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Issue 24 – August 2018

Update from Chairman, Graeme Pierson

It is my pleasure to again report on various activities I have undertaken since my last report in May last. I had the pleasure in June last to travel to Alexandra at the invitation of the Dunstan Friendship Club to attend their 30th Anniversary celebration. Having left Central Otago at the end of 1985 I had forgotten how cold the winter can be down there (3oC) however, the warm reception I received made up for the cold. As Councillor Tony Newton was overseas and unable to attend I presented a Certificate for their 30th Anniversary. The club has produced a beautiful historical booklet of their achievements of the past 30 years.

The Kerikeri Combined Probus Club sought a representative of FNZI to attend their June meeting and Council decided I should attend as this club wanted to know the difference between PSPL and FNZI. The club members were very friendly and courteous to me. The PSPL representative spoke first and I followed. The club intends to hold a vote later this year to decide whether or not to affiliate with FNZI so we hope they choose to join our organisation. Also in June, I visited Picton to attend the mid-year Christmas meeting of the Queen Charlotte Friendship Club. It was a very enjoyable meeting with a number of members of the Combined Club of Beavertown (Blenheim) attending also. In early August, the South Island Association of Friendship Clubs (SIAFC) organised a special social event for members aged 90 years and over. The event was very successful with members from clubs in Christchurch and North Canterbury attending, including one member aged 100 years. This is the second occasion the Association has hosted a similar function. I thank President Paulette Lawrence and her committee for arranging this very enjoyable afternoon function. Time was spent preparing for the Annual General Meeting of Friendship New Zealand Inc. which was held in Christchurch on Wednesday 29 August last. It was the first such meeting to be held where proxy votes were possible. A large number of club members from the Christchurch region attended along with members from Auckland, New Plymouth, Richmond (Nelson) and Dunedin. As a result of questions from the floor there are two outstanding matters Council is following up with their legal advisor. Once advice is received clubs will be informed of the outcome. Generally, the attendees were positive about the progress around local publicity and future planning. To all members who attended the AGM, and the clubs that forwarded Proxy Forms, I sincerely thank you on behalf of Council for taking part in this meeting. Due to rotation, nominations for Councillors for Districts D20 and D70, as well as for a vacancy in D10, have now been called. I encourage clubs in these Districts to give due consideration to the nomination for a Councillor to represent them on the FNZI Council. Kind Regards Graeme Pierson, Chairman FNZI

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Administrator’s Corner Affiliation fee payments for the 2018 – 2019 year are now almost complete and member club officers have received emails acknowledging their club’s payment and advising an official receipt number for audit purposes. Clubs have various payment options for the affiliation fees, e.g. cheque, internet banking or across the counter at an ASB branch office. The most important thing for a club officer to do, when making a deposit via the internet or at a branch office, is to remember to include the name of their club in the relevant space. With no reference, FNZI cannot identify the source of the deposit nor acknowledge payment.

I continue to receive requests for certificates with the FNZI logo and they are for a variety of reasons, e.g. Life Membership, Appreciation of Service, Affiliation Certificate, etc. Also, FNZI welcomes the opportunity to present to member clubs a certificate in recognition of a significant anniversary, e.g. 15, 20, 25 and 30 years. Each certificate can be “personalised” as required so, please do contact me should your club require a certificate in recognition of a special member or event. Also, your FNZI District Councillor would welcome and appreciate the opportunity to present the certificate at a meeting of your club. To arrange for a presentation to your club please contact either your District Councillor or me. I am aware that clubs welcome new members and currently FNZI has good stocks of the DLE flyers and other promotional items. The flyers can be delivered by clubs to their local library, medical centre, i-Site office, rest homes, parish offices, etc. There is a box on the flyer where clubs can write the name and contact phone number of their President or Publicity Officer. Alternatively, our Freephone number 0800 33 55 44 could be written in the space as calls to that number receive a response from me. Callers seeking information about a Friendship club in a particular locality will receive details of the nearest club. The order form for the DLE flyers is on our website, http://fnzi.nz, or send me an email, counciladm@fnzi.nz. In the May issue of Highlights I wrote about the embroidered FNZI logo which can be purchased either as a monogram for stitching onto a tablecloth or banner, or embroidered onto an existing item. I am happy to provide further details about the monograms to any FNZI member club. At the time of writing I am making my final preparations for the 4th Annual General Meeting of FNZI which is being held in Christchurch this year. I am looking forward to seeing familiar faces amongst the club representatives and to meeting representatives attending for the first time. In Friendship Rosemarie Shaw

New Plymouth Kawaroa The New Plymouth Kawaroa Combined Friendship Club’s mid-winter Christmas Luncheon held on 15 June in the Blenheim Room of the International Quality Hotel, New Plymouth. Thirty-two members attended and thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.

