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October 2007

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Hello, well we have definitely had some fantastic skiing over the past few months and the progress members have made is outstanding. Our vans have been full nearly every weekend and the volunteers have just kept coming.  We normally find that our volunteer numbers start to diminish after the September school holidays with a lot starting to concentrate on exams and also with summer sports starting.  A HUGE thank you to all of you, your efforts and time have not gone unnoticed.  We appreciate that it is a long day from start to finish and hope that you have had time to fit in plenty of runs. 

 

FUN DAY AT MT HUTT

For those who attended we had an awesome day with lots of fun activities.  Unfortunately the wind got up and closed the lifts for the day soon after lunch.  We managed to get in our own amazing race on the mountain, and we found out that we had some members and helpers with great vocal cords, and every one followed the instructions and arrived back in time for lunch.  We were very fortunate to have Penny join us from Ice Breaker (who arrived with some great gifts) and she was a machine on the BBQ.  We all enjoyed Pigs in Blankets for lunch and after wards we hauled out the rubbish bags and thoroughly enjoyed coming down the slopes on our bottoms.  Some managed to get lots of speed up and even the parents and helpers came out of the café for this.
Over all it was a fantastic day, and if you missed it this year make sure you are there next season. 

SPORT CANTERBURY WINTER SPORTS AWARDS - November 10th 


These are annual awards where people from all walks of life and all winter sports are recognised for either their involvement or achievements with in the past 12 months with in the Canterbury area.  This recognises both national and international achievements.  The evening also enables each individual sport to pay tribute to, and reward their own members and officials for outstanding work.
We will be attending as we do every year, as it is an excellent way of getting our name out there.  Even though we don’t have any nominations it will still be a very entertaining evening.  This is quite a formal occasion and we are fortunate to rub shoulders with some of Canterbury’s most elite sports people.  If you are interested in joining us please leave your name and contact phone number on the answerphone (365 8348) and someone will contact you.  The cost per ticket is $70.00 this includes pre dinner drinks, three course meal and a selection of refreshments on tables. 

END OF SEASON PICNIC   -   Saturday 3th November 11.30am onwards

image2Once again we will have this at the Groynes as in the past two years this has proved popular.  So get the diary out and book in Saturday 3th November.  We will be providing a sausage sizzle (sausages, bread, onions and a couple of salads), please remember to bring along your own plates and cutlery and any refreshments you may want.  If you wish to bring along something different to cook on the BBQ you are most welcome. 
image3We will be handing out the silverware and certificates on this day so make sure you are there to collect yours.  If you have a cup or trophy from last year please leave your name and number on the answerphone and we will collect it.  (03 365 8348).  We will have some games and the
bouncy castle to entertain the troops.  You will also need to bring along something to sit on.

 

Elite Development Grants

It is that time of year again when you can apply for an Elite
Development Grant through Disabled Snowsports Canterbury.  This grant is available to members of Disabled Snowsports Canterbury in recognition of their dedication to the sport and their desire to compete at a national or international level.  Both Elite Skiers and Developing Skiers can apply for grants.

Elite Skiers are those who have competed or intend to
 compete nationally or internationally.
Developing Skiers are those who have shown dedication and commitment to their skiing and have specific goals and objectives that they want to achieve.

The grant is made available thanks to the fund raising efforts of the committee of Disabled Snowsports Canterbury.  A selection panel of committee members will decide on distribution of grants and their decision is final.  Grants will be awarded every six months.  If no suitable applications are submitted, grants will not be distributed.
In order to apply, you must be a financial member of Disabled Snowsports Canterbury.
If you are interested or wish to apply you will need to leave a message on the
 answerphone 03 365 8348 and an application form will be posted to you.
Applications close on November 30th 2007.

 

EVENTS OF THE SEASON

We have had ski weeks in both the July and September holidays plus a weekend away in Fairlie skiing at Dobson.  These were well attended and this is a fantastic opportunity for members to get in some solid skiing while getting plenty of one on one instruction.
We also had a large team attend the National ski week in Wanaka in July, with some new comers this year.  Once again this was a great week and if you are keen to attend all or some of these events next season keep an eye on the newsletters for dates.

