left alone with no one to rule (the king). Yet this is not the only story taking place. Emma is writing a puppet play, and Martha is making mischief. A new story is ready to be told. An extra hand and a good singing voice are needed, so in steps the maid, Jane Twiddum — someone who will have a profound impact on the fate of the five friends.

The Puppets of Spelhorst is an absolute delight. A spellbound tale. “Now it all happens,” whispers the boy. “Now the story begins.”

Lori and Joe Amy Arnold

$36

Prototype Publishing

When Lori takes her partner Joe coffee in the morning, she finds him dead. She immediately sets off on a long loop walk over the Westmorland fells. This remarkable piece of writing shows us how the mind maintains its claustrophobia even in the most wide-open spaces. Amy Arnold compellingly captures the way her protagonist’s thoughts swarm and cluster, accumulate in ruts and run thin over past traumas, stuttering in proximity to the unfaceable that yet shapes everything it underlies.

Flora: Celebrating Our Botanical World

$80

Te Papa Press

This sumptuous book is a fine example of cultural history as told through objects. Beautifully designed and produced, it is full of wonderful images from our national collections. For lovers both of art and of plants, Flora is a visual treat underpinned by intelligent essays that explore our wider relationship with nature in Aotearoa.

Take Two

Vivian Thonger and Caroline Thonger

$36

CB Editions

Two sisters present and contest their memories of growing up in the form of stories, poems, letters, postcards, a menu, playscripts, objects, and songs. Although many of their recollections of dual-heritage family life in north London concur, there are fascinating contradictions in the archive, too.

Do it for your family

Backed by decades of experience in the medical profession, the Tasman Day Surgery (TDS) team have built a solid reputation for providing clients with high-quality patient-centred hospital care within a warm and friendly environment. Located on Lower Queen Street in Richmond, TDS are dedicated to providing a wide range of excellent options in private medical and surgical services including endoscopic colonoscopy and gastroscopy, general surgery, gynaecology, skin surgery, ear nose and throat surgery, oncology and orthopaedics.

They firmly believe that utilising a proactive approach to healthcare encourages people to take charge of their well-being. There is usually a stigma regarding private health issues and it's often something that especially men aged 50+ struggle to talk about as they may find it difficult or embarrassing. The specialists often see patients who have hidden their symptoms or concerns for a long time before seeking medical attention. Wanting to break an unfortunate stereotype, the TDS team recognise it is more important than ever to encourage men to get the care that they need, and by doing so, making a profound investment in the happiness and security of their families.

“Colorectal cancer is a major problem in New Zealand,” says New Zealand-trained general, laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeon Dr Tom Burton. “It is one of the highest causes of cancer death in the country. Bowel screening is a great tool for us to have as prevention is much better than cure. Often, we find colonic polyps when we do colonoscopy. Although not all polyps will go on to form cancer, all cancers come from polyps so if we do find them then it allows us to screen a patient’s risk and ensure appropriate follow-up colonoscopies can be arranged.”

Privacy is paramount to the team, and they ensure complete confidentiality throughout each patient's healthcare journey. At the heart of their commitment

is a streamlined system for patients to access checkups promptly. Direct booking options eliminate unnecessary waiting times, ensuring a faster turnaround and efficient healthcare delivery.

Working hand in hand with experienced healthcare professionals, TDS facilitates a collaborative partnership between the patient and their doctor. This approach goes beyond traditional healthcare interactions, fostering open communication and understanding. By actively involving patients in decisions regarding their health, the medical centre ensures that each individual receives a customised and effective healthcare plan. Appointments can be made with a referral from a GP, or alternatively, the team welcome any private enquiries.

“At Tasman Day Surgery our team of caring health professionals will support your health journey. With a leading purpose-built hospital, you can be assured that your safety and comfort are prioritised every step of the way,” says general manager Lynda Wakefield.

Tasman Day Surgery

341 Lower Queen St, Richmond tasmandaysurgery.co.nz

Tasman Day Surgery encourages anyone (especially men) with symptoms or concerns to contact them.

Still one of our most popular shade solutions. Shade Sails offer an architectural look that enhances your home and instantly creates a cozy outdoor space. Shade Sails can also be attached to an existing pergola, and removed in the cooler months when you want to enjoy the sun. There are a multitude of colours to choose from, as well as a waterproof option. We can take care of everything, including the measuring, manufacturing, installation of posts, and installing the Shade Sail.

