Introduction
It seems like the season has been running for quite a while now but it's only half way through if past years are anything to go by. Al Gore can scream as hysterically as he likes, the snow keeps coming each year. Long may it continue.
The season has gone well for the club with solid bookings and improved facilities at Turoa lodge after some initial problems.
Our race teams have put in some solid efforts and I'm told that we are a chance in the overall season trophy due to our members' consistency. As usual, competing is only half the fun and Rangatira is well represented at the after race socials.
President's weekend (October 10 and 11) should be a great time as usual but for younger adult members who would like to get away from the 'oldies', there is an 18 - 25 year olds party at Turoa on the same weekend. A number of foundation and long time members (generally 60 year olds and up) are heading down to Turoa for a golden oldies week starting on October 12th. If you qualify it would be well worth attending. Details for these events are set out below.
The full 2009 scholarship report is included in this newsletter for those who missed it on the website. Also included are some reminders following events that have come to the Committee's attention.
Finally, don't forget to check out the upcoming events at the bottom of this newsletter, including junior and senior club races.
Rob Yallop
Editor
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Young Presidents Weekend
Party weekend (possibly with skiing ;-) for 18 to 25 year olds
Luke Elrick and Josh Hyams are organising a party weekend for 18- to 25-year-olds on October 10th and 11th at Turoa (Ohakune lodge).
Bunks are filling fast – so get yours booked today! For more info contact Luke Elrick 027 236 3831 or Josh Hyams 027 567 0606 or email r.a.s.c@xtra.co.nz.
Guest booking will open up one week prior – get your guest on waiting list now.
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Golden Oldies Week
Party week for club founders, veterans and friends (and possibly some skiing ;-)
The Golden Oldies week, which was announced at the Ball, runs at Turoa (Ohakune lodge) from Monday, October 12th, to Friday, October 16th.
The Lodge has been reserved for the founding members and their partners. However it is also open to any member in the exclusive 60+ category.
As part of the 50th celebrations the tariff is only $15 per night. Please contact the booking officer, Jenny Newlove, for more information.
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Christiania Race Results
Men’s 2nd place - Rangatira Men’s #1 Mark Fairley, Brad Alywin, Anton Haueter, Anthony Strevens
Ladies 3rd place - Rangatira Ladies Shirley Kennett, Shannon Trafford, Jane McLaren, Jenny Verdonk
Juniors 3rd place - Rangatira Juniors Mike Tamis, Pete Boberg, Callum Millbank, Pru Millbank
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2009 Scholarship
 Nine Scholars were selected this year to attend our annual programme during the July school holidays at Whakapapa. All scholars and their families were in house on Friday night; Saturday morning greeted us with weather suitable for skiing, good snow cover and a group of scholars ever so keen to hit the slopes.
The Saturday afternoon session (with Roger, Paul and Penny), designed to get our scholars skiing as a formal group, was going well until a snow boarder cleaned out Erin on the “Nose Dive”. The sled ride to first-aid to see if her arm was fractured wasn’t part of our plan! Luckily, arm not broken, the determined Erin was able to rejoin the group for skiing on Tuesday.
Sunday; another great day. The motley crew were now gelling as a team, skiing very well as a group and learning a few more skills with regard to safety on the mountain and leadership. They were now ready for five days of Ski School.
Monday weather, good to ski!
8:15am and the eight were on their way to meet their instructor, Clemens from Austria . He was briefed by the team leader for the day, Thomas P., at the top of the second chair and they were into it.
Tuesday, same weather, with a forecast for snow! Scholars gone at 8:15am with Erin in tow. These guys were clearly enjoying themselves and were full of enthusiasm. No doubt some new friendships had been forged. The weather changed in the afternoon, with heavy snow. The road closed with cars off the road by 5pm; causing havoc for the road crews. I, Vince, Roger and a few others had gone to Turoa Lodge (maintenance) and only managed to get back up the road by catching a ride in the snowplough and a staff bus. The evening activities included the game “Who Am I” and the obligatory “Rotate Around The Table” a Rangatira special. Only a few members in the club have historically managed this feat. But this year, one scholar, James Pickford, not only rotated sideways around the table, he also did it length ways!!
