People are expected to gather at Sulphur Point today to remember the loss of 32,000 New Zealand Merchant Navy personnel during World War II.

Flags will be erected at Sulphur Point today in rememberence of NZ Merchant Navy Day.

September 3 is the chosen date to commemorate New Zealand Merchant Navy Day – being the day World War II began and the passenger liner SS Athenia sunk, killing 118 passengers and seamen – but Tauranga is choosing to hold its commemorative service on Sunday, September 8.

Former merchant seamen Bob Wyld and John Gregson, from Tauranga, first went to sea as teenagers – and experienced their vessels being torpedoed and sunk. Bob is the oldest surviving member and will lay the wreath at today's service.

Greg was awarded a George Cross medal for his bravery at sea after saving a fellow crewman's life and will also be at the service today.

About 100 people attended last years' service including Tauranga MP Simon Bridges, the city's mayor Stuart Crosby and Lt. Col. Tim Woodman on behalf of the British High Commission.

A commemorative service will be held on Sunday, September 8, at the Merchant Navy and Royal NZ Navy Memorial at Sulphur Point from 2pm.

Sunday 8 September

Are You Happy?

Find out how Nichiren Buddhism can help us attain indestructible happiness. Every Sun, except first Sunday of month at Otumoetai Plunket Rooms, 59 Otumoetai Rd 2.15-3.30pm. www.sgi.org or email: sgitauranga@gmail.com

Battle of Britain

Sept 15 Parade & service at 1000hrs at Tauranga RSA. All welcome.

Bay Bible Fellowship

Welcome Bay School Hall, Welcome Bay Rd 10am. Communion plus teaching from 'Joshua - living the courageous life,” by Lincoln Forlong. Gerald 021 938 618 or www.baybiblefellowship.co.nz

Bible Seminars

Sunday at Greerton Senior Citizen's Hall, Maitland St, Greerton 1.45pm. Title: 'The book of Ruth, a story of faith in action.” Interactive, Q&A. All welcome. Vic 543 0504

Chris Skinner in Concert

The Orchard, Te Puke 2pm, featuring BOP Men's Choir. CD's for sale after the concert. Tickets $15 available from Paper Plus Te Puke or Te Puke Plunket 573 7901 or The Orchard 573 8961. Fundraiser for Te Puke Plunket.

Fun Charity Walk

Sept 15 - Papamoa Wetland 5km wander for Child Cancer starts at Papamoa Sports & Recreation Centre, Gordon Spratt Reserve, Papamoa 10am. Spot prizes, auctions, entertainment. For details - www.enteronline.co.nz

Merchant Navy Day

Commemorative service at Sulphur Pt MN & RNZN Memorial. Assemble 1345, ceremony 1400. Refreshments afterward at Yacht Club. All welcome. 575 4226

Omokoroa Lions Market

Western Ave car park, Omokoroa 9am - 12pm. All stall holders & car boot sales welcome. Only $5/5m space. 548 2117

Palm Beach Plaza Lions Market

At Southern edge of the Plaza car park adjacent to Gravatt Rd 7am – 12.30pm. Stalls must be set up by 7.30am. Great range of goods for sale including fruit & vege, arts & crafts. Fundraising stalls to support needy causes. $10 per car space. 542 2559 a/hs

Petanque

Every Sun, Tues & Thurs at Cliff Rd 12.45pm. Boules available, tuition given. 1st 3 visits free. Neita 572 3768

Prestige Singles

Change of venue. 50+ Coffee afternoon at Nautilus Cafe & Restaurant, Cross Rd 2.30pm. Mix & mingle with other like-minded individuals. Gayle 027 439 3267

Radio Controlled Model Yachts

Meet Sun 1.30pm at pond behind 24 Montego Drive, Papamoa to race electron & similar 3ft long yachts. Graham 572 5419

Tauranga Rainbow Social Network

For gay/lesbian/bi/transgender. Meet 2nd Sun of month at 3pm. Kaye 021 239 7142 or 07 218 1411

Theosophical Society

'Saving our planet” at Tauranga Yoga Centre, Elizabeth St West 2pm. Entry by donation. All welcome. June 576 6106

Unity of Tauranga

Metaphysical study & meditation group meet 2nd Sun of month, Matua Hall, Levers Rd 10.15am cuppa, 10.30am start. All welcome. 576 0165

Young Classical Musicians Society

Concert at St Enoch's Church, 16th Ave 2.30pm. Entry adults $3, children $1, family $6 2 + 2. Come & enjoy our young talent. Jocelyn 575 5975

Dialled Culture Underage DANCE PARTY

HUGE fun event on this Saturday night for teenagers age 12-17
The biggest underage event in the Bay of Plenty this winter!
Saturday 7th September 7.30 - 11pm
For 12-17 year olds only
Limited to 500
Huge tunes, Insane Lighting, Professional Security
Price: $15.00 - click on link http://www.dialledindoorskatepark.co.nz/products/dialled-culture-underage-dance-party to purchase ticket or purchase in store at: Dialled Indoor Tauranga, 6 Triton Ave, Mount Maunganui
T&C's: No alcohol, drugs, weapons or passouts
Once purchased you will be emailed your ticket to be redeemed at the door on the night.