(Greater) Hungarian Folk dance classes
If you ever wanted to try some folk dance why not come along Sundays to the Hungarian Club at 11 Hardy Street, New Brighton? This month István has been teaching us three dances from Moldavia (currently in Romania).
Classes are free in January but may have a small charge from February.
You don't have to be Hungarian to join but it may have extra appeal to anyone of Greater Hungarian ancestry (Romania, the old Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia, and the Ukraine) – but if you like to move (and sweat) you will enjoy yourself.
Class is 5-7pm but no problem leaving early. Children welcome.
No extra fitness needed (after all I'm not that young and slightly overweight) – but not a good idea for people with knee issues as it involves fast footwork and a little jumping/hopping at times.
Sequences are very simple (step side, step side step side, stamp – sort of thing). Lots of repetition and quite casual (you can sit down – or leave when you need to).
You don't need to be able to speak Hungarian; István (who like most people at the club can speak English as well as Hungarian) is a show and copy type of teacher. But the following might be useful: bal (left), jobb (right), egy, kettö, három, négy (1, 2, 3, 4).
If you are really keen, there is a possibility of a short performance in March. No promises.
Gang presence this weekend
International members of the Mongols MC are expected in Canterbury for an event marking five years since the gang established itself in New Zealand.
What you need to know:
-The gang has three chapters in the South Island. Wainoni-based Ōtautahi East, Ashburton-based Mid-South and SH1, Burnham.
- Police say they will have ‘considerable resource’ in the region during the event from November 7-10.
- Police in Canterbury have planned a major operation around the event - thought to coincide with a national meeting - from November 7 to 10, and have drafted in staff from two other districts to help.
- Mongols members from across the country are expected to meet at the gang’s original South Island headquarters - a fortified property on SH1, Burnham, on the outskirts of Christchurch.
- Canterbury district commander Superintendent Tony Hill says:
“We’re prepared for multiple contingencies. We will be monitoring their behaviour very closely over the period, if they’re not behaving appropriately then we will be taking appropriate action quite swiftly.”
Riddle Me That: Ready to Test Your Wits?
If the prisoner tells a lie, he'll be hanged;
if he tells the truth, he'll be beheaded.
What can he say to save himself?
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Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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28.7% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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19.7% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.7% Keep it as is
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33% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.5% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below