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Friday 24 December 2020
Bainham celebrates 70 years of Christmas
Party-goers gather outside Bainham Hall before the 70th Bainham Rural Women’s Children’s Christmas Tree Party. Photo: Rina Sjardin-Thompson. JO RICHARDS
On Sunday evening, as the light faded over the Aorere valley, families gathered at Bainham Hall to celebrate Christmas, just as locals have done every year since 1950. But before the 70th Bainham Rural Women’s Children’s Christmas Tree Party got underway there was posterity to consider; A group photograph had been arranged, but corralling the 200 or so guests, including 107 excited children, proved to be something of a challenge. After five minutes of manic mustering by Sukhita Langford and Gemma Etheridge, the official photographer captured the above image which will surely be published in future local history books. Making a bit of their own history on Sunday were Ashley Nalder and John McLellan who had attended the inaugural event as five-year-
olds 70 years ago. Now grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the original 1950 partygoers were carrying on the rural community’s yuletide celebration. John’s wife Carolyn, who is president of Bainham Rural Women, reckoned this party was the 53rd she had attended – proof it was now a well-established tradition. “It’s a great party. The ladies who started it would never have thought it would still be going.” Sukhita, the owner of the iconic Langford Store, which is just down the road from the hall, explained that the party was a significant event in the Bainham calendar. “Generations of families have been coming. They all have a connection. The first year I came, was the year before I took over the store, and I was blown away by the sense of community.” With the photo in the can, the youngsters
dispersed – some to continue a tug-of-war, some to enjoy just mucking about, and others to the inside of the hall where their singing and dancing got the party started. With darkness falling, the headline act took centre stage as Santa entered the building. Bainham Santa is a very generous chap, thanks to the thousands of dollars raised earlier in the year by the Rural Women’s bring and buy auction - all of which is spent on Christmas presents for the children. As they were called up to receive their presents, each child was given a specially designed and crafted commemorative medallion along with a certificate, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Christmas party. Then it was time for feasting – a fitting way to end the evening, and begin the festive season.
MAY YOUR DAYS BE
Each of the 107 children at the Bainham Rural Women’s Children’s Christmas Tree Party were presented with a commemorative medallion. Photo: Rina Sjardin-Thompson.
Merry Christmas!
Merry & Bright Warmest Wishes from the Team at Ray White Golden Bay
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Inside:
Alpine garden
THE GB WEEKLY, FRIDAY 24 DECEMBER 2020
Marine safety
Movie review
Lunasa festival
ISSN (PRINT) 2538-0923 ISSN (ONLINE) 2538-0931
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