Extendable Arm Awnings

Retractable arm awnings have been growing in popularity as a versatile outdoor shade solution. Enabling you to control the amount of shade and shelter you require in your outdoor living area. When the awning is retracted it is completely protected by a fully enclosed cassette, ensuring a longer product life and superior functionality. Custom-made to your width and extension requirements, they come in an extensive choice of colours and optional extra’s, such as motorization and wind sensors.

This elegant cantilever umbrella is the ultimate choice for outdoor living and entertaining for both residential and commercial environments. Combining style and strength, with a tilting adjustment for low sun and a 360° rotation, the Riviera Cantilever Umbrella provides complete shade flexibility and a 60kph wind rating. The umbrella can be installed into a wooden deck or a concrete patio or there is a free-standing base option. The frame is available in silver or a sleek matt black, with a range of canopy colours.

These are just three of our many outdoor shade solutions, call us now for a no obligation free consultation and quote.

Shade 7 Cantilever Umbrella

Shade Sails

Autumn gardening

In Your Garden with Philippa Foes-Lamb

Autumn is here at last and I could not be happier. It is one of my favourite seasons, bringing with it the promise of cooler weather.

Now is a good time to have a good look at your fruit trees, particularly stone fruit. If you have plums or apricots, check for signs of silver leaf. They are particularly susceptible to this fungal disease. It enters through a wound in the wood, causing the leaves to become dull, taking on a silvery sheen. Over time, silver leaf will kill the tree, so it is important to cut off every affected branch, removing them from your property.

If you want to reduce the height of fruit trees, it is important to only cut them back by one third. Taking off more can cause the tree to go into shock which can reduce its life. More can be removed the following year, if need be.

Summer crops such as courgettes, cucumbers and tomatoes will be in their final stages now. When they are finished, leafy greens and brassicas can be planted for winter harvest. Summer crops use up lots of nutrients so it is best to replenish the soil with a good dose of your favourite compost and/or sheep manure pellets.

Carrots, swede and white turnips can be sown direct now. They love being sown where the soil was composted for a previous crop. Before sowing, make a shallow furrow and sprinkle some seed raising mix

into it, then sow the seed. Covering the seed with a thin layer of seed raising mix and firming it down helps ensure a good germination rate. After lightly watering, it is a great idea to cover the row/s with open weave frost cloth. This helps keep cats or birds away and keeps the soil slightly warmer which results in more even germination.

Continue to deadhead repeat-flowering roses. The strange summer weather has resulted in an explosion of black spot and rust in some areas. Removing the worst leaves from your roses, as well as the soil around them, will help. If you follow a spray regime, it is important not to overspray as your roses can become immune to the sprays over time.

If you would like more information about anything I have covered here or have other gardening questions, please do not hesitate to email me at heirloomperennialplantnursery@gmail.com I would love to help.

Philippa’s Pierre de Ronsard rose.

Experts in innovative heating technology

Keeping locals warm and toasty for almost 20 years, the experienced team at Chapmanz Central Heating are the go-to specialists in central heating and installation of high-quality European products. Moving his family from the UK to Nelson for a healthier lifestyle, owner Chris Chapman brought with him years of experience running a successful plumbing and heating business as an Accredited CORGI gas installer and an Approved Registered Plumber. Realising a gap in the market, Chris opened Chapmanz Central Heating in 2005.

A small family-run business, Chapmanz Central Heating take pride in their work and offer both design and installation of central heating systems and ensure continuity of care with regular servicing. “In the UK central heating is done to a very high standard, and is a base requirement for a healthy home,” says Chris. “And it is changing here, too. Now Kiwi’s views on heating are shifting, more people are looking for ways to keep their entire home warm, dry and healthy - and in a sustainable way. The future of gas has been a big talking point in recent years. People are wary of installing new gas products. However, the boilers we are installing can be converted to run on hydrogen when this becomes available.”

Thriving on designing the right system for each home, several factors are taken into consideration

including architecture, location, and insulation.

