Local News for Local Communities
Issue 1,245
Friday 7th August 2026
Phone: 03 318 7450 | Email: info@malvernnews.co.nz | Web: www.malvernnews.co.nz Got something Newsworthy? Let us know too!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Iconic Tavern Faces Uncertain Future Page 3
Kirwee Players Present Cinderella Page 4
Darfield Aerobics Students Bound for Nationals Page 12
MARCHING DREAM COMES TRUE Seventeen-year-old Mel Beatty is going places. Most recently, she was part of the Eclipse Under 18 team that claimed the New Zealand Marching Championship title. Mel has been involved in marching since the age of five and has spent much of her childhood and teenage years developing her skills and passion for the sport. Following the national championships, applications opened for marchers from across the country to audition for the prestigious New Zealand Marching Drill Team (NZMDT). NZMDT affiliated with Marching New Zealand, brings
together top marchers from across Aotearoa to represent the country at international military tattoos and selected national events, while developing skills, teamwork and future pathways for marchers. As soon as she heard about the opportunity, Mel knew it was something she had always dreamed of being part of. Initially, she thought she might be too young to apply. However, after carefully reading the eligibility requirements, she discovered she qualified by just over a month. At just 17 years old, and only due to turn 18 a few months before departing for
Switzerland, she would be one of the youngest marchers selected if successful. Determined to give herself every opportunity, Mel put in many hours of self-directed training to prepare her audition video. She also spent considerable time carefully
answering the selection questions, including the important question of why she deserved a place in the team. Once her application was submitted, she faced a nervous wait while selections were being made.
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MALVERN NEWS DELIVERY CHANGES The delivery days and times for the Malvern News have recently changed to better align with our distribution network. This shift is primarily due to our deliverers’ deliverers’ preference to distribute the Malvern News simultaneously with the Selwyn Times for greater efficiency. Because the Selwyn Times is now being dropped off to our delivery team later than previously scheduled, we have had to adjust our timelines accordingly. We appreciate your understanding as we adapt to these external logistical shifts beyond our control.
Mel Beatty is following her marching dreams with her selection for the New Zealand Drill Team and an opportunity to perform in Switzerland.
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