Marlborough Local Wins DB Memorabeerlia Search

07 June 2005

Marlborough Local Wins Great DB Memorabeerlia Search

Marlborough's Roger Wilde has won the "Great DB Memorabeerlia Search", a nationwide competition run by DB Breweries to celebrate its 75th birthday.

From old DB beer bottles and brewing equipment, to the latest in merchandise, DB was on the lookout for the largest collection of DB "memorabeerlia" in New Zealand. In order to find the largest collection, DB ran competitions throughout 11 regions across the country. From the 11 regional finalists, Mr Wilde was found to have the most extensive collection of DB memorabeerlia.

Mr Wilde's vast collection of DB memorabilia has won him $500 worth of DB merchandise, and a personalised tour of a DB brewery.

The competition was judged by DB Breweries, Managing Director, Brian Blake, and food and beverage expert, Kerry Tyack.

Mr Wilde says he's been collecting memorabilia, in particular hotel--ware, for nearly eight years and is rapt to have won the national competition.

DB Breweries' Communications Manager, Georgina Hammond, says that the company was completely overwhelmed by the response to the memorabeerlia search, and while competition was pretty fierce for the national title, Mr Wilde's collection was deserving of the win.

"We received more than 70 entries in the competition which we were very impressed with," says Ms Hammond. "Mr Wilde's vast collection include a large array of past and recent DB labels and merchandise, including branded bar towels, T Shirts, hats and key rings. He also had a wonderful collection of tap handles, as well as DB Hotel crockery and silverware."

"His collection certainly showcases the diverse history of DB Breweries across the decades."

To encourage enthusiasts with smaller, unique collections to enter, DB also awarded prizes for the oldest piece of memorabilia entered in the competition, and the most unusual. The prize for the oldest item was won by a Pahiatua local who, as part of his collection, entered an invoice dated 1891 from the legendary Henry Wagstaff -- founder of the Tui Brewery (formally the North Island Brewery pre--1923).

The most unusual piece of "memorabeerlia" entered was a Tui-branded duvet and headboard -- in addition to the Tui flag the Palmerston North couple was given by the Tui Brewery when they were married, on the brewery's site, a couple of years previous.

ENDS

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