Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards

What a terrific night we all enjoyed during the Business Excellence Awards held held last Friday 18 November, at the Marlborough Events Centre in Blenheim. Welcomed with a cool glass of bubbly and delicious canapes and an opportunity to meet and greet with other entrants (as excited as we were); Marlborough Chamber of Commerce board members, sponsors and judges.

No sooner had we consumed our entree then the spot prizes and the first of the awards were presented. You can imagine the increased heart-rate when we heard the presenter read out the name of the runner-up for the small business award - Wai-natur Naturist Park. I just could not remove the smile on my face before, during or after my acceptance speech.

As if that wasn't enough excitement for the evening; following the main course further awards were announced and included the joint winners of the Environmental Award: Clubs of Marlborough and......drum roll.... Wai-natur Naturist Park. Wow! Unbelievable! The smile was still there and I was too excited to be nervous as I accepted the award on behalf of our great team pictured above.

We naturists are environmental pioneers. The most significant factor in reducing our 'carbon footprint' is choosing not to wear clothes. This means that we dispense with one of the most environmentally damaging components of our day to day consumerism - those fashionable short-lived clothes, as well as the associated laundry water and chemicals. "The naturist philosophy is based on respect: respect for ourselves, respect for each other and respect for the environment." It was extremely satisfying to note these last comments quoted in the Marlborough Express.

Here is another photo to let you see the awards and the smile on my face following the presentation(s).... and yes, I am all dressed up for the night. Apparently others were wondering what we naturists would wear to the black tie event. Would I be wearing tassels on my nipples? Brian (tongue in cheek), said he would normally wear a black tie to any 'formal' occasion.

It was such fun getting dressed up to the nines. We are realistic to acknowledge it's all a matter of "time, place and circumstance".