Derby Homes helding celebrations on Monday 19 February 2007 to mark the Chinese New Year.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS COME TO DERBY HOMES

Derby Homes held celebrations on Monday 19 February 2007 to mark the Chinese New Year.

Between 12pm and 2pm, Derby Homes staff, partners and customers had the opportunity to eat mouth-watering Chinese cuisine, learn about the many customs and traditions associated with this celebration, experience Chinese Horoscopes and took part in a raffle to raise money for The Friends of The Macmillan Unit.

Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. The Chinese year 4705 begins on February 18 2007. This year is the year of the pig and it is said that those born in pig years tend to have excellent manners, make and keep friends, work very hard, and appreciate luxury. They are very loving and make loyal partners.

James & Yenny Fu the proprietors of the Excelsior Restaurant on Becket Street, Derby which provided the food for the event also gave people information about the celebration on the day.  They officially opened the festivities at 12pm and staff, City Councillors, contractors and board members all joined in the celebrations.

Phil Davies, Chief Executive of Derby Homes said: “This was a great opportunity for all of us at Derby Homes to learn about a vibrant part of the Derby community, and to raise funds for a local charity. It is part of Derby Homes' commitment to diversity and encouraging community cohesion. The Chinese New Year is 4705, which makes you realise how ancient the Chinese civilisation is. And yet today China is the new economic superpower. I enjoyed learning more about Chinese food, customs and traditions.”

The festivities had an informal and relaxed atmosphere and staff were encouraged to dress in non-work clothes. All proceeds raised during the day went to Charity.