Local News for Local Communities
Issue 1,173
Friday 28th February 2025
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Children’s Day Page 3
Community to Decide on Locally Funded DarfieldRolleston Bus Trial Page 9
GOLDEN OLDIES RUGBY FESTIVAL A team from the Hororata Black Diamonds is heading to Singapore in April to take part in the Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival. The team leaves on April 6 and is back in New Zealand on April 14. Dan van der Salm and Ben Southen are the instigators of getting a group of players together to make up a squad. “I’d been thinking about this event for a few years, ever since the Hororata Black Diamonds competed in the same event some 10 years ago, when it was held in Christchurch,” say Dan. He’d heard a lot of good things about the event and how much fun it was and was having a cuppa with Ben Southen one day when he floated the idea. “We decided to jump on it, put it out there to see who would be keen. Singapore wasn’t too
far away, so it felt achievable. This was around Autumn last year, so we knew we had plenty of time.” So, Dan and Ben got to work. The pair put feelers out to the Hororata Black Diamonds Golden Oldies team and initially had around 20-25 who said they would be keen. “We felt this was a bit light for numbers so reached out to the Kirwee Highwaymen Golden Oldies team to see if they had a few interested and they really came on board with a good 12 guys keen,” says Dan. “We even managed to drag four wives along for the week too, which is awesome.” Dan and Ben ended up with a travelling party of around 48 but this soon trimmed to the current group of 36. The team is made up of a variety of ages from 35 to 74 years old and it
is hoped that everyone will get an opportunity to play. A captain is yet to be selected. “This is an important role and will go to someone who the team chooses and might be a job for the plane ride over. Someone who will represent the brand well, have some night time longevity and can tell a good yarn or two over speeches,” say Dan. “They may have some interesting tasks come speech time, so will
probably need to be quick thinking, witty and willing – which naturally rules most of us out.” Getting fit and getting to the festival was the next challenge. “We’ve done a heap of fundraising from firewood, a golf day, rearing calves, and helping out at Coast to Coast, which really has brought everyone together and got to know everyone well.”
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Rugby stalwarts Kirwee Highwaymen Jock Truscott and Hororata Black Diamonds Kyle Hughes have been getting into shape for the Festival.
Success Golf Tournament Page 11
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