Over 80 local people celebrated Chinese New Year at a special event organised by the Wah Hong Chinese Association, which was held at Eastwood Methodist Church Hall in Rotherham this week.

The event was supported by the One Town One Community grant campaign run by South Yorkshire Community Foundation, which has been made available through the Government’s Grassroots Grants programme, in association with NHS Rotherham and the Rotherham Partnership. 

The event brought together members not only of the Chinese community, but also people from many different backgrounds, to celebrate Chinese culture and learn more about its traditions.  The event was attended by Cllr Rose McNeely and cabinet member for community development equality and young people Cllr Mahroof Hussain who were presented with Chinese New Year cards produced by members of the Wah Hong Chinese Association

Entertainment was provided by the Sheffield & District Chinese School, who performed a traditional Lion Dance.   There were also a number of performances of Chinese songs and music by local young people, plus a Tai Chi demonstration by Wah Hong Chinese Association Chair Jo Mailer.   The showcase of entertainments was followed by a traditional Chinese buffet.

Jo Mailer, chair of the Wah Hong Chinese Association, said: “The event was a great success and brought lots of different people together from the community.  Rotherham has a well established Chinese community and the event was about celebrating and promoting ethnic diversity in Rotherham.”

Cllr Mahroof Hussain said: “This was a really good opportunity for lots of people from our community to get together and enjoy the traditions and food associated with the Chinese New Year.  Events like this help to break down barriers and enable us all to share different experiences, gain a better understanding and learn from each other, as part of creating stronger bonds in our community.”

Pauline Grice, chief executive of South Yorkshire Community Foundation, said: “We were pleased to be able to support this event through the One Town One Community grant campaign for Rotherham.  Since the campaign launched in Summer 2010, community groups have been able to take advantage of a share of £120,000 towards activities that promote healthy living and community engagement in Rotherham.”

For more information on One Town One Community, visit the website www.rotherham.gov.uk/onetownonecommunity.