GREENS SHARE THE XMAS SPIRIT ON NELSON'S RAILWAY RESERVE

Photo: A cyclist is offered a truffle and bubbles to celebrate Christmas on the Railway Reserve by Green Party members, from left, Rona Spencer, Natalie Gousmett and Tania Norfolk. Photo credit: Darcy Lawrey (age 11).

The festive season came to the Railway Reserve in an unexpected way last night when the Nelson branch of The Green Party set up a Christmas cake and bubbles stand for commuters.

Branch co-convener Natalie Gousmett said that instead of holding an end of year get-together in town, the branch decided to “share the love” with cyclists, skateboarders and pedestrians on the Railway Reserve.

Around 30 members of the party turned up to wish commuters Merry Christmas and treat them to cake, truffles and mince pies along with a choice of sparkling wine or grape juice and live music.

“It was a great opportunity not only to wish people Merry Christmas but also to thank them for cycling, skateboarding and commuting by foot. The Greens are very keen on active transport but we’re also big fans of Christmas so it was nice to be able to combine the two,” Natalie said.