Warkworth station open day

The Warkworth Fire Station, on Church Hill, will open its doors to the community on Saturday, June 10, from midday to 4pm. There will be a live kitchen fire display, fire truck demonstrations, a virtual reality fire experience, car cutting and breathing apparatus demonstrations, an obstacle course and a Wendy smoke house demonstration. There will also be online quizzes with prizes.

Recruitment officer Stefan Kaldesic says the station regularly held open days prior to covid so it is good to be able to open the doors and invite the community back to the station again.

Firefighters will also take the opportunity to talk to anyone interested in volunteering in Warkworth.

As one of the busiest stations in the district –attending around 380 callouts a year – they are always keen to recruit new members.

Kaldesic says Warkworth has about 30 volunteer firefighters, but ideally could do with at least six more and another three or four support officers.

The brigade trains on Tuesday nights and if anyone is interested, and can’t make the open day, they are welcome to turn-up on a training night at 7pm.

There will be coffee and food, as well as Mr Whippy at the open day.

Day for women’s wellness and relief from grief at Mangawhai

A foundation started to help women suffering after bereavement is organising a special pamper day in Mangawhai later this month.

The Feeling Fab event will include free hair styling, make-up, manicures, food and refreshments on Monday, June 26 in the lounge room at the Anglican Church in Molesworth Drive.

Regional organiser Carol Collett says women who have lost a loved one or experienced something traumatic can sometimes feel reluctant or nervous coming along to a Feeling Fab day, but always leave feeling better than when they arrived.

“People are a little bit apprehensive, because when they’re suffering from grief, loss or trauma, they’re afraid they might be coming to counselling or to a sombre event, whereas it’s not like that at all,” she says.

“It’s a day of pampering, grazing platters, companionship and fun – it’s a safe haven for women to relax and enjoy themselves. They can choose what they want to do or not do – it’s just about them.”

She added that Feeling Fab tried to run at least three such events in Mangawhai each year, none of which would be possible without the generous help of volunteers providing gifts and services and principal sponsor, the Mangawhai Opportunity Factory.

Anyone who would like to attend on June 26, or knows of someone who could benefit, can contact Carol on 022 600 9545 or email carolcollett@xtra.co.nz

Info: https://www.feelingfab.org.nz/

Fuel station upgraded

The Mobil service station on Whitaker Road, in Warkworth, will close its doors for nearly four months from June 12.

Agent Wilbert Vissers says the closure is part of a major underground replacement project at the garage, which will involve replacing all pipes, tanks and pumps. “The building will stay, but everything else will be replaced,” he says. “This sort of project only happens every 30 to 40 years so it’s a big commitment for the future of Warkworth.” The eight staff employed at the station will undergo training opportunities during the closure. Vissers says he is looking forward to the work being done. “Whitaker Road is a consistent and solid location for the station, giving locals a handy and fast place to fuel up.” The station has set a tentative re-opening date of October 3.