Seasonal songs
It’s where we started. It’s where we’ve now finished our first calendar year. East Preston’s Clockhouse Bar is unique. It’s a smart city pub in a sleepy Sussex village. And this is where the Momentum Christmas Special took place last night.
We took over the upper room, put out the Waitrose mince pies, and waited. Gradually, blokes started arriving. There were about 11 of us, and I thought, that would be fine. Then others followed. And a few more. Eventually, men filled the place. Our friendly neighbourhood landlord Colin was bringing extra chairs. We couldn’t have fitted more in the room if we’d tried.
Local singer-songwriter Rob Newey performed a set of festive material and shared a few stories. It was like a traditional ‘folk club’ vibe. When he’d finished, I felt Rob had left us with our hunger for meaning satisfied. At this time of year it’s hard to see the truth amid the tinsel, but our guest artist guided us to the heart of it all.
Along with his own compositions, Rob sang a few covers – including a haunting Kathryn Scott number and a retro track He’s Everything To Me, originally recorded by Sir Cliff back in the 60s! How Rob pulls these rarities out of the hat, none of us will know.
There was plenty of time for consuming mince pies and shortbread. And the booming volume of blokey voices showed guys were grabbing the opportunity to ‘talk God’ with one another. I was particularly encouraged by the conversations I had that evening.
Thanks to everyone who attended and made it a special occasion to round off the first year for our fledgling men’s movement. See you in 2012 for such planned activities as – a big breakfast, a one-day reflective retreat and an Olympic-themed evening. Happy Christmas, chaps!
