Look at this. The centrepiece of something truly magical.
The Thing On The Rec
It was at Homebaked in Anfield this Saturday and lots of us were there.
After huge work and preparation by so many (and a lovely dry, sunny day on Friday thanks very much) it wasn’t looking that promising…
There was sparklingly incandescent magic to come.
But not just yet, not here in Anfield.
Still, what can you do?
We set up the stalls, held the gazebos down in the wind and got everyone set up.
After which my job was warm, dry and hugely fulfilling. To sit in the bakery and encourage the telling of stories. Of what’s been, what’s lost, what’s being done about it, what is wanted and what we all dream of round here.
With the more than informed assistance of Cally Highfield and Michelle Langan, writers and story tellers both.
Councillor Ann O’Byrne, Deputy Mayor of Liverpool. More than accomplished story teller herself.
Sharing ‘our school’ stories of growing up in Kirkby as well as round here.
We told stories of moved around communities, the threads that hold us together, whether and how it’s more of a ‘a community’ in doubt and distress – together with the joy, scepticism and untapped enthusiasm of the young. Exploring ‘Do you realise how much we the young feel patronised? Being constantly told we’re too young to know what’s best or next?’ And the stories and possibilities then binding the generations of us in the making up and the telling.
Talking of community led plans for what’s next.
Of ‘I come from round here’
Of food and local growth and supply chains. Of the local shops we need round here. Of greengrocers and vegetables and fresh food. Of maybe the Homebaked Community Land Trust will build some of these. Of clever local and Beautiful Ideas for where people can work. The making of things by the makers of North Liverpool.
In the community bakery, at The Thing On The Rec.
Watching through the windows for when the rain would at least stop falling sideways. Which eventually it did.
Knowing soon there would be dancing.
But first Pat runs the raffle.
Some winners are here. Some are the stall holders still outside.
‘A unique Homebaked Hat and Scarf Set, there’ll be no more as we don’t remember who ordered them or where from!’
So much work done it is time to dance. Well done Britt x
We close up the bakery.
And go round to The Rec.
Where Luca is closing up the Fritto Italian Street Food stall.
Sorry for the crap photo Luca. But thanks for the Arancini!
And Natalie is packing up at Real Junk Food.
One of the necessary joys of the year to have seen you open up here in Everton Natalie.
Arriving finally here.
Where the angels of the place are dancing.
Dances of deep togetherness.
In a structure of timeless elegance.
That they built themselves, like you would expect. Strut by strut, curtain by curtain, light by light, brick by brick, pie by pie.
The Thing On The Rec.
The manifestation of what could be next.
In the future of Homebaked.
The high street we designed ourselves.
The gardens of Anfield.
The self reliance we can rely on.
While we dance with our friends to the music of Celtic Knot.
And we treasure each other.
Let’s go!
Such a privilege to be at such a moment of creation.
And in departing the moment…
To never forget.
This time on the borderline. Of Anfield and of Everton. Of the treasured pasts and the possible futures. Of this day. Of The Thing On The Rec. With such friends.
Beautifully done xx
And see Homebaked’s own take on the event and lots more photos at Cally Highfield’s own wonderful blogpost.
Ta for the photo’s again Ronnie, I called up there, late afternoon, lovely people, stalls and stuff. ta
And ta for all your help Joe. Good to feel the hand of a master street marketer of Granby behind ‘The Thing’ in Anfield.
It was brilliant. Lot’s of powerful energy around. Wish I had stayed for the dancing. Janet
Sounds wonderful! Well done everyone – and was that Celtic Knot playing the ceili music?!
I wasn’t there when they were announced but if you say so! In which case I’ll amend the blog to give them a credit.
I saw their fb post saying it was their coldest ever gig! With a pic of them in a tent looking very like the Thing on the Rec. I’ll double check & let you know. My old band!
Well they were very good and I’ve credited them anyway!
Yes twas them in slimmed-down form!
Pass on our love and appreciation for what thet did then, warming us all up if not themselves!
Yes, it was them! Sandy Bryson actually grew up in Anfield…
Very good she was too.