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Fitzroy Ladies On 5 June eighty-six woman celebrated mid-winter by sharing a Royal morning tea in honour of this year’s Royal wedding. Sandwiches, savouries and muffins were served along with coffee and tea and everyone minded their P’s and Q’s! There was plenty of chatter followed by entertainment provided by Fern Parmentier and her assistant musician. Fern sang songs from around the world and was much appreciated by her audience. A good time was had by all, despite the cold inclement weather.

During the August meeting, the Fitzroy Ladies Friendship club surprised long-time member Margaret Stening by honouring her for her eight years of secretarial work for the group. Her husband Barrie who audits the clubs accounts was invited along to be in on the secret. President Lyn Broderick presented Margaret with a badge, certificate and shoulder spray as she thanked Margaret for her dedication to the club. Margaret has made many beneficial changes to the secretarial job in her time, showing commitment and initiative. Members sang ‘For she’s a jolly good fellow’ and clapped enthusiastically to show their appreciation.

Dunstan The Dunstan Friendship Club recently held its 30th birthday with a special luncheon attended by FNZI Chair, Graeme Pierson, invited guests and 100 club members. The speaker was the Chief Operating Officer from Highlands Motor Sport Park in Cromwell and entertainment was provided by Bruce Potter, a local singer who enthralled all with his talent including a beautiful rendition of Old Man River.

Dunstan club is organising two trips away this spring with one taking in the Tranz Alpine Rail and the other to WOW – World of Wearable Art.

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Belfast Redwood Combined Late last year this club visited the airport fire service. Graham Sharp first gave them an informative talk on the area covered by the airport (600 hectares), and the responsibilities of the fire service where the station is staffed 24/7 on shift work rotation. Fires, either in aircraft, within the airport terminal building, or in any of the numerous commercial buildings within the area are certainly not the only work done by the fire service. Medical callouts of around 650 per year are also attended, anything from vehicle accident to heart attacks, falls etc. In addition, they attend fuel spills, fence security checks several times within a 24-hour period, erect fog boards and other important duties are undertaken. The fire trucks (made in Austria and worth more than $1.6million) and equipment also have to be maintained and restocked. A turret on one can extend to 16.5 metres. The force of water from a turret would certainly knock anyone off their feet. The equipment carried on board all vehicles would cover any situation. They include things such as heat cameras, dry power, cutting equipment, air bags, different hoses, chemicals, first aid equipment are just some of the numerous items carried in the vehicles. Late in May the group did a tour through the Arts Centre starting under the newly and beautifully restored clock tower. The most intricate details on the black cast iron drain pipes were quite unique. After a quick talk in the North Quad by their guide Hayley, they moved into the Great Hall. Now beautifully restored and very safe, this hall contains large brass plaques depicting some of it most famous students from the past including Ernest Rutherford, Dame Ngaio Marsh and Sir James Shelley. Lists of past pupils who went away to war also line the walls under the most magnificent stain glass window. Next stop was the South Quad for a quick look at the Chemistry building from the outside (now in use by the University for their Music and Classic Departments, and also houses the museum of Classical Antiquities.). A large area of this quad facing out to the Botanical Gardens is still under construction and is being turned into apartments. Next stop was the original Library which has now become the Central Art Centre Gallery. The tour then took them to the Rutherford Room which houses interactive digital displays about Rutherford and his peers, along with other interesting exhibits. And down the well-worn wooden steps took them to Rutherford’s Den, originally an old cloak room. It was then a climb upstairs to the original Lecture Theatre. The original benches are still there, along with the hole cut out for the ink well, and many signatures, dates etc, which were written by the students of those days. There are of course still many buildings to be restored. Hopefully, the work will continue as money becomes available.

