FBG - Newsletter

Hello there, friends - are you free? (to quote a certain T.V. programme) - of course you are, or I wouldn't be writing this to you. What a wonderful day for a newsletter to sun-worshippers - the first day of Spring, and a sunny one at that. I just glanced at our last newsletter and note that it had "mad John at the controls". Well, for a while you will now have a woman driver, so take whatever precautions you deem necessary.

Now, to business. The big thing you are all wondering about is the Annual General Meeting - right? It went off very well, with 54 adults and about 12 children present. The meeting was declared open by the Chairman, Robin Hoare, at 2.30 p.m. Apologies were received and the Minutes of the Inaugural Meeting were read and accepted. The reports of the Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer were then read and also accepted.

Election of officers : You will, I am sure, be glad to know that Robin was unanimously re-elected as Chairman of the Group. John Miller, after a truly mammoth effort during our first year, declined re-nomination as Secretary-Treasurer. I am pleased and honoured to have been elected to that office for the coming year, and we have three Committee members - Des Duthie, Eleanor Longley and (as above) "mad John". It was feeling of the meeting that sub-committees not be formed as such, but that willing members be co-opted for any given reason at the request of Committee Members.

Changes to Rules : It was decided by an overwhelming majority that the wording of the section of the Constitution regarding photography be changed to now read, instead of "permission ... is to be obtained" - "The permission of members appearing in any photograph so taken must be obtained before publication." No change in the format of the members' directory is contemplated at present.

Our list of beaches was discussed, and suggestions asked for, but nothing concrete was done about the list.

Affiliation with N.Z.S.A. : Correspondence from and to the New Zealand Sunbathing Association was read, and Mr Emiel Roland spoke to the meeting on the advantages of becoming affiliated. The meeting decided that the Committee be empowered to have discussions with the N.Z.S.A. and that all members would be given the opportunity to comment before any firm decision was made on this.

Past and Present Activities : It was carried unanimously that letters of thanks be sent to the Butcher family for the use of their launch during last summer, and to Bryan Day for his hospitality at Thames.

General Business : The first subject raised was "Car Pools". It is felt that with the high cost of petrol and running a vehicle, and also bearing in mind the more friendly atmosphere created by sharing an outing, "transport co-ordinators" would act as liaison between those wanting or needing a lift, and those who are understandably reluctant to run an empty or half-full car. Those volunteering were : Tony Davis (Pakuranga), Ken Lomax (Howick), Brian Longley (North Shore), Alison Mime (West Auckland) and Bette MacAndrew (Central Auckland). Is there anyone in the South Auckland area who feels he or she could help out in this way? All you need is a telephone, a bit of spare time and an aptitude for tying up loose ends. (Drop me a line, or phone, if you feel you could assist, please).

Alf Benson raised the matter of "vetting" of new members, but after discussion it was agreed that adequate safeguards exist.

Jan Mayo put forward the possibility of using our surnames, and a motion was carried "that surnames be used unless permission to do so was refused".

Subscriptions : After some debate the meeting decided that subscriptions should be raised to $2.50 per unit per annum. This motion was carried with one dissenting voice - that of John Miller, who wished his opposition to be recorded. There it is, John! Fees are payable now, please, but if you have already paid $2.00 on the strength of previous advice and current advertising, that will be acceptable.

Regional Structuring : New Zealand-wide membership of the Group has now reached such a proportion as to justify the implementation of a Country Members' Section. Robin Hoare has agreed to look after the "out-of-towners".

The Annual General Meeting was declared closed at 5.00 p.m. and was followed by a welcome cup of tea, and the "plates - with something on them" were rapidly and appreciatively cleared.

Very shortly after the Annual General Meeting the first meeting of the new Committee was held, at which a list of forthcoming attractions was (finally) produced. We thought that a host or hostess for each occasion would make for a pleasant atmosphere, so you will see included with each outing the name of a member. This person will be on hand to see that you go to the right place, make sure any stragglers catch up with the rest and just be a general sort of "dogsbody", in fact.

Please don't regard the list of proposed activities as the be-all and end-all of the first part of summer. By all means put forward suggestions of your own and in this way we should, hopefully, become aware of more locations suitable for our dedicated sun-soaking. The present list only covers the week-ends up to Christmas and by then there will be another fun-calendar out.

I can just hear some of you saying, "But it's so far away." Now don't be like that; contact your friendly neighbourhood transport co-ordinator and I am sure you will find that the days out will be well worthwhile, and any extra effort more than justified.

