Jingle belles help spread festive joy

Three Picton friends are getting set to once again continue a Christmas legacy which has captured the hearts of a community.

Beryl Bowers, Gillian Chuter and Lynda Williamson are once again preparing to help spread festive cheer.

For the trio of hard-working women are members of the volunteer committee who help make the magic of the Picton Santa Parade happen.

Nineteen years ago, Beryl was asked by parade organiser Marie Higgs if she would take over the special task.

It is Marie’s legacy Beryl, Lynda and Gillian are proud to continue in her memory after she died in 2020.

“She had everything so beautifully set up, so it was easy to take it on and just run with it,” Beryl explains.

Organising the popular parade, which began in 1990, starts in July each year.

The volunteer committee, which has grown to 10 people this year, catch up over coffee and start a timeline in preparation for the parade. Monthly meetings follow.

As big fans of Christmas, it’s a time of year they all look forward to, with the parade signaling fun times ahead.

“The community waits for it as it’s a signal the festivities are starting,” Beryl says.

“It’s all for the children but I absolutely love Christmas; absolutely love it.

Gillian, a relative newcomer to the community having settled in Picton three years ago, agrees.

“Every child deserves to see a Christmas parade,” she says.

For the first time in its history, the parade will start at 2pm this year on 3 December to allow for cruise ship passengers to also enjoy the atmosphere.

An extra 4000 people will be in the region on the day and with the countdown well and truly underway there are final arrangements being made.

This year’s celebrations include Best Dressed business windows, a post box for letters to Santa, kapa haka performances and the Picton Fresh Choice free food raffle.

The Marlborough Pipe Band will perform while Santa arrives to give out treats. There will also be a sausage sizzle, coffee cart, Mr Whippy and free face painting for the children.

“We have invited our local schools to perform and know how the crowd loves the Queen Charlotte College Kapa Haka, Beryl says.

The Belles, of which both Beryl and Gillian are members, will also perform for the crowds.

For the committee, it is all a welcome chance to be involved in the community they call home, Gillian says.

“The community are involved as a whole and it’s great to see, it’s a real community effort.

“We appreciate the continued support of Marlborough Lines as our main and our other sponsors who help make this happen.”

Registration forms to enter in the Picton Christmas Parade can be picked up from Harcourts Real Estate, High Street, Picton or email [email protected] or [email protected] or phone 573 6885 for more information.

The volunteer committee would like to pass on their thanks to all their sponsors: Marlborough Lines, Marlborough District Council, Port Marlborough, O’Donnell Park Barging, Kenny Barging and other support in kind - Picton Lions Club, Signs Now Picton, Harcourts Real Estate, Fresh Choice Picton and Simcox Construction