Hello, my dear Frankies! 💜

When you think about it, there are so many little ingredients that go into a full, happy life.

Family and friends, of course. Work, school runs, the weekly groceries, the usual bits and pieces. But most important are all the other things - the hobbies, the classes, the new foods, the local events, the art on the walls, the sports you’ve never tried, the people you haven’t met yet.

I remember reading once that time feels slow when we’re little because everything is new. New places, new skills, new people, new stories...Our brains are busy making memories. Then we grow up, settle into our routines, and suddenly whole months (and years!) disappear somewhere between making dinner and folding the washing.

Which is why I think we need novelty. Tiny adventures. Small, lovely interruptions to the usual week.

And writing Dear Frankie reminds me all the time that Franklin is full of them.

This week, pickleball is the perfect example - a chance to try something new, learn a skill, meet people, move your body, and maybe accidentally acquire a new obsession?

​Sarah from Puffed is also sharing her “only cake you’ll ever need” recipe, which is exactly the sort of thing worth learning and making your own for all the thousands of adventures still to come.

So here’s to new hobbies, new recipes, new friends, new stories, and all the little things that make life feel a bit fuller!

Hope to see you out there!

R. and the Frankie Team xx

P.S. If you're in Waiuku around dinner time, make sure you check out the all new food truck rolling into town every night! The Best Bites are parked up at Franklin Vets (opposite Gull), and we can vouch 100% for the Crispy Bacon Bite chicken burger and the Smoke Stack beef burger!! The handmade sauces are to die for!!

Easy to learn, hard to quit: Franklin’s newest sporting obsession 🏓

At some point (while I obviously wasn’t paying attention), pickleball snuck into Franklin and started making addicts of perfectly normal people. I caught up with Graeme from Pukekohe Pickleball Club, and Mark from the Waiuku Pickleball Club to ask them - what actually is pickleball and why is it stealing all my friends?!

We also sent local personal trainer Anna Murrell to check out a session at Waiuku Pickleball Wednesday night session!

So what actually is pickleball?

The simplest way to explain it is this: it’s a mix of tennis, badminton and table tennis, played on a badminton-sized court with a low net, a light paddle, and a plastic ball with holes in it (yep! Like those ones we played with at primary school!). Mark from Waiuku Pickleball Club says Kiwis often compare it to padder tennis.

And the reason people love it so quickly?

Because you don’t have to spend six months being terrible before it gets fun!

Graeme from Pukekohe Pickleball Club says one of the biggest reasons people fall in love with it is how quickly they can get started.

“It’s easy to learn with simple rules. It gets people active, social, and can be competitive.”

And Mark from the Waiuku Pickleball Club agrees.

“It’s really easy to pick up. After 10 minutes or so of getting used to the paddle and the ball bounce, you can get into playing actual games.”

And most pickleball games involve a lot of fun and laughter!

A growing sport

Both the Pukekohe and Waiuku clubs are growing, and it’s easy to see why. Pickleball sits in that lovely sweet spot between exercise and social outing. You can take it seriously, absolutely. There are competitive players, league games, tournaments, medals, the whole thing. Or you can just turn up, have a hit, laugh at your own terrible hand-eye coordination, and go home a little sweatier, happier, and with a bunch of new friends!

"...So much fun...and everyone was super lovely, laughing and having fun", Anna reported after attending her first session.

It’s not just for sporty people either.

That’s probably one of the best things about it.

Graeme says Pukekohe has players from all different backgrounds - some with years of tennis or squash behind them, and others playing their first ever racket sport. And Mark says Waiuku has welcomed everyone from children, to players in their late seventies, including wheelchair players, people in cancer rehabilitation, total beginners and highly competitive former racket-sport players.

Basically, if you’ve ever thought, “That looks fun, but I don’t want to embarrass myself in front of actual sporty people,” pickleball might be your moment. You don’t need to know the rules, own a paddle, or dress like you’re sponsored by LSKD - both clubs have gear to borrow, experienced players ready to help, and a very gentle “just come along, we’ll show you” energy.

And that’s where pickleball becomes more than just a sport

Because yes, it gets people moving. Yes, it’s good for fitness, balance, coordination and all the sensible adult things we know we’re supposed to care about. But the real magic seems to be the friendships.

