We turned up early – though not half as early as some – to help get things ready and to join a short choir rehearsal.
This was January 31st, Britain’s last day in the EU, and the occasion for North Yorkshire for Europe’s ‘Thank EU for being here’ party: a celebration for EU citizens who’ve made their homes here.
There were tables and chairs in place, enough for about 120 people. There was Richard up a stepladder wrestling to get the home made (thank you Phil) banner up. And there were the cameras and reporters. BBC Look North were already busy interviewing and ITV News at Ten was due too. But look! Isn’t that Nick Robinson from the Today programme? Yes. He stayed and listened to the choir rehearse, and did a few short interviews, which were transmitted on Saturday’s programme at about 8.15.
Then it was 7.30. People started arriving – slowly at first, then in a busy queue. A Polish nurse who’d been part of the team when Malcolm was in hospital came, with two Spanish friends. As we sat down, we found ourselves with, apart from them, Italian and Ukranian guests. I chatted to a French woman. We heard German, Dutch. We puzzled over quiz sheets. Where ever in Europe had all these pictures been taken? There was music from our very own The Raisers.
Supper was only partly European. There were pizzas. But besides them were vats of Indian vegetarian curries, breads and sweetmeats. Feeding us all took quite a while, but gave the chance for lots of talking and getting to know one another.
Speeches of course. You’ve got to have speeches: but they were short, and though full of regret, positive and forward-looking.
And the choir sang. No longer the Remain Voice Choir, we’ve become the Reunion Chorus. Some of our old favourites have been brought up to date (‘Brexit is a form of Madness’ – you may know it as ‘Bread of Heaven’); and others are new (‘Europeans all are we..’ – ‘Bobby Shaftoe’).
The hands of the clock kept turning. It was getting late. We stopped out chatter. At exactly 11.00 o’clock, we stood up for a minute’s silence: reflective, saddened, angry. And then the choir and everyone in the room joined in singing Ode to Joy. After which, many of us turned to our neighbour for a comforting hug as we wept for what we had lost.
The evening was over. But not our movement. We’ve made new friendships in Yorkshire and beyond. One day, we’re sure, Britain will be part of the EU once more.
I really admire you all for doing this, even though I’d have been bawling my head off if I’d been there. Bonne chance to us all.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Do you know, Linda, it was the best thing we could have done. To be among like-minded friends was wonderful. And yes, we did all cry.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Well done one and all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It kept us sane, I think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s good that there are still some sane individuals around! We’re going to need all we can get.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done all of you…your own little bit of history (and captured on the BBC and ITV too) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
For all the time they were there, there was little enough footage that made the cut.
LikeLike
Well done, all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was the best use of an evening that could have been just wretched.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Exactly so
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done to all of you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
What a momentous occasion, thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It felt quite special.
LikeLike
Wonderful—- hope your parties spread throughout the UK!
Xx
Sent from my iPhone
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s such a great idea. We met lots of lovely people xx
LikeLike
Well done and what a great effort. So sorry that it didn’t go your way though. It just doesn’t make any sense.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No. It doesn’t 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right, definitely better to be with like-minded friends at times of crisis. Well done to all for capturing the attention of the mainstream media. Shame not more of the footage was used.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed. All those interviews, vox pops, songs … in the bin. But it was a good way to spend a dreadful day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An inspired response to a sad day. Thanks for sharing your photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good memories. But now Real Life kicks in …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to see you putting such a positive slant on this. What an evening! 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was. It’ll remain in our memories as a special evening.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You did WELL, considering…. go with a loud ‘bang’ a weep and a song. You will ALWAYS still be part of ‘us’ (says the Swiss woman who is an islander too, in so many ways!) and I too hope and hope some more that one day you will once more be fully integrated in the EU. Have a big hug!!!!!
LikeLike
We NEED big hugs, Kiki, so thank you. It’ll get worse before it gets better, unfortunately. But it’s good to be part of a supportive group, which includes people in other countries and continents too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Believe me, just knowing that you are not alone, will give you boosts and courage. There are plenty of supporters out all over the world who wholeheartedly agree with you.
LikeLike
Indeed. The whole world knows we’ve gone bonkers here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah well. Do we care????
Didn’t think so 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person