Cllr. Peter
Pragnell, new leader of Hastings Bourough Council
not only attended the Celebrating Cultural Diversity Network
(CCDN)'s monthly "BRING A DISH" in honour of the National
REFUGEE WEEK, but actively joined in, preparing the
popular Dish Mjadara, a toothsome mix of spiced rice,
lentils and sautéed onions with a minty yogurt side
introduced by journalist Nadine Marroushi from the local
Palestinian Community.
Pam Brown,
former Mayor of Hastings
and now a long-term member of CCDN said:
" I remember over a year ago,
attending the very first BRING A DISH was a rare treat,
highlighting local talent of people from diverse cultures
and faiths. This had a ripple effect and I am proud that
CCDN have sustained a consistent supportive presence that
local communities can rely on."
Cllr. Daniel Poulter added:
“Nurturing
friendships and meaningful debates CCDN actively helps
people to claim "a home away from home", fighting isolation
and assisting agencies, local groups, families and
individuals to network and reach out to one another.”
Our
gratitude goes to
Senegalese Singer and Kora Player Kadialy Kouyate,
honouring the grief of a 10 year old boy who's mum recently
died with the gentle strokes of his African tunes. Here the
saying: "It takes a whole village to raise a single
child" is brought into life, encouraging people to
step out of anonymousness, embracing creative self
expression instead.
A big Thank you also goes to
Andrea Rainger from the Red Cross, spreading news of the "I
am Alive" Campaign and Iraqi Photographer Alias K.
Giardo , whose exhibition and slide show provided a
unique insight into the diversity of Hastings & St Leonards’
Community Celebrations from the perspective of an Asylum
Seeker and Refugee.
Young People
performed dramatic dances and back flips on the trampoline
and many enjoyed the tranquility of the sea view in front of
the the small fire, a traditional focal point of
communication amongst indigenous communities.
The Free Cultural Celebration
ended with a lot of laughter and a Jewish Peace & Circle
Dance: SHALOM led by Marie-Helen Dalila.
CCDN
Director Genni Fernandes
said: "The next
BRING A DISH Celebration is a collaboration with the
Hastings Senior Forum and Gizmo: a special
meeting of the old and the young. CCDN warmly invites all
members of local communities to step out and join in:
Saturday 29th of July
4-9pm
20 West Hill Road, St
Leonards on Sea