It was the first time in a few years that we have managed to get in our fun day on the mountain as well, and once again a great time had by all.  The committee is keen to promote these types of events and are keen for any new suggestions for next season.

It is also now a good time to thank the committee for all of their hard work and dedicated time to ensure that our organisation runs smoothly.  This year our committee has been:  Heather Clay (president), Betty Chand (vice President), Storm Blacklock (secretary) and Wendy Woods and Colin Clapp, committee members.  We would also like to thank Joe Hurell for the season, as the role of Instructor is way more than just on the mountain.  For Joe it is also about ensuring that we have sufficient helpers and all of the driving up and down the mountain day in and day out.
While most of our members manage to get at least an hours kip on the way home, Joe is still on the job.  Thank you Joe!   We hope that you and Mary have a fantastic time in Andora over our summer and look forward to next year.

On the note of next year, if any of you are moving please make sure that you give us a call on the answerphone and leave your new contact details.  You would be surprised how much correspondence comes back to us over the summer months.  The answerphone number is 
03 365 8348.

Even though the mountain has shut and we have all hung up our boots and skis for the season remember to keep up your fitness over the summer and enjoy the long evenings and summer sports.  The committee will be having their planning meeting in February 2008 and if you have any thing you would like implemented for next year, let us know.

Although it is only October (or very nearly November) we would like to wish you and your families happy holidays and the best of luck to those of you who are about to face exams.

Signing off now from the committee of Disabled Snowsports Canterbury

For the 2007 season.


September 2007

Welcome to our new members.  Where is everyone!!!!   The snow is great and Joe is eager along with our wonderful volunteers, now we just need to see some more of our regular members.    Our numbers have been pretty good, but I know that there are a lot of members who have still not ventured up this season.  We have just had a southerly through and another 30-40cm of fresh snow dumped, so it is fantastic spring conditions up there.
Wednesdays are normally fairly light on numbers (all those members who used to go on Wednesdays must now be in employment), so if you are available mid week, book in and get more quality time with your Instructor.  It is harder for Joe to divide his time at the weekends.

You need to remember that it can be extremely cold on the mountain so be prepared with extra clothing.  The vans need to leave on time from BP Avonhead so please make sure that you are there in plenty of time to load up etc. (leaving weekends at 7.30am and mid week at 8.00am sharp) Also if you are a helper on the mountain, please ensure that you are back at the café at the time given at the end of the day, as we need to be back at BP Avonhead by or before 6.00pm. (Wouldn’t want to leave anyone behind now).


The next ski week is in the September School holidays 24th – 27th September. This is a general ski week so it is open to everyone. If you want to go please phone the answerphone and leave your details (03 365 8348) or let Joe know ASAP.
The cost for this is $160.00 + lift tickets and skis etc. if required.  Carer Support can be used, and 4 full days will be claimed.

The next Club Night is to be held on the 10th September 2007.  We are going to have another Pizza and DVD evening at the Disabled Persons Centre, 314 Worcester Street, Linwood.   (We thought that we would have a second go at this, and this time we will have the DVD’s)  We will provide the pizza for tea, so come along and catch up with everyone, and bring along the family.
We look forward to seeing you all there at 6.00pm on the 10th September


Subs are now overdue; if you have not paid yours please make it a priory!  If you are not a financial member you are not entitled to travel up the mountain and participate in our ski days.  We have large numbers wanting a seat in the vans most days, and if you haven’t paid your subs you may be turned away to make room for those that have.
When booking in for skiing please leave a clear message with your contact phone number.  If Mt Hutt is on hold, WE DON”T SKI!  

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK THE SNOWPHONE FOR CONDITIONS 383 8888


phone phonephone


  Elite Development Grants

It is that time of year again when you can apply for an Elite
Development Grant through Disabled Snowsports Canterbury.  This grant is available to members of Disabled Snowsports Canterbury in recognition of their dedication to the sport and their desire to compete at a national or international level.  Both Elite Skiers and Developing Skiers can apply for grants.