Graeme says pickleball brings together people who might never have met otherwise - younger players, older players, competitive types, social types, people from all over the community. One of his favourite things is seeing a senior member regularly turn up with his granddaughter, both of them playing great pickleball together.

At Waiuku, Mark shared the story of Gaylene and Craig, who joined in the club’s early days. They didn’t know each other. Neither had played before. Since then, they’ve competed together in tournaments and won gold, silver and bronze medals, both as a pair and individually.

run with real passion

And perhaps the loveliest thing about both clubs is that they’re being grown by people who really love the game and want others to feel welcome and fall in love with it too!

Graeme got into pickleball after retiring, gave it a go, and was quickly hooked. Now he even travels around New Zealand with his paddle so he can join games wherever he goes.

Mark discovered it almost by accident when he was trying to book badminton courts for his family and kept finding them full. He turned up, saw a crowd of people with strange bats and balls, gave it a go, and eventually started the Waiuku club so more local people - including children and people with disabilities - could have a place to play.

So, if you’ve been wanting to do something active, but not lonely…social, but not awkward…competitive, but only if you want it to be…pickleball is definitely worth a try!

Graeme’s warning is probably the best place to end:

“Come and give it a go. Equipment is available. It costs very little. It is as physically demanding as you want it to be...and a great way to meet new like-minded people...However beware, it is highly addictive.”

Pukekohe Pickleball Club

Weekly sessions at Franklin Pool & Leisure Centre, Franklin Road, Pukekohe.
Membership is $40 per year. Sessions are $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Join Pukekohe Pickleball on Facebook!
Equipment is available for new players..

Waiuku Pickleball Club

Beginner-friendly, social and competitive options available.
Bring trainers, a water bottle, and $8 for casual play. Equipment is available to borrow.
Contact Mark on 021 944 816 or join Waiuku Pickleball Club on Facebook.

slalb & dalped

Unscramble the letters above to find the Franklin-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

The busy mums guide to...the only cake recipe you'll ever need! 🍰✨

Meet Sarah Baker, market-stall treat maker, mum to Milo Bear, and the hands behind Puffed - where cookies, cinnamon scrolls, cheesecakes and choux buns are made with a lot of butter and a very optimistic amount of spare time Follow Puffed!

You’re reading The Busy Mum’s Guide to…a cosy little baking series for mums who miss the magic of baking but also have approximately twelve thousand other things to do. Each week, I’ll share a simple, lovely bake to help you bring a little sweetness back into family life - without needing a free afternoon, a spotless kitchen, or a child who isn’t hanging off your leg.

🍰✨ the only cake recipe you'll ever need

Every parent needs a go-to birthday cake recipe.

When you make the same one over and over, it becomes second nature - and when you’re busy organising the rest of your life and your family’s, a tried and true recipe is exactly what you need!

So whatever the occasion, it helps to have a classic vanilla sponge up your sleeve. Whether you’re the mum who loves making your kids’ birthday cakes like your mum used to - I still remember my doll cake as a kid, thanks Mum ❤️ - or you’re making your best friend an anniversary cake, you really can’t go wrong with vanilla sponge as your base.

It’s simple, super moist, and so versatile. You can add flavours to it and turn it into almost anything.

Once I made my cousin a Snickers-inspired cake using my classic vanilla sponge, pimped out with chocolate, PB and caramel and topped with lots of chocolate and Snickers bars.

Another time, I made my friend a lemon and white chocolate-inspired cake by adding lots of zest to the sponge, then filling it with lemon curd and white chocolate buttercream.

So here's the only cake recipe you'll ever need!

Ingredients:

This recipe makes a big cake so if you’re making it for just you and the family I would recommend halving it!

500g caster sugar
135g vegetable oil
330g unsalted butter, softened
8 eggs
500g plain flour
5 tsp (25g) baking powder
6 tbsp (90g) milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Methods:

1. Prep your tins and make the batter​
Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) and grease four 20cm/8in round cake tins.

In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the sugar, oil and butter on medium-high for a couple of minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is important because it creates most of the air in the cake.

Add the eggs two at a time, mixing well after each addition.

2. Fold in the dry and wet ingredients​
Add the flour and baking powder and gently fold through - either on the lowest mixer speed or by hand with a spoon or spatula.