New Brighton New Brighton’s oldest member is 95 year-old Myra Jamieson (at left) who cut the birthday cake marking their 28th birthday. The cake was made and iced by another member Pam Wallace. The Richmond Handbell Ringers provided the entertainment - fascinating to watch and a delight to listen to.

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Devon Ladies At the July Meeting of the Devon Ladies Friendship Club (New Plymouth) they were entertained by the Taranaki Male Choir. The committee supplied a delicious morning tea and invited the choir to join club members before their performance. The electric keyboard was beautifully played by Beverley Glover who has recently returned to Taranaki after many years living in Australia. While there she accompanied the NSW Orange Choir and toured all over the world with them. The men sang such well known songs such as “I Dreamed a Dream” and “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables and other popular songs. The musical director told them about the choir, where they practice their next concerts and even a few jokes. The singing was absolutely wonderful and club members enjoyed an encore from them.

Eden Epsom A full bus with 48 members set off for Mangawhai at 9:00am. A quick stop at Warkworth, then onto the Mangawhai Museum, for scones with jam and cream. The museum offers a fascinating look through the region’s past and the characters that have shaped it. They then travelled to the Mangawhai Heads to look at the estuary entrance and beach, the camping ground and then onto the Mangawhai Tavern for lunch. This historic Tavern is adjacent to the old port where the ships were loaded with Kauri, milled from the bush. The tavern, established in 1865, has a colourful history as a watering hole for the Kauri Bushmen and port workers.

Their next stop was Bennett’s Chocolate Factory, for a look through the glass windows at the chocolate factory along with a chocolate sample. Then it was back to Greyfriars, arriving at 4:30pm - another splendid trip. Thanks again to John MacKay and Jenny Callis for organising it and Janice Christian for the financial and attendance administration aspects.

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Ngongotaha Twenty members attended garden visits at Te Waerenga Road and Penny Road Hamurana on 28 March which was a beautiful warm sunny day to view the gardens. Those with disabilities did not feel unduly challenged by slopes or narrow walkways adding to the inclusiveness of the club. The catering team provided them with a welcome morning tea and snack. A revisit is planned later in the year when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.

On 18 April 24 members visited the Basement Cinema to see the film “Finding your Feet”. Many met up afterwards at a local café for snacks and coffee. The Club awarded three Life Memberships earlier in the year. The July Midwinter Luncheon at the Distinction Hotel was attended by thirty-seven members. The restaurant provided much Christmas cheer with an elaborate array of decorations with balloons and crackers. In August they are off to see Mama Mia at the local cinema.

Paremata Socius On 6 July this club held a mid-year luncheon at the Plimmerton Boating Club, it was a huge success, enjoyed by over 70 members with great views, tasty food and great company - lots of laughter and chatter. Altogether an enjoyable day, a good way to spend a cold Friday.

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Kamo Kamo Friendship Club had a mid-winter lunch to celebrate 35 years and enjoyed anecdotes from three foundation members.

Sumner Redcliffs These photos are of one of the many speakers to attend a Sumner Redcliffs meeting. John Freeman is actively involved in Steampunk which started in Oamaru in 2013. Oamaru is regarded as the Steampunk capital of NZ. Steampunk was coined in the 1980’s and is based on imagining inventions the Victorians might have created for the modern world.

John’s particular interest is Teapot racing. Teapots are decorated and mounted on wheels with a remote-control engine. The participants dress up in period costume and race their teapots on an indoor wooden floor travelling over bridges and around corners in three minutes. There are rules on the dimensions of each teapot and interesting histories behind each teapot. A wonderful hobby to have which can involve the whole family.

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South Otago Ladies Approximately six months ago 12 members of the South Otago Friendship Group decided they would like a trip to Adelaide. They approached a member, familiar with group travel and now as they say, “the rest is history”. On 12 May at 4.15am the 11-day journey started with a shuttle pick-up in Balclutha and then through to Dunedin Airport for the early flight to Brisbane. Flying Virgin Airlines they arrived in Brisbane and with time to wait for their next flight to Adelaide they took a tour of Brisbane city and lunch at South Beach. They arrived in Adelaide around 6.30pm and were picked up and taken to their apartments in the CBD.

