There was festive fun at St John’s Church Hall, in Widnes, as local children enjoyed a Halton Borough Council supported Christmas Party – with the REAL Father Christmas, who took a break from supervising his elves to make a personal appearance!
The International Family Club – Rainbow Umbrella (Teczowy Parasol) – meets once a month on Wednesday evenings, from 4 30pm to 6 30pm. at the venue but this was its special Christmas event which also included games and food from different countries.
Halton Borough Council’s Mayor Cllr Alan Lowe came along with Council Leader Cllr Rob Polhill, as well as Cllrs Eddie Jones and Geoff Zygadllo to meet members and find out more about the group.
Cllr Keith Morley, who has always supported the group, said: “I would encourage anyone who like to join us,or know 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 was 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.”
* Families of different nationalities, most from Poland, also from 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.
Rainbow Umbrella Leader Elżbieta 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.
“The children, and some of the adults, loved meeting Father Christmas. Wesołych swiąt to everyone in Widnes and Runcorn!”
For more info. email: umbrellahalton@outlook.com or log onto www.facebook.com/Umbrella-Halton, www.facebook.com/teczowyparasol