Members tune in to guest speaker

 

Guest speaker at the February 2018 meeting was Mark Perry. Known to many residents in the district as the ‘local radio guy’, Mark’s association with broadcasting spans more than 40 years. Mark shared comments on his early training days, exposure to the world of broadcasting and introduction to programming.

Experience and technical knowledge gained from association with a number of NZ radio stations, including Radio Hauraki and 3ZM Christchurch, saw Mark receive numerous radio awards (not mentioned by him, but known all the same). Whilst it is the community tuned in to the wide selection of music as well as news bulletins on Heads 106.4FM and The Wireless 90.4FM that reaps the benefit of Mark’s experience today, he nonetheless took the opportunity to express his appreciation for both audience and advertising support he receives.

A very different interest and activity also calling for Mark’s attention and designated by him as having hobby status, is beekeeping. It was in 2006 that he purchased a hive (now four) and after just one season the bees were virtually non-existent due to the hive being robbed by wasps.

A course in agriculture and numerous enquiries helped him reach an understanding of the behaviour of bees and the conditions necessary for their survival. He learned that bees definitely don’t appreciate humidity and weather dictates their behaviour. If unable to leave the hive and take flight they will eat the honey in order to survive.

Both informative and amusing was Mark’s account of the behaviour of bees (particularly 
their mating antics), their consciousness, how they fight each other, are ever on the watch for intruders, the nature/description of stings, and the sentry duty that is called for at the time the pupae emerge. Mark replied to questions and received generous applause from members, and thanked for his address as well as his community commitment.

 Want to know more about Mangawhai Combined Rebus Club? Meet every third Thursday of the month in the Senior Citizens’ Hall, Fagan Place, Mangawhai Heads at 2pm. Visitors welcome. Contact Gaylene Lawrence 431 5617 or Beve Smith 431 5777 for more details