Love Holbeck - bigger and better!

Back in January we did our first ever Love Holbeck day which was a huge success and this time was no different. In fact we managed to make it even bigger and better....we even had sunshine!

Firstly, a huge thanks to everyone who came and helped out, especially those on set up and set down; it was great to see so many of you there. And a special thanks must go to Louise Wood who did all the work behind the scenes to make it happen.

In terms of the event itself; hot off the heels of their cup success the footy boys (including Matt Hobbs & his broken leg) ran the football cage. Emily Bosworth, despite battling hyper-active boys managed to keep the masses entertained with parachute games. Jenni Hill did stirling work again with the arts and crafts. Jade Beakhouse, Lydia DeSaintOurs and their teams were busy hair braiding and face painting and Jane Mitchell oversaw the huge quantities of food and drink (thanks again to Jos McLaren’s mission group for making so many cakes!).

Mark Sunderland led the way with the music and was followed unexpectedly by a brilliant team of African drummer, headed up by our very own Anselm. They brought a carnival-style feel to the whole event with their funky rhythms and smooth voices. After that we finished with the dulcet tones of Mikey Walker who nearly got one of the elderly locals dancing along - he certainly had the biggest fan club (and the cheesiest selection of songs). It was also great to see some members of City Evangelical pop down to help out as well.

However the event is all about “loving Holbeck” and the highlight for me was talking to various local people who had remembered us, were pleased that we had come back and were really enjoying the day. I spoke to one lady who was very keen to speak to a certain Mosaic person because she had remembered their conversation and had really appreciated it. That is why we do it and it really feels, with more and more of the church moving into the area, like we are starting to build relationships with the locals which is fantastic.

Next we are joining in with the Holbeck Gala on Saturday 11th July - so get the date in your diary, come along, muck in and LOVE HOLBECK!