learning. Define where you are now (warts and all

HOT RODS Are you ready for an automotive sensory experience?

For those of you who enjoy hot rods, retro caravans and rock n’ roll, it’s time to get your vintage out and join the summer party at the Howick Village HOP on Saturday, March 7 from 9-2pm.

Apart from the fun, games, spot prizes and entertainment at Picton Street, Howick, there will be a special treat for retro styled rod enthusiasts.

Get ready for an automotive sensory experience with Southside Streeters set to display around 15 classic American cars at the event. The community based hot rodders will line up a spectacular display of traditional street rods, custom and muscle cars, as well as a classic airstream caravan. The American beauties on display will include a ‘41 Ford Pickup truck, ’28 Model A and ’35 Ford roadsters, a Willy’s pickup, ’32 and ’39 Ford coupes, a Model A 2 door sedan, a ’56 Chev and a Ford Thunderbird to name a few. Hot rodding is more of a culture, as well as a description of a vehicle type, and the definition varies from owner to owner. The most popular definition of a hot rod would be “a modified vehicle of American origin, originally Steve Key and Peter Duffy with his 36 Ford Roadster.

Times Photo Wayne Martin

manufactured prior to 1949”.

Steve Keys, who has been a member of Southside Streeters for over 40 years, says that the club is a hobby group of hot rodders and classic car enthusiasts. It is a community-based, family-oriented club that meets once a month at the club rooms behind the Howick Leisure Centre in Pakuranga. At these meetings, the members discuss their common interest and passion for the vehicles and the hobby, and offer support and advice to those members who are currently building or restoring their cars.

The club has a steady membership number of 50, with second generation family members now also enthusiastic hot rodders and full members of Southside Streeters.

“Our club is supporting the Howick Business Association and will be displaying around 15 hot rods and classic cars at the Howick Village HOP event,” says Keys, who is proud of the fact that Southside Streeters assist the local community in any way it can. A recent example is a car show, put on by the club at the Howick Leisure Centre, which benefited St John with $5000 being donated to the charity. Botany and Ormiston Times, Tuesday, March 3, 2020 — 9

Stag and Doe – NZ premiere STAG AND DOE Genre: A comedy by Mark Crawford/Canada/2014 Directed by: Jake La Jeunesse Reviewed by: Jim Birchall

On a sultry night at the end of summer, I went along to my first experience of a production at Howick Little Theatre. In a New Zealand premiere, Stag and Doe showcases the Canadian tradition of partners holding a fundraiser to set themselves up financially for the start their married lives.

A couple named Bonnie and Brad have a Stag and Doe planned, but run into issues with a married couple named Mandy and Rob who are at a loose end for a venue after their wedding reception tent blows down. They agree to share the local hall, but both couples are at each other’s throats, the catering staff are in jail, and the reception subsequently is in disarray.

Nasty ‘Bridezilla’ Mandy, (played by the impressive Courtney Louise) is on the warpath after a few too many wines, and the fact her fiancé Rob has shifted his focus to Bonnie’s best friend, Dee, who just so happens to be his ex that he left standing at the altar some years previously.

The cast is made up of solid performers whose range extends to cross the comedy/drama divide. Tony Rahme who plays an embattled caterer, is a genuine scene-stealer with his comedic zeal.

Gentle comedy goes hand-inglove with some touching moments, as the traditions of small town Canada collide with issues such as solo parenting, financial worries, and dealing with past heartbreak.

Stag & Doe has a light-hearted, genuine feel that doesn’t impose itself on the audience-nor take itself too seriously, making it the perfect accompaniment to a night out on the eastside.

Season: Feb 29 to March 21, 8pm Matinees: March 1 & 8, 2pm Web: hlt.nz/stag

Get rid of Hazardous Household Waste for free We are holding a free Hazardous Household Waste drop off event in your area.

If you have any hazardous household waste sitting unused in sheds or cupboards around your property, now is your chance to get rid of it for free. Have a safer home and community • Reduce the risk of harm from toxic chemicals, especially to children and pets. • Preserve water quality and protect your local environment from contamination.

This free collection is strictly limited to 350 Howick and Otara-Papatoetoe residents and will take place on one day only: Sunday 29 March in the Pakuranga Heights area.

Don’t miss out, booking is essential and there are limited spaces available. Book now at myhazwaste.kiwi or call us on 0508 CHEMICAL (0508 243 642) Examples of hazardous household waste you can drop off:

Household chemicals – swimming pool chemicals, glues, cleaners, varnish, wood stains and paint stripper.

Household Garden chemicals – Herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and pesticides all in containers under 5kg.

Old chemicals of any variety (30 years or more), particularly chemicals from pre-1980s.

Paint – marine anti-fouling, or bitumen-based (household paint excluded).

Solvents – Methylated spirits, mineral turpentine, kerosene and paint thinners.

Vehicle batteries.

All these substances can be harmful to people and the environment so please take this opportunity to dispose of them safely – book now.

Just before collection day, you will receive confirmation and details of the time and drop-off location.