The sargeant opened the meeting, so we all took our seats.

 

There were 17 members present including, hidden behind a magnificent beard, Stephen! Good to see you back. He was joined by Marian who's also been away for a bit. Actually it was good that he was back as he helped set up the video equipment.

There was also a huge pile of personal care supplies in response to Avis's request. She will arrange to deliver them to The Grace trust where they will be used by recently released prisoners.  

 

 

Christopher Luxon will speak to the club on Wednesday 27th April at a dinner at 6.30 pm at the Parnell, Gladstone Rd. Max capacity 130 (government regs. don't you know).

The cost is $50pp, payable into

If you' want to listen to the next prime minister book and pay now then the club will know how many seats (if any ) can be released to other clubs. Currently 79 attendees have signed up, the vast majority being non members so he's attracting people . Be in quickly or dip out! 

 

Henry and his family, Rory, Phil, Don and YHC  spent a couple of pleasant hours in the sunshine cutting down gre=asses that could suffocate the trees that we planted last year. Avis came along with quite splendid scones to refresh us. Those of you who didn't come dipped out on a pleasurable opportunity to do some good and spend time with some good people. 

 

This will be at te Papa on 24th -26th June. Ingrid will be going and is trying to put a group from the club. Interested? Contact Ingrid. 

 

Sergeant: 

" If you're not yelling at your kids you're not spending enough time with them!"

 

Colin told us of his recent trip to Martinborough, the heart of the Wairarapa. Lot of vineyards and wine tasting,  trip to Cape Palliser and, if you stay in the old hotel right in the middle of town you can walk anywhere - and stagger home! 

 

Was a little, enthusiastic, very competent lady who runs the Village Square. This Trust is based in the old Blind Foundation, now the Jubilee building at 545 Parnell Rd. Kay Madigan thanked Phillippa and Colin who had carried out a lot of work for the Foundation before it was rebranded as the Village Square last year. The Trust not only runs the Parnell Community centre but also the Epsom Community centre and two  child care centres. It's a decent sized operation with 30 full time staff and a turnover of about $3.8 million annually. About 650 people use the facilities each week, participating in the 40 community classes, school programmes, heritage walks, etc. The Trust's new project is trying to address the issue of loneliness in the community. If you would like to know more about the Trust or be involved in its many activities give Kay a call on 021 689 619. 

 

Chloe Swarbrick, Green MP for Ak Central, and, according to Matthew Hooton, potentially one of the leaders of the Green Party later in the year.  She should be very interesting!