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Inthisedition,weareexcitedtoshare newsabouttherecentvisitoftheEast TimorAmbassadortoBridgwater, highlightingthesignificanceofbuilding internationalconnections.Wecelebrate therichtapestryofculturesthatmakeour communitiesuniqueatthecultural celebrationevents.Readontodiscover thelatestupdatesandstoriesfromour communityspotlights!
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@somersetdiversecommunities
@ruralsomerset
@somersetdiversecommunities
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INTHISISSUE
EastTimorAmbassador VisitsBridgwater!
Windrush75th Anniversary2023
WewanttohearfromYOU ourreaders!
PolishSaturdaySchoolof JanBrzechwainTaunton
CommunityInformation
CulturalEvents
NewWorkshops andmuchmore!
NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2023
WelcometothefifthissueoftheSomerset DiverseCommunitiesNewsletter.
Fundedby
EastTimorAmbassadorVisitsBridgwater!
JoaoPaolodaCostaRangelhasjust becometheEastTimoreseAmbassadorto theUK.Hissecondofficialvisit(after Peterborough)wasBridgwaterwherehe wasgreetedbyMayoroftheTownCllrMick Lerry,CllrBrianSmedley,MichalPuzynski (SomersetDiverseCommunitiesManager), DavidMears(TownClerk),Ann-MarieGould (CommunityDevelopmentOfficer),Sally Mann(ArtisticDirectorofFuseSomerset OutdoorArts)andMichaelThomas (CatholicPriest).
Bridgwaterisoneofthetop5host communitiesinthecountryforthecitizens ofTimorLeste,andasthenewgovernment ofthisyoungcountryseektomakefriends aroundtheworld,itbecameapriorityforthe newambassador.
Therearesome600+peoplefromthissmall PacificOceanislandnationlivingand workingandbringingtheiruniqueOceanic culturetoBridgwater.
VisitingBridgwaterTownHall,the Ambassador,MrRangel,thankedthepeople ofthetownthroughitsMayor,forhostingthe Timoreseandforthefriendshipand hospitalityshown,whilelocalcommunity organiserLisaJeronimo,presenteda performanceofEastTimoresesongand danceontheTownHallstageandprovided Oceanicfoodofpapaya,riceandanarray ofspices.
CllrMickLerrywarmlywelcomedthe AmbassadorandtheTimoresecommunity andtheyexchangedgifts.Bridgwaterhad contributedasilversalverfortheEmbassy whilsttheAmbassadorbroughtfriendship adornmentsandnumerousbagsofTimorese coffee.
“BridgwaterTownCouncilsupportsour guestworkercommunitiesandencourages everyonetoworktogethertoenhancethe townforthebetter.Weprovidefundsand supportfortheBridgwaterTogether organisationwhichisaleaderinthetownfor thismovetowardsintegration,mutual supportandintercommunity understanding."CllrSmedley
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SDCManagerMichalPuzynskimeeting theEastTimoreseAmbassador
PolishSaturdaySchoolofJanBrzechwain Taunton
Since2010,PolskaSzkołaSobotniaim.Jana BrzechwywTauntonpromotesknowledge ofPolishheritageandenablesthe cultivationoftradition,whilestrengthening theculturalidentityofbilingualstudents.
Bilingualismhasapositiveimpacton creativethinking.Abroaderresourceof wordsgivesyouagreateropportunityto expressyourfeelings.Improveslearning speedandstrengthenstheabilitytothink causativelyandeffectively.
Participatingintheirclassesnotonly developstheabilitytousewrittenand spokenPolish,butalsothroughnew friendshipsandparticipationincultural events,harmonizesthesenseofbelonging.
Theschoolhasanexperiencedteaching staffwhoarecharacterisedbypatriotism, passionforteachingandtheloveof children.
ClassesareheldonSaturdaysfrom10am to1pm(September–June)andtheageof thestudentsrangesfrom4to14years.
