COMMUNITIES and cuisine from around the world were celebrated in Evesham with a special pudding club at All Saints’ Church on December 9.
Organised by Evesham curate, the Revd Prajna Pal-Lad, the event saw people from across the globe, now settled in Evesham, share their favourite desserts from their homeland.
Supported by Evesham Welcomes Refugees, the event marked the end of a weekend of national initiatives organised by Together with Refugees from December 5 to 7.
Individuals from all cultures and nationalities were invited to bring a traditional pud to the church and talk about the memories of childhood that it evoked.
Each person explained how the pudding was made and then everyone was able to sample it before the individual and their homeland were prayed for.
Dishes sampled included those brought by individuals originating from Syria, India, Bulgaria, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Ukraine, and Denmark.
UK classics such as Christmas pudding, apple pie, and bread and butter pudding were also enjoyed.
Revd Pal-Lad brought an Indian pudding, which is served on special occasions.
“This pudding reminds me of love, care and nurture, everything a home should be. It evokes feelings of safety and unconditional love,” and added “It was great to see our table this evening loaded with puddings from so many different cultures.
“Puddings are made of indulgent ingredients and remind us that living in God’s world is about being cherished in a place we can call home, a place where every person is welcomed,” she said.
One participant, Luba, who has live in the UK for 20 years brought a traditional Ukrainian Christmas pudding, made with seeds and nuts.
She said: “My wish is that all those in Ukraine would be able to celebrate Christmas. I visited Ukraine with the MOD in the summer.
“Things were terrible then, but are 100 times worse now, and it’s difficult to know how people are surviving.
“So many innocent lives have been affected, and it shouldn’t be happening anywhere in the world.”
The event was also attended by the acting Bishop of Worcester, Martin Gorick, and the mayor and mayoress of Evesham.
The mayor, Councillor John Clatworthy, added: “Evesham is renowned for welcoming refugees and helping them to settle in our community.
“Many have escaped persecution and fear, and we want them to feel at home here.
“Events like this evening are about putting that welcome into action, not just talking about it.”
