Netball Horowhenua jubilee committee cancels centennial ball

Horowhenua centennial committee lead Raymond Kaika polishing some of the trophies ahead of celebrations, which have now been reviewed due to lockdown restrictions

Netball Horowhenua has made a decision to cancel its centennial ball event next month and refund all pre-purchased ticket-holders in full.

The netball association was disappointed it had to cancel the social event but would still forge ahead with other plans, like the centennial book and centennial plaque.

Netball Horowhenua issued a press release on Tuesday explaining its position.

"After an enormous amount of careful consideration and debate, the executive committee has regretfully decided to cancel the jubilee ball."

"The ball had already been postponed due to Covid19, and the uncertainty around when we might return to level 1 conditions (and stay there) has been the key deciding factor."

Action from the Umpires Tournament at Donnelly Park last season.

"We would like to thank all the jubilee steering committee members for the countless hours of work that have gone into the planning of the jubilee events."

"We know how disappointed they are that the ball cannot go ahead, but we look forward to what we are able to do."

"The unveiling of the centennial plaque will still take place on November 6 as it can happen under level 2 conditions."

"At this event, invited guests from Netball Horowhenua's past will join with us to remember and celebrate the stories and memories of the people who contributed to the ongoing organisation of netball in the Horowhenua region."

An old archive netball photo taken in August 1969. Pictured are Joy Davidson, Colleen Morrissey, Carol Lindsay and Susan Shaw with a team mascot. Photo: Kete Horowhenua

"A centennial book is also about to be published and will be available for purchase soon. This will be a delightful memento of photos and stories from local netball people."

"Every ball ticket that has been purchased will be refunded in full. Ticket-holders who we have details for will be contacted personally."

"In the meantime, ticket-holders can assist us in this by sending your name, ticket number(s), and bank account details, by either private message through our Facebook page or by email to centennial.netballhorowhenua@gmail.com"