Interest Groups
Central to the Club's activities is a number of interest groups. The co-ordinators of these groups do a marvellous job of organising outings, speakers and activities, the details of which are provided in the Club's monthly newsletter and at the Club's monthly meetings. Most of the groups have a get-together each month, providing plenty of opportunities for members to participate in a wide range of interesting and very enjoyable activities.
Outings
Awaawaroa Alpaca Farm visit, Pukekohe.
Alpacas posing for photos with our members. The farm shop stocked beautiful alpaca garments and rugs and there were many satisfied customers clutching earlyChristmas presents as they boarded the bus.
Picnic trip to Kawau Island and Couldrey House, Wenderholm.
On a perfect day to be on the harbour, a large group went by ferry to Kawau Island. The return trip took in Couldrey House, a beautiful historic Victorian-Edwardian residence at Wenderholm.
Trip to Avantidrome and Windsor Park Stud,
Cambridge.
The Avantidrome is an impressive world-class facility . While some members chose to test their cycling skills around an obstacle course, others took a 'rickshaw ride'.
Motorway projects: Northern Corridor improvements and SH1 Puhoi to Warkworth.
Tirohanga Whanui Bridge, which serves a dual function as a walking/cycling connection while carrying a new water pipe below the bridge deck. This tour of the motorway projects was veryinformative and interesting.
Theatre Group
The 39 Steps
Alfred Hitchcock
Rose Centre, Belmont
A fast paced comedy and spy thriller based on John Buchan’s
novel ‘The 39 Steps’ and pays homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1935 film of the same name. The 39 Steps is a whirlwind of humour, suspense and theatrical ingenuity.
Spider's Web
Agatha Christie
Pumphouse, Takapuna
Agatha Christie’s comedy thriller delivered an intricate plot of murder, drugs, a hidden doorway and secret drawers. Clarissa is prone to day dreaming and has the chance to provide a number of scenarios to explain why there is a body in the drawing room of her home in Kent. Great entertainment.
Warhorse
National Theatre (UK)
Civic Theatre, Auckland
This production was spectacular. The mastery of the puppeteers who bring breathing, galloping horses to life on stage, the drama of the events in WW1 and the poignant story of War Horse, combined to provide a remarkable and memorable evening.
Downton Abbey
The Grand Finale
Takapuna Cinemas
The closing chapter of the historical drama which has unfolded on screens for15 years . There is opulence and glamour, public scandal and an emotional passing of the reigns to the next generation of Crawleys... and a moving tribute to Maggie Smith in the final scenes. Wonderful!
Travel Group
The Travel Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 1.00pm. The two-hour session begins with a presentation by an industry speaker on the various tours they offer. These may be anything from small ship river cruises in Europe, on the Amazon or Mekong to premium small group experiences to Antarctica or India.
After a cuppa one of our members gives a presentation of photographs and commentary about a destination they have visited and experiences they have had. These range from exploring the Galapagos, taking an African safari, cruising the Caribbean, trekking in Nepal, or rediscovering modern day Russia. Or we may hear about somewhere closer to home as we were treated to recently when we heard about an incredible week-long cruise in the southern part of Fiordland on a Real Journeys’ Discovery Expedition. Those who attended marveled at the stunning scenery and amazing wildlife and learnt about Captain Cook’s exploration of Dusky Sound.
The photographs are a sampling from some of our club speakers' travels.
Walkers and Talkers
The Walkers and Talkers meet at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Members of the group take turns at planning a suitable 50-60 minute walking route and, just as importantly, a venue to adjourn for morning tea afterwards. All members are welcome and generally a group of 15-20 meet at the pre-advertised location and are led by the person/s who have organised the walk for that month. Recent walks have included reserves, bush, beaches and trails in Orewa, Red Beach, Hobsonville, Sanders Reserve, Belmont, Long Bay, Browns Bay and Takapuna. Members, if you don't wish to walk but would like to enjoy some pleasant company over morning tea, you are most welcome to join the group at the cafe. Just contact the walk leader in advance so that you are included in the reservation.
Walkers enjoying the outdoors at Torbay.
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