Ian McKelvie: Community revels in Christmas spirit

Our region is alive and well and heralding the festive season with market days, Christmas parades and even night markets - many of these events supported by sponsorship from local businesses and organisations.

It's great to see rural and provincial communities coming together to celebrate Christmas, to reflect on the year and look forward to the next one.

Bulls, Marton and Taihape all held their respective Christmas parades last Saturday and, by all accounts, they were bigger and better than ever.

Sue and I were lucky enough to be a part of the festivities in Bulls where the floats were amazing and represented the exciting and diverse community that Bulls has become.

There was plenty of food available, a variety of musical entertainment and even a miniature train and Santa's cave set up in the Town Hall.

Bulls School seized the initiative and held their Market Day in the afternoon which was also a great success.

This year's Marton Jaycees' Christmas Parade followed hot on the heels of last week's Market Day so there's certainly plenty going on over there.

The Market Day attracted around 160 stalls and some outstanding street performers, while Saturday's Christmas Parade got under way with a flyover from a Grumman Avenger (the largest single engine plane used during World War II). The aircraft was piloted by Squadron Leader Jim Rankin from RNZAF Ohakea and mayor Andy Watson was on board for the ride.

The parade showcased the town's community spirit with an array of floats representing many schools, kindergartens, businesses and community groups. Of course, the post-parade arrival of Santa at Marton Park and the massive lolly scramble proved very popular.

Taihape's Christmas Parade was also bigger and better than last year and, again, was made possible thanks to sponsorship from local businesses.

Along with the many floats, the vehicles from the Wanganui Vintage Car Club were popular as was Dennis the Fire Engine - a fire engine that was made in England in 1928 and spent most of its working life with the Wellington Fire Brigade.

I am always heartened by events which bring the community together, and we're very good at this in the Rangitikei.

Whether it is gathering to commemorate at Anzac Day services or meeting with kindred spirits to share interests and hobbies, our communities have a fantastic ability to engage and stay connected, and there are many opportunities for young and old to mix with others and to share their enthusiasm.

This Saturday night's "Around the World" dance production from the Heather McQueen School of Dance in Taihape is another great example. There are over 50 young people ranging in age from three to 16 years involved in the show and no doubt hundreds of mums and dads, grandparent and siblings coming along to watch and support.

One more thing ...

It was a shock to many to learn of Prime Minister John Key's resignation, though I think most New Zealanders understand the level of commitment required for the role and why he has made the call to step aside and spend some time with his family.

John Key has proved an outstanding leader and prime minister. It is reassuring to note that his governance and management style rely on a strong, responsible and dedicated team of MPs and staff, most of whom will remain following his departure.