“We love the challenge of trying to hide pipework in a retrofit installation to make it look like the system has always been there. We only install high-quality products that we would use in our own homes. And of course, there’s no better feeling than walking into a house with even and radiant heat through every room. New Zealanders now have an increasing number of technology options from energy-efficient gas boilers to the latest renewable-energy heat pump systems. There’s no need to settle for single-room heating. With new technologies, this has become possible. Hydrogen-ready boilers are now available in New Zealand and there are also air-to-water heat pumps that can deliver the high temperature needed for radiators and domestic hot water.”

Stepson, Fraser Dayman, is also an accredited plumbing and gas fitting expert and says people should get in contact now for their winter heating needs. “Now is the perfect time to start thinking about how a home will be heated. Every year, as soon as we get the first cold snap, people ask us to put heating in. But we are booked out, or certain systems require time to be imported. It’s best to think about it early so we can have it installed ready for the winter.”

chapmanz.co.nz

Chris Chapman and stepson Fraser Dayman have been warming Nelson’s homes for nearly 20 years.

A slice of Italy in Richmond

Eat Italy Ristorante Pizzeria invites patrons to experience authentic Italian dining in the heart of Richmond. Owned by Cherif El Ballaki, Eat Italy is a unique dining destination that provides an inviting space to gather with friends and family, whether seated in the sunny outdoor space or soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant's interior.

Using authentic ingredients both locally sourced and imported, Eat Italy offer a popular range of traditional handmade pizzas from Margherita’s and Diavola’s to Bechhino’s and Salsiccia’s, antipasti’s with marinated olives to a mouthwatering Tagliere di Modena. Homemade primi pasta options including gnocchi burro el savia with walnuts and blue cheese, tagliatelle alla bolognese and spaghetti alla cabonara. Side salads include insalata cesar salad, and desserts include traditional tiramisu, panna cotta, torta caprese and gelato.

Located at the hub of Berryfields, Cherif is renowned for taking customers on a journey of the senses, and all of their food at Eat Italy is made with absolute devotion. “We believe that good food is the foundation of a great meal, and we pride ourselves on using only the finest and freshest ingredients in all our dishes. Our menu is a testament to traditional Italian cooking, featuring classic dishes that have been perfected over generations.”

Offering amazing specials throughout the week, including $40 lunch deals and two for one pizzas, din-

ers will be hard-pressed to find premium quality dining that matches the Eat Italy prices. The destination restaurant also stocks authentic imported Italian products including pastas, sauces, olives and amaretti cookies so people can recreate their own favourite Italian dishes at home.

“We are super happy with all of the products and the suppliers that we have on board. It is good for our business and good for them as well to market their products. I am passionate about supporting local and prefer to stock and use fresh locally sourced seasonal products.”

Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, the friendly staff at Eat Italy will ensure that your experience is unforgettable. “From our homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas, to our succulent dishes, every meal is cooked with love and care to deliver an authentic Italian experience.”

Dine in or takeaway, Eat Italy Ristorante Pizzeria is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 2pm for lunch, and 5pm to 9pm for dinner. Orders and bookings can be made online.

Eat Italy

022 390 2305

Berryfields Crossing

405 Lower Queen St, Richmond eatitaly.co.nz

The friendly team at Eat Italy will ensure that your experience is unforgettable.

NELSON

NELSON ANTIQUE BOTTLE AND COLLECTABLES CLUB

First Tuesday of each month, 7.30pm, Broadgreen House, Nayland Road, Stoke. Informal, informative, friendly and fun. Bring along your treasures. 03 545 2181 (Judy) randjpittman@gmail.com.

NELSON CITY PROBUS CLUB

Welcomes men and women as new members. We meet on the second Thursday of each month (Feb through to Nov) at 10am, at The Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Rd, Tāhunanui. Our programme varies monthly. nznelsoncitygroup@gmail. com.

NELSON COMMUNITY POTTERS, 132 Rutherford Street, Nelson. Social group; Thursday mornings or Twilight Pottery; Mondays, 7pm–9pm. Free to members, $7 casual. 03 548 3087 (Annie) or 03 548 1488 (Elizabeth). ncpotters@gmail. com

NELSON ELECTRONIC ORGAN AND KEYBOARD CLUB Meetings first Sat of each month (except January) at 1.30pm, Stoke Baptist Church Hall, Main Road, Stoke. Listeners and players are welcome. Visitors $2, afternoon tea provided. 03 540 3288 (Valerie).

