Did You Know?

 

Opera opportunity
Tickets are on sale now for the daytime Operatunity Concert on September 18. Broadway to West End is the theme, featuring one of the New Zealand three tenors Derek Hill, Tizane McEvoy star of the national tour of Pirates of Penzance, Operatunity favourite Alex Mulligan who sang at Dame Kiri's recent 70th birthday, and introducing new singer Adam Thompson, all accompanied by Eli Moore. The Mangawhai Probus Club is hosting this wonderful concert at the new Anglican Church on Molesworth Drive. Seating is available for 150, and the popularity of well-known Operatunity concerts means you will need to book early. Tickets $25 (includes a light lunch) are available from Gifts and Books in Wood St, and Bammas in the village. The concert starts at 10am sharp!

Join the choir
There's a lot happening on the music scene in Mangawhai. The World Song Choir, conducted by Bert van Dijk is attracting enthusistic support, with numbers increasing each week. Participants are introduced to polyphonic (more part) songs from around the world, each with its unique rhythm and mood. "If you can walk, you can dance; if you can talk, you can sing" could well be Bert's mantra and with his considerable skills in the international theatre field, talent in Mangawhai is being exposed! 7.30-9pm on Monday evenings in the Mangawhai Library Hall $6/10 per session. More info from Bert via email bertvd@clear.net.nz or 021 185 7956.

Ukes rock on
And for ukulele enthusiasts, there will be another Ukulele Jam at Sail Rock on Sunday August 17, 3-5pm, led by the one and only Max Maxwell. Just $5, and with the words and music up on the big screen, it's easy to participate. Guest performances too, from Mother Pluckers, Flaming Ukes, and Ukulele Junction. Max will also be holding a workshop, developing finger picking and new strums, from 12.30-2.30pm. Cost $15. Places are limited to 20. Register online at singforjoy.org.nz/docs/sailrock.pdf.

Art awards open
Entries for the 2014 Gilmore Brown Art Awards, hosted by the Kauri Museum at Matakohe, are now being accepted. No longer restricted to Kaipara residents, this prestigious art award is likely to attract some challenging competition! Five categories available. Entry forms must be in by August 29, judging and opening night on Friday September 5. Cash prizes awarded in all categories thanks to generous sponsorship fom Gilmore brown, Westmoreland Homes, First National Real Estate Mangawhai, and Materials Processing Ltd. Download an entry form from the Kauri Museum website, phone 431 7417, or email cglass@kaurimuseum.com.

Evening art talk
For inspiration, you might like to come along to the next winter evening Art Talk on Wednesday August 20 in the Mangawhai Library hall. Led by artist Suza Laurence, the subject is 'The most famous artists of the 20th century’, supported by a slide show/movie. 7-9pm, bring drinks and nibbles to share, and $5 entry. For info and bookings please contact Suza 432 1881, mobile 021 924 819, or email suza@suza.co.nz.

Apply for ‘creative’ funds
Applications to the Kaipara Creative Communities NZ scheme are now open, designed to encourage local communities to create and present diverse opportunities in all forms of the creative arts. Call in to the council office for an application form, or ring them on 0800 727 059 to have one posted to you or your organisation. Entries close Friday August 29. This is a government funded scheme, administered locally by Kaipara District Council.

Fun & games at The Club
A less stressful way to meet (possibly) is at The Club popular Housie/Bingo. It's 'eyes down and looking' each Friday at the Mangawhai Club, when about 70 turn up to play, coming from as far away as Wellsford and Waipu to participate in the fun afternoon. Ticket sales commence at 11.30am and play gets underway at 12.30pm. Besides the ordinary houses, the 'super house' is a major attraction and there is a buzz of excitement when popular caller Linda announces the start of the BIG one. The more that play, the greater the prizes.

If you are interested in playing bingo (and you're over the age of 18) then come along this Friday and give it a go. Anyone new to the area, it's a great chance to meet new friends – all are welcome. For further information, contact Jan Hollingsworth on 423 9511.

Bird report from Sioux
It would seem spring is in the air – two white faced herons are back in my yard rebuilding their nest. The tuis are chasing and singing in their best voices, all puffed up to show how desirable they are. NZ dotterels are dressed up and protecting territories, while NZ fairy tern are beginning to be seen on the Wildlife Refuge. Kaka are still seen regularly in the Darmah Lane area. There is a report of a bellbird seen close up on several occasions on an Old Waipu Road property, and one seen on the Goldschmidt track in the past, so keep your eyes peeled.

Fun after school
Did you know there is an 'afterschool' programme at Mangawhai Beach School? The After 3 Fun Factory now has sessions on Monday to Thursday providing lots of fun projects for the children to experience and participate in. Progammers Jaki and Jen say they entered the Tartan Taniwha at the Waipu Surf Club again, and this year picked up the Winner of the Kids section. They were awarded an amazing tropy and some cool prizes, so they would like to thank Greg and all the sponsors, and of course, to the creative Mangawhai kids.

Jaki and Jen even manage to squeeze in some homework and sometimes a movie at the end of the day. Look out for the 'Kid's Cookies' which come beautifully packaged, on sale at the school office. All this and more at the After 3 Fun Factory, 2.30-5.30pm Monday to Thursday, $15 inclusive afternoon tea and activities. OSCAR funding available.
 

SNIPPETS The bowls season is starting soon. Anyone interested in playing can contact Neville Franks 431 4394. He's also taking entries for Business House Bowls. First year bowlers will once again be coached by Sue Wightman aand Allan Stebben, and another 'have a go' day is planned. The Magical Mangawhai website is the place to list your business or organisation (free for Mangawhai ones) and any events planned – magicalmangawhai.co.nz and you can do it all yourself! The popular Cowshed Restaurant in Pebblebrook Road is the place for a unique dining experience on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. You make your menu choice (pork, chicken, beef, vegetarian) when you pre-book, phone 431 2354. General election is looming. Are you familiar with the candidates for the Northland electorate? There is a 'meet the candidates' meeting at the Wellsford Community Hall this Thursday, August 14, starting 6.30pm for an informal gathering with the presentations at 7pm. You'd better go if you want to take the opportunity to become better informed. Kaiwaka Cinema: Dame Judi Dench stars in Philomena, Friday August 15 at 7.30pm. Saving Mr Banks on Friday August 22, 7.30 pm. Coming up: The Railway Man. Looking for an original gift for a toddler or pre-schooler? Local artist Andy Griffiths has copies of his book Eddie the Bad Tempered Teddy available. Andy wrote and illustrated the book and was featured in the Mangawhai Focus a few months ago. Copies available from the Post Office Shop at the heads, Well of Health Kaiwaka, Woody's Winners Wellsford or from the author himself 431 2029.

News and views to share through this column? Contact Jo Roberts 431 4711, email jo.roberts@xtra.co.nz