Elite Skiers are those who have competed or intend to
 compete nationally or internationally.
Developing Skiers are those who have shown dedication and commitment to their skiing and have specific goals and objectives that they want to achieve.

The grant is made available thanks to the fund raising efforts of the committee of Disabled Snowsports Canterbury.  A selection panel of committee members will decide on distribution of grants and their decision is final.  Grants will be awarded every six months.  If no suitable applications are submitted, grants will not be distributed.
In order to apply, you must be a financial member of Disabled Snowsports Canterbury.
If you are interested or wish to apply you will need to leave a message on the
 answerphone 03 365 8348 and an application form will be posted to you.
Applications close on November 30th 2007.

 


Nationals at Cardrona 2007

Attending:                Storm Blacklock, Alisha McLennan, Hamish Chand,
Blair Nevin, Ric Hargreaves, Craig Stothers, Nick Field, Mark Latham, Travis Moffat and our helpers were Betty Chand, Nicky Willis and of course Joe

The 2007 Nationals proved to be a fantastic week with lots of opportunities to take part in various ski events and clinics.  It all started for us Cantabs at BP Avonhead at 9.00am on the 21st July.  We loaded up and set off on our merry way to the holiday resort town of Wanaka.  After what probably seemed like an endless journey with a full van and trailer in tow, we arrived safe and well!  Once again we rented a house and it was fantastic to have those comforts of home.  Next stop was registrations, this gave the members a chance to catch up with other participants/rivals, to find out what was in store for the coming week and enjoy the pizza that was provided.  (And they thought it was going to be a holiday,  haha).  Over the week the clinics gave the participants the opportunities to improve their techniques, focusing on ability and progression.  These clinics included race training, off piste training and Specialised sessions for various snowsports and equipment use. 
Our bags were full of trophies and medals and all who attended did Canterbury proud.  This year we managed to keep away from any bugs and all had a fantastic time.

                                           
WELL DONE GUYS & GIRLS

                             

Independents weekend at Dobson -  This was held a couple of weekends ago. Joe headed down to Fairlie for the weekend with Craig Stothers, Hamish Chand, Storm Blacklock, George Richards, Mark Latham and Jim Grant.  They left Christchurch at 6.00pm stopped at Rangitata for fish and chips and arrived at the cute little cottage for a good nights sleep.  Saturday was spent on the slopes of Dobson and enjoyed by all.  Saturday evening was dinner at the Fairlie Hotel where Les and Wendy Blacklock looked after the troops with a great dinner.  Many thanks to the hosts!!  Sunday was spent back up the mountain, and driving back to Christchurch.  We try to do this weekend away every year.  So if you are totally independent both on and off the mountain look out for next season’s dates, and book yourself in.

Don’t forget to purchase your jacket and or beanie.  These look great on and have been very popular especially now we have our new name and logo.  The jackets can be purchased for $55.00.  There is a selection of sizes, leave your name on the answerphone and Nicky will contact you.  Also we have new beanies for sale, these are also black with a small amount of red on them and can be purchased for $10.00 from Joe on ski days.  We have also had quite a few people interested in our vests that our volunteers use on the mountain, so the committee has decided to stock these also, they sell at $40.00

jacket


May 2007

As day light saving has finished the days are definitely feeling more like winter is getting near.  Make sure that you get in early and get those skis and boards in tip top condition.  Don’t forget that Snow & Surf and Victoria Ski Sport support us by selling bargain books on our behalf so it would be good to show our appreciation in return by visiting them for all your winter needs.  Both shops have got excellent stock to choose from and are more than willing to help.  If you haven’t got a helmet now is a good time to have a look around and find one that fits and suits you. Helmets are becoming more and more popular and at Disabled Snowsports we encourage all members to have and wear one.

