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Mangawhai Singers cover the globe
Ice on the estuary, frost on the dunes, and a belief that we've never had it so cold. But there's music in the air with Mangawhai Singers’ annual concert this weekend, Friday and Saturday July 24 and 25. This talented choir under the baton of Christine Bygrave, has spent many a chilly evening rehearsing the programme Around The World In Song. Not too many tickets left – call in to the museum as the last few seats will be available from reception. Starts 7.30pm, in the museum foyer, with complementary refreshments served during the interval. Listen to songs from France, Denmark, Scotland, Russia, Hawaii and more with the choir, along with some surprises. Proceeds to assist with the running of our magnificent museum.

Mark your diary now for another anticipated sellout concert from Operatunity. Mangawhai Probus Club is once again hosting this daytime event, on Thursday September 17. I'm In Love With Vienna is the theme, but you'll have to wait until August when the tickets become available. We'll keep you posted.

The NZ Symphony Orchestra is performing at Forum North, Whangarei, on Sunday September 27 at 3pm, with a programme of Classical Hits. I have two tickets available, best seats in the house, so give me a call on 431 4711.

Get zany with Zonta!
Zonta's Quiz Night and Auction is on this Thursday, July 23. Not purchased your ticket yet? Check in at Bammas in the village, or Books & Gifts in Wood St. Not got your jungle themed costume? Check out the Op Shop! Prizes for best-dressed, and the winning team. It all starts at 7.30pm at the Golf Club, with nibbles provided and cash bar available. If you are not already part of a team of six, the hosts will fit you in with others. Loads of fun, and of course, all proceeds will be supporting the Spirit of Adventure scholarship and other Zonta projects. Need more info? Call Dianne on 431 3264 or Sue 431 3190.

Become an official SMAZ
The call is out from Mangawhai Activity Zone, that wonderful park on Molesworth Drive. Noticed how many people were using all the facilities over the school holidays? Just brilliant. MAZ trustees wish now to build a team of community minded volunteers to help maintain and develop our Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ). If you could give one hour, or even one day per month, they would love to hear from you. Call Colin for details 021 955 850 or 09 431 4598. If you love Mangawhai, do something like joining SMAZ – Supporters of MAZ. Come along to meet the committee this Sunday, 26 July, 11am, at the MAZ carpark, to get an idea of the sort of volunteer work required – mowing, weeding, lost property, signage, maintenance, safety aspects and suchlike.

Positive comments about mangroves
Mangrove removal at the Sand Island is progressing well with approximately 70 percent of the trees felled. These are being stockpiled on the island for burning as permitted by the Consent. Many favourable comments have been received from the public, especially regarding the number of birds now

seen feeding in the areas where trees were removed along Insley Street and Black Swamp Roads. Dave, Ed and team are doing a great job for the community, especially in the cold weather!

Online banking explained
SeniorNet Mangawhai and major sponsor Westpac are running online banking workshops so you can learn how to use online banking, regardless of which bank you use. Three dates to choose from: this Thursday July 23, again on July 30, and August 6, all at 10.30am at The Club on Molesworth Drive. These are 'hands on', with only eight places available for each date, so you must register. Call Tony 431 2269 or Val 431 4042. SeniorNet Mangawhai is offering these 2-hour courses at no charge. Bring your own laptop/device if you prefer.

ORT calls for auditions
Otamatea Repertory Theatre (ORT) is preparing to produce A Christmas Carol as their end of year play/musical, with performances from November 27 to Sunday December 6. Auditions will be held on Saturday August 15 and Sunday August 16, and you can peruse a script by contacting Maura Flower via email: maura.flower@gmail.com.

ORT is also calling for expressions of interest for the position of director and musical director. You will need to be available to run auditions then rehearsals twice a week on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoon/evenings. Email or post your aplication to ORT secretary Kathy Bygrave at kathyr1963@hotmail.com or PO Box 35, Maungaturoto 0547 by August 12. Give this some thought – now is the time to take on a new challenge!

A reminder…
Sail Rock Restaurant is closed for the month of August. Margaret will be firing on all cylinders again after a break!

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

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