It was standing room only at the back of the church for a special celebration that drew on the talents and enthusiasms of the many groups that meet at Waddington Street United Reformed Church.
Minister Marcus Hargis, arrayed in his best Christmas jumper, welcomed everyone, pointing out that through knowing the church as a meeting place we constitute a real, and richly varied, community.
A group of Ukrainian women, who also meet together in Wharton Park when the weather is fine, introduced us to folk music from their country – and to a richly decorated loaf which at the end of the evening was shared among the audience.
There followed poetry read by members of the U3A, and more singing from Singers for the Planet, The Scratch Choir, and Harmonics. And when Harmonics challenged the audience to join in the Calypso Carol, Waddington Street members who knew it best were pleased to be complimented on their singing abilities too.
After enthusiastically sharing in a Christmas carol and a hearty rendering of “We wish you a Merry Christmas” everyone made their way to the hall – familiar practice venue for many of the groups. There everyone enjoyed mince pies, stollen, and of course that Ukrainian loaf, and with plenty of good conversation to go with them.
And all agreed with Marcus’s suggestion: “We must do this again!”
December 2022
Pictures by Ray Anglesea