4 October The Papakura Radio Club by Celia ZLlALK
The DX YLs who planned to travel to Norfolk Island after YL2000 were quite a large group. After the Rotorua trip, what was the best way to get them from Hamilton to their airport motel in Auckland on Wednesday 4 October, before their early morning flight on Thursday morning? Dave ZLlAMW came up with the idea of chartering a bus and bringing them to the Papakura Radio Clubrooms for an evening meal and a get-together with local amateurs. The Papakura Radio Club members supported this and three OMs offered to organise and serve the meal, leaving the YLs free to socialise.

About 30 YLs and OMs decided to go on this bus from Hamilton, some planned to go to Norfolk, others just wanted to come to Auckland. After a final lunch at the Novotel, Papakura bus driver Jim Taia, accompanied by Dave and Aola ZLlALE and the DX group set off north. Jim took them on quite a tiki-tour around Ngaruawahia, with a history commentary on the area and a visit to see the Maori Queen's home ....... his information was an added bonus to the trip.

The travellers were due to visit the QTH and garden of John ZLlALZ and his wife Jill near Pokeno for afternoon tea. We waited and waited .....and waited there .....were they lost ? They finally arrived _... Jim had given them all a stopover at the Pokeno township's well known icecream shop! Everyone still managed the lovely afternoon tea after enthusing over Jill's beautiful craft work and garden.

The heavens opened in a torrential rain shower, luckily just after we finished our garden walk After a quick check-in at the motel, the visitors arrived at Papakura for hot soup, savouries and dessert and lots of talk. They were formally welcomed to Papakura District and to our new two year old clubrooms by the mayor, Vivian Pollock.
A good number of local and neighbouring club members enjoyed meeting the DX visitors, and those who had earlier met up at the YL2000 Meet had a chance for final farewells.
Thanks to all the Papakura people who made this day a great conclusion to YL2000.

photo: DX visitors and locals at the Papakura Radio Clubrooms.

YL2000 Badges If you would like to buy extra badges please send $10 to Cathy Purdie ZL2ADK 65 Hedges Street, Sanson 5450.

The YL2000 Official Photograph It is not too late to order a copy of this photograph. There are two sizes, the smaller size is $20, the larger size is $30. Price includes postage anywhere round the world. If you would like to buy a copy contact Biny ZLZAZY 550 Kane Street Pirongia 2450,