Mother's Day was a City Tour with a special lunch at the Lord Melbourne Hotel. They were shown historic homes from the 1800's still with the original frontages to very large beautifully maintained homes some with 10+ bedrooms, and still in the same family descended from the wealthy businessmen who built them. Goolwa was another day, stopping at Victor Harbour for morning tea after having travelled through the McLaren Vale wine district. At Goolwa they boarded a launch for a lunch cruise

around the mouth of the Murray River where they viewed wetland wildlife and seals. They strolled on the sand dunes and a kangaroo hopped by within a few metres when the Joey popped his head up took a look. You could almost hear him say “Not another lot of tourist” then they just hopped off. Some ladies took time at the Zoo and Art Gallery. The group visited the Adelaide Hills and Mt Lofty, where the English trees planted by the early settlers were in magnificent colour. In the village of Stirling we had a Coffee and Chocolate Experience and no words could explain the outstanding drinks and chocolate enjoyed. It was then onto 'The Cedars' the home of Hans Heysen the Gum Tree Artist and his artist daughter Nora, his home and studio left as he used it. Hahndorf the German Village is another must and was looking spectacular with the trees dressed for Autumn and with many interesting shops. Cleland Native Park allowed the group to pat the Koala, feed the Kangaroos, Emus and Devils, and most anything else native to Australia that flew and was followed by a lunch cruise on the paddle steamer ‘Captain Proud’ on the Murray River. They also managed to fit in a shopping day at Harbour Town and Glenelg then rode the tram home. They ate out most nights sampling Chinese, Thai, Aussie in outback style hotels, in an 1800's tavern, the Casino etc and once even in our apartment - all wonderful food. They returned with a couple of quotes that really fitted the trip. “If every laugh we had was worth 10c we all would return millionaires.” “We began this trip as acquaintances and we end it as friends.”

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Torbay President Linda, her fellow officers and the Board of Torbay Friendship Club are pleased to report the inducting of 12 new members since the beginning of this year. Given that many clubs, both social and sports, are struggling to recruit (indeed two clubs on North Shore of Auckland closed recently) TFC has benefitted from the misfortunes of others. The club continues to enjoy a wide variety of speakers and outings. At a recent General Meeting Torbay’s guest speaker was Jennie Michel (at right) who was a senior nurse at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in the City of London in the seventies. Jennie painted a vivid picture of St. Barts Hospital which was founded in 1123 and survived the Great Fire of London and the Blitz. Her experiences included the devastation caused by the IRA bombings in London when many of the casualties ended up at “Barts”. Jennie was a great speaker who provided us with a vivid picture of the oldest hospital in Britain still providing medical services which occupies the site it was originally built on.

Another memorable day for the Club in June was the Club Excursion when they visited two local artisans in their home workshops. They started at Rod Capper’s Guitar Studio where Rod (whose handmade guitars are sold worldwide) talked about classical Spanish guitar history and construction and played to the group on one of his guitars. They then moved next door for a decoupage exhibition by Lorraine Meissner who teaches this artistic technique and makes and sells a range of products. This was followed by a very pleasant lunch at the Khun Pun Thai Restaurant in Albany. They also enjoyed the President’s Mid-Year Lunch at the end of June at the Bays Club, Browns Bay

where a Christmas themed lunch was served to a good number of club members. Each month there is a casual lunch at a local café, a coffee morning, Scrabble, Mahjong and Rummi afternoons and often a Pot Luck Lunch held in a member’s home with surprise guests.

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Waimakariri Combined The Waimakariri Club has a very active cycling group and earlier this year celebrated this 10-year achievement. The group have been riding on a regular weekly outing since 2007. Group membership has continued to grow, with both women and men participating over this period of time. The outings generally have been on local routes with a monthly visit out of

Rangiora township to enjoy different scenery. Cycling distances range from 17-35 kms with a welcome cup of coffee at some stage during the ride. The average age is around 80 years with a good representation of e-bikes present however some older members are still are riding standard cycles! Membership is 24 and currently is restricted to that number, mainly because of riding numbers are having to form two groups so that traffic is not disrupted. Numbers such as these are very welcome, as one can imagine, to a café especially when most purchases involve eats as well.

