Dear Friends,

From what I hear, most of us have had a pretty good summer, exploring new places and meeting lots of new people. We had a lovely weekend at Ngatuhoa Lodge, sampling the delights of bush and stream. Exactly our kind of place. Thank you, Charles, for putting it on, and persuading me it was worth going! For those who missed, just make sure you keep Anniversary Weekend free next year.

AUCKLAND: From now on, only special events will be organised for Auckland members. Most of us have our own favourite beaches, and you will usually find company, if you don't take your own. (That's what the Directory is for!)

MARCH CAMP: 13 - 14 March, at Pakiri North.
We will spend Saturday at Lake Tomorata, camping overnight at Te Arai Point, then all day Sunday on the beach at Pakiri North - a truly beautiful beach. For directions see your Beach List. Note - the nearest supplies are 25 km away at Wellsford, and you must take water. (Toilets provided.) If you can't come for the whole weekend, just come for the day.

MARCH BEACH DAY: Sunday, 21 March, at Long Bay.
Park at farthest end of ARA car park, then walk north around the rocks to the second beach along, which we call Pohutukawa Bay. A special welcome to new members, and everyone else, make sure you turn up to do the welcoming! High tide 4 p.m.

ODLIN'S BUSH WALK: Sunday, 28 March.
Evan is organising a bush walk through Odlin's Timber Track to the pools and waterfalls. Bring suitable footwear (not jandals) for walking in the water, also parka or jacket, towel and lunch - remember you have to carry everything. Keen trampers can do the whole circuit, others can just come for a swim and sunbathe. Meet at the top of Piha Road, on the corner of the Scenic Drive, at 9.30 a.m. For information, phone Evan at 53-656, evenings.

EASTER CAMP: This year we will have our Easter Camp at Uretiti. Drive four miles north of Waipu, past the golf course, then turn right at an unmarked side road into the pine trees. We will try to get the site at the first left turn down the rough road. Take water, FBG will provide our own toilet. Water and stores may be obtained at the Ruakaka Motor Camp, a few miles further on.

Ken Knudsen is offering transport and accommodation in his caravan for our camping weekends. Please phone Ken at 818-7519.

SAUNAS: Every Sunday, 5 - 9 p.m.
Both saunas are now in full swing - there is nothing like a gentle soak in the spa pool to ease that aching sunburn, and catch up on the latest news at the same time.

The sauna at 104 Fanshaw Street has one sauna, a cold plunge pool, two hot tubs, massage tables (oil provided), dance floor, TV room, free supper. For Free Beach members and friends only. $4 single, $7 double, no children.

Clive Green Sauna is at 14 Federal Street. Facilities are spa pool, two cold plunge pools, two saunas, two steam rooms, solarium, TV room, free tea and coffee. Prices: $3 single, $5 double, children under 15, free.

RICKARD'S POOL PARAKAI: Last Friday of every month, 6 - 10 p.m., being 26 March and 23 April. Adults $1.80, children 60 cents. Hosts: North Shore Sun Club.

AGM AND WAIWERA TRIP: The Annual General Meeting for l982 will be held on Saturday, 14 August, followed by our social evening at the Sapphire Pool, Waiwera. Keep this day free! Details in a later newsletter.

AUSTRALIAN NUDIST GUIDE: We have a limited number of Australian Nudist Federation Guide to Clubs and Beaches in N.Z. and Australia, @ $2.50 each, postage paid.

NAME TAGS: We are able to get Name Tags again. These are yellow plastic discs 4.5 cms in diameter with a little Fred Bear and your name on it, price $3 each. Hang it on your hat, your key-ring, your purse, or round your neck.

ROTORUA: A new group of Naturists has been formed in Rotorua, the "Paradise Sunseekers", who are meeting on the grounds previously occupied by the Rotorua Sun Club. The group invite Free Beach members to join in local activities, e.g. sauna evenings barbecues, beach outings etc. Contact the club at P.O. Box 2036, Rotorua.

PALMERSTON NORTH: The Palmerston North Sun Club are inviting people to join their club. Please write for information to The Secretary, Palmerston North Sun Club (Inc.), P.O. Box 90, Palmerston North, or phone 81-762.

NEW CALEDONIA: We have received a postcard from Jacques Minot at "Chez Hermann" Hotel - restaurant - naturist beach - holiday resort at Yaté in New Caledonia, phone 4 Yaté. Any takers?

COLD COMFORT: If you are tired of carting a load of Freezer Pads there and back every time you take your Chilly Bin camping, try a wine cask of water instead.

First empty a wine cask, or get one from a friend. Prize out the tap from the neck with a screwdriver or fork handle. Thorouh1y wash the tap and the bag, preferably soaking overnight.

Fill the bag with water to about ½ or ¾ capacity. You will find that the tap barrel has three ridges - if you press the tap into the neck just up to the 3rd ridge, it will be secure, and you will find it much easier to remove next time. Leave an air space, and put the bag in the freezer overnight.

Pack the Chilly Bin, and put the frozen bag on top of the other contents. The last of the ice will melt about 24 - 30 hours later, and you will have ice-cold water to mix drinks with. To save weight coming home, empty the bag!

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Phone numbers - Tony Wilson 679-726, Paddy Leggett 559-626, Adrianne Caldwell 836-2979.

 

Well, that's my lot for now, I'm off to the beach again. What about some Letters to the Editor to fill up the space?