Rocks set to steal the show
Hunting for rocks is a ‘‘weirdly addictive’’ pursuit for New Plymouth woman Lois Smallman, who some might say has a magpie eye.
‘‘Fossicking is my passion, really,’’ says Smallman, who took up the hobby six years ago.
While she was learning to be more selective in what she decided to keep, Smallman said the rock search was hard to stop. ‘‘There’s beauty in every stone.’’
Smallman is one of 40 members of the Taranaki Lapidary & Mineral Club, and is helping to organise a mini-show at its Rangitake Drive premises on October 1-2.
While it serves as a fundraiser for the group, the event is also a chance to showcase the work it does and the vast variety of rocks and minerals that exist.
Club vice-president Ian Larsen said past shows held by the club were attended by about 500 people.
‘‘The joy to us is the hidden treasures we are finding and exposing.’’
The club is open every weekend, along with its small retail store, and a workshop was also held on Tuesday nights. Members can also help identify rocks and stones found by the public.
Larsen, who has been a club member for 14 years, was more of a rock connoisseur than a creative type, with a find sourced from Queensland’s Agate Creek among the most prized in his collection.
He said finding and collecting rocks was a ‘‘brilliant hobby’’.
Following on from the show, club members will look forward to a planned trip to the Coromandel in November, where they will search for amethyst, quartz and crystals.
The cost to attend the upcoming show is a gold coin, while entry is free for children under 12.
October is spring –- what better time of the year than now to create a new beginning and new habits.
As one of the World Health Organisation's Age Friendly New Plymouth groups we are proud to support this Spring Back Piki ake te ora promotion.
This promotion is to encourage social connection and community engagement among seniors within Taranaki, which is fitting for October because October 1 is International Day of the Older Person.
It has been great that the Government has stopped the traffic lights system and the mask requirements have changed. It seems like a great time to start getting out and about.
Initially it may seem strange. I have found it strange not wearing a mask after doing so for so many months. However, I also see there are people still wearing their masks and that is great to see as well.
This month, as our part of the promotion, we are supporting the Friends of Pukekura Park and their buggy rides.
These are operated from Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 10.30am-3pm-ish. The cost is just $5 per adult and $2 per child. This includes commentary and guided tour of the park.
What a lovely way to start your outings during spring. Contact your friends, who maybe you haven't been out with for a while, and join one of these rides around the park. Then perhaps go for a hot drink and chat at a cafe close by.
There are several organisations that are joining together to include their activities in this Spring Back promotion during October – so look out for the Spring Back logo and also check out the posters ‘‘10 Tips to Encourage Social Connectedness'' that will be put up around the region.
This is a Taranakiwide initiative so there will be many events that are going to be included in this promotion.
If you think you may like to check them out, ask at the place where you saw the Spring Back poster or contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on
(06) 758 8986, text/phone 022 571 4228 or email admin@ volunteeringnewplymouth.nz.