CLUB NIGHT

Come along to our first club night of the year on MONDAY 28TH MAY at 6.00pm

This will be held at The Disabled Persons Centre, 314 Worcester Street.  Bring along a gold coin and enjoy our traditional fish and chip night.  This is a great night to catch up with friends and members from last season and to hand in membership forms etc.  We have had some Jackets made for Disabled Snowsports Canterbury, these are of course Red and Black and team up great with a pair of black trackies or trousers.  The committee has decided that our old polar fleeces are past their 'use by date' and it is time to up the image especially now we have our new name and logo.  These can be purchased for $55.00.  There will be a selection of sizes to try on the 28th May and orders will be taken.  Also we have new beanies for sale, these are also black with a small amount of red on them and can be purchased for $10.00.  Imagine how striking we will look arriving on the mountain.
(We might even get mistaken as Team Hutt).

jacket

FUNDRAISING

We have been given the opportunity to have a sausage sizzle at QE11 on the 26th May.  The committee’s thoughts on this are that it would be a good opportunity for those wanting to go to Nationals this year to help man this.  All proceeds from this will go towards costs for National ski week, this is an easy and fun way of raising funds.  You will need to leave you name on the answerphone if you can be of assistance here.  The Water Polo Champs are on that day so there should be a lot of people around.  I look forward to checking the answerphone and clearing all of the messages.  You will only have to turn up and do a couple of hours, everything you need will be there waiting for you.

Once again our bargain books are a hit with large numbers sold at the CSA Ski Sale.  These are an absolute bargain and can be purchased from Snow and Surf and Victoria Ski Sport or by sending a cheque to us at P O Box 13 429, Christchurch.  Prices this year are 1 book for $100.00 or purchase two books for $170.00.  “Make sure you spread the word about the best deal available in town”
 

VOLUNTEER HELPERS

So far we have had a lot of enquires from new people wanting to join our organisation as volunteers for the coming season.  Don’t forget our first training night is on the 30th May at The Disabled Person Centre, 314 Worcester Street starting at 7.30pm.  It is great to see all of our dedicated volunteers from last season there as well as new volunteers.  Your experience as existing volunteers is paramount to us and we hope to see you all on the 30th.  Don’t forget to bring along any family and friends who are also interested. 

GENERAL NEWS

It is true we have a new set of wheels.  The blue van has done its time and was starting to get tired and in need of some work.  So over the summer months the committee worked hard with funding applications and has successfully obtained enough funding to purchase a 2000 Toyota Hi Ace.  A big thank you to Leiv Bjerga for his hard work, this time it is a manual and fully decked out like the other one.  Both are white and have our new logos and name on them, so we will be traveling in tandem this winter.  The bonus is now having two 11-seater vehicles.  With having two vans the same we may need to look at giving them names to identify them, one suggestion is to name the older one Rocky.  (You will have to ask Joe why).  Any suggestions will be welcomed.

Last season Mt Hutt made a suggestion to us that we make our volunteers more
visible.  This will help the lifties identify that they may need to slow down the chair lift or give assistance if required.  We have purchased new lightweight vests to be worn over existing jackets, these are black and have our logo on the front and back.  We have made sure that these are both fashionable and comfortable.

We see this as another way that we can make our presence known on the mountain.

DATES TO REMEMBER

May     28th                            Club Night @ The Disabled Persons Centre,
                                                Worcester Street, Linwood 6.00pm  

May     30th                             Helpers dry land training  (Disabled Persons Centre 314 Worcester St) 7.30pm

June    9th & 10th                   Helpers weekend in Methven

June    23rd                             Skiing Starts

July      2nd -   5th                    Beginners ski week (dependant skiers & boarders)

July      22nd  -  27th                National ski week (Cardrona)

If you are intending to go to the National Ski week in Cardrona this year, can you please show your interest by letting Nicky know ASAP.  We have booked the same house as last year and you can either download the registration form from www.disabledsnowsports.org.nz or get one from us.  As an indication you can expect the costs to be the same as last year, which was approximately $720.00 per person. Remember that you can use Carer support for this but may have to make up any short fall if required.  Disabled Snowsports Canterbury will do their best to keep costs as low as possible.

