Arabian Nights to sparkle on stage
Community patrol honours members at awards ceremony
Bream Bay Ballet’s annual end-of-year production this year is Arabian Nights, and ballet teacher Kristin Orr says her dancers will bring to life the classic tale of Aladdin with a spectacle of colour, glitter, feathers and enough sequins to light up Ruaka¯ka¯. “There is fabulous extravagance with relentless razzle dazzle,” she says. “It is theatrical magic at its best with a selection of music that is a mix of authentic Arabian, Moroccan tunes that exude the spicy and exotic.” The senior girls in the opening act in their heels, cabaret tutus and feathers will wow the audience, while the first scene after the interval promises much cuteness with the junior ballet school precious stones led on stage by the Genie (Jayden Rudolph), from the youngest 3-year-old ruby gem to the pink diamond 7-yearolds. Orr says the young soloist dancers who perform Aladdin, Jasmine, Rajah, Abu, and Jafar’s parrot command the stage with passion, delight and courage of conviction. “There is something enchanting about casting dancers who are 10 years of age,” says Orr. “They have a spellbinding charisma.” Plenty of visual effects will add to the entertainment — the magic carpet, a mechanical snake and 40m of billowing white tulle. Head to Bream Bay College’s auditorium on Saturday November 3 to be taken to a faraway land, where a Genie’s magic lamp bestows wishes. Two shows at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Tickets at the door, adults $15, children $8 under 3 free. Contact Kristin Orr 0275 705 040 or dance@breambayballet.com.
Safer Community
Bream Bay Community Patrol celebrated the contribution of several members at a recent awards ceremony. Whangarei MP Dr Shane Reti presented 10 members with a five-year service pin in recognition of their service, working alongside the police to make Bream Bay a safer community. Community Patrol NZ Northland District chairman Eric Hansen also announced a special presentation to Senior Constable Martin Geddes, police liaison officer for the Bream Bay patrol. Geddes helped to set up the patrol in 2004 and has worked alongside members since, assisting with training, attending meetings, and supporting the patrol wherever possible. Reti presented him with a CPNZ plaque to recognise his outstanding contribution.
Golf tourney
The winner of Waipu Golf’s men’s strokeplay tournament was Dion Hall of Waipu. Local knowledge of the course obviously paid off — Waipu’s Sam Howard placed second and Noel Chandler, also of Waipu, third. Senior winner was Waipu’s Dennis Soloman, followed by Greg Shanaghan of Waipu in second and John Cran of Hutt Park in third. Waipu Golf Club’s next event is the Wilfred Lewin Melbourne Cup Day on November 6, with ambrose four-person teams competing. Entry is limited to the first 25 prepaid teams — book and pay at the Waipu Golf shop, email waipu@golf.co.nz or phone 4320259.
Halloween market
Marsden Playcentre’s Halloween Monster Market is coming up on Sunday October 28, 1pm-5pm at the McEwen Rd playcentre. There will be plenty happening at the fundraising market — a bouncy castle, home-bake sale, food, facepainting, petting zoo, plant sale and white elephant sale, plus competitions for children. Dig for prizes in the sandpit treasure dig or dress up in your best Halloween costume (age categories are under 2 years, 6-10 years, 11-plus years/adult). Children can also enter a colouring-in competition by bringing their completed artwork along on the day — the picture is available on Marsden Playcentre’s Facebook page.
Street market
The forecast looks fine for Waipu’s Labour Weekend street market this Sunday. The markets, held each long weekend, run from 9am to 1pm in the main street, Caledonian Park and the Celtic Barn with about 150 stalls selling all kinds of goods. Head along to eat, shop and mingle while the children play — remember the recent town centre fire means the Waipu ATM is out of action, so withdraw cash from elsewhere. The Rose and Crown Antiques and Collectibles fair runs on the same day in the Waipu Coronation Hall from 9.30am to 4pm with a wide selection of goods to browse and buy — recycled goods, furniture, costume jewellery, clothing and retro art. Admission fee goes towards hall maintenance.
Season starts
The volunteer lifeguard season starts this weekend and runs every weekend from now until Easter. Both Ruaka¯ka¯ and Waipu Cove surf life saving clubs are holding open days this weekend, visit them at 11am to take a look around and either sign your children up for junior surf (4-13 years) or sign yourself up to train as a lifeguard (14 years plus) and help keep Bream Bay’s beaches safe. The following weekend (October 26-28) Waipu celebrates 90 years of lifesaving at Waipu Cove.