Ifyouwantmoreinformation,please contactthePolishSaturdaySchoolof JanBrzechwaat: szkolataunton@gmail.comorvisit theirFacebookprofilebyscanning theQRcode
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MORE @szkolataunton 2
Windrush75thAnniversary2023
Thisyearmarksthe75thanniversaryofthearrival ofpassengersoftheEmpireWindrushtoBritain.
ThishasbeenanimportanttimeinBritishhistoryas wehavecometogethertocelebratefour generationsofcontribution,legacy,struggleand positivechange.
Windrush75Network,anationalplatform,hasbeen raisingawarenessoftheanniversaryandhelping organisationstoplan,promoteandpublicisetheir events.SomersetAfricanCaribbeanNetwork (SACN)aremembersofthisnetwork.Aswellasthe amazingeventsthathavebeenputon,therehave alsobeenstoriesoftheWindrushGenerationthat haveappearedonbillboardsandatbusstopsup anddownthecountry.
SomersetAfricanCaribbeanNetworkhavebeen busycelebratingtheanniversary.
ThededicatednationalWindrushDayisonJune 22nd.ThepictureisoftheNationalWindrush MonumentatWaterlooStationwithaminister fromtheJamaicanHighCommission.Thiswas takenatthebeginningofthe“WalkofWitness“on WindrushDay.SACNtookpartinthewalkwhich wasfromWaterloostationtoSouthwarkCathedral inLondon,wheretherewasaservice.
Duringthewalk,SusannSavidgeChairofSomerset AfricanCaribbeanNetworkspoketothemedia; BBCLondon,SkyTVandTheMirrornewspaper.
visit:www.somersetafricancaribbean.network/
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“Windrush All Year Round and Beyond”
TherehavebeenlotsofcelebrationshappeningacrosstheUKtorecognisethe achievementsandcontributionmadebytheWindrushGenerationandtheirdescendants.
Therehavebeenanumberofcommemorativeitemsthathavebeenmadeavailable-the RoyalMailproducedstampsandtheRoyalMintreleasedanewcoin.
Someeventswillbetakingplacethroughouttherestoftheyear.
HereatSomersetAfricanCaribbeanNetworkwearecelebratingallyearround.Weare alreadyplanningWindrusheventsfor2024!
Lookoutforsomeofourexcitingfutureevents:
‘SoundSystemstoSoul’attheManorHotelYeovil30thSeptember2023.Ticketsareselling fast!
BlackHistoryMonthChildren’sStorytellingWindrusheventatYeovilLibrary7thOctober from2to3pm.Aninteractivesessionforallthefamily.Therewillalsobeawindowdisplay laterinthemonth.
Othereventsaretobeannounced.
Remembranceperiod-HonouringAfrican,AfricanCaribbeanservicemenandwomen. AnnualBlackPoppyRosewreathlayingeventsacrossthecounty.Talksanddisplayswillbe takingplace.
Honouringapioneeringgenerationonwhoseshoulderswestand.
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Membership&futureeventspleasecontact: sacnevents2023@gmail.com orSACN2020@outlook.com
WewanttohearfromYOUourreaders!
Wearelookingatworkingandcommunicatingmoreefficientlyacrossallofour programmes.Oneofthestepswearetakingistocondenseournewslettersandbulletins toreduceourduplicatedcontentandincreasethenumbersofcommunitiesandpeople wereach.
Youropinionmattersgreatlytous,andwebelievethatyourvaluablefeedbackwillplaya pivotalroleinshapingourdecisionsmovingforward.Byparticipatinginthisbriefsurvey, youcanhelpusunderstandhowwecandelivercontentmoreefficiently.
Weappreciatethetimeyoutaketocompletethissurveyandcontributetoour sustainabilityefforts.
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PortugueseCulturalDay
Onthe8July2023Chardcametogetherto celebratePortugueseculturalday.Thefestivaltook placeaspartofChardmuseum’sheritageopen day,withsupportfromChardCommunityHuband SomersetDiverseCommunities.
