The Advent season last December saw an exciting joint venture with the Young Phoenix singers at the Old Grammar school in Leek. It was part of the OUTSIDE Arts 24 Doors Advent Event. The project was entitled Christmas Hope - for our (their) Future, to mirror MCA’s strapline ‘For our Future NOW!’
It was a magical event, albeit a marathon for the young singers, who sang practically non-stop for 3 hours, against an atmospheric Christmas and wildlife themed backdrop. Not only carols but also our climate song, Do It Now! There were well over 200 visitors, many of whom didn’t know about MCA before but who do now! All family groups had our MCA flyer, repair cafe flyer and a young Phoenix flyer. They also had a Christmas card showing our Earth, the words ‘Christmas Hope - For our Future’ followed by the names of all the young singers.
Huge thanks to everyone who made this possible – most of all the brilliant Young Phoenix Singers but also Sally, who arranged for them to take part, and to Dan who ran rehearsals and conducted on the night.
We were exceedingly grateful to everyone who helped make the wildlife models or images, set up the room and scenery at the start and also to the folk who helped take it down at the end! They were artist Wendy (kestrel and hare), Penny and Peter (owl and crouching hare) and the children and adults who helped make the garden birds. A big thank you to the sculptor Anthony Hammond who loaned us his three willow reindeer and carved oak owl.
Thanks too to ‘Outside Arts’ for funding the large Christmas trees and to Paul for collecting, bringing and subsequently planting them back in the ground, just 2 days after the event.
Finally, special thanks to Debbie and Terry the key holders at the old Grammar school who couldn’t have been more helpful. Also, to all stewards and marshals who braved the cold to keep everyone safe outside plus of course to ‘Outside Arts’ who invited us to take part and helped with the organisation of our event, including the low powered lighting.