NELSON HINEMOA CROQUET CLUB

Saltwater Lane (off Halifax St, beside squash and tennis courts). Give croquet a go: friendly supportive club, for competition or just fun. Coaching and equipment

available. Individuals or groups catered for. 03 546 6227 (Alan) or Nettie nettiebarrow@gmail.com

NELSON MALE VOICE CHOIR

Rehearsals: Reformed Church, Enner Glynn, Monday, 6.45pm. 03 548 4657 (Dick).

NELSON ORCHID SOCIETY INC.

Cultural talks, repotting demonstrations, visiting speakers, problem plants discussed. Meeting each

7.30pm, at Haven Hall, 34 Collingwood St, Nelson. You don’t need a partner, no charge for your first visit. 021 173 9642 (Kelly).

NELSON PHILATELIC SOCIETY

Stamp collectors meet second Tuesday of the month (summer) 7.30pm. Second Sunday (winter) 1.30pm, Stoke School. 03 547 3554 (Ross). nelsonphilatelicsociety@ gmail.com

NELLIE KNITTERS GROUP. Every Mon, 1-3pm. Nightingale Library, Tāhunanui. Come and join our friendly group of knitters and create garments to donate to community groups. All materials provided. Donations of wool gratefully accepted. Ph: Jillian 03 539 5546

month at the Le Cren Room, Broadgreen Historic House. All welcome. 027 818 1458 (Gaile).

NELSON PETANQUE CLUB

Wednesday and Sunday 1.15pm. Behind the Trafalgar Park grandstand, off Trafalgar Park Lane. Boules and tuition provided. 03 546 6562 (Roger or Shirley).

NELSON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING CLUB

If you’re interested in fun, fitness and friendship join us on Thursday nights (Mar–Nov)

What’s happening

comfortably in loose fitting clothing. Cost, sliding scale, $5 - $40.

NELSON SENIOR CITIZENS SOCIAL INDOOR BOWLING CLUB

Come and join us for social indoor bowls and a cuppa every Wednesday and Friday afternoon, 1.15pm–4pm. Beginners welcome. Trafalgar St Hall in the City. 03 547 6066 (Erea).

OFF YOUR ROCKERS

CHOIR Thurs, 2pm. Baptist Church Hall, Bridge St. Invites new singers and instrumentalists, 60 + to join our fun choir. No auditions. More info Ph: Jan 03 545 0434.

NELSON SOCIAL DANCE CLUB

Meets the second Saturday of the month, live music, 7.30pm –11pm, venue advertised on itson co.nz and in community papers. Ballroom, Latin and New Vogue. Members $10, non-members $15. 027 647 8827 (Bernard).

NELSON TABLE TENNIS CLUB

NELSON SCRABBLE CLUB

Meet every Wednesday, 7pm at the Nelson Suburban Club/ Nelson City Club, Kinzett Terrace, Nelson. No charge for playing, but please buy a drink at the bar. Beginners welcome and we will train you to play competitive Scrabble. 03 545 1159 (Tony).

COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE

Fri, 9am - 11.30am. Victory Community Centre. Designed to make treatment affordable and accessible for all. Dress

Saxton Stadium, Monday and Friday 9am–12pm.

03 544 8648 (Glenda).

NELSON-WHAKATŪ MENZSHED

We are a group of mostly retired men who enjoy getting together, making stuff, contributing to the community and generally having a good time. Meetings

Tuesday and Thursday from 9am, 236 Haven Road, Nelson. 027 608 0377 (Robert). robertshade@hotmail.com. menzshed-nelson.org.nz

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP

Come along for a walk with a friendly group, every Tuesday at 9.45am. Location varies each week, we visit all sorts of interesting places. Bring lunch to eat on the walk.

027 496 5724 (Haydn).

NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

Nelson Branch, meetings held monthly at either St Barnabas Church or Elma Turner Library. 67 Trafalgar St, Nelson: Mon, 1pm–4pm. Thurs, 10am–4pm. Sunday, 2pm–4pm. All welcome. nelson@genealogy.org.nz.

