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8th July 2009
Community samples flavour of continental neighbours
BLACKPOOL residents brought neighbourly spirit alive in continental style by celebrating European Neighbours Day.
More than 50 people came together at Grange Park to enjoy activities aimed at bringing neighbours together and fostering community cohesion.
Muir Group Housing Association hosted the event in partnership with Blackpool Council’s Reassurance Plus, which is made up of officers from the Council, police and fire service, on Tuesday, May 26.
Samples of European food, including a Polish buffet from a Polish deli, French, English and Greek cheeses, Greek olives, Bavarian ham, German sausage and Salami, were organised to whet people’s appetites.
Children enjoyed face-painting and created hand-made calendars to give away to residents.
Other organisations in attendance were Blackpool Dog Wardens offering free dog chipping, NHS representatives giving blood pressure and health checks, police officers distributing free bike locks, Blackpool Council staff were on hand giving advice and environmental protection officers were advising on alcohol awareness issues.
Residents of Vincent House, a homeless hostel at Grange Park, helped organise the gazebo and seating for people attending the event, and visitors’ knowledge of European food was tested with a quiz and the winner took home a delectable hamper of continental food donated by Muir Group.
Chris Hills, Muir Group housing assistant, said: “It is important for people to appreciate their neighbours as there are times when we need each other.
“The day went really well and the children really enjoyed trying all the different foods from around Europe. Everybody involved worked really hard to make it an exciting and successful day.”
Hazel Pearson, of Reassurance Plus, said: “Once again the agencies on Grange Park have come together to pull off a really special event, but it wouldn’t have been as successful without community involvement.”
More than 1,000 city councils, housing organisations and local associations marked the day in Europe and across the world.
