Golf clubhouse fundraising builds up

An amazing fundraising day for the new clubhouse was held on April 19 when 34 teams took to the course in an ambrose tournament. The winners on the day with net 54.87 were Taylor Dewis, Robbie Robinson, Tom de Groen and Liam Richardson. 

The longest drive for men went to Michael Bing and the ladies to Lisa Marie Island. Malcolm Bridge had a good day on the par 3’s winning two “closest to the pins,” the other was won by Ju Allen who picked up the $500 star prize of the day.

An enormous thank you goes to all the sponsors and donators of prizes and auction items including Kate Paterson (Paterson & Co), Bevan Sweeney (EnTain), Poppies, Cool Change, Runholder, Ata Rangi, Moy Hall, Colombo, Wharekauhau, Trust House and Royal Wellington Golf Club. The biggest thank you goes to the members who put in their time to ensure the day was a resounding success.

Fundraising and grant applications continue, with a grant from the Pain Farm Fund of $10,000 recently received.

The new clubhouse roof is going on and the weather gods have looked very favourably on Holmes Construction as all is on track to have the building covered before the worst of winter hits.  … Continue Reading

Women’s football team in Green, Black and … Pink strip

Goalmouth Girls: Martinborough Football’s wahine toa.

Martinborough Football Club has unveiled a vibrant new palette of green, black and pink with the introduction of a women’s team, marking a significant milestone for the club.

The rise of interest in women’s football, fueled by events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup, highlighted the demand for local opportunities. Responding to this need, Martinborough FC proudly welcomes the addition of a women’s team – a platform for local women to shine in their hometown.

What began as a modest messenger chat group, spearheaded by Michelle Ford and comprising of five-six local women, the idea quickly gained traction. 

From its humble beginnings, the group burgeoned, attracting what felt like half of Martinborough with around 40 enthusiastic participants.

Numbers slowly reduced as the initiative gained momentum and the group delved into securing sponsorships, engaging with the junior club, organizing fundraising events, and conducting summer skills training sessions. In late January, pre-season training commenced, solidifying the commitment of 16 dedicated women, who display a blend of experience and skill.

Under the guidance of the “very courageous” Tim Roach, who graciously assumed the coaching role, the group has evolved into a cohesive team. Recently outfitted in their sleek new uniforms, courtesy  of amazing local business sponsorship and the incredible work of Mike and Lindie from Dusty and Lulu, the team showcased their talent in a women’s 7-aside tournament hosted by the combined efforts of Capital Football and Greytown FC.  … Continue Reading

Country Dog City Dog

How Well Do We Know People in our Community?

By Lyle Griffiths

Gavin McLellan was raised in Scotland in Bishopton, just west of Glasgow. His father was a GP, his mother was a nursing Sister. Gavin is the youngest of five and the only boy! He is married to Keryn Banks and came to live in Martinborough in 2020.

“My father advised me against becoming a doctor, and so I had no idea what profession I wished to pursue. I was interested in lots of things: Astronomy, Art and Architecture. After some meandering at university, finally I graduated in Land Economics from the University of Paisley and then qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1996 – so my interest in Architecture was rewarded in a different way.

The arrival of the Millennium changed my way of thinking, partly a faith-based epiphany. I wasn’t comfortable with ethics in the property industry and making rich people richer. Global poverty had become a critical issue. 

“I participated in the huge protests organised by Jubilee 2000 going to G7 summits in Birmingham and Cologne. These called on the World Bank and governments to deliver debt cancellation to the poorest and most indebted nations.

In 1999 I moved from volunteer activist to full time work for Tearfund, an International Development Charity. They provided funding in over 60 poor countries for partner projects such as creating better water sources, food security, and sponsoring children. I had the chance to lead some supporter tours to Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya. … Continue Reading