Growing up in Northern England, May was all about Spring-time, the Annual Whit Holiday, May Festivals and dancing round the Maypole.
Here in New Zealand as we approach the Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere (21 June) the days are shorter and the nights are longer. With Climate Change the unpredictable weather has seen Kiwis getting out the winter woollies much earlier and the months ahead are daunting, especially for the elderly.
The Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere was very different, with pantomimes, parties, nativity plays, and Christmas decorations. Planning for the activities began weeks before as schools, churches, community groups and businesses came together. Family gatherings for the festive season often continued into the New Year. As well as all the excitement for the arrival of the Santa, the icing on the cake was a white Christmas, which bought laughter as toboggans were dusted off and snowmen built.
Not that Raglan was without a Winter Pageant. Queen’s Birthday Weekend saw the results of many months of hard work as hundreds crowded into the Town Hall for the biennial Raglan Art to Wear Extravaganza. With all the winter weather that Mother Nature could muster the Raglan community came together and produced a spectacular event to warm the cockles of the heart!
Keeping warm and active and socializing is important for all ages, but especially the elderly. There are a variety of Senior Groups in Raglan and recently, Belinda Goodwin has offered Nia Dance Classes at a greatly reduced prices for Gold Card holders ($8.00 for casuals or 25 dollars for 5 sessions).
The classes are held at:
The Raglan Town Hall on Tuesday evening at 7.30pm.
Thursday morning at the Activate Church, Taipari Avenue, Raglan West at 9.15am.
Every second Saturday morning at 9.30am at the Activate Church. Next session June 16.
Contact Belinda on 8257577 or 0275407422 or niawithbelinda@ gmail.com
