Martinborough Midweek Ladies Tennis

Every Thursday morning throughout the year, except on rainy days, of which there have been many of late, 16 ladies brave the cold, the wind, and or the sun, for an hour of tennis at the Martinborough Tennis Club courts. The standard is exceptional, considering the average age is in the 70’s, with 3 octogenarians at the upper end. Everyone may be bulked out by extra layers of clothes, hats, gloves, and scarves at this time of year, but that doesn’t affect the skill level. It just adds to the excuses!

Laughter is good for the soul, and there’s plenty of that. And coffee afterwards together is a great way to finish the morning.

This month we celebrated our latest 80^th birthday with a morning tea and cake in the clubrooms between rounds, for Robyn Blackett.

If anyone is interested in joining the group for a game on a Thursday ring Jenny Wilkie on 306 9790.

Kahutara Taxidermy Museum

A treasure trove of animals displayed at the Kahutara Taxidermy Museum is a wonderful surprise.

John Mc Cosh opened the Museum in 1983. A long passion for animals was the impetus for preserving them through taxidermy. He wanted his work to be available to everyone to appreciate wildlife up close.

The display room was built from a log-build design with logs from Ngaumu Forest. Here he could display his collection in a safe environment.

The number of animals is extensive and unexpected, Lions, Leopard Cat, Thar, White-tailed Deer, Wapiti, Warthog Alligators, Arctic Wolf, and Albatross. Introduced species such as Opossum Boar, and Red Stags are also on show. The Robinson Bird Collection, a Collection of Insects donated by a past Martinborough school pupil, and a substantial Rock Collection provide further interest.

“Some of the animals were acquired from the Wellington Zoo,” said John. “The lions came from the now closed Paraparaumu Safari Park. The Albatross was found at Ocean Beach. Most of the animals had died from natural causes. Other specimens were gifted by hunters who had returned to New Zealand with skins of exotic animals and wanted them preserved.”

Taxidermy is an ancient skill which dates back to the Egyptians preserving bodies. As explorers began to navigate the world they wanted to display their spectacular findings. The preservation of birds using taxidermy was the beginning of discovering more effective longer lasting methods. Today Taxidermists try to recreate a natural pose which makes the specimens as life-like as possible. Everything from positioning, location, colouring, and shaping affects a viewer’s reaction. 

“I love sharing my hobby with others,” says John. “Once a father brought his son to see the animals, but his son was blind. The son reached up to touch one of the birds. Oh, he exclaimed, The bird is flying.” Then he touched the beak. “It is a Spoonbill duck,” he said. These are moments that make it so worthwhile.”

Kahutara Taxidermy Museum is located at 177 Pahautea Rd. Featherston

Should you wish to visit call 022 308 8453 or 021 176 5608 to arrange an appointment for viewing.

19.8 % – how they voted

The SWDC split 6 – 3 on the rates increase.

In Favour: Connelly, Sadler-Futter, Gray Plimmer, Olds, Bosley

Against: Ellims, Maynard, Woodcock

Martinborough Golf Club

It is hard to believe that we are now in July – this year is flying by.  It is certainly very nice to see the sun shining – the course looks wonderful at the moment.

It has been a reasonably quiet month on the course which is hardly surprising due to the amount of rain we have had but there are a few hardy souls who will go out in all conditions.

Recent winners for the 18 holers have been Marilyn MacKenzie, Marion McKenzie, Sandra Petersen and Julie Weber.  Sandra and Honor Clark are the only ones who have had twos over the last few weeks.

9 hole winners have been Debbie Coom (twice), Leonie Wilde and Jenny Joblin.

Recent Grumpies winners have been Bill Gordon, Rick Hargreaves and Jason Shaw.  Twos have gone to Ed Brown (2), Malcolm Wood, Tony Taylor, Seamus O’Sullivan, Peter Schenk, Brian Russo and Rick Hargreaves.

Thursday Club players are a hardy lot – nothing seems to deter them!!!  Recent winners have been Trevor Petersen, Bill Gordon, Kheinan Morrissey and Ed Elworthy.  Twos have gone to Malcolm Wood (2), Shane Hislop (2), Bob Schofield, Trevor Petersen, Mike Charteris, Sandra Petersen, Stu Taplin, Ed Elworthy and Jason Shaw.

Weekend winners have been John Warner (three times), Bevan Sweeney (twice), Chris Brooks (twice) and Doug Clark.  Twos have gone to Guy Walmsley, Dayle Harwood and Brian Russo.

The Interclub boys had their final round of Marquis Shield last week – they didn’t bring home the Marquis Shield but they did win the Workman Trophy (Senior singles match play – off the stick).

The ladies still have one round of Riverside Cup and Tilson Salver to play but they have already won the Tilson Salver as they cannot be caught.

That’s it for another month – not much happening on the course over the next few weeks.  Here’s hoping for less rain and more sunshine.

Kris Chamberlain