Local events
Sand sculptors busy at work. Photo: Grant Knowles
Sand Sculpture Extravaganza draws crowd of 300
This year’s GB Arts Council Sand Sculpture Extravaganza drew 300 people to Pohara Beach, where they filled the tidal zone with 80 clever, fanciful, fun and skilful sculptures. Event co-ordinator Grant Knowles said the standard “was equal to any we’ve ever had,” and that a great time was had by all. Plentiful spot prizes were again made possible by the generosity of local businesses. “Their support is amazing,” said Grant.
The overall trophy, a glass vial filled with multicoloured layers of Golden Bay beach sands, is given annually to the competitior who “best enters into the spirit of the event”. This year’s winner, for the first time, and a popular pick with the crowd, was a small dog, said Grant. “It came down and dug holes all over the beach, some bigger than itself. It played with all the children, was everywhere and all over the place, having a fantastic time. It was the best artistic endeavour of the day.”
Neil Wilson
Pohara Fun Run success
The Takaka Athletics Club’s annual Pohara Fun Run has once again been well supported. “We had more categories this year, which also included a 5km walk that was well attended by the ladies,” said club spokesperson Maree Fleming. “Overall, 117 people entered, which was great, and most had a smile on their face when they crossed the finish line. Paul Sangster started the races again with his cannon, and Paralympian Sophie Pascoe helped out with the prizegiving. We gave out $2000 worth of prizes this year, thanks to our very generous community.”
Placings: (all athletes from Golden Bay unless otherwise stated.)
7/8 Girls (3km run): Mia Pearson, Ashburton; Marie Sampson, Daya Rosemeyer. 7/8 Boys (3km run): Jahnu Rosemeyer, Tomo Clere, Will Inglis, Riwaka. 9/10 Girls (3 km run ): Laila Balzer, Amy Pearson, Ashburton, Summer-Jayne Dickson, Gold Coast. 9/10 Boys (3km run): Kyle Gardiner,Tom Basset-Eason, Moss Thompson, Dunedin. 11/12 Girls (5km run): Rosie Taylor-Richmond, Lauren Gardiner, Kezia Deavoll, Auckland. 11/12 Boys (5km run): Ari Wells, Daniel de Tombe, Reece Harvey. 13-15 Girls (5km run): Olivia Gray, Christchurch, Isabella Knight, Cara Wells. 13–15 Boys (8km run): Mitch Hobson, Christchurch, Danyon Fleming, Andy Yeomans, Christchurch. 16+ Female (8 km run): Kirsty Richmond, Linda Mason, Clare Kitchen, Beijing. 16 + Male (8km run): George McDonald, Ashburton, Chris Corney, Rotorua, Alan Mawhinney, Dunedin. 5 km Female Walk: Linda Sharp, Geena Gross, Andrea Timmings, Hamilton.
Canadian wins Tata Swim
“What a beautiful day it was - nice and sunny with a light breeze, which thankfully didn’t make the sea choppy,” said Golden Bay Swimming Club secretary Maddy King about the annual Tata Swim last weekend.
This year there was a new winner, Scott Curry from Calgary in Canada, who is here on holiday. Scott was presented with a painting of the Tata Swim donated by local artist Dean Raybould.
“Our support crew out on the water on kayaks was headed by Pat Timings. He turns up every year with a crew. They slip into the water, do their job and silently slip off when the event ends with absolutely no fanfare.
“Once again Andy and Ali Gray and Alan and Shelley Palmer with their children, along with Paul Hedwig from Nelson, were out on the water being our rescue crew. We had a new crew on the beach doing registrations, timekeeping and runners - they all did a fantastic job. The swimmers are given beautiful home-made soup to warm them after the swim. St John also attends every year, and we thank them for volunteering their time. Golden Bay Swimming is grateful to all their sponsors who each year kindly donate to the club and for prizes for our competitors.”
Results:
Two way swim: 1st place: Scott Curry (Canada, 17mins 20.40sec). First Female: Andrea O’Fee (Nelson18.57.52) . Junior Girl: Rachel Sadowski (Takaka, 32.47). Junior Boy: Connor Kilkelly (Greymouth, 22.31.46). First Local: Nigel Marsden. (21.53.49).
One way swim: Adult female: Anna Raymond (13.34.96). Adult Male: George McDonald (10.43). Junior Girl: Devon Kilkelly (13.20). Junior Boy: Tom Williams (12.11). Oldest swimmer to enter either swim - Paul Clements, 76 years (Takaka). Youngest swimmer to enter either swim - Tom Bassett-Eason.
