A Light in the Darkness
The closure of the Glencraft Workshops in November 2009 brought to an end not only 160 years of significant quality workmanship in the city, but also brought to an end employment for 51 workers, many of whom had worked all their lives in the workplace that was a community and family to them. The timing of the closure has brought added financial hardship to many, most of whom are still looking for new employment.
On Thursday 11 December, those same workers were invited to a Christmas Party at the Salvation Army base, the Citadel in Castle Street, organised by the churches across Aberdeen. Northsound 1 & 2 brought their music, and with food provided by the Salvation Army and a gift and card supplied by members of various churches, a glimmer of brightness broke into an otherwise dark and bleak Christmas time.
Amongst those present at the Party was Councillor Barney Crockett, who had been Chairman of the Council Committee overseeing Glencraft, the acting Moderator of the Presbytery of Aberdeen Maureen Simpson, the City Centre Chaplain Cate Adams, and Rev Hugh Wallace whose Presbytery Committee organised the event.
Mr Wallace said: “We were delighted to be able to offer an evening of fun to these men and women, but we are fully aware of the on-going difficulties that many will face. The Christian community across the city has always tried to provide care to some of the most vulnerable and needy folk across the city. The Salvation Army continues to care for the needy; the Street Pastors will meet up with revellers throughout the Christmas season and churches will have their doors open to welcome visitors and strangers to join them to sing carols and celebrate the coming of the Light of the World into a darkened world. Perhaps a Light shone for a few hours for some at the Citadel this week. We hope so.”