Volunteer Firefighters give back

Members of the Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade are seeking to raise money for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand. On May 13th, the team will be racing up 1103 stairs or 51 flights of the Sky Tower in full firefighting kit weighing 25 kilograms to raise vital funds and awareness for this special cause. Every day 6 children and adults in New Zealand are diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukaemia, and lymphoma. LBC is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families.

The team of volunteer fire fighters feel as prominent members of the community they are in a strong position to lift the awareness of such a worthy organisation through fundraising and to test their athletic ability.

If you are able to support this cause your contribution would be greatly appreciated. For more information on how to donate visit the ‘Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade’ Facebook page or to find out more about the event visit the Sky Tower Firefighter challenge website.

Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade are recruiting now for four positions to join as operational firefighters, especially those whom are free during the day.

Pony Club success

The South Wairarapa Pony Club team enjoyed success taking out the top spot of first overall at the Wellington area Prince Philip Games held at Belmont, with six clubs taking part. The South Wairarapa team was Jeremy Thurston, Piper Marshall, Xanthe Furket, Sam Millar, Lucy Marshall and Lou Lou McNelly.

Prince Philip Games, which are held throughout the world, require a high level of pony skills plus athletic ability and team work – and a quick nimble pony. Each event is relay stile with competitors lancing rings, placing flags, picking up items as they race along at high speed. Some games require dismounting and then vaulting back onto their running ponies. These are quite incredible to watch and have clearly required hours of practice to perfect.

The idea for the games came from Prince Philip who promoted them as a fun way to improve pony skills. The Mounted Games, as they are called, have been taken up enthusiastically all over the world, these days there are inter nation contests in which a New Zealand team competes. Examples of the games both in New Zealand and overseas, including the recent World Championships held at Denmark, can be viewed on You Tube. Just enter ‘Mounted Games’. They make exciting viewing.

Poem – By John Ansell

Outside Wellington Station 
A proud Indian 
Took a shot of me 
Taking a shot of him 
With a courageous Indian 
Who’d got shot. 
Can you imagine,
Outside Delhi Station, 
Coming across a bronzed Bill English?

Mens Shed refurbishing bikes

Mens shed have started a new program to refurbish push bikes and make them available to the school for their use. We will clean them up and make minor repairs and keep them serviced for the kids. We are fortunate to have Green Jersey Cycle Tours supporting us in the programme. Three bikes have been donated, fixed up and passed on to the school which will be used by kids in a triathlon at the end of the term. Bikes for school age kids, in repairable condition are a welcome donation any time. Bring them to the Shed at 20 Cork Street on Wednesday or Saturday mornings or contact Ric on 021 905 808. … Continue Reading