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Issue 20 – August 2017

As the result of an out-of-court settlement of a Defamation claim brought by former council member Mr Russell Tether against Friendship NZ Inc. and members of the FNZI Council which was settled out of Court, FNZI has agreed to apologise to Mr Tether in our Highlights newsletter as set out below. Graeme Pierson, Chairman FNZI

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Update from Chairman, Graeme Pierson

In view of the fact that I recently sent out my Chairman’s Report for the Annual General Meeting held recently in Wellington this report will be short. I would like to thank the Friendship Clubs of Johnsonville and Newlands on behalf of Council, for their assistance in the running of the meeting and the afternoon tea proved for all attendees. Council appreciated the fact there were a number of clubs represented from the north to south. Council were very grateful that the Draft Constitution was adopted unanimously by those attending the meeting. This was very pleasing for

members of Council who had worked very hard in preparing the draft and appreciated the fact that a number of clubs had made recommendations about parts of the draft that were removed as a result. As a result of the roster system for Councillors that has been adopted there will be two elections in this Friendship year for Districts 9930 and 9940. Nomination papers will be forwarded to the clubs in these Districts in September. The sitting members, Bryan McKenzie (9930) and Chris Winstanley (9940) are both eligible for re-election. Kind regards, Graeme Pierson, Chairman, FNZI

Administrator’s Corner – Rosemarie Shaw The past few months have been busy ones here at administration headquarters, i.e. my home, as payments of their 2017-2018 Affiliation Fees continued to be received from member clubs. The process to record and acknowledge these transactions is not complicated but it does require concentration. Sometimes, other matters arise which require my urgent attention and a deadline to meet. Consequently, I apologise if your club has not yet received confirmation of its payment – for audit purposes an email is

sent to clubs acknowledging payment and advising an official receipt number. The prompt payment made by many clubs of this annual Affiliation Fee is appreciated. Greatly valued also, is the generosity shown by many clubs in response to an appeal for a voluntary donation towards the Reserve Funds. The winter months are when many of our club members go on holiday and look forward to spending a few weeks away from home. This is wonderful and to be enjoyed however, should a club’s Primary Contact person, e.g. the person who receives our emails, be the one going away it would be helpful if FNZI was advised of the name and email address of another club member willing to be the temporary Primary Contact for a defined period. Many of our Primary Contact members have advised me of their holiday plans and a temporary contact name and email address has been put in place. This system works well and ensures that there is no disruption to the receipt and distribution of emails to our member clubs. Once the designated Primary Contact member returns home, their name and email address is reinstated in our email system and normal service is resumed. Following the completion of the move to a new website domain name it was necessary to change the email addresses for Councillors and other members of our team. In view of these changes I would just like to remind club officers and club members to please contact me should they have any queries relevant to club issues, e.g. change of personnel, email addresses, etc. or if they would like assistance to access and navigate the FNZI website. I can be contacted on the FNZI Freephone line 0800 33 55 44 or by email: counciladm@fnzi.nz.

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Invercargill Pictured L-R are Patsy Gordon, President, Alwyn Muirhead, Bulletin Editor, Dorothy Ashby, Secretary, and Yvonne Richardson, Treasurer, of our Combined Friendship Club of Invercargill enjoying a lunch at The Grille before taking a tour through one of Invercargill's newest attractions, The Mecca Motorbike Museum. The clue is in the name - hundreds of motorbikes. A large group from our club thoroughly enjoyed their day out.

Browns Bay Ladies Club About 14 members of Browns Bay Ladies Club visited the Silverdale Pioneer Village on 19 July. Robynne, Ngaire and Robin from the Village gave us a very interesting tour of the buildings and contents from the 1860s to the 1930s.

Dunedin Central Ladies Dunedin Central Ladies Friendship Club recently

travelled to the Waihola Tavern for a delicious

lunch and get-together to celebrate 25 years as

Probus, and their first year as Friendship.

The Club had their first meeting on 1 July 1992,

and continue to meet and enjoy outings every

month.

Nine founding members were presented with a

gift, although because of a variety of reasons

only four were able to be there. One of the

original members was celebrating her 70th

Wedding Anniversary that day.

Margaret Rusbatch,

a foundation

member and one of

the three Life

Members of the

club, cut the cake.

Ngongotaha Five members braved the torrential rain on 12 July to attend the Regent Hotel, Rotorua, for their midwinter luncheon and to enjoy the light and comfortable surroundings for lunch. The atmosphere was full of chatter and cheer and to be away from home routines is special to many and enjoyed by all. The Club members are in the process of ordering the new logo name badges which are proving to be very popular. Also we are pleased that our membership continues to increase.

