Castor Bay neighbours soak up sounds in the sun

31 March, 2021

Castor Bay neighbours soak up sounds in the sun

Flagstaff Team

**Sizzling fun… The sausages were popular with five-year-old Albert and two-year-old Malu, whose parents Carla and Joe Schmieg brought them down the hill to Castor Bay’s Neighbours Day**

Castor Bay was the perfect backdrop to celebrate Neighbours Day Aotearoa on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The annual event held at the beach reserve was buoyed by music from the North Shore Brass Band, enjoyed by residents relaxing on the grass.

Organisers, the Castor Bay Ratepayers and Residents Association, turned on a popular sausage sizzle and signed up some new members. The main aim of the day, however, was simply to get people together, said association chair Hamish Anderson.

Many residents strolled to the gathering. Sarah Bird, who brought her two sons along, said: “You feel like if you go to a neighbours day you should walk. It’s lovely to have community events.”

Sarah Garlick, who moved to Castor Bay at the beginning of the year, said: “We’re just loving the family stuff in the area. There’s nothing like this in Parnell.”

A number of people left with native plants provided by the Pupuke Birdsong Project. Co-ordinator Fiona Martin had around 200 to give away, along with advice on suitable planting to encourage birdlife.