Thereweresardinesandarangeofothertraditional PortuguesefoodsontheBBQ,homemadesangria, stalls,traditionalsongsandgames.Eventhoughthe raindecidedtomakeanappearance,thefestivities changedlocationandcontinuedinsidethe museum.Withover250peopleattending,theday wasahitwithsomanydifferentcommunities comingtogethertocelebrate.
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NewSomersetDiverseCommunities WorkshopsandTrainings
SDCworkshopsandculturalawareness sessionsarebecomingmoreandmore popularwithfrontlineworkerswhoneedto understandthechallengesandnuancesof workingwithminorities.
Inrecentmonthswehavebeendeliveringa numberofpresentationsonethnicallydiverse communitiesinSomerset.
Understandingtheneeds,barriersandcultural aspectsofminoritycommunitiesallowsyouto achievemoreproductiveresultsatworkandin everydaylife.Thatiswhyourpassionisto sharetheexperienceandknowledgegained duringmanyyearsofcooperationwith ethnicallydiversecommunitiesinSomerset.
Ifyouareinterestedinourworkshop,please contactus:michal@somersetrcc.org.uk
“Iwouldliketoexpressmy sinceregratitudeforyourvisitto 'UniversityCentreSomerset' (UCS).Yourpresentationwas fantastic,andithadasignificant impactonournursingstudents.
Theythoroughlyenjoyedthe sessionandgainedadeeper understandingofthediverse communitiesinSomerset,which theyserveaspartoftheirnursing practice.”
LucyLeighton|Nurse Educator/Assessor/Health,Care &IntegratedProfessions
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WorkingTogethertoReachCommunities!
On16thand17thAugust,SomersetDiverseCommunitiestogetherwithCitizens AdviceBridgwatervisitedtheHinkelyPointC(HPC)sitetopromotetheprojects andsupportservicesweprovide.
TheHPCisoneofthelargestemployersinourcounty,currentlyemployingpeople fromover110countries!
Wehavespokentoanumberofpeopleaboutservicesavailableandpromoted upcomingprojectsandeventssuchasBridgwaterTogetherandSmallGrant Fund.
Wealsolistenedtoconcernsandideasregardingfutureprojects,andwefound outwhatotherneedspeopleforwhomSomersethasbecomeanewhomemay have.WehopethatthenewfriendshipsforgedwillbenefitbothHPCemployees andthewidercommunityofourcounty.
Series3
Episode1:AndyRidgewell (ProgrammesDirectoratthe SomersetCommunityFoundation) talksaboutprojectfundingand availablegrants.
Episode2:JonBarrett(Community EngagementandVolunteering Officer)talksabouttheQuantock LandscapePartnershipScheme (QLPS)aboutwhogetsinvolvedin natureandhow.
Haveyoutunedintothe2023 Podcasts? www.ccslovesomerset.org/series-3/
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YevoilTogether2023!
A celebration of cultural diversity
YeovilTogetherstartedin2021andhasnow becomeanannualflagshipculturaleventin Yeovil.Itsucceedsinbringingthewhole communitytogethertoencourageintercultural dialoguethroughmusic,dance,storytelling, familyworkshopsandthesharingoffood.This helpstobreakdownbarriersaroundethnicity, raceandcultureandshowcasesthepositive contributionsofYeovil’sethnicallydiverse communities.
Inthefirstyeartheeventattractedaround500 people,initssecondyearover1700andthis yearwehadthepleasureofwelcomingaround 2000people.Theeventisgrowingfromstrength tostrengtheveryyear.
Authenticinternationalcuisinewaspreparedin kitchensaroundYeoviltosharewiththewider community.ThefoodrangedfromIndianstreet foods,Nigeriandelicacieswrappedinbanana leaves,traditionalSyrianpastries,Guyanese cuisineandUkrainiansavouries.Somethingfor everyone’spalate!
TheperformancesatYeovilTogether2023 predominantlyconsistedoftalented,local peoplefromethnicallydiversecommunities whowerevolunteeringtime.Theperformances weresodiverserangingfromagroupofIndian nursesperformingclassicalIndiandance,to KristianPolanski,ayoungpersonfromYeovil, whoisthecurrentPolishBeatboxingChampion. Therewassomethingthereforeveryoneofall agestoenjoy.
