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MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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Did You KnowOp shop vital contributor Raising funds for the building of a new ambulance station in Mangawhai was the reason for the St John opportunity shop being set up over four years ago. Support from the community has been overwhelming, and it is so exciting that plans for the new station are coming to fruition. The big yellow sign on Molesworth Drive indicates the site of the station, and work will soon begin on clearing the building platform. A December opening is anticipated! But it doesn't end there of course. The op shop has become such a vital contributor that a decision has been made to purchase the land and building in the village when the lease falls due in July. The intention is to enhance the facility to better support the continued funding of the station and later, a full time station officer. To shop managers Denise and Melissa, the team of 40 or so volunteers, and all who continue to both donate and purchase, thank you. Locals win on Lotto wheel More winners, this time the Sweeney family whom many will have seen on TV spinning the wheel to win $150,000. After living in Auckland for many years, they moved to Mangawhai for a lifestyle change and to be closer to Victoria's family. Robin runs his own business as a contract painter, and Victoria is a kindergarten teacher. Music plays a big part in their lives, with daughter Summer enjoying both singing and composing, Serge plays drums, Robin guitar, plus they love the beach and Robin also coaches the under 12's soccer team. With their winnings they’re planning a visit to family in the UK, and of course Disneyland features on the list! Couldn't happen to a nicer family. Walking Weekend planning ahead Plans are well underway for the 16th Mangawhai Walking Weekend in 2015 with dates booked for Saturday March 28 and Sunday March 29. A small team is keeping things rolling over for now. However, organisers are keenly seeking some willing volunteers with creative skills to give the event a lovely make-over, such as website design, social media and marketing. Not much to ask in a creative community like Mangawhai! Like to know more? Please give Dorothy Freeman a call on 431 5950 or leave a note on mangawhaiwalkingweekend@gmail.com. Can you spare an hour or two? The Mangawhai Harbour Restoration mangrove removal programme is of course, tide controlled! If you can lend a hand, get your diary out now and mark the dates: Tuesday May 27, 9am-1pm and again on Thursday May 29, 10am-2pm. The plan is to start from Molesworth Drive bridge and work to Moir Point. Meet at the Molesworth Bridge where Rex de Baugh has kindly offered parking and mangrove burning space on an adjacent section. Gumboots essential, plus bring loppers, and/or a sharp spade, and/or a rake. And the Golf Club will provide lunch! Actually, the Monday golfers decided that instead of volunteering individually, they'd make up a gang to help out, but you don't have to be a golfer to join them! The next session will be a fortnight later, Tuesday June 10, 9am-1pm and Thursday June 12, 10am-2pm. Same place, same gear. Even if you can only spare an hour or two, please come along and lend a hand.
Entries are now being accepted for the fifth Dargaville Community Cinema Trust Short Film Competition – four categories, with cash prizes! Entries close July 31, so get filming. Entry forms available from the ANZAC Theatre, or by emailing jacobap@xtra.co.nz. Phone Jacoba on (09) 439 7356, or text 027 441 9924 for more information. One women show Promise and Promiscuity, best described as a new musical by Jane Austen and Penny Ashton, is coming to Otamatea Repertory Theatre on Tuesday June 3. This one woman show has won numerous awards at Fringe Festivals overseas last year, with Arts OnTour NZ supporting the show here. Adults $30, Gold card and student $15. Starts at 7.30pm. Book online or take a chance on door sales.
New funding helps grow playground
Thanks to the January fundraiser held by the Mangawhai Golf Club, the Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) benefitted to the tune of $13,000 which is being channelled towards the expansion of the childrens playground. Numbers using the zone continue to increase along with the facilities and it is a pleasure to see so many families out and about. The sand base is perfect for the play area, and when the logs from the St John ambulance site next door are available for a retaining wall the sand will be more contained! This is one of the new attractions set up by the team of volunteers at a working bee last Monday. Flying saucers are a great plaything for kids (of all ages), especially those with any disabilities. Though they will need a little help getting aboard they can then enjoy a very cruisy ride. Pictured doing the load test is test pilot Charles Tutt. News and views to share through this column? Phone Jo Roberts 431 4711, email jo.roberts@xtra.co.nz |
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