 Wednesday. Weather not so good, but fresh snow and scholars out there on the hill. The first chair was thrashed and terrorized by our team. Some great photos/video (John Andrews) of them with Clemens having a great time. They were clearly focused and skiing very well. Improvement all round. Luigi Hotter from the Ohakune Fire Service turned up at 5:30pm. He managed to sneak his smoke generator machine into the lodge and we had a “cold turkey” full fire alarm evacuation. Some very surprised members found themselves outside in the cold. Luigi noted one junior member,(William Andrews) exited through a bunk room window, as briefed at the start of the week by our competent custodian Dennis. A very good effort by all members.
Thursday. Another ski day! Intro to race gates and plenty of skiing on the agenda with Scholarship Trophies on the line. Clemens invited to dinner and the “scholar skit night” entertainment. What a night. The “ex-scholar” siblings performed a fear factor skit involving “food items” proving to be a messy, entertaining affair, as did the “wrestling with hands bound to feet”!
Friday, a later start (9:15am), as Clemens had stayed with us. Good weather, lots of gates with excellent tuition.
A perfect end to a wonderful week thanks to some excellent snow and weather. Not too often do we get this amount of skiing early in the season.
Most improved Scholar 2009, voted by Clemens, Callum Milbank.
Top Scholar 2009, voted by the scholars, Edward Martin.
Many thanks to RAL Snow School, all of the Parents and family members, Adrian Farnsworth for the Scholarship puffer jacket vests, Roger Wimsett and the 2009 Scholars for a very impressive week.
Paul Boberg
Club Captain.
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Lodge Updates
Turoa Update
 Turoa lodge has experienced unprecedented demand this season, with most weekends and many midweek nights being fully booked. If you intend visiting this lodge, and fail to book, you may find that you are refused entry as we have imposed a limit of 43 for the remainder of the season (including the Custodians). The Custodians have been instructed to strictly enforce this limit. Check the website and ring the Custodians before you go.
To help cope with this season’s demand and improve guest comfort, we have installed a new sterilizer and espresso machine, replaced 20 mattresses, improved the hot water capacity to the kitchen and showers, added 3 extra car parks and are about to install two new gas stoves.
Further announcements will be made later in the year on additional upgrades and improvements planned for the lodge.
Iwikau Update
 Planning is well advanced on the long awaited upgrade to the Iwikau lodge. We have a meeting with DOC this weekend to discuss our proposals, but it should be noted that, as we are located in a National Park, there will be significant hurdles in achieving all the changes we propose.
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Friendly Reminders
• Contact the Custodians at least 24 hours ahead if you require dinner on the first night of your stay
• Members can’t arrive at the Lodge without a booking
• Book directly with the Custodians after Tuesday (for the coming weekend)
• Membership is closed other than midweek
• Guidelines for Broadband us: members are using up the club's monthly allocation within a few days. Please remember that broadband is provided to check emails, the weather etc., not for children to download movies and spend lengthy periods on the internet.
• A 'gold coin' donation is requested for the espresso machines that have been installed at both lodges.
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Upcoming Events
Ngauruhoe Cup
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2009
Location: Iwikau
More details...
Junior Club Races
Date: Saturday, October 2, 2009
Location: Turoa
More details...
Presidents Weekend & Senior Club Races
Date: Saturday, October 10 - Sunday, October 11, 2009
Location: Iwikau
More details...
18-25 years ‘Young Presidents Weekend’
Date: Saturday, October 10 - Sunday, October 11, 2009
Location: Turoa
More details...
Golden Oldies Week
Date: Monday, October 12 - Friday, October 16, 2009
Location: Turoa
More details...
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