Planning for the event started in the winter but came together on a glorious June evening when we enjoyed and celebrated the spirit of Africa. The African heritage members of S I Manchester wished to highlight their traditions during the centenary year and it all came together in a wonderful mix of colour, music, dance, food and fun.
The drummers set the scene with the rhythmic beating of the djembe drums followed by the wonderful dancers. The delicious African food followed supplemented with dishes and desserts provided by Soroptimist members.
The priorities of S I Manchester were highlighted by President Fiona, representatives of The River Manchester, and Alison’s daughter Clarissa and her friend Katie. All gave moving accounts of their work with victims of domestic abuse with one African lady telling her story as a victim and the important support she had received from The River. Clarissa and Katie explained how they had worked for two summers in Tanzania with women and girls in the areas of domestic abuse, HIV/AIDS and economic poverty.
As usual the customary quiz exercised minds as we were tasked with identifying the various flags of African countries.
The evening finished with dancing and the feeling that this was more than just a fund raising event but was a gathering where we experienced the rich vibrancy of heritage and harmony that is Africa.
Carole Swarbrick, Immediate Past President
Quotes from some of our members –
‘Wonderful evening, a really good party.’ – Sophie
‘Great evening, hard work and combined effort made it a great success and good fun.’ – Hilary
‘An African night to remember full of colour, music, delicious food and great fun.’ – Val
‘The evening was fabulous, it was so well organised by Catherine, Liz, Lillian, Fii and Fabiola to be a celebration of Africa and a fun festive night.‘ – President Fiona
‘So enjoyed the video Alison forwarded to me. Great introduction from our President Fiona and the music, dancing and fabulous dresses were fantastic.’ – Rosemary (in Skiathos)
‘Great night! Well organised and well executed. What a lovely celebration.’ – Cathrine
‘Well done to all the hardworking ladies who put the evening together. It was a fabulous evening with amazing food and entertainment.‘ – Alison
‘Well done everyone. it was a wonderful night.’ – Rosemarie