‘Telling Our Story’: Black History Month & Fundraising Event
‘Telling Our Story’: Black History Month & Fundraising event on Saturday 14th October 2017
The Waltham Forest, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association held a fundraising event with the theme ‘Telling our Story’ at the Lister Hall, Leytonstone High Road Methodist Church.
‘Telling our Story’ was an exhibition of performances that were carefully crafted in a series of creative writing workshops under the auspices of Jane U. Grell, a local poet, singer and storyteller of both national and international repute.
Performances on the night included those who had attended the workshops, telling their story through the medium of poetry or expressive storytelling, most of whom had never performed in public before.
Accompanied by drummer Nya-P and saxophonist Lezek, Jane led the audience in renditions of traditional Caribbean songs. The musical entertainment continued with the sweet sounds of traditional spirituals by soloist Danielle as well as Harry Hughes and his Steel band.
Inspirational and thought provoking historical stories were told by the dynamic Martin Spafford, a local historian. The event ended with members of the DONA quadrille dancers giving a demonstration of the traditional quadrille dance ably assisted by members of the audience in the true spirit of the Twinning Association’s motto ‘Sharing our culture and heritage’.
The night was supported by the Mayor of Waltham Forest Cllr Yemi Osho who is the Patron of the Twinning Association, Deputy High Commissioner for Antigua & Barbuda Mrs Althea Vanderpoole Banahene and Mrs Agnes Adonis representing the High Commission of Commonwealth of Dominica.
Also in attendance were the executives of the Antigua and Barbuda Nationals Association (ABNA) and Dominica Overseas Nationals Association (DONA).
The event exceeded its target by raising £540.42 which was evenly distributed between the rebuilding Barbuda and Dominica funds and Diabetes UK, which is the Mayor of Waltham Forest’s chosen charity for 2017-18.
The Twinning Association is grateful to all those who attended the event and look forward to their continued support. If you are interested in participating in future ‘Telling Our Story’ creative writing workshops please contact wftwinningassociation@gmail.com. For more information about the Twinning Association please go to www.wftwinningassociation.org.