Once the flour is mostly mixed in, add the milk and vanilla and carefully mix until everything is well combined. Try not to be too rough, so you don’t knock out the air.

3. Bake and cool​
Divide the batter evenly between the tins and smooth the tops. Bake for 22–24 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean from the centre. Check all the cakes, as ovens can bake unevenly.

Leave them to cool in the tins for 15–20 minutes, then remove. Once cool, trim, fill, crumb-coat and decorate however you like!

mothers day psa!

Sarah has a pop-up shop open on Mother's Day where you can pre-order a box of treats including the cookies, focaccia, a thick slice of Mothers Day cake, AND a generous slice of Basque cheesecake - like going to a fancy bakery and getting a box of their very best treats! Pre-order your Mother's Day Treat Box here​!​

Pukekohe Stamp Club Stamp Fair Saturday 2 May, 10am–2.30pm, at Reid Anderson Hall, corner of Queen & Wesley St, Pukekohe. Enjoy stamp displays, sales tables, collection appraisals, raffles, kids’ activities and free entry. More info - allida.mulfari@hotmail.com​

The Advanced Body Scanning and Thyroid Education Seminar Saturday 2 May, 2.30–4pm, at 14 Nelson Street, Pukekohe. Learn all about thyroid health and see non-invasive body screening in action. ​Book tickets here!​

Free Social Bingo with The Waiuku Lions Club First Wednesday of every month - Wednesday 6 May, 10am–12pm, at the Lions Station on Belgium Street. Everyone is welcome, with a gold coin donation for morning tea and chocolate fish prizes up for grabs.

Have you read Coffee News this week? ☕ Pick up a copy in your favourite café or scan the QR code to read on your device!

👉 Want a featured note on the notice board? - Simply book your feature here or just send us a quick email and we'll help you out!

Thursday

📸 Moments in Translation Exhibition 12 Massey Ave | 9:30am–4:30pm A photography/art exhibition running through the week. More info here​

🎓 Franklin Schools Career Expo PIA Centre, Pukekohe | 5:30pm A career expo for school students to explore their future options. Check it out!​

🏌️ Quiz Night at Pukekohe Golf Club Pukekohe Golf Club | 6:30–8:30pm A fun weekly quiz night at the golf club. All the details here​

🃏 Housie 78 Nelson Street | 11:00am–1:00pm A regular housie (bingo) session open to all. More info here​

🕯️ Candle Making and Cocktails with Little Batch Wax Co Blue Ox Babe, 127 Manukau Rd | 6–9pm Make your own signature scent and pour a full 220g candle, with a cocktail on arrival — tickets available at Blue Ox Babe or call 23581079.

🏠 Free Renovation Evening with Home Inspo & Design Centre 87 Manukau Rd, Pukekohe | 6pm A free evening of renovation inspiration and design ideas. Check it out!​

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Friday

🔮 Australian Psychic Medium Alicia Bickett Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club | 7:30pm An evening with Australian psychic medium Alicia Bickett. All the details here​

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Saturday

🛠️ Pukekohe Repair Cafe Franklin Arts Centre | 10:00am–1:00pm Bring your broken items along and volunteers will help you fix them. More info here​

🛠️ Waiuku Repair Cafe 5 Hosking Place, Waiuku | 10:00am–1:00pm Same great repair cafe concept, this time in Waiuku. Check it out!​

🌱 Crop Swap Pukekohe 12 Massey Ave | 1:30–3:00pm Bring along your homegrown surplus and swap with other local growers. All the details here​

🌙 Moon Bloom Markets Spookers at Kingseat | 2–9pm An evening market at the iconic Spookers venue. More info here​

🎵 Sanctuary Sound at Sanctuary Retreat 94 Bungard Rd, Karaka | 2pm A sound experience set in the beautiful Sanctuary Retreat. Check it out!​

🩷 Pink Ribbon Walk and Coffee with Together We Move Meet at your local coffee spot | Time TBC Walk for a cause wearing pink, connect with the community, and finish with a post-walk coffee.

