York came together in the sunshine this weekend to celebrate what we have in common.
People picnicked and partied at various events staged as part of the Great Get Together, in memory of murdered MP Jo Cox.
A year after she died, people joined together to prove that #moreincommon was much bigger than a hashtag.
‘It was so inspiring’
One of the first event to get the weekend underway was the Clifton Community Picnic.
Around 50 York residents gathered in Homestead Park on Saturday, sharing their food, getting to know their neighbours and enjoying the stunning gardens.
Organiser Anna Perrett said:
Politicians showed their support, with York Central MP Rachael Maskell and Clifton councillors Margaret Wells and Stuart Rawlings meeting residents and sharing in the fun.
How nice is this?! Just chilling in the sun with my picnic @TGGT_Clifton ….a lovely community event!@ValeYorkAcademy pic.twitter.com/ay3ANjtNbJ
— VOY Community (@valeofyorkcomco) June 17, 2017
Tea and street parties
Tea In The Park and Community Jam featured singing in the wood, yoga, games and a bird trail all in Rowntree Park.
It was organised by Kate Lock, Imelda Havers and Lyndall Nicoll of Glass Half Full, and journalist Jacey Lamerton, with help from Barry Beckwith of Red Tower, and support from the Friends of Rowntree Park.
Rachael Maskell and newly-elected Micklegate ward councillor Johnny Crawshaw both joined in the fun.
Musicians turned out to provide informal entertainment for the picnic, which took place in the performance area of the park.
It was a really beautiful and relaxed afternoon.
The singing in the wood – led by Jon Hughes, director of the Stonegate Singers Community Choir – was particularly lovely and sounded quite ethereal.
We learned two songs by ear and about 50 people did it. We also enjoyed doing sun salutations with Jon to chill out at the end.
– Kate Lock
There were similar scenes on Scarcroft Green as people sat down together for picnics while children played in the sunshine.
In Glen Gardens, people enjoyed refreshments sold in a pop-up kiosk, with all funds raised going to the Jo Cox Foundation.
And the Claremont Terrace Residents’ Association organised a street party, one of several which sprang up around the city.
Fabulous turn out for the #greatgetogether on Scarcroft Green. @MicklegateWard doing us proud! pic.twitter.com/c7Bf6Zb9h3
— Jonny Crawshaw (@JonnyPolitics) June 17, 2017
At our local #GreatGetTogether @HeworthWard in York, celebrating community & remembering to #lovelikeJo #LabourParty pic.twitter.com/NbmKWQYirU
— Catherine Oakley (@cat_oakley) June 18, 2017
#greatgetogether Our street party in York remembering there's more that unites us than keeps us apart #JoCoxMP pic.twitter.com/dSn87WV8id
— Barrie J Stephenson (@barstep) June 17, 2017
Paddling, pools, an amazing array of homemade food & a lot of neighbourly love at our york #greatgettogether street party. #moreincommon pic.twitter.com/JX6mzt7A3a
— Sophie Coulombeau (@SMCoulombeau) June 18, 2017
‘Well done all’
Organised by the Acomb Collective, the Great Get Together on Acomb Green included delicious treats donated by Tea On The Green and the Pig And Pastry.
Jamie Baker wrote on Facebook: “What an awesome day! Well done all! So lovely to meet so many new and old friends.”
People picnicked in the sunshine in Derwenthorpe, while Waterstones York, people were brought together through their love of reading with a book swap.
A perfect day for #GreatGetTogether in Acomb today, why not pop down to The Green pic.twitter.com/w2EtUc0nQg
— Rachael Maskell MP (@RachaelMaskell) June 18, 2017
Wow!! Here's the table of goodies to find. We've already seen people make friends. #moreincommon #GreatGetTogether @Waterstones pic.twitter.com/WUaDlm8vAF
— Waterstones York (@WaterstonesYork) June 16, 2017