Wellington Ladies Their June Club Meeting saw one of their members, Past President Jan Owen, giving a wonderful insight into her time in China teaching English. She told the members through emails sent by her from Shijiazhuang, a city of 8 million to a good friend in New Zealand. Everyone was so enthralled she is going to continue with more recollections soon. Several members attended a behind the scenes tour of Te Papa. The tour was "Textiles". A wedding gown from the late 1700's brought to New Zealand by early settlers and the outfit worn by Richard Seddon at the 1901 coronation of Edward VII, were examples of items displayed.

The July club meeting was celebrated with a special 41st birthday lunch and held at The Park Kitchen in Miramar Wellington where everyone enjoyed a great meal and good company.

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Whangaparaoa

The trip to First Scene in Avondale was great fun, where club members were welcomed by Jo Pilkington a Director of First Scene where they had cold drinks and biscuits served to them while she outlined the history of the company. Aotearoa’s largest costume, properties and party hire company was originally owned by TVNZ but is now a private enterprise. They have over 400,000 props and costumes which members seen and some members dressed in boas and hats etc. Jo took half the members while another member of First Scene took the others on a tour of the premises before gathering for group photographs and fun with some of the props. After this they went to lunch at the Hobsonville RSA followed by a trip around Hobsonville Point, the site of a former aerodrome and one of Auckland’s newest urban developments designed to alleviate the housing shortage. It was interesting seeing the new terrace type design of houses so different from the traditional Kiwi style that our generation was accustomed to. At least two venues that could be worth another visit.

St Kilda Mens The St Kilda Men’s Club had a recent outing to the 10-pin bowling facility in Kaikorai Valley Dunedin where everyone had a great time. The club hopes to include indoor bowling as a more regular activity in future, including at our new meeting venue, the Dunedin Bowls Stadium. The photo shows the top three bowlers who were presented with medals by the club President. Left to right – Gerald Gumpatzes, Malcolm Scott and Ron Messer.

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Tauherenikau The Imaginative Travel Club had a delightful day out visiting local attractions in Carterton recently. They started by visiting Sparks Park where an interest talk was given about “the surrey with the fringe on top”, an old fashion horse drawn vehicle which is used about town for special occasions and also the working and maintenance of the Town Clock. They then went onto visit The Paua Shell Factory and Shop which was equally interesting. After lunch at the Clareville Bakery they went on a country drive visiting two remarkable costume makers before finishing the day at the Beehive Bacon Factory with a discussion on their goods and services. Magazine editor Bill Bain is shown here with the big bad wolf.

Waimea Ladies This club has been busy over the last couple of months. In May they travelled to Port Nelson by bus. They were given a talk on how the Port works, recreation expansion from 1950's, tonnage and costs etc, then they travelled around the Port with their guide pointing out all the improvements being done at present. Nelson is a Forestry area with a large quantity of logs exported overseas each year. They saw huge numbers of logs waiting to be shipped. The tour finished with lunch at Pomeroy's Café.

July was their 26th Birthday. The hall was decorated with balloons and there were 11 guests with one visitor, plus 109 members attending the meeting. A lovely cake with Friendship logo on was cut by former President Bev Hart followed by a wonderful morning tea of sandwiches, savouries and, of course, their birthday cake.

Entertainment was provided by piano and flute with wide selection of tunes, and members were encouraged to sing along with some numbers. Then next came 3 Ring Riot, juggling and hoop skills. The enjoyable performance was given loud applause.

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Woodend Combined Monday morning, 9 April, saw 36 members, plus their intrepid bus driver, Rob, set off for Dunedin for three full days of sightseeing. After a good trip and a tasty lunch in Timaru, they arrived at the Scenic Hotel, Dunedin. Their first day began with the Dunedin Railways train trip through the Taieri Gorge where they travelled up to Pukerangi through rolling hills, 12 tunnels, many bridges and the viaduct. The Taieri Gorge is an amazing feat of engineering and was begun in 1877, with the viaduct constructed in 1895. Many and huge were the difficulties faced in putting this line through as much of it was done by hand due to the type of rock. A live commentary was provided throughout the trip by the Dunedin Railways train staff. Once back they walked throughout the Station with its wonderful architecture, saw an art show and the Sports Hall of Fame.

