MARLBOROUGH’S CHARITY THAT KEEPS ON KEEPING ON

from Marlborough Magazine November 2019

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GRAEME DINGLE EXPANDS YOUTH SUPPORT IN MARLBOROUGH

AMarlborough youth charity has managed to bridge the gap between primary school aged children and school leavers thanks to support from the community.

The Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough recently introduced a new programme, Stars, designed for secondary school aged children. Regional manager Kelvin Watt says the programme will bridge the gap which currently sits between their primary school programme, Kiwi Can, and that aimed at school leavers, Career Navigator. “It means that across the board there is the support,” he says. “We’re pretty proud, [our programmes] now touch on young people throughout all those difficult transition points in their life.”

Half of Marlborough’s primary schoolaged kids participate in Kiwi Can programmes each week, while Career Navigator helps students transition into their chosen career paths following secondary school. “From five years through to 18 years there’s this whole transformational journey, and we were missing that [support] in the middle,” Kelvin says. “We’re really excited to get that going.” Set to kick off at Marlborough Girls’ College in 2020, Stars will ensure all Year 9 students are provided with a mentor in Year 12 or Year 13.

Fifty senior students undertake training to become mentors, and will join the junior students at a 3 day Stars Camp at Outward Bound.

“It’s about building those relationships so that there is someone to talk to throughout the year,” Kelvin says.

LISA DUNCAN

The Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough board and regional manager Kelvin Watt celebrate winning the Community Impact Award at the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Business Awards last month.

Moving forward, the students would meet on a weekly basis to discuss relevant issues around health and wellbeing, and for ongoing support. “If we can connect people, they feel connected and that is really important for wellbeing; for anxiety and all that space that seems to be getting quite prevalent.” With 99 percent of funding for Graeme Dingle Marlborough coming from within the region, 40 percent comes from local sponsorship. The foundation recently held their major annual fundraiser, Dazzle Marlborough, featuring a fashion show, live auction and a five course degustation dinner. Funds raised from the evening amounted to over $100,000, Kelvin says. “[That] is amazing, all of that goes into our programmes in Marlborough and the community support is really cool.” More than 100 businesses and individuals contributed toward the smooth running of the evening, and a volunteer committee pulled it all together. “We had an outstanding result, with some really good feedback,” Kelvin says. To add to an already successful year, the organisation also recently won the Community Impact Award at the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.

It was the second consecutive year the organisation had taken out the award. “We applied again because we are growing what we are doing,” Kelvin says. “A lot of the businesses in that room [at the awards] are actually supporting us as well … so it was nice to have that recognition and be surrounded by people who are supportive of us.”

Dazzling Marlborough

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The Hottest Hats

Words: Clementine Page Summer is almost upon us, so it’s time to put away the beanie and bring out the sunhat. Here’s a rundown of the hottest hats of 2019.

BRIMMING WITH BEAUTY

Chic, sophisticated and practical – what more could you wish for?! Wide-brimmed and floppy styles not only provide shade, they’re ultra-stylish too. The beach, a summer fete, lunch or brunch in the sun… the opportunities for this look are endless!

THE BUCKET IS BACK

Did the bucket hat every really phase out? Although sophisticated, bucket hats may seem like an oxymoron. Black leather, modish hues, elegant florals, sheer fabrics and raffia straw styles are all coming in hot off the catwalk.

THROUGH THE VEIL

The perfect last piece of a wedding day outfit or your race day ensemble – the veiled hat! These beauties were surprisingly plentiful in the trends of spring, proving that bold and brave is always in, no matter the season. So, will it be simple netting or embellished mesh?

HOMESPUN MUST-HAVE

This classic favourite goes with just about everything. A wicker visor is a must-have for the fashion follower, or for the traditional fashionista, a straw hat teamed with a pair of bejewelled earrings and a red lip makes for a seriously sexy statement.

What are you dressed for today? VINCENT: Work, because my hours are semi flexible, I need to always be prepared! HEIDI: I’m dressed for lunch in between clients.

Where do you buy most of your clothes? VINCENT: Hallensteins, Just Jeans, Op Shops for something different. HEIDI: I’m a Just Jeans girl. I never shop online.

What is your approach to shopping? VINCENT: To shop local where possible. HEIDI: I’m not a massive shopper. I have to really love something to buy it.

What’s your favourite purchase? VINCENT: Some dark wash jeans from Just Jeans I purchased recently. HEIDI: Great fitting black skinny jeans, and a few different coloured singlets.

What wardrobe item should everyone invest in? VINCENT: Nice underwear so I feel good in all my layers. HEIDI: Basics are always a good idea as a wardrobe staple - they go with everything and can be mixed and match.

Do you have a style rule you always obey? VINCENT: I like vintage and modern together, it creates a new look and recycles unwanted items. HEIDI: Not really but look in the mirror before you leave the house, I always think ‘would my daughter curl her nose up at me in this?’

You would never catch me wearing… VINCENT: Pink or a mullet! But I do cut a mean one!

HEIDI: Sweatpants. Unless they’re my daughters and I’m cold in the winter (not even in my garden).