Did you know

 

 With Jo Roberts


Chicken flies to Oz
'Chook' has been Graeme Chicken's nickname for years, but after the first viewing of the McDonald's advertisement on television, his workmates at Carters (Mangawhai) now refer to him as McChook! You may have spotted Graeme and family members in the line-up of those who share the surname Chicken from Australia and New Zealand, after McDonalds sought them out for their current promotion. It was an all-expenses paid trip to Sydney for the filming, best described as 'cool' by the family which included wife Jane along with daughters Lisa and Emma. Son Scott missed out as he was unable to make the trip. Sometimes having an unusual surname can be very rewarding!

St John building closer
Developing an overall plan for Mangawhai Park is proving to be a challenging exercise for the Steering Committee headed by Jim Wintle. With Mangawhai St John eager to start building their new ambulance station on an agreed site in the park, Jim and Dave Wingate will be attending the next council meeting on Monday May 27 to put forward the proposal to allow the commissioners to formally dedicate the site so that St John can proceed with the building. The steering committee is still working on the wide-reaching plan and ongoing management for Mangawhai Park, following on from all the public input. Jim says the big master plan will be presented to the public for further discussion and input later this month.

Op Shop turns three
Did you know the Opportunity Shop set up by St John to support the ambulance station project has now been operating for three years? It continues to be a most successful undertaking, simply because of public support through donations of goods to sell, an eager customer base, and dedicated volunteers. And once the new station is completed, monies raised through the Op Shop will help support a full-time officer position. Right now, there is a May Madness book sale on, with all on the shelves to go at three for $2.

Trampers birthday walk
To celebrate the first birthday of Mangawhai Trampers, the walk on Sunday May 19 will be a local one, over Richard and Anne Henry's farm at Tara – part open farm land, part bush, including pa and other archaeological sites. New members are welcome to join this group (no joining fees!) by contacting either Dawn Browne 431 5926 or Jan Jacob 431 5157 for more information.
 
Fish ‘n Chip fundraiser
A fundraising Fish 'n Chip luncheon is being organised by the local Hospice Support Group, with tickets at just $15 – Monday 20 May, 12 – 2.30 pm at The Club. You can purchase your ticket from Bammas, Mangawhai Books, Fishing and Tackle in Wood St, Buy The Way in Kaiwaka, or simply contact organiser Glenys MacIntosh 4312 509.

Join artists at AGM
Mangawhai Artists Inc are holding their AGM on Wednesday May 22, 10am at the Tavern. Coffee, meeting, guest speaker, followed by lunch if you wish. Worth joining up! President Jan Grover says there are lots of workshops and exhibitions on the drawing board, and all new members will be made most welcome. Check out the Mangawhai Artists website – there are a lot of talented people in our area.

Rhythm ‘n Riggle
The new Christ The King Church on Molesworth Drive is a facility that local Anglicans are keen to share with the community and provide services that families might find helpful. Rhythm ‘n Riggle is a weekly pre-school music and movement programme for littlies and their caregivers. Starting on Tuesday May 14 at 10am, it will continue every Tuesday during term time. A gold coin donation is suggested. Funds have been granted from an Anglican Trust to start this new community venture. Successful Rhythm ‘n Riggle programmes are already running at Warkworth and Wellsford. If you would like more details, contact Dianne Hawken, 425 5639.

Frogs go Morocco
And don't forget the special Moroccan Night at the Frog & Kiwi on Saturday 18 May. A gastronomic delight as always, so book a table now by phoning 431 4439 or email frognkiwi@xtra.co.nz.

Do the ‘Damage’
An email from a 'Damages' fan says that it's a covers band that won't disappoint. "They have high energy, talent and personality. Each time I see them perform they provide new entertainment, a band that gets amongst it and involves the crowd, and is yet to disappoint me."  Their next gig is at Mangawhai Tavern, Queens Birthday weekend, Saturday 1 June, at 9pm.

Local boy makes good
"Former local boy wins another award" was the headline in Mahurangi Matters dated 1 May 2013. David Kelly, the 33-year-old chief executive of website design company Zeald has recently received a Distinguished Young Alumni Award from Massey University. David and his brother Brent founded Zeald 13 years ago, along with cousin Hamish Braddick. The Kelly boys are the sons of Lyn and Michael, Hamish's mum is the late Jill Braddick nee Kelly, and of course, all grandchildren of Molly Kelly – a high achieving family indeed.

Caterers getting the word out
Always exciting to discover a local business offering a top-class service. "Word of Mouth" catering is quite impressive, not only through their fresh, homemade foods, but their attention to detail. While many will know of them through the meals at the RSA on the 1st, 3rd and 4th Friday of the month, they also cater for special private functions, large or small, in the local area. Word of Mouth is happy to come to you, or your chosen venue. Fresh, homemade, delicious cuisine, any occasion, anywhere. Contact Laureen Medcalfe 431 4135. They come highly recommended.

LTP meeting
Wednesday 15 May, from 9am through to 5pm, at The Club, the Kaipara District Council commissioners will be hearing from local submitters to the annual and Long Term Plan who wish to speak. Always very informative to go along and listen to the differing viewpoints and opinions expressed – and there are plenty!
■ News and views to share through this column? Contact Jo Roberts 4314 711 or email jo.roberts@xtra.co.nz
 

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