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Mt Roskill The ‘Men of Music’ are a core group of up to 14 committed men who, for the last 18 years, have loved to share their songs with anyone who will listen. They have an extensive repertoire of golden oldies, folksongs, all time "Hit Parade favourites" show tunes, sacred and national songs, wartime memories, selection from last Night at the Proms and feet-tapping marches. Programmes are matched to fit their audience and requests are always welcome, sometimes interrupted by appalling jokes and unbelievable stories – all in the name of entertainment. They have travelled from Torbay to Muriwai, from Pukekohe to Bucklands Beach, entertaining groups in rest homes, hospitals and all sorts of clubs and organization.

Johnsonville Founder and Life member since 2009 of the Johnsonville’s Friendship Club , Arthur Avis (back, centre) surrounded by four new Life Members from left, Olaf John, Alison Sweetman, Bet Stephenson and Ian MacLean. Their appointment began the 2017-18 year. All are valued contributors to the Club and have served in a number of management roles since its establishment in 1993. Later in June members celebrated the winter solstice with an Aotea Lodge lunch at which they were invited to wear their favourite hat. The winners were: Suzy Akers with her floral number and Michael Hodgens and his pink fascinator (pictured with judge, Eugene Crosby).

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Hamilton East A group of members set off at 8.30am on 23 May, a cool winter day, to Lavaglass at Wairakei where they were taken into the glass blowing studio to watch a vase being made. A beautiful lunch followed, and they then looked through the shop before heading out to the magnificent sculptured gardens. The bus then took them to The Timber Museum in Putaruru where they were given a guided tour with information on the history of museum, the displays, the wonderful models and a forestry workers’ lunch room of old. They finished the tour with a visit to the beautiful Awapuni Anglican Church that had been shifted to the site and is still used for weddings. (photo shows the group at Awapuni).

The Hamilton East Friendship Club recently celebrated 30 years of being together. President, Ian Bridges made the following comments: “Fun, friendship and fellowship are the hallmarks of what our club has represented over the last 30 years. Members have enjoyed: a huge variety of speakers, who have challenged and/or stimulated our ways of thinking and knowing; we have heard jokes that have made us laugh; had the opportunity of going on some great trips but above all just enjoyed each other’s company.

As we celebrate 30 years we recognise and thank past presidents along with a large group of secretaries, treasurers, organisers of trips, speakers, bulletins, welfare, hospitality and other committee persons. All have given of themselves to make the club as successful as it is today. Whilst we have changed our name this year to one that represents the “Friendship” between and within us all, the basic ethos of the club remains the same as ever”. Mike and Rona Downey are pictured with Ian Bridge cut the 30th anniversary cake. Mike Downey was the third President in 1989-90 and Ian Bridge is the current President.

Sunnynook Combined The Sunnynook Combined club have a varied programme of dining out, coffee gatherings and group activities. Seen here are members who enjoyed a recent 10 pin bowling outing.

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Kawaroa Thirty-five members of the Kawaroa Combined Friendship Group recently held their mid-year Christmas dinner at the Plymouth Hotel in New Plymouth. The club is in good heart and they are endeavouring to increase their membership as it has declined somewhat in recent years. They have been moderately successful with new members joining and potential members in the pipeline. A strong committee is working to ensure the future of the club is in good hands

Eden Epsom The Eden Epsom Friendship Club held their 35th birthday luncheon during July at the St Barnabas Mt Eden Church Hall and was attended by over 45 club members.

With an excellent meal washed down with good quality wine, plus professional entertainment, the function was enjoyed by all who attended. Owen Cummins cut the birthday cake, after receiving his 20 year membership pin from President David Christian.

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Havelock North Peak On Thursday 22 June 2017 members of the Havelock North Peak Combined FNZI Club gathered at the Havelock North Function Centre for a luncheon to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the start of the Havelock North Peak Combined Probus Club back in March 1997.

The photo includes three Foundation Members and seven Past Presidents. L-R 2017 FNZI President Kathryn Robertson, Bev Thomas 2008, Hilary Stott 2010, John Clothier 2001, Anne Craven, Foundation Member, Don Jackson 2012, Margaret Armstrong 2014, Brian Field 2013, Dawn Wilshire, Foundation Member, Claire Macready, 2016 and Varonie Scarborough, Foundation Member.

