Guiseley Brass Band Play Carols

Thank you to everyone who came to the Friends of Parkinson’s Park Lantern Parade; there was a fantastic turnout from all over the area, with residents old and new, all our local Councillors and Member of Parliament.  Some people passing by the in their cars, even stopped to join in.

It seems the children really enjoyed coming to the Park in the gathering dusk with lanterns: and watching people approach the decorated tree in the park from all directions was like watching a ‘gathering of the tribes’.   It was lovely to see so many different types of lanterns and the thought that had gone into them.

At the Cross,  Guiseley Brass Band really created a wonderful atmosphere in which to munch home made mince pies , and drink mulled wine, and try and read the words of the carols – those who couldn’t just hummed the tune.

We would also like to thank ‘God’ for being kind with the weather – we had asked especially if he could hold the rain off for an hour or so – and he obliged  :-).

In the role call of people who made the event happen, thanks particularly go to:

Lanterns

The idea – Nicola Denson

Invitations – Nicola Denson, Josie Brooks, Barbara Winfield, Jenny Kirkby

Paths Chipping – Josie Brooks, Steve Megson, Chris Parapia , Jenny Kirkby

Chippings – donated by Mike Shackleton (Tree Care Company)

Lights  – Barbara Winfield, Andy Cheetham

Moon Lantern and Drums – Cecil Higgings Arts, Bradford

Music – Guiseley Brass Band

People on Parade

Mince Pies and Buns – Sian Cartwright

Mulled Wine – Richard Slatcher (The Station)  & Rebecca

Photographs – Leekie Parapia, Peter Kirkby

Taking Part – Guiseley residents

Marshalls – Josie Brooks, Nicola & Jon Denson, Andy Cheetham, Barbara Winfield

Overall organization – Chris Parapia and Jenny Kirkby

Funding – Comic Relief Community Cash, Local Cllrs

Gathering In the Park at Dusk

The purpose of the event is to set a new Guiseley tradition, in line with our 2013 All Our Stories project – exploring the history of the Park and its role with local people. Now we have experimented with the idea and know it works and people like it,  we will aim for the same event next year with lantern making workshops, and more drums on the route.   We have made a note of a number of ideas for improvement, but please let us know of any ideas you have, or if you would like to take a role in the organization of it.  We’ll be posting more photos of the event over Christmas.  Oh, and last but not least thank you,  to all those who gave us a donation – this will go to the upkeep of the Park and future events.

A Merry Christmas to everyone from The Friends of Parkinson’s Park.