🧬 Advanced Body Scanning and Thyroid Education Seminar 14 Nelson St, Pukekohe | Time TBC A seminar on thyroid health and bioresonance body scanning with Living Being Well. All the details here​

🧘 Studio Pilates Open Day 78–84 Edinburgh St, Pukekohe | Time TBC Try reformer pilates classes for free with exclusive offers and giveaways on the day. Follow them here.​

❓ Waipipi Hall Quiz Night Waipipi Hall | 6pm BYO drinks, nibbles provided — make your own team or join a composite, with prizes and raffles. More info here​

📮 Pukekohe Stamp Club Stamp Fair Reid Anderson Hall, corner of Queen & Wesley St, Pukekohe | 10am–2:30pm Stamp displays, sales tables, collection appraisals, raffles, kids' activities and free entry — email allida.mulfari@hotmail.com for more info.

Sunday

🌿 Franklin Country Market at Pukekohe Park Raceway Pukekohe Park Raceway | 8am Homegrown produce, handmade crafts, antiques, food trucks, live music and more. Check it out!​

🥦 Pukekohe Town Square Farmers & Artisans Market Pukekohe Town Square | 9:00am–12:30pm A weekly market with fresh produce, artisan goods and local makers. All the details here​

🐾 Pet First Aid Course 21 Roulston Rd | 10:00am–4:00pm Learn essential first aid skills to keep your pets safe. More info here​

🧘 Sunday Stretch Sessions with The Stretch Collective RxFitness235, 42 Belgium St, Waiuku | 9am A 45-minute guided stretch session open to all. Check it out!​

🎯 Open Airsoft Game Day 58 Bird Rd | 8:30am–3:00pm An open game day for airsoft enthusiasts of all experience levels. All the details here​

🚲 The Big Bike Film Night 2026 Pukekohe Cinema 3 | 3pm A celebration of cycling culture on the big screen, presented by Bike Pukekohe. More info here​

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monday

☀️ Good Food, Bright Minds — Free Kids Breakfast Cafe Queen / Waiuku (see poster for details) | 7–9am A free nourishing breakfast for school kids every Monday during term time, a community initiative by Cafe Queen and Sanctuary Retreat.

🏃 The Wellness Run Club West Street Coffee | 5:45am A friendly 5km loop for all levels to start the week with movement and community.

🍕 Pizza Class and Dinner in the Deli Pizzata Deli, 7a Glasgow Rd, Pukekohe | 6–7:30pm A hands-on intro evening covering dough stretching, toppings, oven techniques and more — $45pp, includes your own pizza to eat. Check it out!​

❓ Quiz Night at Good Home Pukekohe 65 Edinburgh St, Pukekohe | 7pm Monday quiz night with booking recommended..

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Tuesday

🤟 Sign Language Week Storytime 10 King Street | 10:30–11:00am A storytime session incorporating sign language for tamariki and whānau. All the details here​

🎨 Painting Club at Franklin Arts Centre Franklin Arts Centre | 6–8pm Bring whatever you're working on for two hours of dedicated painting time and connection with local artists — term time only.

🏃 STRIDE TRIBE Run Club 21 Martyn Street, Waiuku | 7pm A free, fun and pressure-free 3km walk or run for all levels. More info here​

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Wednesday

🌿 Plant Bingo at The Village Bar, Patumahoe The Village Bar, Patumahoe | 6:30pm Win real plants in this fun, low-cost plant lovers' bingo night — $20 per card, booking essential. All the details here​

🎯 Malt N Steel Quiz Night Malt N Steel, Waiuku | 7pm Teams of 2–8, with prizes to be won.

📚 Anti-Social Social Club for Teens Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave | 3:30pm A safe, inclusive after-school space for teens to hang out, try activities, and socialise (or not) at their own pace.

🔥 Fire Station Run Club Fire Station Eatery, Pukekohe | 5:30pm 2.5km and 5km options with spot prizes and bar menu discounts afterwards.

🏃 Flying Mullet Run Group with Carl Read Waiuku College Running Track | 5–6pm Run technique, intervals and race prep for $5 per session — contact Carl at reado79@gmail.com.

🦁 Free Social Bingo with the Waiuku Lions Club Lions Station, Belgium Street, Waiuku | 10am–12pm A friendly monthly bingo morning open to everyone, with a gold coin donation for morning tea and chocolate fish prizes to be won.

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Word Scramble answer: Balls & Paddle

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