Mainly Music twinkles for a quarter-century in Marlborough

Nicki Stace has devoted countless hours over two-plus decades to enriching the lives of children in Marlborough. So, too, has Megan Kirk. They and other parents and caregivers had plenty to celebrate at the 25th anniversary party for Wairau Valley Anglican’s Mainly Music programme.

Yet, when reflecting on the quarter-century of singing and movement, Nicki’s thoughts turned to three instrumental people who were not present – in body, at least – last Wednesday.

The first was Jovita Cross, “the person who started us off,” Nicki said.

“Unfortunately, she’s no longer with us; she passed away at Christmas time.”
The second, a greeter named Robin Young, “had the most amazing memory for names. He would see children coming in, and he knew exactly who they were. We should pay tribute to him, too.”

His successor, Lynnette Cook, is the third – though she simply had a schedule conflict, Nicki explained. “She welcomes and greets all with wonderful enthusiasm.”

That positive energy permeated the party. Between kids, parents, caregivers and volunteers, fifty gathered at Wairau Anglican Church in Renwick for 30 minutes of interactive musical activities, followed by a shared morning tea featuring a chocolate cake with the year brightly iced on top.

Development
Nicki, the programme’s leader for the past dozen years, marvels at the impact Mainly Music continues to have on a new generation of children. The Wairau Valley Parish remains committed to the programme that started in New Zealand in 1990 and since has expanded elsewhere in the Commonwealth and to places as far-flung as the States, Hong Kong, South Africa and Lebanon.

“It’s singing, it’s music and it’s movement,” Nicki explained. “It’s great for brain development – left side and right side of the brain – and for learning how to follow instructions.”

The overarching organisation is Christian-based. Previously, Blenheim had four Mainly Music programmes running, Nicki said, but others shifted to alternate offerings.

“Children will come when they’re really little, and they just develop confidence and engage,” she shared. “It’s wonderful to see them develop and gain the confidence to join in and do their own thing.”

Visit www.wairauanglican.org.nz for the Renwick programme and mainlymusic.org.nz for the international organisation.