Did You Know?

 

Vote in advance
Saturday September 20 is polling day for the general election. If you are concerned that you might not be able to cast your vote on the day, take advantage of the advance polling booth which will be op-erating in the new museum foyer September 15-19. On election day itself, the polling booth will be at the Mangawhai Recreation Centre (next to the school) on Insley St.
 

Celebrate right to vote  September also marks 121 years of women gaining the right to vote in New Zealand. The local Zonta Club is organising a breakfast at the Waipu Golf Club on Friday September 19 starting at 9am. Two guest speakers, Jill Mutch and Sarah Shaw, will provide some background information with the intention of reminding us all to use our hard-earned right to vote. All are welcome to attend.

Concert tickets selling fast
You have to be quick to secure tickets to special events in Mangawhai. Such is the popularity of Operatunity concerts, that the Probus-hosted event on Thursday September 18 is al-most sold out. Call in to Books & Gifts in Wood St or Bammas just in case there are some tickets available. From Broadway To The West End starts at 10am sharp, and a light lunch is provided in the ticket price. The new Anglican Church on Molesworth Drive is the venue. Mangawhai Singers will be presenting their annual Spring Song Festival featuring songs from the shows, on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 October in the museum foyer. Tickets will be on sale soon and as seating is limited, don't mess about deciding whether to go or not as you are likely to miss out!

50 years for Richard & Jean
Did you know that Richard and Jean Bull are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary this month? Over those years the pair have contributed so much to our community - school boards, Council, harbour restoration, district nursing, Domain Society, and that's just the start to a very long list. May there be many more golden years.

Holiday activities for the kids
With school holidays on the horizon Bennetts of Mangawhai is once again offering chocolate-making classes for children. Very very popular! Call in to register, or email bennetts@ bennettsofmangawhai. com. Another reason to stay with grandma and grandpa at Mangawhai.

And have you thought about making the most of the time during the holidays to get some lessons from the Aotearoa Surf School? Coach Kirsty will be taking individual and group lessons. Make a booking by phoning on either 431 5760 or 0272 507 906 or email adie@ aotearoasurf.co.nz.

Tailwaggers is a new small dog grooming service on offer here in Mangawhai. Operators Dianne and Maggie laughingly say that as nurses they have 60 plus years of experience between them so can offer a really caring approach! Pickup service, gold card discounts, etc. Phone (09) 432 1790

Goughy plodding on
Did you know that this month our very own Mr Plod, senior constable Graham Gough, will have served with the NZ Police for 42 years. He says he joined as a very wet behind the ears 19-year-old and had to grow up pretty quickly! Sole charge at Maungaturoto and then Mangawhai for the past 20 odd years, he has had many good and not so good experiences in that time, laughter and tears, outstanding sup-port from his family and community. Hang in there Graham.

Roll up to indoor bowls
Fancy playing indoor bowls? Every Thurs-day morning for the 55s and over there is a lot of fun to be had at the Senior Citizens hall in Fagan Place from 9.30-11.30am. Unsure how to play? Lovely people will show you what to do and if you like the game, the subscription is very small with just a $1 charge for the weekly tea and bikkies! Just roll up, or if you want more info, ring Tony 431 5242.

Avon at Funky Clothing
Avon lady Toni, will be in-store at Funky Cloth-ing every Wednesday through September. Facials, make-up demonstrations, and an extensive range of products available, with 10 percent discount on Avon products if purchased in store. Just come along at your leisure.

Church project at stage one
Causeway Church is steadily making progress with their project planned for the land off Moir St. Road construction plans are currently with the council which will be followed by the building of stage one – a small auditorium, offices, and youth activity facilities – everything but the Sun-day morning services which will continue to be held in the Recreation Centre on Insley St.
 

SNIPPETS „Mangawhai Community Trust annual Youth Grant applications close on September 26. Individuals or groups can apply for assistance with sporting, cultural, or recreational pursuits. Ring Jessica Bensley for details on 431 3354. „The Zonta Spirit of Adventure scholarship for young women is also open for applications, closing on October 3. Forms available by emailing mangawhai@ zonta.org.nz or phoning 027 555 6636. „Gilmore Brown Art Awards and Exhibition is on until the end of the month at the Kauri Museum, Matakohe. And remember, entry to the museum is also free to Kaipara residents! „The final Winter Art Talk with Suza Lawrence is on Wednesday September 17 in the village hall 7-9pm. The subject is Ten 'must know' Contemporary NZ Artists. Cost just $6. All welcome. „ A reminder from the NZ Fairy Tern Trust: their AGM is on Sunday September 21, 2pm in the Senior Citizens hall. „Daylight saving September 28, and Mangawhai Artists will be holding an Art Trail over that weekend. Details next issue include the Art Puzzle and Art Tree.

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

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