PHILOSOPHY GROUP

Meet second and fourth Mon of the month, 10am. Trafalgar Hall, 67 Trafalgar St. All welcome. TXT Zoe 0279741758.

POP-UP PSYCHODRAMA

Monthly group psychodrama is a lively spontaneous method of exploring personal, political and community issues. Find spontaneity and find new ways to respond to old situations in your life. Led by experienced psychodrama practitioner, no acting experience required! Third Wednesday of the month, 7pm–9.30pm at Victory Community Centre, 2 Totara St, Nelson. 027 276 5992 (Ali). awatersong@gmail.com.

STOKE TĀHUNANUI

LADIES CLUB

Meets third Wednesday every month. 03 547 5238 (Pauline). Super Seniors (65+) meets third Friday each month,

10.30am– 12.30pm. All Saints Church Foyer, 30 Vanguard Street, Nelson. Suggested koha of $10, includes morning tea, either a speaker or activities, and a light lunch. 03 548 2601 (Gillian or Lisette).

VICTORY SENIOR SUPPORT

Cards and games. Meet every Tuesday at 1.30pm at Anglican Church, 238 Vanguard Street, Nelson. 03 546 9057 (Jan).

Hall, 62 Oxford St, Richmond, visitors welcome. 03 544 5872 (Brenda).

LUNCH ON THE HILL

Looking for food and friends?

Church on the Hill, 27 Dorset St, Richmond offers coffee and lunches. 11.30am coffee, lunch served at 12pm, first and third Tuesday of each month.

POTTERY

Tutored classes at Craft Potters, 202 Ranzau Rd, Hope. All welcome. No experience

NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP. Come along for a walk with a friendly group, every Tuesday at 9.45am. Location varies each week, we visit all sorts of interesting places. Bring lunch to eat on the walk. 027 496 5724 (Haydn).

RICHMOND

CLUB 60

Senior adventures (under 60s welcome too) active fun, social recreation with weekly planned outings and activities. Meets every Wednesday, 9.30am at Sport Tasman, Richmond Town Hall, Cambridge St. All sessions $5. 03 544 3955. stadium@sporttasman.org.nz

HOPE– RANZAU WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

First Wednesday of each month, 1.15pm. Age Concern

needed. info@craftpotters. org.nz

PROST-FIT

Exercise class for men living with prostate cancer. All levels of ability and great camaraderie. 021 547 811 (Leigh). leighsdream@gmail. com

RICHMOND BRIDGE

CLUB Sessions Monday and Thursday, 1pm (be seated by 2.45pm). Wednesday 7.10pm (be seated by 7pm). For lessons ph 027 407 0274 (Leigh).

SOCIAL CARDS 500 Waimea Lounge A&P Showgrounds. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1.30pm – 4pm. $2 covers afternoon tea, prizes and unlimited parking. 03 544 5563 (Kath).

RICHMOND BOWLING

CLUB Club Waimea – A roll up, Tuesdays 1pm. Bowls provided. 03 544 8060 (Jean).

GOOD CRAFTERNOON

Bring your craft project and work on it in the company of other crafters. Bring your own materials and lunch. Free. Richmond Library. Wednesdays, 12.30pm - 2pm.

RICHMOND CREATIVE FIBRE GROUP

Meets at Birchwood Hall, Richmond Showgrounds. 9.30am every second, third and fourth Thursday of the month. Learn to spin/knit/ weave/crochet/felt and meet others who enjoy working with fibre. 03 544 3315 (Sandra).

RICHMOND CROQUET

CLUB Join us at 348 Lower Queen St, Richmond. Have fun, learn a new skill. We play both Association and Golf Croquet. 021 958 447 (Rhonda).

RICHMOND SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING CLUB

Tuesday evening, 7.30pm. Methodist Church Hall, Neale Ave, Stoke. 03 544 0902. cstanton@actrix.co.nz

RICHMOND TENNIS CLUB

Social tennis Tuesdays 9.30am and Saturdays 1.30pm. All abilities welcome. Beside the Badminton Hall, Gladstone Rd. richmondtennisclub.co.nz

SIOUX LINE DANCING

Wednesday – Club Waimea, Richmond. Beginner Class, 6pm – 7pm. Improver Class, 7.15pm – 8.30pm. 03 528 6788 (Sue).

sioux.wilson@yahoo.com.au

TASMAN AQUARIUM

CLUB Meetings held second Monday of the month at 7pm. Keeping tropical freshwater, aquatic plants, marine fish and corals. Everyone welcome. 03 544 3116 (Robin).