The Social Evening on 28 August was well attended, and a great success. The music, dancing, games and films (starring many well-known personalities), not to mention a wide variety of delicious food, all combined to make for an enjoyable evening's entertainment. Our thanks to all who helped out in any way. We plan to have another wing-ding around Christmas. It will be a fancy dress affair, so start thinking, planning and scavenging little bits and pieces NOW.

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I wonder if we could have contributions from you all for this newsletter business? So many interesting, funny or embarrassing things happen to other people, and they can usually bear re-telling. So keep those cards and letters rolling in, folks; you might just see your name in print yet - and I don't mean in the Sunday papers.

Now check - have you a copy of the Constitution, list of beaches, members' directory? Who hadn't tried the swim evenings yet, at Riccado's (Parakai) or Swimarama? Two more of each to go, and they're fabulous.

In closing this, my first newsletter, may I wish all of us a long, hot summer, and let's see a lot of each other during the coming months.

Yours sincerely,

Omissions from and additions to Newsletter dated 1.9.76:

Look at that - I've started off with egg on my face already:

At the Annual General Meeting Dace Madgwick had left samples of her screen-printed tee shirts resplendent with Fred Bear on the front: red-on-white, blue-on-white, and red-on-blue. Robin Hoare will take orders for these, but as yet prices have not been discussed.

Would you please make the following alterations to your members' directory:

Add : Dick and Olive Child HSN 49580

Rob and Lil Louden 656-700

Jack Gorham WAIHEKE 8893
(Sorry about that, Jack)

Amend : John and Caroline H. Change age category to B

Kevin D. and Lesley 686-638
(They have moved.)

S K I N N Y - D I P P E R S' D I A R Y

24th Oct.	The Sunday of Labour Week-End : Pakiri Beach. Leave cars at car—park and walk north (after crossing the creek). Some of you may wish to stay overnight - possibly wise to book at the camp. Keep an eye out for host Des Duthie. 11 a.m.
	If the weather is not on our side, sauna devotees may wish to meet at the Atrium Sauna, 190—194 Federal Street, City.
7th Nov.	Grahams Beach. Meet at the Waiuku Swim-pool complex 10 a.m. or Grahams Beach 10.30 a.m. Suitable for small boats, canoes. Robin and Jenny Hoare will host this one.
14th Nov.	Another Long Bay trip — always popular. This time hosted by Brian Longley. Go to northernmost car park, then walk north, either over the cliff or around rocks. Second bay around. No guarantee that we can swim the way we like to, but hope springs eternal ...
21st Nov.	Odlins Bush Walk - another very popular trip. Meet at junction of Piha Road and Scenic Drive at 10 a.m. You will need walking shoes, towel, sweater, lunch in an easily carried pack or similar. Some lovely cold pools - probably won't be able to walk nude. This one is John and Judy Miller's.
28th Nov.	Another trip to Pakiri Beach, hosted this time by Bob Hare. 11 a.m. as usual, at the car park, or if you arrive late you know by now where to go. There is a combined Sun Clubs Outing at Uretiti Beach on the previous day, 27th. They always make us welcome, and the road is well sign-posted — about a mile past Waipu, turn right and again on the right you will see Tip Road. Short walk after that. Perhaps you would like to stay at Ruakaka Motor Camp ready for Pakiri on 28th.
4th, 5th Dec.	First camp at Thames. We hope to clear some gorse and scrub (not much), so bring a slasher, rake or similar. Gloves might be a good idea, too. There are no cons, mod or otherwise — just water, and a loo tent. Why not dash down on the Friday night. If you don't know where to go phone Robin, John or Lois. Oops, forgot the host - it's me.
12th Dec.	Alison Milne will host a trip to Motuihe Island, using the regular launch service by Blue Boats. Boat leaves the steps at Princes Wharf at 9.30 a.m., returning at 3.00 p.m. Fare $2 return adults, $1 children. There is a short walk over the hill to an isolated, sandy beach. Bring flippers, mask etc. if you wish to.
19th Dec.	Over to the West Coast again — this time to White's Beach. Meet at corner of Piha Road and Scenic Drive 10 a.m. We then take the Anawhata Road. There is a bit of a trek involved so don't be carrying too much. Kevin Daniels at the helm this time.

CANCELLATION SERVICE 1ZB FROM 7.00 A.M. ONWARD.