Wednesday saw them away by 8.45am, this time to Larnach Castle. The Castle or “The Camp” as Larnach himself called it, fascinated everyone. Two groups, each with their own well-informed guide, took them through with a very interesting commentary. The Castle is under the care of the Barker family who bought the castle in 1967 when

Margaret and Barry Barker were newly-wed. It had little furniture in it and was in very poor repair. Now it is all beautifully restored showing the lovely woodwork and stunning ceilings. Some of the original furniture has been recovered and other pieces of the same era have been tracked down and purchased by Mrs Barker. A tasty finger lunch was enjoyed in the beautifully restored ballroom where balls are still held. This beautiful, historic building is set in spacious grounds and well worth a visit. Then it was off to see the fascinating Chinese Gardens where the complete setting was all constructed and imported from China then rebuilt on site. From there we walked to the Early Settlers Museum where a great display fascinated the members for the next couple of hours. Most walked back to the Hotel in time to have a rest before attending a very convivial “happy” hour. Thursday dawned wet and cold, but they were soon aboard the bus and this time off to the Orokonui Ecosanctuary which covers 307 hectares in a valley above Waitati. There is an 8.7 km pest proof fence around the sanctuary that was begun 10 years ago. The history, reasons and workings were all described – it is a safe-haven for birds, insects and animals. After morning tea they visited the Butterfly House in the Otago Museum. This house is a magical spot with quail, tortoises and hundreds of butterflies of all kinds and colour. They are all imported and were flying everywhere with some landing on visitors. They are all from the tropics so the area is kept very warm and quarantined from everything else. This trip was fun, fascinating, informative and very interesting.

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Woolston The main speaker in July was Stuart Anderson, Gaming Manager of the Christchurch Casino who gave members a very interesting insight into his career in casinos which included the establishment and subsequent evacuation of the Oasis Casino in Jericho. The story of the Jericho Oasis, a casino established in Palestine with Israelis as clients, is very interesting and further information can be found through these links. https://www.casinosaustriainternational.com/casinos/oasis-hotel-casino-resort and https://www.independent.co.uk/news/jericho-opens-a-casino-of-biblical-proportions-opens-desert-1172657.html Stuart also responded to questions on the management of problem gamblers, cheating and the future of casinos. By way of appreciation, a donation was made by the Club and members to Alzheimer’s NZ.

The August trip to Rutherford’s Den at the Arts Centre went ahead with 13 members taking their own cars to the Arts Centre, the numbers attending being too small for a coach. Reassured that the buildings were now super safe in the event of an earthquake the group embarked on their guided tour. They were led through interactive displays relating to the work of Rutherford, descended into the basement where he conducted some of his experiments and clambered up the stairs to the lecture theatre with the long rows of wooden desks, complete with ink wells and the carvings (graffiti?) by past students. The building restoration work looked immaculate and the displays were very interesting. They learnt a lot about Rutherford, his family, career and how he collaborated with others across the globe. After the tour, the group dispersed to lunch at the local eateries.

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Birkenhead On Thursday 19 July 32 club members travelled by bus from Birkenhead to Matakana to visit the recently opened local attraction “Sculptureum”. They spent two hours exploring the 25ha site with its amazing collection of sculptures and artwork. They were told it took 12 years in the planning and cost around $10 million. There is so much to see that many members will be going back sometime for another private visit. On our way home they enjoyed a lunch stop at the Riverview Café in Warkworth.

Ashburton At the June meeting of the Ashburton Combined Friendship Club President Errol presented to our Life Members and Past Presidents. the new Friendship Badges along with Certificates recording their contributions to the club. Our Life Members who are also Past Presidents are Bruce Ching, Mervyn Jones, David Turpie and Ron Wootton. Our other life member is Bruce Leighton. Our other Past Presidents are Tony Blain, Robin Bruce, Bill Grant, Rodger Herriott, Barrie Hunt, Harold Kemp, Bruce Lambie, Jim Lawton, and Bevan Small.

