Waddling parade: At the Calgary Zoo in Alberta, Canada, king penguins are the stars of a winter tradition - strolling through the zoo's pathways in a daily walk. This event isn't just for entertainment - it mimics their natural behaviour of trekking across icy landscapes. The penguins are not forced to make the daily walk, but usually they eagerly step outside. Cold temperatures and low winds ensure their health, protecting them from potential fungal exposure. While the younger birds burn off energy, the older ones benefit from the exercise. Zoo visitors watch as these striking birds waddle past, offering a rare front-row look at their movements. It's a simple yet captivating way to experience the charm of these Antarctic wanderers.

Lakeside opera: Each summer, Austria's Bregenz Festival transforms Lake Constance into a breathtaking stage where elaborate opera productions come to life on water. Over the years, the festival has unveiled some of the most visually striking sets, from colossal sculptures to surreal landscapes. One production featured a massive open book as the backdrop, while another had a half-submerged cafe table. The festival's floating stage has even appeared in a James Bond film. Designers push the limits of creativity, crafting bold and dynamic scenes that captivate audiences. With each new season the festival continues to amaze, proving that opera can be as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the ears.

Skyline retreat: Nestled in a secluded valley in the USA state of Utah, Clear Sky Resorts offers a unique way to experience nature - through the walls of a glass-domed retreat. These geodesic domes provide an uninterrupted view of the night sky, making them perfect for stargazing in one of the darkest regions in the USA. By day the surrounding landscape showcases dramatic rock formations, while the resort itself offers modern comforts with a celestial theme. A dining hall with panoramic windows, glowing pathways, and activities like outdoor yoga add to the charm. Whether guests wake to clear skies or a desert sandstorm, the setting always delivers a breathtaking spectacle. Sometimes luxury and nature can blend seamlessly under the stars.

Puzzle frenzy: In St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, puzzle enthusiasts gather each year for a fast-paced jigsaw competition where speed and skill decide the winners. Teams tear open puzzle boxes, sorting pieces in silence while a giant timer ticks down. Some have trained like athletes, perfecting their technique, while others join purely for the fun. Part of the city's Winter Carnival, this tournament draws top puzzlers, including Guinness World Record holders and national champions. The challenge is heightened by puzzles with subtle twists, such as images that don't match their box covers. While the fastest teams finish in under an hour, many compete just for the joy of solving. After all, in a room full of puzzle lovers, every piece fits somewhere.

Respond to every call that excites your spirit. ~ Rumi

It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do. ~ Jane Austen

Widowed men and women - from around 50-mid 70s. We offer monthly meetings with support and friendship with regular activities such as dinners, movies, walks etc. New members welcome. Ph Claire 3543976 or Carol 9814125.

Dementia Canterbury needs YOU! We need more volunteers to help support those living with dementia in our community. Please contact alyssa@dementiacanterbury.org.nz or on 03 379 2590 for more information.

Do you have an eye condition resulting in vision loss? We are a group of people of all ages and all eye conditions, sharing support along with hints and tips. Join us on Facebook Blindsided NZ or Blindsided.NZ@gmail.com

Papanui Combined Probus Club For interesting speakers,great outings and to make new friends,join us .Monthly meetings1st Tuesdays at 10a.m.at Papanui R.S.A. 1Harewood Rd. Marie 033517708 or Sian 033590057

Do you enjoy singing? A small group invite you to join them in singing entertainment for senior groups. Popular songs from all decades. Ring City People on 9814363 for more information

Free notices for not for profits matt@coffeenews.co.nz

1. What Scottish city is in the crater of an extinct volcano?

2. Which flower is sacred in Buddhism?

3. Do arteries bring blood to or away from the heart?

4. Peter Sellers played this bumbling inspector in a series of movies.

5. Which of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still exists?

Magic denied: J.K. Rowling's first attempt at publishing Harry Potter hit a wall, facing rejection from a dozen publishers. Now, a British Library exhibit showcases her early notes, a rejected synopsis, and even a sketch of Hogwarts' grounds.

Sideways spinner: The planet Uranus rolls around the sun like a tilted ball, likely due to an ancient cosmic collision. This extreme tilt creates wild seasons, with one half of the planet trapped in darkness for over 20 years at a time.

String shield: USA troops found an unexpected tool for spotting trip wires - Silly String. Sprayed across a room, the strands reveal hidden dangers by clinging to invisible wires. This simple trick adds a layer of safety in high-risk areas.

Buried brew: Beneath the streets of Bruges in Belgium, a beer pipeline moves massive amounts of beer from a historic brewery to its bottling plant. Funded by beer lovers, some donors earned a lifetime supply for their generosity.

Ironclad snail: A deep-sea snail with an iron-coated shell can endure extreme heat, acid, and even crab attacks. Scientists studying its armour hope to design tougher military gear, using nature's blueprint to improve protection for soldiers and vehicles.

When corduroy pillow covers are sold, they make headlines.

Most of the stuff people worry about is never going to happen anyway.

Zack: How do I apply for a job at a mine? Mack: Send the owners a quarry letter.

I bet you there isn't an edible version of Scrabble available. If there is, I'll eat my words!

What did the student fish bring to school for its teacher? A crab apple.

1. Edinburgh 2. Lotus 3. Away 4. Inspector Clouseau 5. Great Pyramid of Giza