A paradise to appreciate

On New Year’s Eve I went with a group of friends and family to the park, and what a fantastic time we had! We couldn’t help dancing to the great music of ‘‘Easy’’, and felt so privileged that musicians of that calibre were actually giving a free concert on that special night.

When the music was finished we strolled through the park delighting in the spectacular display of lights. Perfectly timed, we then came home to welcome in the New Year – enjoying each other’s company, and revelling in our own enthusiastic sing-song.

The following day, we checked out the sculptures on the foreshore, visited the Len Lye Centre, and the Beach Exhibition at Puke Ariki, all free of charge.

We must confess to being somewhat bemused by Mr Stevens’ letter to the newspaper, and certainly did not share his need for a midnight fireworks display. In fact, some of our group were holidaying here (notably from Auckland and London which do hold such a display) but they were more impressed and more than a little astounded by the huge range of community activities on offer here in New Plymouth.

Personally, I do not know of anywhere else in the world providing anything like the entire summer programme we enjoy here, all free or voluntary donations.

We do live in Taradise folks, let’s not take it for granted. Lilian Clare

New Plymouth