For almost 31 years Northcote resident Tony Sharrock has been cleaning up what was once a run-down beach.
“As a little boy in the 1950s it was a run-down beach, now it serves up to 70,000 people,” he says of Little Shoal Bay.
Before it got cleaned up a lot less people would visit Northcote’s only beach.
On Sunday, November 1, he will again be preparing the beach for summer, as he has done each year since 1978, he says.
He is joined by Birkenhead and Northcote Pt residents, though a North Shore Times article last year also drew residents from Takapuna and Devonport, he says.
“We want it to be a better place for the whole of Auckland.
“It’s a place of beauty and it’s a children’s place.”
Run by Northcote Residents’Association, the event is now supported by the Auckland Regional Council Eco Project, and the ARC are providing sausages for a barbecue for volunteers on the day. Fellow supporter Northcote Tavern is also providing drinks for volunteers.
Children are encouraged to take part and participants must wear sturdy shoes and hats, while gloves and bags are provided.
The clean-up is on at 2pm to 4pm on Sunday, November 1, meeting at Sea Scout Hut and Halls Beach Changing Shed. For inquiries contact Mr Sharrock on 419-7430 or 021-708-274.
Credits
Written by: MICHELLE LOTTER
Photo/s by: WARWICK JONES (not part of original article)
Reprinted with permission: Auckland Now – North Shore Times