Benvenue (Timaru) Four founding members of the Benvenue Men’s Club were made life members at a ceremony in Timaru recently. Founding members of the original club in 1991, Owen Soal, Ray Egan, Millar Henderson and Kevin Sexton were all made life members.

President Dick Dodds with Owen Soal, Ray Egan and Millar Henderson Above: Kevin Sexton

Whangaparaoa Ladies At their June meeting the Whangaparaoa Ladies Friendship Club celebrated Life Member Winifred Chadwick’s 100 year Birthday. Special guest Jim Taylor (Councillor for the District and Secretary for FNZI) attended along with his wife Maureen. Best wishes were endorsed on the certificate Jim presented to Winifred. Morning tea with birthday cake was enjoyed by all members present.

Photo shows Jim presenting Winifred with her certificate.

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Temuka Ladies At the recent annual dinner three founder members, June Donaldson, Romola Thomas and Betty Bisdee were made life members. The club was founded in 1990 and they are the only ladies from the original group still members today. They were presented with certificates by present committee members.

L-R Back Renee Jones, Helen Roberts, Lois Caldwell, Betty Weavers, Heather Thin, Noeline Clarke, Elizabeth Marryatt, Jan Sinclair, Bev Green Front: Jan Davenport, June Donaldson Romola Thomas, Betty Bisdee, Lesley Andrew

The Club continues in good heart and they are hopeful of many more years of happy companionship. They are encouraging new members, with a “bring a friend” to their next meeting.

Mountainview Ladies Sixty members enjoyed a mid-year dinner held on 7 July at the Pharlap Restaurant in Washdyke.

Even though there was no planned entertainment, the flow of conversation around the tables made it obvious that members were enjoying the chance just to chat with each other. The afternoon finished with an impromptu sing-a-long.

Maori Hill On 20 July the Maori Hill Friendship Club of Dunedin celebrated its 22nd birthday with a delicious lunch at Arana Hall, Otago University. Over 50 members attended and the event was a most enjoyable mid-winter function.

From left: Josephine Vincent, immediate past president; Carolyn Richardson, President; and Nancy Rutledge, a past president, current committee member and newsletter editor

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Red Beach Combined A busload of seniors from the Red Beach Combined Club recently enjoyed an outing to the Ryder Theatre at Avondale. The founder of this enterprise (now deceased) was an avid collector/hoarder who developed the site with disused railway equipment and a fascinating collection of buildings housing an eclectic assortment of old vehicles, petrol pump memorabilia, uniforms and goodness knows what else. His family are continuing his legacy.

However there was far more to the visit than wandering around a museum. After a welcome tea/coffee the group was treated to a full-length film in a comfortable theatre (the film was “Dough”), followed by a delicious roast meal with a huge wood-fired Shacklock oven in the background.

Rangiora Ladies On 12 July 29 ladies braved one of the coldest days of winter with rain, sleet and snow flurries to attend their 31st birthday luncheon at the Kaiapoi Golf Club. They enjoyed a roast meal and dessert.

Pictured are President Pat Smith and Jean McGregor (the oldest

member present) cutting the cake.

Wellington Ladies Twenty-three ladies attended this clubs birthday lunch at the Mediterranean Trattoria in Newtown on 24 July 2017. It proved to be a very successful occasion on a beautiful sunny day. The menu was similar to last year with antipasto, pizzas, risotto, steak and salad followed by sweets. All very delicious and enjoyed by all. This occasion was true to the name, Friendship Club, with lot of socialising and

enjoyment of each other's company.

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Woolston Tracey Saunders, director of the TribalDiva Belly Dance Company has been learning to dance for eight years and teaching for four years. Her students vary in age from 13 to 76 years and include some mother and daughter pairs. Tracey demonstrated various styles of belly dancing including one dance where she balanced a scimitar on her head. Tracey also explained how much effort and material went into making the costume, the various parts of the costume and encouraged members to get up and try a few of the moves. Going for a “flutter” now invokes a whole new image - best practiced in the privacy of one's home!

The Warehouse Distribution Centre in Rolleston is huge - 40,000 sq.feet (3,716 sq.m.) of space, 9 metre high shelving and 2km around the boundary, the “Red Shed” is a big place. Thirty members split into three groups with a leader and a “tail end charlie” to ensure they did not get lost or get in the way of the 80+ workers. A very tidy and organised environment handling the distribution of goods from inwards containers out to the stores (“Harrods”, a member calls them). As it was the low season, there was plenty of spare floor and shelf space but members were told it was filled to capacity prior to Christmas. The trip went on to the aptly named Hoofbeats (near the Riccarton Racecourse) for lunch and then home.

