Members of the Waikato Branch met early in March for the usual New Year get-together, a pooled lunch alfresco style at the Coes' house, where the lawn near the house is flanked by shrubs and trees. Two tarpaulins were slung between trees and the house to provide welcome shade over a large area, and the tables of food and drink were handy to the seating. The shading and shrubs helped to temper the warmth of the day.

It was an easy, relaxed event, conversation flowed easily, revealing a lot of shared experiences (we seem to hear something new each time).

Maurie Holyoake gave us a demonstration of his new "collapsible runabout" scooter. In a few minutes the four pieces in his carboot were assembled without a spanner, and he was scooting around on the lawn showing its manoeuvrability and excellent lock for a 4-wheeler. It bears the name "Walk on Wheels" and the contact 0800 66 67 68. Maurie has this little scooter in addition to his regular more robust mobility scooter which takes him down to the shopping centre.

After the meal we discussed ideas for the year ahead, and whether to vary our seasonal routines. The general response was to continue to keep it simple and affordable and occasional. So our next gathering is expected to be mid-winter at Edith's, with a speaker and topic still to be confirmed.

Jean Coe, joint coordinator