FRI, APR 1

Heather Whelan has a few books under her belt. The Whangāreibased author has written a travel memoir, a novel, and a series of children’s books, and writing regularly is an important part of her life.

But Whelan says writing can be very solitary.

‘‘As a writer, you do a lot of it by yourself. Sometimes it can be hard knowing if you’re on the right track when you don’t have anyone there to provide feedback.’’

Since joining Whangārei Writers’ Workshop, Whelan’s feedback loop is much stronger.

‘‘Being a part of Whangārei Writers’ Workshop is a great way to meet regularly with other writers so I can get feedback as I go,’’ Whelan says.

‘‘We bring samples of work we’re working on and pass out copies to everyone to read and discuss. Does the story seem believable? Does the dialogue sound right?

‘‘Getting other people to read over your work is a great way to track how you’re going.’’

The group caters for writers of all levels of experience, in any genre. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays, writing for children . . . if it has words, it’s welcome.

‘‘The group is really tight-knit and friendly, and because we meet regularly it’s become quite a lovely little community, It’s a great way to network, learn from other people’s experiences, and increase people’s confidence in their writing.’’ Whelan says

As is the case with many community groups, the workshop’s advertising budget is minimal. Since advertising on Neighbourly’s What’s On page (which is free to Neighbourly members), the group has attracted more members.

‘‘Once you’ve done it once, it’s really easy to advertise on Neighbourly,’’ Whelan says. ‘‘We also host the occasional workshop and visiting speaker so advertising special events is a great way to spur new members to join the group.’’

The Whangārei Writers’ Workshop meets on Fridays at 10am at the Kamo Club.

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WED, MAR 30

Morris Dancing: Morris Dancing is a fun and energetic form of traditional English dancing performed to live music. We are a newly formed, friendly and supportive group. All welcome to join us. OneOneSix Performance Arts Theatre, 116 Bank St, Whangārei. 7.30pm.

Exhibition Opening Event: Join Beryl Edwards, Brenda Moir, Heather Morgan, Joan Honeyfield, Teresa Gordon and Judi Soutar for a drink and nibble, while viewing their new exhibition in the New World Theatre Bar. Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Rd, Kerikeri. 5pm.

Art in the Bar 5-7pm: Inaugural exhibition. Opening today 5-7pm. New works from Joan Honeyfield, Beryl Edwards, Teresa Gordon, Brenda Moir, Heather Morgan, Judi Soutar. Thereafter daily weekdays, April 4 to May 31, 9am to 2pm. Turner Centre, Cobham Rd, Kerikeri.

SUN, APR 3

Audition Notice – Table Manners: Director Pamela Black looking to cast three men/three women for Alan Ayckbourn’s Table Manners. A dysfunctional family gathering reunites three siblings and their significant others – with unexpected consequences. Octagon Theatre, 13 Aubrey St, Regent, Whangārei. 11am.

SUN, APR 10

Gender Diverse Whangārei presents Rūrangi: In honour of

To place a submission for the What’s On column, visit www.neighbourly.co. nz/whats-on, choose the newspaper you want to list in and enter the event details. Listings must be no more than 30 words. Note you will need to be a Neighbourly member to list. Please submit two weeks before your event. Low-cost/free events only. Inclusion is at editor’s discretion. We receive many submissions and cannot guarantee every entry will be included.

Traffic lights: Make sure you are aware of the Covid traffic light setting in your area and any rules you may need to comply with.

Trans Day of Visibility, this special screening will include red carpet photo opportunity and post-film panel with creator Cole Myers. Entry by koha, register online tinyurl.com/ rurangi. Event Cinemas, James St, Whangārei. 2.30pm.

TUES, APR 12

Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting: Is alcohol costing you more than money? Friendly local meeting running as per traffic light red setting with masks. No Dues or fees, St Andrew’s Church Hall, Colonel Mold Drive, Mangonui. 7pm.

Whangārei 71 RAOB: Meetings on April 12 and 26 will be held under the Covid restrictions applicable that day. Old and new members welcome. Glenbervie Hall, 236 Ngunguru Rd, Glenbervie, Whangārei. 7.15pm.