Helen McGregor Memorial trophy evening
A fantastic new year evening's entertainment at the Waipu Celtic Barn is promised for those interested in highland pipes or music in general.
Whangarei's Helen McGregor's dying wish back in 2003 was that a special piping competition be established to enable top class pipers to compete in a special event where they could be creative and innovative.
Each entrant plays his/her own piece for eight minutes. There are normally around eight competitors.
A top level piper will judge the event this year along with an audience vote.
Whangarei piper Bain McGregor met his wife Helen at Blair Atholl Castle in Scotland. Bain was the piper in residence for the 10th Duke of Atholl, Ian Murray and Helen was a tour guide at the castle.
She was not a piper, but played a French Horn and tenor horn in the Whangarei Brass Band and tenor drum in both the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band, Scotland and the Whangarei Pipe Band.
Even though she didn't play the pipes she had a strong love and passion for the instrument.
Starting at 7 pm on the December 31 , tickets are available at the door for $10.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.3% Yes
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21.8% No
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!
If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?
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