More Bogies for you Chris!

What would the end of a sporting season be without a team social? For some, it is a time to evaluate the season and celebrate the successes. For Selwyn Green (Pete's grass team), it is just another excuse to sink some beers.

Traditionally, the team always plays a game of golf and being rather a competitive team the contest is keenly fought. Of course, golf the Selwyn Green way, means crazy golf at Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf, using your hockey stick (http://www.adventuregolf.co.nz). Partners and supporters were welcome so Chantal was treated to an afternoon out, too.

The first hole was played out at the regular meeting place - The Bush Inn. The pub frequented many a Saturday afternoon after hockey. After a superjug of Speight's, it was time to get down to the serious stuff.

In groups of four, the 18 holes were played whilst beady eyes looked out for any infringements and penalties. Balls went into water obstacles, bounced out of bounds and ricocheted off of barrels and treasure chests. Anyway, Pete as 2004 champion (so unbeaten and sort of defending champion) wanted to win again, but luck was not on his side and carded a score that was off the pace. Chantal, however came first in the ladies category (well only two women came along).

Back at the nineteenth hole - The Bush Inn - prizes were distributed and speeches made. Chantal walked away with a Speight's tee-shirt and Speight's bucket (which quite fittingly will now only be used as a ‘sick’ bucket) and Pete managed to score some alcopop chasers.

A stray leaf could be the difference between winner and 'also ran'.

Things didn't end there as the team and partners then went out for a chinese meal. For some reason, many more partners turned up for the crispy duck than did for the golf. The general concensus was that the food was delicious and of course it was made all the better by the restaurant being a BYO (Bring Your Own alcohol).

The next hockey social is the fishing trip down south to the lakes but this time it will be boys only!

Bogies are Not the Only Green Thing!

As most of you are probably aware, New Zealand likes to project an image of being environmentally sound and unspoilt. A while ago, there was even a campaign, that promoted the country with the slogan, '100% pure New Zealand.' The country (and probably some New Zealanders when they are not thinking of rugby) is very proud of the fact that there are not any nuclear power stations, and would like to keep it that way. As a result, much of New Zealand's electricity is generated by hydro schemes.

Waitaki Dam

Chantal works for Meridian Energy; a state owned enterprise that is a front runner when it comes to clean power generation. Last week, she went on a work asset tour, to see how 'clean' electricity was generated and transported throughout the country. This meant two days away from the office (never a bad thing) touring hydro power schemes.

Kiwi Fashions

Most of New Zealand's hydro schemes are located in the southern half of the South Island. Therefore, a three hour drive down south, to Twizel, was made in a Meridian pool car. Of course the car was not a big V8 gas guzzler but a 'green' hybrid car. Yes, the clean and green message was promoted along the way. Driving an 'electric' car is very interesting and quiet (One does not even now the engine is running until you move.) but it always pays to ensure the petrol tank is full!

Anyway, driving through beautiful countryside, all in the name of work, has got to be a good thing! Additionally, the itinerary was rather relaxed so upon arrival only one power station was visited. By 3pm it was time to visit one of Twizel's two exciting pubs!

The following day's hydro power station visits started at 9am. Three power stations were visited, including one from the 1930s. The Waitaki power station was designed beautifully, and money was spent on the interior, too. Nice black marble control equipment and wood panelling. By 1pm all the visits were completed and it was time for a spot of lunch before returning to Christchurch. Again, a lovely drive through the country and back home at 6pm.

Overall, it was an enjoyable asset tour and very informative. Next trip: Te Apiti. The wind turbine ‘farm’ on the North Island. If only!

A Jolly Good Sport

As most of you know, we both enjoy hockey and played for teams when we were last in New Zealand. That year, with their 'international' gracing the pitch, Pete's grass team were the champions. On our return, it did not take us long, to get in touch with our Selwyn Hockey Club contacts, and so for the last four months, our weekends revolved around hockey. We both played two games on the weekends (grass on Saturdays and turf - kiwi speak for artificial surfaces - on Sundays). However, the winter season has now finished so now is a good time to report on the season!Pete was pleased to see that Selwyn Green, the grass team he played for in 2004, was still going strong and had not folded during his absence (unlike the old Esso/Waterside team did). Just like putting on a comfy pair of slippers, Pete rejoined the team and was able to slip back into the old routine. Nothing much has changed. After the game they still have a couple of touchline beers, before going onto the pub (always the Bush Inn http://www.cobb.co.nz/bushinn.html) to drink cheap $6 'super' jugs of beer (1.2 litres). Pete even managed to convince the new barmaid that the team also get plates of free chips!