STOKE

FRESH FOCUS NELSON

Mondays 10am–11am at Elim Christian Centre, 625 Main Rd Stoke. Speakers talk on a wide variety of subjects that provide education and entertainment. A number of series occur throughout the year during term time. All welcome.

ffnelson2021@gmail.com or visit Facebook – Fresh Focus Nelson 2021 for news and updates.

NELSON CAMERA CLUB, Meet second and fourth Monday of each month, 7.30pm, Methodist Church Hall, 94 Neale Ave, Stoke. noeline@nelsoncameraclub. co.nz

CENTRAL GARDEN

CLUB, Meets every second Wednesday of each month, 1.30pm, Methodist Church Hall, Neale Ave, Stoke. Guest speakers and afternoon tea. New members very welcome. 03 541 8646 (Rob or Lynn)

ACTING UP DRAMA GROUP

Meets each Monday

10.30am–12pm at Whakatū

Presbyterian Church Hall Lounge, Upper Songer Street, Stoke. No previous experience necessary! 03 538 0400 (Anne)

BENCHREST SHOOTING

CLUB Meets every Tuesday at Saxton Field Range, 1pm–3pm. 03 544 7138 (Graeme).

LINE DANCING

Routines set to great music. All ages/genders, bring cup and pen, wear soft soled shoes. Free morning tea. Tuesdays:

us on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except Dec and Jan) at 10am, at The Stoke Methodist Church Hall. 94 Neale Avenue, Stoke. 03 970 6872 ( Rosemary).

STOKE OLD TIME COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB

Stoke School Community Hall. Every second Sunday, 6.30pm. All welcome to a lovely evening of singing, and musical instruments. 03 542 3527 (Dick Knight).

1.15pm– 4pm

9.15am beginners, 10.45am experienced. Warnes Hall, Songer Street, Stoke. Session times can change.

027 449 1569 (Diane) dianeneil6@gmail.com

SENIOR WALKING GROUP

Tuesday and Thursday, 9.30am–10.30am. Walk for the full hour or choose to do the Shape Up class at 10am. Walking and exercises followed by a cuppa. 03 538 0072.

STOKE CENTRAL COMBINED PROBUS CLUB

Welcomes both men and women as new members. Join

TAI CHI CHU’AN AND QIGONG

Thursday mornings: beginners 10am, intermediate 11am, at Saxton Netball Pavilion Stoke. 03 545 2960 or 027 271 3323 (Anne-Marie).

STOKE TĀHUNANUI MEN'S CLUB

A club for active retirees. Activities include a regular monthly meeting with guest speaker on the third Tuesday of every month, plus outings and activities each week. 021 148 2580 (Ian).

VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT CLUB OF NELSON

A social club for all entertainers. Variety concert held 1.30pm–4.30pm on the second Saturday of every month between March and October, Whakatū Presbyterian Church Hall, 271 Songer St, Stoke. 03 547 4301 (Ken Holmes) or 03 547 3231 (Robyn Walsh).

SONGBIRDS LADIES CHOIR

Fri morning Rehearsals in Stoke. New female singers welcome. If you enjoy singing and can hold a tune, 035448232 or 0211334805 (Mary).

HOPE

HOPE MIDWEEK

BADMINTON CLUB

Wednesday mornings. 03 541 9200 (Carolyn).

HOPE SOCIAL

INDOOR BOWLS CLUB

Hope Recreation Hall, Tues 1.30pm – 3.30pm. $3 per session. We are a fun, social group catering for everyone. 03 544 3116 (Robin).

NELSON VETERANS

TENNIS CLUB

Hope Tennis Courts, every Thursday. 03 547 6916 (Leona).

MĀPUA

MĀPUA CRAFT GROUP

Enjoy simple crafts, sharing, caring and morning tea. Plenty of materials and guidance. First and third Fridays of the month 10am –12pm (term time only). Hills Community Church, supper room. $3 per session. 027 741 8575 (Julie Cox).

