Good morning Sunners,

Her books have either been read to us, or you've recited the catchy rhymes to your children or grandchildren. Hercules Morse, as big as a horse, Bottomley Potts all covered in spots, Schnitzel von Krumm with a very low tum and, of course, Hairy Mairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy.

Tauranga children's author Lynley Dodd.

Tauranga children's author Lynley Dodd has dreamt up some of the most famous faces of many children's bedtime stories. Today, we celebrate her birthday.

To reminisce on some of your favourite Hairy tales, click here.

CrossFit for James

Meanwhile, Mount CrossFit athletes are preparing to do it tough, yet smiling for five-year-old James Reid, helping raise funds towards a $150,000 life-changing operation.

James, from Maketu, has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, epilepsy and hydrocephalus, a blockage to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This means Sonja and Don Reid's little boy is unable to crawl or stand without support, and can only take assisted steps with great difficulty.

Cruel, bordering on sadistic - call it what you will - but event organiser Aaron Williams has created what he believes is the perfect workout to reflect the mental and physical challenges that James is going through.

In the Workout of the Day (WOD) Challenge, teams of up to four will tackle more than 2000 repetitions of exercises, including slam balls, pull-ups and burpees, coupled with a 10km row, log carries, 1km lunge walk with gas masks and four tonne of lifts.

So far, more than $90,000 has been raised and the family is desperately hoping to reach their $150,000 target by September.

For more information follow his Facebook page Team James Whatever It Takes or http://givealittle.co.nz/cause/teamjames.

The event starts at midday with teams of up to four of any level or experience able to enter at $100 per team. For more information or to enter go to Mount CrossFit.

Judokas in it to win it

Competition can be an intimidating step for any younger athlete, so the Tauranga Judo Club is breaking their young and inexperienced competitors in gently.

As well as the annual National Secondary Schools Judo Championship, held today, beginners wanting to get a taste of their first tournament will also have the chance on neighbouring mats as part of a ‘Fun Day'.

Waikato/Bay of Plenty Judo president Graeme Fair says the ‘Fun Day' will provide necessary experience for judokas starting out, who eventually want to compete.

'It's a nice introduction. You can have fights at your club, but because it's your club mate you don't fight them too hard or in earnest, but in a tournament, you're in to win.”

In addition to the 80-odd entries expected for the national competition and the club ‘Fun Day', there is also an intermediate competition for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty area judokas.

Graeme says he's had 15 clubs, with 30 or so entries sign up, which is a great turnout.

Weigh-ins begin at 8.30am, and the national, area and club competitions will be staggered throughout the morning at Aquinas College until 4pm.

Check out what else is happening in and around the beautiful Bay of Plenty.

Sunday 5 July

Bay Bible Fellowship/Lord's Day

Worship & communion service at Welcome Bay Primary School Hall, 309 Welcome Bay Rd 10am. 'To Live is Christ,” series in Philippians. John Kerr. All welcome. www.bbf.net.nz

Bethlehem Lions Market

1st & 3rd Sun of month at Historic Village on 17th Ave 8am - 12pm.

Brass Band Concert

Pre-contest preview concert at Salvation Army Hall, cnr 5th Ave & Cameron Rd 4pm, by Tauranga City Silver & Rotorua Brass Bands who have joined to compete at the NZ National Championships. Gold coin entry with all proceeds going to Waipuna Hospice.

Petanque Tga/BOP Club

Every Sun & Thurs at Cliff Rd 12.45pm. Boules available, tuition given. 578 3606

Quakers in Tauranga

Mainly silent worship, hour long meeting followed by tea & talk. Every Sunday in hall behind Brain Watkins Historic House 10am. 544 0448

Radio Controlled Model Power Boats

Racing at Lake Taurikura Drive, industrial areas of the Lakes subdivision 10am. Follow the RC signs. Brian 548 1334

Radio Controlled Model Yachts

Meet Sun & Thurs 1.30pm at pond behind 24 Montego Drive, Papamoa, to sail electron & similar 3ft long yachts for fun. Beginners welcome. Graham 572 5419

Tauranga Friendship & Social Club

Walks, dinners & outings for over 50's. Barbara 544 7461

Tauranga Organ & Keyboard Society

Meet at Carmel Country Estate Social Centre, 11 Hollister Lane, Ohauiti 1.30pm. Play or listen, Organ EL900 or Clavinova 405. Carole 572 2919

Tauranga Spiritual Society Inc

Senior Citizen's Hall, 14 Norris St. Guest speaker: Clairvoyant Colleen Teal. Free healing & meditation. Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm start. Members $3, non $5. 0220 670 467

Underwater Hockey

Every Sunday at Baywave. Gear & coaching available for beginners. New members welcome. Juniors (under 15) 5-6.15pm. Seniors (over 15) 6-7.40pm. Lance 027 287 4731 or lancepotaka@orcon.net.nz

Weekend Activities for the Over 60's

Walks, dinners, day trips & good times. Gloria 544 1834