Waimea Combined This club’s mid-winter Christmas luncheon was held at the Trailways Hotel, Nelson, on 13 July, 2017, with 42 members attending. Trailways provided an excellent three course traditional meal with hats and streamers adding to the occasion.

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Waimea Ladies Waimea Ladies Club Celebrated its 25th Birthday Anniversary in July. Fourteen guests and five visitors attended the meeting. The theme was “A touch of Silver”. A past president, Lynda Pike, won the prize for “best dressed in silver”.

When members and guests arrived they were given lucky tickets to which spot prizes of soap and flowers were drawn. Friendship Brooches were given to members to replace the “P-pins” given at the time of induction. Morning tea followed with savouries, sandwiches and our birthday cake, cut by ex-president Lilian McFadgen and candle blown by ex-president Diane Ivory.

Members were then entertained by the “Songbirds” a lovely selection of songs, a solo and also a flute solo. During the meeting a number of jokes were told that certainly had ladies in fits of laughter.

Ashburton Combined Recently the Ashburton Combined Friendship Club, along with members from some of the other Ashburton Friendship Clubs, made a very successful bus trip to the Mt Hutt Ski Field. The view from the bus is much better than driving yourself and focusing on the road. It was a chance to see how the facilities have developed and get an impression of a busy day in the ski season with a big number of people using the field. Here the group is at the Methven ice cream stop on the way home.

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Whangaparaoa Combined At a recent meeting club member Peter Screech was honoured by being appointed a Life member in recognition of his service to the club. In announcing Peter’s appointment District Councillor and Club Past President Jim Taylor detailed some of his history on the committee including President in 2007-8, Trips and Outings Organiser, and during more recent years as Club Welfare Officer. In addition he has greeted members with a phone call on their birthdays. Peter’s wife Pamela was presented with a bouquet in recognition of the support she gives him.

Club President Colleen Buist with Peter and Pamela and his certificate and her flowers.

Sunnynook Ladies Members recently went on a trip to the Crown Lynn Pottery Museum in New Lynn. It was very interesting looking at the old pottery and hearing about how things were made. Lunch was at the RSA and on the way home the bus driver took them through the new tunnels. This club is situated on the North Shore of Auckland and they have about 76 members.

New Brighton Combined The New Brighton Friendship Club recently celebrated their 27th birthday which included a lunch out for all club members after the meeting. The New Brighton Men's Club have joined New Brighton Ladies Club to form a combined Friendship Club and we all look forward to enjoyable times ahead.

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Hamilton Ladies ‘Portraits of Yesteryear’ was the theme for the August meeting. The ladies brought along portraits of their ancestors and shared stories and memories of either growing up with their ancestors or just stories that were passed down to them.

Lois, who was dressed for the occasion in her 1900 gear, shared a story of her grandmother who had 13 children and not much time for anything else. Soup and a roll was served with this which formed very much part of their previous life styles.

Highland Park Ladies’ Club Regrettably, the Pakuranga club had to close, but we have welcomed a large number of the Pakuranga ladies who have now joined Highland Park and are enjoying their company. There have been some most interesting speakers recently including Jock Jamieson from the Sensible Sentencing Trust; Celia Caughey spoke about her experiences in Vietnam; and there was a demonstration of the remarkable range of equipment available to those getting older and/or less able, to make daily living easier. Our most recent visit was to the Blind Foundation Guide Dog Breeding & Training centre in Auckland. All guide dogs puppies in New Zealand undergo their final training at this centre and are assessed before being matched with a person who is blind or has low vision.

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Amicus Otaki The Amicus Club of Otaki had a very successful Mid-Winter lunch at the Otaki RSA on 22 June to celebrate half way through the year. Forty five members enjoyed a hearty roast beef meal with horseradish sauce and the traditional roasted vegetables, followed by apple crumble with ice cream and cream. Members are encouraged to join these social occasions as there is not a lot of time during meetings to mix and converse with new members or people not seen regularly.

Committee from left front: Diana Bradshaw, Fleur Perry (Pres), Val Long, Joy Peel. Back row: Pam Bridge, Bob Slade, Brian Frampton, Russell Bell, Bruce Heather. Absent: Ian Futter and Peter Standen

They are only a small Club but have an active committee. They try and encourage members to convene interest groups, but as Otaki has clubs in most fields, they welcome new members and encourage people to become involved with whatever they care to pursue.