Talking about costs, it has been the discussed for the past couple of years about the administration cost for members going up the mountain in our vehicles.  This has been $10.00 for as long as anyone can remember.  This year the administration cost will go up to $15.00 for members.  This is still very reasonable as commercial Minivans and Snow Buses are charging $25.00 upwards.

LIFT TICKET PRICES FOR DSC MEMBERS FOR 2007

The cost of a lift ticket this season is:

Magic Carpet/Beginners =                  Adult  $21.50 + $15.00 admin = $36.50
                                                            Youth/Senior  $14.00 + $15.00 admin = $29.00

Full Lift Ticket =                                  Adult  $42.00 + $15.00 admin = $57.00
                                                            Youth/Senior  $22.50 + $15.00 admin = $37.50
                                                            Student  $30.50 + $15.00 admin = $45.50

Please try to have the correct money, as Joe does not carry change, if you are paying by cheque please make payable to Disabled Snowsports Canterbury.
Thank you for your cooperation with this.


March 2007

Welcome to the season of 2007.  It may be too soon for some of you to start thinking about the coming season, with the fantastic weather we have been having, but the committee has been very busy planning since December last year.  It looks to be a very promising one with many dates already on the calendar.  Joe is returning as our instructor again this year and is looking forward to catching up with everyone.

Our subscription form has changed to be in line with that of the National Body, you only need to worry about the Canterbury Subscription.  The medical form is for our information and for your safety, so please complete it for your own well being. These are kept in a secure folder and are held by the Instructor in case of emergency.  We would appreciate your prompt subs payment.  You can either post these to P O Box 13 429, Christchurch or bring it to the first Club Night.

AGM

The date for the AGM is 28 March 2006 at 7.00pm.  This will be held at the Disabled Persons Centre, 314 Worcester Street, Linwood, Christchurch.  There is parking available on site.  It would be good to see as many of you there as possible as this is your opportunity to have your say.  Information attached.

SKI SALE

The date for the annual ski sale is on 5 & 6 May 2007. 

This is a good opportunity to purchase good quality second hand gear as well as new.  Once again we will have a stand there and we need volunteers to help man this, if you are able to help please leave your name and contact phone number on the answerphone and someone will call you back to sort out times etc.  This is the start of the selling of our bargain books, which is our biggest fundraising project.  Once again these sold extremely well last season.  The answerphone number is 03 365 8348.

MEMBERSHIP

The membership fee has been kept the same as the previous three years, enclosed in this newsletter is the application form.  Please fill out and return with your payment as soon as possible so that we can get your ID cards out early.

Individual $60.00    Helper $20.00    Family $80.00 (family- consists of more than one skier in the same household, this does not entitle family members to half price lift tickets unless you require a on mountain helper).

VOLUNTEER HELPERS

Thank you for your support last season.  We would love to see you all back again for this season.  If you know of any one that you think would be interested in becoming one of our dedicated helpers please get them to phone the answerphone 03 365 8348 and leave their details.  The dates have been set for helpers training and we are going to have a weekend away in Methven as part of the training program. We did this last season and found it to be a great success.  There will be an evening held at Disabled Persons Centre, 314 Worcester Street, Linwood, Ch Ch, from 7.30pm on 30th May to cover the dry land training.  Please put this date on your calendar now.

DATES TO REMEMBER

March  28                    AGM   (Disabled Persons Centre, 314 Worcester St, Ch Ch     7.00pm)

May 5 & 6                    Ski Sale    (volunteers needed)

May 28                         Club Night (venue to be in next newsletter)

May 30                         Helpers dry land training  (Disabled Persons Centre, 314 Worcester St) 7.30pm

June 9 & 10                  Helpers weekend in Methven

June 23                         Skiing Starts

July 2 - 5                        Beginners ski week (dependant skiers & boarders)

July 22  -  27                  National ski week (Cardrona)

 
© Disabled Snowsports Canterbury 2006