Our email inboxes pinged recently with an email from our Director John Mooney, and honestly, it knocked us all sideways.
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind – the emails, the meetings, the sheer volume of “stuff” that needs doing. But John’s reflection, sparked by seeing photos from the recent community events at the Cricket Club and Bradley pitches, was a beautiful, witty and perfectly timed reminder of why we’re all here.
If good work is love made visible, then John just gave us a clear view of a whole lot of love.
Here is John’s reflection, which really sums up the extraordinary eleven months we’ve shared…
A Year in the East Marsh: A Director’s View
Hello All,
I’ve just been reading on Facebook about the most recent EMU community events, at the Cricket Club and Bradley pitches, and it got me thinking about all of the things I’ve been involved with over the past eleven months because of the work you all do.
I’ve:
- Seen kids doing live shows becoming multi-instrumentalists.
- Been in the backing group for Opera North.
- Watched a movie in a black tent on the beach. (I have some issues with the artist involved)
- Been on a canal boat with the Talking Tuesday group (Don’t mention the van windscreen)
- Seen huge efforts to make the East Marsh Green.
- Helped erect dome tents and dismantle teepees.
- Sung some truly awful and truly lovely Christmas songs.
- Played Odin (that might have been last year but, whatever)
- Been part of a choir that’s got its voice around some really tricky stuff.
- Seen how life saving providing a real home can be and what hard work it is to make that happen.
- Watched the process of getting the finances more organised.
- Heard that local businesses, because of their connection with EMU, want to help make Christmas special for EMU residents.
- Watched, how when things get tricky, you support each other to get through the barriers.
- Written an East Marsh Shanty.
If I’ve missed anything out I apologise, so feel free to add to the list, but I think it’s really important to look back and see where you’ve been and what’s changed as a result of your work.
I was once told by someone that good work is love made visible and I feel very lucky to be part of the work that you all do.
So, before I descend into total cheese, Felice Navidad (choir joke) and congratulations for all of the work you have done and the changes you’ve helped make happen.
Cheers my Friends
A Message of Pride and Thanks
The response to John’s email was immediate and heartfelt. As Sue commented:
“Wow John this is very lovely to read and thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and feelings with us.
It’s easy to get lost in the melee of stuff but to read it like this makes me proud of everyone and what we’ve done and continue to do. This includes you John, your wisdom, experience and humour helps make the challenges doable….. thank you x”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves, Sue. The East Marsh community is all the better for the collective effort, passion, and, let’s be honest, the occasional wonderful Christmas song!
Thank you, John, and thank you to every single person who makes this work love made visible.
