On the weekend of 18-19 December, residents from around the Marina put aside the stresses of a challenging year to play their part in making our traditional festive events another memorable success. As well as our children’s Christmas party and carols, this year’s community celebrations also featured The Bridge Fair, which proved very popular.
This year’s programme was the result of a true team effort between members of the MDGA’s ExCom, notably, our Events portfolio holder Dominique Erasmus, and other residents, particularly Valerie Benson. A special thanks!
Lakeside-based magician Michael Barta kicked off the children’s Christmas party with a spellbinding opening act that left his young audience enthralled and totally engaged.
The closure of the waterways meant Santa Claus, aka David Muller, was unable to arrive at the party by pedalo. Undaunted, he made a dramatic entrance in Janine and Ryan Avery’s shiny red Mustang after driving around the Marina, ringing his bell and inviting youngsters to join the fun.
The celebrations continued on Sunday, starting with The Bridge Fair followed by the Christmas carols.
This year’s Christmas carols band comprised Mike English on acoustic guitar and MC duties; Mike Peters on acoustic guitar; Bryan Jacobs on acoustic guitar; Fanie Zondagh on keyboards; Alicia Thornton on lead female vocals; Dawne Haddad on saxophone; and Jerome Swartz on bass guitar. The event was opened by Lauren Warner, a Marina resident
and professional singer, who blew her audience away with a rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
Lauren was joined by so many children, who came up to the stage to sing Away In a Manger, Jingle Bells and Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. Bagpiper, James Mitchell, ended off the evening in traditional Marina style.
Roll of honour
A big thanks on behalf of the community to the people behind the scenes. Among many others, our roll of honour includes – in no particular order – the MDGA ExCom’s Nick Bode and members of the TechX sound team; Robbie Johnston from the MDGA office; all The Bridge Fair vendors; Shellan Jeffries, Andy Rumbelow and Seef, which kindly matched all donations from The Bridge Fair and put them towards upgrading Uitsig Park.
Thanks also to the musicians and singers. Here, we’d like to make pay a special tribute to long-time Marina resident, Mike English. Mike has lived in the Marina for 34 years, participated in the carols for eight years and led the carols band for the last five years. Sadly, Mike and his wife, May, are moving to St Helena Bay shortly. We wish them both much love and happiness in their new home.
Finally, we’d like to pay tribute to all the Marina residents, who wholeheartedly embraced this year’s slightly different carols format. A big thanks to you all for such a fantastic turnout!
