Most nations have their own way of celebrating Jesus’s birth, with customs and food – And there will be a chance for local children to taste each other’s culture on Wednesday 19 December.

There will be festive fun at St John’s Church Hall, in Widnes this year, as local children enjoy a Halton Borough Council supported Yuletide Party – with the REAL Father Christmas, who will be taking a break from toy making and elf supervising, to make a personal appearance!

The International Family Club – Rainbow Umbrella – meets once a month on Wednesday evenings, from 4 30pm to 6 30pm. at the venue, but this will be a special Yuletide event which also includes games and food from different countries.

Halton Borough Councillors are again due to attend the Christmas 19 December meeting to support the group.

Cllr Keith Morley, who has always supported the group, said: “There is such a supportive atmosphere. And I would encourage anyone to join us, or if you know a family that will be interested, please contact us by email or phone or come along to our meetings.

” It is a very welcoming group. It is great to try food from different countries and share Christmas customs.”

Cllr Marie Wright, another long term supporter said: “The council has helped this group, and it has some great volunteers who organise events each month. It’s a great atmosphere. It works both ways we learn a lot about customs form their countries and they learn more about ours.”

In the regular meetings, families of different nationalities, mostly from Poland, but also from countries like Turkey and Slovakia, living in Halton meet up: the children play together or do arts and crafts with Halton Borough Council Children’s Centre staff.

There are also opportunities to discuss useful subjects like healthcare, Brexit and education opportunities.

Rainbow Umbrella Leader Elżbieta (Ela) Orlińska, said: “Parents have a chance to chat with each other, exchange information about what is going on in Halton, etc. It is a real support network as well as a social highlight. Our Christmas meeting is always a highlight.

“Everyone seems to leave with smiles on their faces.”

Treats for the children were provided by Krakow, the Eastern European food shop in Widnes.

For more info. email: umbrellahalton@outlook.com or log onto www.facebook.com/Umbrella-Halton