11th January 2012

BRIDPORT: Unitarians set to stage more events in 2012

By Chris Denne

Bridport’s multi-faith Unitarians are hoping to build on the success of their winter celebration by holding more events in 2012. Over a hundred people gathered in the Chapel in the Garden on East Street at the end of the year to celebrate Christmas, Hannukah and the Winter Solstice in an event organised by Lizzie Hornby.

The nativity was performed with the aid of puppets, the Jewish tradition of lighting candles for Hannukah was explained, and pre-Christian mid-winter traditions were recounted. Shaman Charlotte Gush was also on hand to talk about Shamanism.

And with everyone enjoying the ensuing music, singing and dancing, Ms Hornby hopes future events will be well attended.

She intends to open up the chapel to meditation groups, a multi-faith “soul choir”, groups for older people and children, and generally encourage positive living through meditation and relaxation. She will also teach Raiki, a Japanese healing technique.

The Unitarian chapel will also host regular Sunday services welcoming people of all faiths, including no faith at all, hopefully realising Ms Hornby’s vision of creating a space to explore and question spirituality.

“I am really keen to create a multi-faith community in Bridport because it is important to unify people,” she said.

PICTURE: Lizzie Hornby with Julie Riley, Fleur Gardner-Wray, Carmel Gardner and Jane Saunders inside Bridport’s Unitarian chapel