At the July meeting members heard a most interesting talk from Denise Carnihan who shared her story on how she came to have a family connection with Africa where she and her husband visited on a tour. This led to many visits to Kenya doing volunteer work, setting up sponsorships then forming a charity school there. Denise has written a book about her journey through Africa and how she came to realise that an ordinary Kiwi family could make a permanent difference to offer a future to disadvantaged children living in slum conditions there. “I Share My Heart with Africa” is a good read and makes members realise how fortunate they are here.

A group from the Club visited Feilding recently and very much enjoyed the Old Coach Museum with beautifully restored horse drawn carts and carriages, and exhibits through the ages in the Manawatu area.

Pohutukawa Coast On 19 June the Pohutukawa Coast Friendship Club took the local ferry into Auckland and then joined a charter boat to take them on a return trip up the inner Waitemata Harbour right up to Riverhead where they stopped for a good lunch at the Riverhead Tavern.

A lovely day, smooth sailing, interesting scenery, good company and good food, all made for an excellent day out.

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New FNZI Regalia Many members do not realise how attractive the new Friendship regalia looks and orders have been a little slow to start. Secretary, Jim Taylor, posed for the photo below to show how eye-catching the lapel pins and brooches are.

Pictured from top down– - Ribbon Bar (FNZ 007) - Ribbon Hanger Plate (FNZ 005) - Medallion (FNZ 006) To the right is the Members Brooch (FNZ 002) Also available is the Officer Brooch (FNZ 004) (Available with either pin or magnetic fastener) Further right is the Members Pin (FNZ 001) Also available is the Officer Pin (FNZ 003)

Club Member and Officer Badges are available with either pin or magnet fastener Orders can be placed from our website www.fnzi.nz – then log in to the Club Area-Club Resources-Logos and Regalia

Howick On 21 June, 37 members went on a bus trip to Kumeu, named the great Western Odyssey. The day started on a bleak but fine morning and they travelled along the motorway passing the new Waterview Tunnel Complex that hopefully will allow traffic to get to the Airport quicker. The first stop was for morning tea at Blossoms Café, for a coffee and look around the shop. After morning tea they went on to the famous Coopers Creek Winery, to sample some of their fine wines, many of which were purchased for later consumption. The next stop was the Hobsonville RSA for a great roast lunch, beer and coffee.

Before embarking on our return home a tour around the new Hobsonville Point, one of Aucklands latest building areas, seeing all the little boxes they are building, without gardens or garages, just little homes. This was the site of the old Hobsonville airport and now part of greater Auckland. From there we drove along the waterfront And back to Howick.

During the journey, President Graeme Wilson ran a quiz and raffle, and the prizes were the famous “poisson au chocolat” (aka chocolate fish) and the raffle prize was a nice bottle of sparkling wine, won by our Vice President.

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Paremata Socius On Friday 4 August, 35 members of Paremata Socius, plus the bus driver (Brian), enjoyed a day at the Time Cinema in Lyall Bay. This is a private Cinema with a new owner, Cass, and he did a wonderful job of entertaining the group although he had only been running things for four months. There were newsreels and a cartoon; we stood for a very young Queen; and enjoyed a lovely lunch. This was followed by the feature film “Casablanca”. With hundreds of old films to choose from, it was hard to pick a film that would be of general interest, but everyone seemed to enjoy Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart with his ‘one-liners’, which brought back so many memories.

Remuera St Johns Remuera St. Johns Club has been treated to some riveting talks by members over recent months. Our May mini speaker was Bruce Anderson. Bruce had members enthralled with the story of Anderson’s Remuera Garage, the local business founded by his father. This was where Bruce commenced his hobby of racing and restoring vintage motor cycles with his dad. Bruce’s first restoration was a 1928 Packard motor cycle but his all-time favourite is his Harley Davidson Peashooter, which he has

raced at Pukekohe and Hampton Downs. Racing Velocettes has also been a favourite pastime, and Bruce is pictured with one of Velocettes.

Stokes Valley The July outing was to Hills Hats in Petone. The weather was shocking, gale force rain and wind but this didn’t stop 16 members arriving at the Hatter’s Shop where they were booked to do a tour of the factory. What an interesting tour it turned out to be and what a wonderful firm. They specialise in producing high quality, hand crafted hats. Members saw a range of fashion, uniform, formal and outdoor headgear. This hat factory had been operating since 1875 and some of the machinery we saw could have been original. They supply high end hats around the world. The group had a great tour of the factory, tried on many hats, and some made a purchase later followed by a lunch together.

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