Festive cheer is a great IDEA
It was a tight fit, but there was just enough room at the inn for those celebrating Nelson’s IDEA Services’ Christmas party at the Wakatu Hotel.
Forty-six service users from the Natalie St, Nelson vocational base, as well as supporting staff and family, were invited to the celebrations on Thursday.
As well as food, fun and the obligatory Christmas crackers, guests were treated to a performance by the Off Your Rockers Chorus for the second year in a row.
Led by musical director Jo Taylor, the choir – which turns 10 in February – rattled through a selection of Christmas and assorted classics, as well as a request for perennial favourite You Are My Sunshine, to an appreciative audience.
The event was extra special for choir member Italina Sowman, whose daughter has attended IDEA Services for 30 years and was one of those treated to a song or two from her mother.
Sowman said it was a pleasure to spend time celebrating with clients and their families, many of whom had become good friends.
‘‘I was a bit overwhelmed – it’s kind of organised chaos, but really great fun,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s just the way they participate with us – they’re so enthusiastic and get up and sing along – it was a bit of a squeeze, but they had enough room for a bit of a dance.’’
IDEA Services Nelson Marlborough area manager Anne Pirie said the team usually had its Christmas celebrations in-house.
However, this year the service users decided that they wanted to go out to celebrate.
‘‘Everyone was very excited for the lunch and to see the choir perform again – the Wakatu looked fabulous, and it was really great for people to get to go somewhere a bit different,’’ support worker Ruth Thornycroft said.