A wood chopping competition Kimbolton, New Zealnd is gaining a reputation in just its second year following a 14-year hiatus. Source: Manawatu Standard
Colleen Gibbins and husband Julian own the Kimbolton Hotel, and said it was good to see the event back on the calendar.
“It used to be really big in Kimbolton,” Colleen Gibbins said. Evidently, it’s getting that way again.
A total of 19 axemen and women, some past or current New Zealand representatives, will compete for the Noel Dickinson Memorial Shield.
Enquires have come in from as far as Auckland, Ms Gibbins said.
“I just tell them I’ll have to add them to the waiting list for next year.”
Four newly-appointed axemen have also registered to compete for the title, points and prizes.
Last year’s event drew 13 axemen and a large crowd. The Shield was tightly contested with less than two points between first and second place.
Masterton’s Wayne Tasker narrowly beat Warren Riddel to win first place with the fastest time trials and the best overall score.
He was awarded the Noel Dickinson Memorial Trophy and Stu Nicol Memorial Trophy, named after two champion axemen from Apiti (Dickinson) and Whanganui (Nicol). Pete Betteridge finished third.
Tasker will return this year to defend his title, Julian Gibbins said.
The Gibbons believe the growing event will showcase Kimbolton to visitors.
As well as the main wood chopping events, there will be a Jack and Jill sawing competition. Skilled sawmen and local amateurs will get on either end to race other teams in the event.
In the old glory days of the competition, before its 14-year break, up to 80 axemen would take part at the Kimbolton Hotel event, Julian Gibbins said.