From left: Past Presidents: Mervyn Jones, Ron Wootton, David Turpie, Bill Grant, Bruce Lambie, Bevan Small, Harold Kemp, Barrie Hunt, Robin Bruce, Tony Blain. President: Errol Kingsbury

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Oamaru The Oamaru Friendship Club have a meeting and an 'outing' each month and endeavour to vary the places around our area that they visit each time. On 23 May, 12 members visited "Whitestone City", which is housed in one of the old woolsheds in the old precinct area of Oamaru. It is like a living Museum and showcases life and business's in the early Oamaru and districts.

Those members who had visited this complex previously found things they hadn't seen before and the first timers were taken aback by the variety of items of interest which could keep people of all ages occupied for many hours. They were given an introduction by a knowledgeable guide with stories relating to each area then members were able to

take a closer look themselves. There is a barber's shop, chemist shop and food shop where visitors can pick up and take a closer look of the items. Collections of Victorian dresses and hats and an amazing video on how to dress yourself in a Victorian outfit were available plus framed photos of local pioneer families, old style games to play, a setup school room, an interesting bar with a recording of conversations which have gone on, and parlour to name a few... and of course the only penny farthing carousel in New Zealand, which a few members tried out.

Frenz Fiordland The Fiordland club has enjoyed some great outings over time, but the June car rally organised by Margaret Henderson was considered to be something special. On Wednesday 13 June in the fog they met at the Events Centre where 26 members were organised into seven car loads and they set off on the “Creepy Critta’s Car Crawl for the Fabulous Feathered Friendly Frenz” with each carload being given a name. Each car was given two sheets (one for the front seat, one for the back) of 20 clues however some of the clues took a bit of working out especially when two rows of clues were numbers. They carried on round the streets getting the answers to these clues such as having to get a selfie photo of four in a phone booth, and again they needed a photo of someone in a shower at Placemakers (shoes only to be removed). It was rumoured that all sorts of underhand tactics were going on, trying to slow the competitors behind. While they were getting information on Captain Roberts off a gum tree sign at the boat harbour, another party blocked the road off making it difficult to pass. No trouble to the driver - he planted his foot and soon made the culprit shut the back lid of his car as we passed! There were probably more goings-on than anyone knew about on a very eventful afternoon.

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South Island Association of Friendship Clubs – Over 90’s Afternoon Tea Party

On 14 August over 80 Friendship members who are in their nineties, accompanied by 40 plus carers, joined the SIAFC committee at the Christchurch Bridge Club for a ’Fun Afternoon Tea Party’ and what a party it was! There are around 25 clubs in the Christchurch and North Canterbury area and to have so many people in their nineties and still very active is just wonderful to see. It was pointed out that when calculated out this came to over 7,200 years of living. Really mind blowing isn’t it!! The entertainer for the afternoon was Laurie Searle on his keyboard and he took requests from the older members, similar to the ‘Listeners’ Request Sessions’ that used to be on the radio in days gone by and brought back lovely memories for everyone. It was also great to see some of these older people get up and dance – there was certainly plenty of energy in the room. A well-received homemade afternoon tea was provided by the association committee and this was followed by a Lucky Number Draw with some amazing prizes being won. The carers were also given Lucky Numbers in appreciation of their kindness in bringing their older members to the party. To end the afternoon ‘Goodie Bags’ were given to the party-goers as they left.

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Tauranga Vision The weather forecast had been terrible so the 50 plus people that gathered at Bethlehem Countdown carpark were well attired in winter gear. When they collected their page of instructions, they found they had to collect five tokens. The first checkpoint was Minden Lookout (right) where the view, usually so beautiful, was grey and threatening. The second token was found at the Te Puna Quarry where it was hidden on the old rusty traction engine that the kids love playing on. Token number three was obtained from a wine shop where several members got delayed. Sapphire Hot Springs was the destination for Token number four and they continued through Katikati to reach Waihi, where Token number five was located at the Old Cornish Pumphouse. Today the remains of the pumphouse are protected by the Historic Places Trust and the building is a Waihi landmark and tourist attraction. After inspecting the enormous opencast gold mine and the huge slip on one side which had closed that part of the mine, they continued to Waihi Beach where they enjoyed lunch in an excellent Café right on the beach front with unobstructed views out to Mayor Island. (Photos of the Rally are available on the club’s website: https://sites.google.com/site/taurangavisionclub)