Mayor’s Christmas cheer comes early
The date for the Mayor’s Christmas dinner has been moved following difficulties finding a chef for Christmas day.
The dinner, primarily attended by Nelson’s elderly residents, will now be held on December 21.
Mayor Rachel Reese said it was a good option, as chef Steve Coyne from Harbour Light Bistro had ‘‘generously’’ given his time and talents for the earlier date.
‘‘Chefs work incredibly hard all year round and often some of the chefs are working in their own businesses on Christmas day, or it’s the one day in the year, or few days in the year, where they have a day off so we were really thrilled Steve could be available so close to Christmas,’’ Reese said.
‘‘I think the change has got some real positives around it in that some people were on Christmas Day coming to the Mayor’s Christmas Dinner, but then trying to fit in with family commitments.’’
Mayor Reese said no doubt those elderly without family may have preferred Christmas Day, but she was appealing to Nelsonians to embrace neighbours in need of company during the festive season.
‘‘This is a get-to-know-yourneighbours time of year, so if there is someone who is on their own in your street they wouldn’t necessarily have ever come to the Mayor’s Christmas dinner anyway, but they might really like to be invited around to your place for lunch.’’
She suggested even dropping in ‘‘with a mince pie’’ could help people feel included in Christmas celebrations.
She said Nelson’s church community also played an important role at this time of year.
‘‘Obviously it’s a really special day for the Christian faith and they’ll be embracing and opening the doors to everyone in our community.’’
Age Concern Nelson Tasman manager Sue Tilby said the change of date wasn’t alarming.
‘‘I think it’s quite a fair opportunity for all the people concerned and involved,’’ she said.
Tilby backed the Mayor’s plea to Nelson residents to take care of elderly neighbours who might be feeling lonely at this time of year.
‘‘We’re working on that very concept and we’re encouraging people to invite someone. We’re saying if you’ve got an empty chair invite someone to fill it for Christmas, or on other days when people might be recognised as lonely or isolated.’’
Tilby said a lot of people in the community were prepared to help and support others, and the Christmas and New Year period provided a great opportunity to involve others in celebrations.
She said if there were elderly people feeling lonely or concerned about the upcoming holiday period, they could get in touch with Age Concern Nelson Tasman for some support and to be connected to others.
The Mayor’s Christmas Dinner is being held at the Trafalgar Centre on December 21. Tickets go on sale on December 1 and can be purchased from the council officers or Stoke Library.