Posted on by Ronnie Hughes

Homebaked: The Thing On The Rec

Look at this. The centrepiece of something truly magical.

The Thing On The Rec
The Thing On The Rec

It was at Homebaked in Anfield this Saturday and lots of us were there.homebaked-recAfter 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.
There was sparklingly incandescent magic to come.
But not just yet, here in Anfield.
But not just yet, not here in Anfield.

Still, what can you do?
Still, what can you do?
We set up the stalls, held the gazebos down in the wind and got everyone set up.
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 assistnce of
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...
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.
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.

Talked of community led plans for what's next.
Talking of community led plans for what’s next.
Of 'I come from round here'
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.
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.
Knowing soon there would be dancing.
But first Pat runs the raffle.
But first Pat runs the raffle.
Some winners are here. Some are the stall holders still outside.
Some winners are here. Some are the stall holders still outside.
'A unique Homebaked Hat and Glove Set, as we don't remember who ordered them or where from!'
‘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
So much work done it is time to dance. Well done Britt x
We close up the bakery.
We close up the bakery.
And go round to The Rec.
And go round to The Rec.
Where Luca is closing up the Fritto Italian Street Food stall.
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.
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.
Arriving finally here.
Where the angels of the place are dancing.
Where the angels of the place are dancing.
Dances of deep togetherness.
Dances of deep togetherness.
In a structure of timeless elegance.
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 Thing On The Rec.
The manifestation of what could be next.
The manifestation of what could be next.
In the future of Homebaked.
In the future of Homebaked.
the high street we designed ourselves.
The high street we designed ourselves.
The gardens of Anfield.
The gardens of Anfield.
The self reliance we can rely on.
The self reliance we can rely on.
While we dance with our friends.
While we dance with our friends to the music of Celtic Knot.
And we treasure each other.
And we treasure each other.
Let's go!
Let’s go!

Homebaked - 35 Homebaked - 36 Homebaked - 37 Homebaked - 38

Such a privilege to be at such a moment of creation.
Such a privilege to be at such a moment of creation.
and in departing the moment.
And in departing the moment…
To never forget.
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.

 

 

 

11 Replies to “Homebaked: The Thing On The Rec”

      1. 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!

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