Mangawhai Probus Club

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Time for a day out
Probus members boarded a Leabourns bus at 9.30am on June 18 and headed for the Town Basin in Whangarei – a vibrant area with lots to see and do.

While half the group enjoyed morning tea the other half had a guided tour through Claphams National Clock Museum – and then we swapped over. 

In 1889 Archie Clapham’s father gave him a music box for his 7th birthday which started a fascination for all things clockwork.  The museum is named after Archie who came to New Zealand from Yorkshire in 1903 and made Whangarei his home. His collection of over 400 clocks and music boxes, some extremely rare and most in working order, form the basis of the museum today.  In 1961 Archie sold his collection to the local Council for a nominal sum, effectively gifting this amazing collection to the community he had adopted. 

Museum has world first
On the bus again and out to Maungatapere to the Packard and Pioneer Museum. First up - lunch provided by The Office at Maungatapere. Those interested in heavy machinery were taken to the sheds out the back and got lost in bulldozers, army trucks and heavy machinery. The rest enjoyed the elegance of the Packard cars and others on display, some of which brought back memories of earlier days. 

This comprehensive automotive and engineering museum houses what is reportedly the world’s largest Packard collection assembled by a single collector with 52 Packards on display. There were motorbikes, lawn mowers, typewriters, sewing machines – you name it, it is there. A fabulous collection and well worth a visit to very friendly and accommodating hosts. 

Mid afternoon saw us heading home feeling very satisfied that there are people in our community who want to preserve and display items from the past and show us how far engineering has advanced. A worthwhile day out.

Upcoming Probus Events
n July 16, Mid winter Christmas Dinner, midday at Te Hana marae.
n Sept 17, Operatunity Concert at the Anglican Church, Mangawhai Village.

Next meeting
Mangawhai Probus meet every third Thursday in the month at the Senior Citizens Hall, Fagan Place, Managwhai at 2pm. If you require more info or transport please contact Ron and Gaylene Lawrence 431 5617 or Beve Smith 431 5777. All visitors are welcome.