Ruakaka and Waipu to Langs Beach have Civil Defence groups who will initiate telephone trees so be sure you are on a telephone tree and have signed up for the emergency text messaging system. Go to www.nrc.govt.nz/civildefence and follow the links to the text messaging pages to register or to opt into the alerts service text NCD to 614 277 92 93 4.
If Telecom is your cellphone provider and you do not receive a confirmation text when you register for this service, it is likely your registration was not completed successfully.
The Ruakaka Civil Defence Group also has a Facebook page which is regularly updated.
Social sailors
The first Friday of each month is a social night for the Marsden Yacht Club members and friends. On October 4, the social event is a wine tasting and fish and chips night.
Doors open at 5.30pm, the wine tasting begins at 6.30pm and dinner about 7pm.
Sail along to celebrate and meet new friends and old and find out about the summer sailing classes for adults and children.
The wine tasting is $5, fish and chips are $10 for members and $15 for non-members.
For more information ring the club secretary, Helen O'Brien, on (09) 433-0217 or check marsdenyachtclub.co.nz
Tide's out run
The Bream Bay College PTA has checked the tides and planned this year's Tide's Out Fun Run and walk fundraiser for November 10.
Entry forms are distributed through Bream Bay shops and at Bream Bay College. All entries received by Monday, November 4, go in the draw for a pair of running shoes from Smith's Sports Shoes.
Children up to 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. There is a choice of a 5km or 10km route. For more information, phone Susan McRae on (09) 432-1029, Maree Wright on (09) 459-5628 or Marilyn Cox on (09) 432-0373.
Musical duo
Don't miss this chance of a lifetime to hear the music of maritime Canada, 18th century Scotland and more by virtuoso Nova Scotian musicians David Greenberg and Chris Norman. After their 10-day music workshop, the duo will play a concert in the Waipu Coronation Hall on October 4 at 7.30pm. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Wearable arts
Planning for the Art 'n Tartan event in June next year has begun and a new category - The Engine Room - has been created.
The Scots were "the engine room" of the British Empire - the engineers and architects; they were innovators and problem solvers.
You could stick your head in any engine room of any ship in the world, call out "Jock" and someone would answer you. With this history in mind, the Waipu Museum is calling out for people to turn their minds and hands to a wearable construction piece including wood, pipe and any other materials to include with your one third tartan piece for the 2014 event.
There will be a total cash prize pool of over $6500 to be won. Start dreaming, imagining, planning and designing now for the next Art 'n Tartan Wearable Art Awards to be held on June 27-28, 2014.
Early next year, the museum will be offering an optional "stagecraft and movement" workshop to anyone interested in being a part of Art 'n Tartan, or being a model for it.
This will consist of three separate, three-hour workshops run by professional choreographer Kate Aukett during which you will have the opportunity to learn basic movement and stagecraft skills.
Email artntartan@gmail.com to register your interest.
We will keep you posted on predicted dates. Check the other categories and download entry forms from thee website www.waipumuseum.com
