Tony Bone once served me tea in his office.
He also offered a piece of delicious shortbread. He'd made it himself in one of the famous Arga ovens his family firm FL Bone & Son sells.
It was Tony's birthday and he was shouting staff morning tea, so I got lucky.
We discussedhis 125-year-old business, which he is passionate about. And we discussed rowing, which he is really passionate about.
Tony Bone has been a tireless servant of rowing in Hawke's Bay but, being the gentleman that he is, he would never ask for or expect any reward other than the satisfaction of seeing others participate in the sport he got so much reward from as a younger man.
So it is pleasing to see Tony, along with five other significant contributors to our community - Diane Healey, Kenneth Keys, Arohanui Lawrence, Dennis Longhurst and Jill Tobin - recognised at the Civic Honours Awards at Hastings District Council this week.
Group Civic Honours went to entertainers The Follies and the The Hospice Holly Trail.
These are the kind of people that volunteer countless hours for the good of others.
They may not think it but in many respects they are the glue for a successful community. Speaking of volunteers, fit and able bodies are still wanted for the Coastal Clean-up of Waimarama tomorrow and Sunday.
If you can help out, register as a volunteer by phoning the Hastings District Council on 871 5000 or online at www.hastingsdc.govt.nz
Volunteers will be asked to assemble at the council building on Lyndon Rd at 7.45am tomorrow to be bussed to Waimarama.
Bring gloves, gumboots, a spade and a drink bottle. Food and water will be supplied.
Hawke's Bay Today's pictures and reports from Waimarama leave little doubt that this is a community that badly needs support.