Looking forward to a cold one!

In the grass grade a combination of round robin games and then play offs determine the champions. Pete's team won the round robin stage convincingly, losing just one game out of twelve. However, in the play offs, they drew the semi final but were knocked out on the basis that the opposition scored the first goal! Very annoying, particularly as Pete's team had already beaten the opposition three times during the season.

Pete's turf team is the Selwyn first grade team. This team consists of many players that play in the other Selwyn grass team (Selwyn Blue). The other Selwyn grass team has a bit of a 'history' with Pete's grass team so he often gets a little bit of ribbing for associating with the others. As for the first grade turf team, it is also a fun team to play with, but there is not a crate of beer waiting on sidelines, and the team don't go to the pub after the game. It probably has something to with the times they play, Sunday lunchtime! People rush back home for their Sunday roasts. Results wise, the team had a mixed season as they had a good start to the season, had a bad middle patch and finished the season with some good wins.

On the turf, Chantal joined Selwyn's first grade team. Just like in 2004, this team consisted of many young players, some as young as 15 years old! No beers after those games as half the team was underaged! Yes, she is the oldest player by a few years, and even the coach is much younger than her!

Results wise, Chantal's turf team had a successful season. They performed well during the first half of the season and just missed out on the mid season promotion spot (yes the season is split into two mini seasons). During the second half of the season they made the final, courtesy of a calmly taken penalty in the semi final by their experienced Dutch 'international', but ended up losing the final. Next season promises to be a good one as most of the team will be playing together again.

Unfortunately, Selwyn did not enter a women's team into the mid week league, which was a shame as it was what Chantal preferred to be playing as a second game. Mainly because she knew the lady who ran the team. Therefore, she joined the grass team. Selwyn ladies were very short of players, hence why! She found it quite tricky going back to playing on grass as it is so much harder to trap and control the ball. The team is quite the opposite of the `First Grade' team, as Chantal seems to be one of the youngest players! Unfortunately, they did not win any games but did manage to draw one! I think it might be best not to mention the goal difference!

Anyway, the season has now ended and neither of us suffered any injuries, even when we had things planned on Saturday evenings (and we know Pete has a tendency to get injured before big nights out). However, a few bumps and bruises have been gained. The most spectacular is the one on Chantal's thigh, which was achieved by succeeding in stopping a goal being scored. Even though goalkeepers wear a lot of padding (the normal goalie was ill and she stepped in) some body parts are uncovered. It hurt a lot, but stopping a goal being scored and therefore winning the match made the pain worthwhile!

No mini skirts for a while then

The winter hockey season is now over, but there is a chance of playing some summer hockey if Pete gets his act together and organizes a team.

http://www.canterburyhockey.org.nz/.

Meet Grumps

Good morning Grumps.

Although the cottage we are renting came unfurnished, it somehow came 'equipped' with a cat. When initially viewing the cottage, we saw that the tenants had what appeared to be a rather grumpy looking, big, fluffy, grey cat. So when 'Grumps' turned up at the back door one day, we wondered whether he had wandered back to his old home. As it turned out, he has been given to the people that live behind us, so that is okay. Well, okay.... We have both come used to having Grumps around. For him we are walking biscuits dispenser. Yes, he has us sussed and comes round whenever we are eating (breakfast, lunch and dinner, and as we do not want him to feel bad, we give him cat biscuits. In return, he sits on our laps all evening, until we push him out of the door before going to bed (lack of a cat flap).

Who would have thought we would see this scene?

It was only today that we realised he sleeps in our shed, on top of an old washing machine! I guess he does sometime go to his rightful owners, although he does seem to spend a lot of time in our house.