On Friday 28 February our parish Ladies’ Auxiliary organized a pancake night at the John Gebhardt Centre in Waratah, the home of the Newcastle and Hunter Region Ethnic Communities Council.  In this, much help was received from Elena Ferguson, Family Worker at Northern Settlement Services, and from Russian, Ukrainian and Belarussian ladies from across the Hunter Valley.  Over 120 adults and children attended, enjoying pancakes and a range of traditional foods.  The week beginning Monday 24 February was Maslenitsa – Orthodox Shrovetide – during which the people customarily relax and enjoy festive foods before the beginning of Great Lent.  Over $2400.00 was raised on the night, money that will help the Ladies’ Auxiliary in its work.  Many thanks to all who helped, and to all who attended!