COME together

Bringing young and old together to share the spirit of Christmas was the aim of a Charity Concert held in Katikati on Sunday — and it worked!

More than 200 people attended the concert held on the front lawn at Lexham Park where Santa and youngster Ocean Stephen stole the show. Elderly residents were able to join the community outside on the lawn and enjoy the lineup of acts performing on stage.

Presented by Lexham Park and the RSA Homewood Trust the concert raised $1750 on the night, which included $500 from the Lions Club of Katikati.

TV3 were there to film the show which aired on Newshub on Monday.

“Wow — this is as good a concert as anywhere,” said Julie Turnbull, manager of Lexham Park, of Sunday’s charity concert for Waihi youngster, Ocean Stephen.

“It was one of those ideas you dream of. You think big then it starts to happen.

“For us the win was that our residents could go to a concert without leaving here.”

The Lexham Park choir, The Notables perform a Christmas medley each year at their Christmas event.

“And they did it again in front of a crowd of people,” Julie said.

Matahui School choir opened the show and strolled through the facility with Santa and later performed with The Notables.

The Katikati College’s kapa haka group performance was rousing, with a group of young Ma¯ ori in the crowd responding and doing a joint haka.

Others performing were the Summerset Village Choir, Mural Town Choir, Rob Holding and Roz and son Jed Turnbull, 12, in his first public performance.

“Our aim was for our residents to get some joy for Christmas in a way we haven’t done before,” she said.

Ken Allen said he had never had so many hugs in one day.

“The show made me a very happy and proud man that I was able to bring joy and happiness to people in Katikati.

“Even though the numbers were down I couldn’t have expected any more. It was not just a show, but a family show. I thoroughly enjoyed it.” Ken gave Ocean a doll for Christmas which he said “lit her eyes up like candles”.

In the grand finale everyone was on stage to sing the closing song, We Are The World.

The concert grand finale with everyone on stage singing We Are the World. Ken Allen with Kirsten Waite and daughter Ocean.

The Katikati College kapa haka group.

Christmas fairy Ocean Stephen with mum, Kirsten Waite mixing with the residents.

Concertgoers enjoying the concert on the lawn at Lexham Park.

Santa was a hit with the children.

The Mural Town choir on stage.

Jackson Stevens with a rugby ball spot prize from Harvey Norman.

Concert instigators from left Jeny Cotter, Ken Allen and Raewyn Stollery.

The Matahui Primary School choir with Santa.