A recent ‘ink and drink’ event at Te Awamutu’s newest retirement community turned out to be a smash hit.
Displaying their temporary tattoos are Pam Thomson, Anne Blythe and Jenny Bullivant.
The bold group of Arvida Whai Mauri Ora village octogenarians decided to add ‘tattoo application’ to their regular happy hour gathering. The idea was to spice things up a bit, bring in a little fun and redefine any lingering perceptions people might have about ageing.
It was clearly a success. The ‘inking and drinking’ get-together saw them rolling up their sleeves to get temporary tattoos applied.
Pam McCollum was certain she wouldn’t go for a real tattoo but ended up fancying the skull and knife tatt she had done on her arm.
“I said to my daughter that if I ever got a tattoo, you’ll know I’ve lost the plot! I don’t think I could sit still long enough to have one done, but I do like this one, probably because I know it’s only temporary,” she said.
Her neighbour Lorraine Olsen, who is already known in Te Awamutu as a steampunk afficionado, took a less radical approach to the idea.
“I’ve been doing steampunk as a hobby for about 12 years. It covers a lot of genres … industrial revolution, futuristic, Victorian. I love that you can be someone else in a costume and a tattoo can really complete the look.”
Enjoying the ‘ink and drink’ happy hour are, from left, Pam Thomson, Anne Blythe, Lorraine Olsen Pam McCollum, Jenny Bullivant and Margaret Dixon. Photo: supplied
Lorraine and her husband Brian moved to the village about six months ago, and enjoy getting stuck into whatever social activities are on offer.
Another resident Jenny Bullivant already has a small real tattoo on her inner arm and ended up with a much larger temporary one.
“Tattoos are a statement, but I don’t think I’d every go for a tattoo this big,” she said. “I’ll stick to the temporary ones for now.”
Village manager Jenny Fraser said there have been plenty of resident-led activities since people started moving into the retirement community over a year ago.
“I’ve noticed such a strong connection and engagement between residents. The tattooing was a lot of fun … even trying to apply them was a good laugh. Everyone is still talking about it.”
Adding a touch of steampunk to the ‘ink and drink’ event are Margaret Dixon, Lorraine Olsen and Pam McCollum. Photo: supplied