WAIMEA MUSIC CLUB, Meets fortnightly on Sundays

at Stoke Methodist Hall, Neale Ave Stoke. Anyone is welcome to join in with a song or just come along and listen. 03 544 5766 (Pat) or 03 544 9446 (Jim).

QUICK CROSSWORD

PUZZLED HOW MANY?

How many five-letter words can you make?

The answers are words widely known; no words can begin with a capital; no hyphenated words.

Today there are 21 possible words _ R _ P _

Across

1. Type of caviar (6)

5. Male feline (6)

8. In favour (3)

9. Unpowered aircraft (6)

10. Jerk (4)

11. Beginning (6)

12. Metal tubes (5)

15. Rubber (6)

17. Fit for consumption (6)

20. Venomous snake (5)

21. Quirk (6)

23. Wave rider (6)

26. Suit (5)

27. Pale (6)

29. Swarm (4)

30. Get down (6)

31. Drunkard (3)

32. Feel remorse (6)

33. Eternally (6)

Down

2. Cream cake (6)

3. Underwear (6)

4. Bushy hairdo (4)

5. Pig’s feet (8)

6. Talk (4)

7. Gain courage (4,5)

10. Himalayan monster (4)

12. Distance measuring device (9)

13. Compensated (4)

14. Small religious group (4)

16. Monarchist (8)

18. Smear with paint (4)

19. Polish (4)

22. Mosque leader (4)

24. Examine again (6)

25. Four score (6)

27. Quick look (4)

28. Information (4)

SUDOKU

Numbershavebeen substitutedforletters.Use theletter(s)giventowork outtherestofthepuzzle.

How Many Sudoku

Puzzled

Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9

graph, gripe, grips, grope, preps, props, traps, tripe, trips, trope, wraps.

crêpe, crept, crops, crypt, drape, drips, drops, drupe, erupt, grape,

Quick crossword

10. Yeti, 12. Pedometer, 13. Paid, 14. Sect, 16. Royalist, 18. Daub, 19. Buff, 22. Imam, 24. Review, 25. Eighty, 27. Peep, 28. Data.

Down: 2. Eclair, 3. Undies, 4. Afro, 5. Trotters, 6. Chat, 7. Take heart,

Across: 1. Beluga, 5. Tomcat, 8. For, 9. Glider, 10. Yank, 11. Outset, 12. Pipes, 15. Eraser, 17. Edible, 20. Cobra, 21. Oddity, 23. Surfer, 26. Befit, 27. Pallid, 29. Teem, 30. Alight, 31. Sot, 32. Repent, 33. Always.

The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square fits in with that letter and write in the letters. You can also shade the black squares if you find it helpful. After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.

JIGGERED It’s part crossword, part jigsaw

The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square fits in with that letter and

QUICK QUIZ

1. What does the acronym NCEA stand for?

2. Tokyo is located on which of Japan’s four main islands?

3. Author Samuel Longhorne Clemens be came famous under what pseudonym?

4. Daphne, Velma and Fred are three of a foursome: who’s the fourth?

5. Which plant’s name comes from the French for lion’s tooth?

1. National Certificate of Educational Achievement, 2. Honshu, 3. Mark Twain, 4. Shaggy (characters from Scooby Doo), 5. Dandelion (dent de lion) Quick Quiz

write in the letters. You can also shade the black squares. After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across

6. Rate too low (10)

8. Turn upside down (5)

10. Unquestioned belief (5)

13. Assembled (11)

14. Make euphoric (5)

17. Child (5)

19. Deep-seated (10)

Down

1. Long ago (4)

2. Put right (4)

3. Very keen (4)

4. Grow weary (4)

5. Gratifying (9)

7. Sped up (9)

9. Thing (anag) (5)

11. Japanese city (5)

12. Irritate (3)

15. Opposed to (4)

16. Pitcher (4)

17. Reverse (4)

18. Article (4)

Down: 1. Once, 2. Mend, 3. Avid, 4. Flag, 5. Rewarding, 7. Quickened, 9. Night, 11. Osaka, 12. Vex, 15. Anti, 16. Ewer, 17. Back, 18. Item.

Across: 6. Undervalue, 8. Upend, 10. Dogma, 13. Congregated, 14. Elate, 17. Bairn, 19. Entrenched.