• Howick and Pakuranga Times
Bank branch to stay open
WHISPERS that a bank is planning to close a branch have not been confirmed.
The Times has received numerous phone calls from concerned customers about rumours that the BNZ is planning to close its Howick branch.
But Dee Crooks, external relations consultant at the bank’s corporate office in Auckland, says the BNZ is “categorically not closing the Howick branch”.
Rather the bank is currently carrying out lease renegotiations for the building which houses the branch in Central Terrace, Howick.
Film with food and music
A GREAT night out is being planned for film buffs – live music, dinner and a movie for $30.
The musician at dinner evening is being put on by Uxbridge Cinema Club in Howick on February 15 from 6.30pm.
People get a choice of two main dishes, dessert and a glass of wine, with guitarist Nathan Collings playing smooth jazz.
Straight after that, at 8pm, Conversations With My Gardener will be screened.
This flick is about a successful, 50-something Parisian artist who goes back to his roots and returns to provincial France and his childhood home.
Pre-booking for the dinner is essential, and tickets can be paid by cash or eftpos at the office at the creative centre in Uxbridge Road. People can go along for the dinner and music for $22, or opt to see only the film for $8.
For more information on events, email info@uxbridge.org.nz
Playcentre open day
PEOPLE are invited to go along to an open day on February 13 from 10am to noon at Whitford Playcentre.
“Come along and see what we’re all about,” says Ann Reeseg. “Playcentre is a great way to learn and play along with your children.
“We offer child-initiated learning in a relaxed setting, and provide a supportive environment for adults and children.”
Whitford Playcentre, which is run by parents for their children, is on the corner of Whitford-Maraetai and Trig Roads.
Phone (09) 530-8895 for more details.
Advice volunteers needed
MORE people are needed to train to be volunteers for half a day a week with the Citizens Advice Bureau.
The next training course for centres in Manukau is being held on February 16.
Last year, the bureaux helped with more than 65,000 inquiries. These ranged from practical neighbourhood information to advice about laws and assisting people to apply for rates rebates.
Volunteers receive ongoing support. Phone the Pakuranga bureau on (09) 576-8331, or the one in Otara on 274-6577.
