Did You Know.......

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New life after mangroves
Driving at less than 50kmh across the Insley St causeway there is ample opportunity to see the various types of birds feeding now the mangroves have been removed. Take a look too, at the now visible stone work on the Black Swamp Rd bridge. There have been loads of positive comments on just how well the estuary looks now the work in that area has been completed.

Contractors are making good the Black Swamp Rd corner before starting work on the next stage of the project for which the Harbour Restoration Society has resource consent. This is Sand Island (known locally as Mangrove Island), the large area you see off Kainui St. The removal of this extensive mangrove forest will certainly dramatically change the landscape.

Fundraiser tickets at Bammas
Not too late to purchase your tickets for the big fundraising event of the year, the Casino Royale dinner and auction on Saturday June 20, 6.30pm until midnight, at the Recreation Centre next to the school in Insley St.

Leigh Hart will be the talented MC with the aim of raising $20,000 for the planned covered family picnic and barbecue area in the Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ). With generous donations of fabulous prizes to be won and auctioned, this gala evening will be something to remember. Tickets available from Bammas in the village, $80pp or $600 for table of 8.

A shuttle bus service will be available. If you would like to contribute in any way, or require information, phone 0272 823 960 or email hobsonleehr@gmail.com.

Tramping for fitness & fun
How about joining a local tramping group which guarantees loads of fun, caters for all fitness levels and ages, male and female, and meets on a Monday? The Mangawhai/Ruakaka tramping group is looking for new members to share their activities which extend from Mangawhai to points north, with car pooling when necessary. The person to contact is Lorraine Morris 431 5988.

Lost & found at The Club
Don't you just love happy endings? On May 2, a gold bracelet was found and handed in to staff at The Club by one of the patrons. It was placed on a hook in public view, hopefully to be claimed by whomever had lost it. Some three weeks later, The Club manager Wayne Williams was visiting his mum Bev, and noticed she was tearfully rubbing her wrist. Asking what was the matter, she replied that she had just noticed her prized bracelet was missing. On his return to The Club, Wayne rang his mum for a decription, and yes, it was the very bracelet hanging on the hook waiting to be claimed.

Bar manager Adrian Skinner says they have numerous items handed in or left behind by patrons. These include coats, hats, car keys, house keys, plastic cards, phones, purses, even a pair of knickers! Had they

realised the value of Bev's bracelet, they would have taken it to the police station, he explained. It’s certainly worth checking with The Club staff if you've mislaid something.

New artists president
Mangawhai Artists Inc are planning a busy year of activity following their recent AGM. Jan Grover is the new president, deputy Elena Nikolaeva, treasurer George Currie, supported by committee members Suza Lawrence, Jean Fountain, Ian McGowan, Cliff McPherson, Brenda Adams, Russell Hill, Gayle Forster and John Pickworth. Participation in the Kaipara Art Awards later in the year plus a members exhibition will keep practising artists busy. And the group has also introduced a new category of membership – Friends of Mangawhai Artists Inc – for those interested in the art scene, with newsletters, exhibition openings etc. Check out their website mangawhaiartists.co.nz or email mangawhaiartists@gmail.com.

A taste of Toulouse
Frog & Kiwi owners David and Nathalie come from the 'pink city' of Toulouse, and would like to share with you some of the specialities of the area. Soiree Toulousaine is on Saturday June 13, with a set menu full of delights. Bookings are essential on 431 4439.

Learn new technology
What do you know about Smart TV's? SeniorNet Mangawhai are hosting a presentation by Noel Leeming explaining all you need to know about this new technology on Thursday June 18, 1.30pm, at The Club on Molesworth Drive. Everyone is welcome to attend – no need to register – with $5 entry which includes afternoon tea.

SeniorNet also run monthly help clinics on the third Thursday of each month, 10.30am-12.30pm, at the Lerarning Centre, Milestone Cottages conference room, Mangawhai. $10 members, $15 non-members. Bring along your tablet, iPad, laptop or whatever to share and solve problems.

Animal antics for fundraiser
Animal costumes are in big demand – as are onesie sales – for the jungle themed Quiz Night and Auction. This annual Zonta event will be held at the Golf Club on Thursday July 23, so mark your calendar now. Proceeds will go towards their Spirit of Adventure scholarship and other projects. You'll need to book early at Bammas or Mangawhai Books & Gifts, $15pp, teams of six. There will be a cash bar, nibbles provided, and loads of prizes. Expect lots of animal antics with everyone dressed as their favourite jungle character.

Second dinner & movie combo
Kaiwaka Community Cinema dinner and film night on July 24 has sold out! A second Indian dinner and screening of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel will be held on Friday July 31 at 6.30pm, tickets $25. Book now with Ad 431 2234 or Penny 431 2225 to avoid disappointment!

Coming up: Birdman (R16), Friday June 12, 7.30pm, $10pp; a special screening of Thor as a fundraiser for the Rodney Otamatea Taniwha rugby team, Saturday June 20, 7pm, $10pp; Wild (R16) starring Reece Witherspoon, Friday June 26, 7.30pm, $10pp; Shaun The Sheep, Sunday June 28, 2pm, $5pp.

And a reminder for always…
'Real mates don't let mates drink and drive.'

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