Hello Folks- or, as that wild Welsh twit Neddy Seagoon would say, "Hello Folks!!" Here we are in search of a legible, reasonably intelligent record of events past, present and future and just maybe there will be something of interest for you and you alone.
     To begin, as most newsletters do, at the beginning- "events previous to this point in time". Our Labour weekend Sunday trip to Motuihe was quite literally washed out, due in no small measure to a rather large measure of rain, so some of us visited the Atrium Sauna in Federal Street. We tried again on Sunday 9th, Nov. at Long Bay when 19 good keen folks braved the rather nasty weather to struggle over the hills to the second little bay north of the main beach. Most of us got into the not so warm water then sat shivering on the beach, hoping the sun would come out. Later some of us visited the Atrium, mainly to restore the circulation. Not the nicest day ever but well worth the trouble.
     What a beautiful day you folks who couldn't make it to Pakiri missed out on. Roughly 44 odd bods- with the emphasis more on "bods" and less on "odd" thank you- forded the stream and walked half a mile up the beach: the sun was hot, the water was perfect, the wind just right, the food and the company excellent. We even had a visit from a shark just to enliven the proceedings. Much credit goes to our sharp eyed watchdog Laurie for saving our little group from sudden extinction - yes, Laurie, we'll keep you on a bit longer yet! After a lovely afternoon we broke camp and mooched towards home along the beach. To amend the poet's words, "Ah, Pakiri, parting is such sorrow", Then of course the next day the real fun started with tender shoulders, fronts, sides, and of course unmentionables used to sit down upon- boy that sun really did cook us up. Still, it really was worth it all.
     Now to "events present", Well, let me take this opportunity on behalf of Chairman Robin, executives and myself to wish you all out there the warmest compliments of the season and also health wealth and happiness for the New Year. Health meaning no nasty burnt bums, wealth meaning a pay rise occasionally and happiness of course translates to plenty of good clean fun on lots of F.B.G. trips (even in this newsletter we can't escape a plug from the sponsor)
     "Events Future"- as A. Lincoln so crisply put it, you can't please 'em all etc., so we hope to get around that problem by giving you a fairly wide selection from which you can take your pick and at least you will be able to please the folks in your immediate circle- well, sometimes- well, maybe. You may at this stage wish to refer to the other sheet of guff.
     Anything else? Oh yes. Please do feel free to bring along your friends, in-laws, boss, debtors and/or others to any of our functions if you wish. We try to keep an open house, or open beach I should say, and you're all very welcome.
     Cancellation of any or all of our events will be broadcast by 1ZB on the day of the event each half hour from 7.00 a.m. onwards. Should perchance chairman and secretary not be present at a trip don't hesitate to go right ahead and do it yourselves. We are firm believers in letting the inmates have a say in running the asylum!
     Keep those cards and letters comin' in folks; your secretary's writer's cramp has extended up to his shoulder and down to his fingertips and he needs the exercise.

Yours in a birthday suit,

 

	FREE BEACH GROUP	Copyright 1975
	P.O. Box 41-171 St, Lukes, Auckland 3

 

"FORMULATION, COMPILATION OF, AND COMENTS UPON, PROGRAMME OF FUTURE EVENTS OF THE FREE BEACH GROUP DURING THE TERM DECEMBER '75—APRIL '76"
—hereinafter known as the Dairy (hope that sounds good and legal)

 

Saturday 27 Dec75	Odlins Timber Track walk (to work off your Xmas dinner). Meet at Junction of Piha Road and Scenic Drive at 9,00 a,m, Bring walking shoes, also towels, lunch, sweater in easily carried pack or similar, You probably wont be able to walk nude.
Saturday 3 Jan76	There will be on Pakiri Beach a rally of associated sun club members lasting all day. If you care to go you will be very welcome.
Thursday 1st Sunday 4th. Jan 76	"THAMES HIDE AWAY TRIP" Proceed by car, push-bike or wheelbarrow to Thames then take the coast road which runs north out of town and up the western side of the Coromandel peninsular. Approx. 2 miles on the right you should find a large signpost which says "F.B.G." Follow this and succeeding signs and "bingo" you can't miss it. There are no facilities but running water, so you will need to bring everything from needles to anchors and the kitchen sink. Men, a slasher if you have one and spades would be handy too. Ladies, lots and lots of insect repellent, pots and pans etc, We intend to dig toilets and latrines for your comfort. Can anyone help with a toilet tent and seat? You are very welcome to stay a day or two or more, to get back to nature and just enjoy yourselves, but please not before Thursday 1st. January.
Sunday Jan 11	East of Kawakawa Bay. We have included this for our many members in South Auckland. Meet at Kawakawa Bay settlement (east of Clevedon) by Post Office at 10,00 a.m. Short walk involved.
Saturday Jun 17	Whatipu (past Huia). Because tides on the East Coast are not suitable we'll try the Western side. Meet at the far end of the Whatipu road at 11.00 a.m. Swimming may be restricted, it depends on the state of the beach.
Saturday Jan 24 Sunday Jan 25	Pakiri. For those of you who would wish to stay overnight in the motor camp (might be wise to book). Meet each day 11.00 a.m. at car park, South end of beach.
Sunday Feb 1st.	We have discovered a new A.R.A. reserve, Awhitu, and thought it might he worth trying. Meet alongside the Waiuku swimming pool complex at 11.00 a.m.
Saturday Feb 7 Sunday Feb 8	A two day trip to Uretiti Beach. Walk seaward from Tip Road which is off Uretiti road which is 1 1/2 miles on the right north of Waipu. From 11.00 on Saturday 7th. Camp at Ruakaka Motor camp (wise to book?) about three miles away. Or you may come for the day.
Sunday Feb 15	We will do the Odlins Bush walk again. Meet 10.00 a.m. Same arrangements otherwise.
Saturday 21 Feb	Hopefully - Motuihe Island. Boat leaves Ferry Building at 9.30 a.m. Fares $2.00 return adults, $1.00 children. Returns at 4.30. Just a short walk over the hill to an isolated sandy beach. Bring mask, flippers etc. if you have them. STOP PRESS — CHECK by phone that the boat is running - Motuihe Wharf is damaged.
Saturday Sunday 28-29 Feb	The tides on the Waitemata are at 7.30 and 8.22 and on the Manukau at 10.39 and 11.21. Open to arrange as you will. Nothing planned "officially".
Sunday Mar 7	End of Daylight Saving. Long Bay trip. Meet Northern Car Park at 10.00 a.m. Bring togs "in case".
Sunday Mar 14	West Coast, White's Beach. Piha Road - Scenic Drive corner. 10.00 a.m. White's is North of Piha, we will walk down a track from Anawhata Road.
Sunday Mar 21	Motuihe again - as for 21 Feb.
Sat—Sun 27-28 Mar	Open again. Tides 5.30, 6.27 (Waitemata) 8.25, 9.14 (Manukau). Perhaps we can arrange something later on.
Sunday April 4	Waiheke Island - details later.