Santa Parade 2025

We woke up to an overcast day, not cold but not really warm. I had been checking the forecast all week and it consistently predicted rain in the afternoon, however the parade was going ahead.

10am we arrived at the trailer and were soon joined by a some more members who were keen to decorate the float and attach the signage. We were able to use the new flags we have purchased promoting the club provided by Custom Signs at the front and rear of the trailer and they looked great.  Henare and Anita also came along and set up the music gear in readiness for the parade.

Shortly after 2 we were down at Dundas Street, waiting for others to arrive, dancers, marshals and supporters. Rockers trickled in dressed in their Christmas and rock’n’roll outfits and Henare soon had the music up and running and the dancing began. We moved off at 3 pm and as always, we were greeted by many, many smiling faces, lots of waving and quite a few people in the crowd dancing along to the music. The rain held off (thankfully) until we parked in Moray Place temporarily in Moray Place to disembark before the truck continued back to Geoff’s yard to be dismantled.

The rain continued and we took down the tinsel and dismantled the framework in the rain, but everyone persevered and it was soon finished.  After this around 30 of us met at Cobb and Co for a well-deserved dinner, drink and then home.

We had a great driver this year, (Thanks Dynes Transport) his young daughters were with him, and Evie opted to travel on the back of the truck waving smiling and constantly throughout the parade. Great too seeing members bring along their grandchildren to add to the atmosphere on the float.

 Thank you to all the helpers, your contribution as decorators, dismantlers, marshals and dancers is much appreciated. The Parade provides a great opportunity to promote the club, and we are always well received by the public. Special thanks to Henare and Anita for their contribution of providing the music for the parade, it is so appreciated and having live music makes such a difference to our presence in the parade.