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YeovilTogethercontinued...
Localschoolsalsohadanopportunityto shineatYeovilTogether2023byenteringa performanceattheeventwhichaskedthem toexploretheirinterpretationof multiculturalism.Thisyearwealsointroduced acompetitionforschoolsaround multiculturalartworkwhichwasdisplayedas anartexhibitionattheevent.Intotalsixof Yeovil’sprimaryandsecondaryschool participatedandotherlocalschoolshave alreadyaskedtobeinvolvednextyear.
ThefirsteverYeovilCricketFestivalwasalso heldatYeovilTogether2023.Thiswasjointly runbyYeovilCricketClubandSomerset CricketFoundationandenabledcommunity groupstosubmitteamsforacompetitive minitournament.Withmuchexcitementthe BengalTigerswontheYeovilTogethertrophy.
YeovilTogether2023alsowelcomedJennifer Achiro,DeputyLordLieutenantofSomerset andalsoofUgandanheritage,andYeovil Mayor,AndyKendallwhobothcommented onthevibrantatmosphereoftheevent.
ThesuccessofYeovilTogetherisbasedon thecollaborationbetweendifferentethnically diversecommunitiescomingtogetherand formingtheYeovilTogethercommittee.
JoannaBogunska,acommittee memberandhostatYeovilTogether 2023sumsuptheessenceoftheevent;
“Iwouldliketoconveymydeepest thanksforyourinvaluablesupportin showcasingourPolishcultureatthe event.ThePolishstandwasa resoundingsuccess,fromthecolourful decorationstothedelectablePolish cuisine,wewereabletoofferatruly authenticexperiencetovisitors.The commitmenttofosteringunityand celebratingdiversitywasevident throughouttheevent,anditwasan honourtobepartofsuchaninclusive celebration.Itwasanenriching experiencethatwillforeverholda specialplaceinmyheart”.
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TraditionalFolkSongsandMusicinSomerset
Doyousingtraditionalfolksongsinyourfirstlanguage?
Doyouplaytraditionalfolkmusicfromyourhomeland?
WouldyouliketomeetotherfolksingersandmusiciansinSomersetwhose musicisculturallydiverse?·
Wouldyouliketolearnfromothers,sharesongsandperformforthepublic together?
Iftheanswerisyes,thenAmandafromthecharityWindroseRuralMediaTrust wouldliketohearfromyou.
Windroseiscreatingaprojecttocombinefolksongsandmusicwitharchivefilm ofSomerset.Musiciansandsingerswouldworktowardsdevelopingashowwith aSomersetbasedfolksingerandtheshowswouldbedeliveredtothepublicin venuesacrossSomerset.Theywanttoworkwithpeoplewhoarelivingin Somerset,whosemusicaltraditionsoriginateintheirhomecountries.Theyare goingtoapplytotheNationalHeritageLotteryFundandiftheapplicationis successfulthiswouldbeapaidopportunityfortheparticipants.
Inthefirstinstancetheywouldliketohearfrompeoplewhowouldliketodiscuss theprojectinmoredetail.
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11 ContactAmanda folksinger25@yahoo.co.uk
SCAN FOR OUR SOMERSET WELCOME PACK
Or visit:ccslovesomerset.org/app/uploads/2022/09/Somerset-Welcome-Pack-G-s.pdf
This pack includes information on:
Healthcare
Educationandschools
Housing
Benefits,employment,moneyanddebt
EnglishforSpeakersofOtherLanguages(ESOL)and languagesupport
Religion
Socialeventsandactivities
Volunteeringopportunities
Internationalfoodsshops
Generalinformationandusefullinks
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WHERE? WHEN? WEHOPETOSEEYOUTHERE
16thSeptember 11am-3pm
Polish&UkrainianCultural Day ChardMuseum
30thSeptember From2pm Musicstarts @8pmuntil late!
SoundSystemstoSoul
Windrush75-LiveMusic Event
TheManorHotel, 26Hendford,Yeovil, BA201TG
Tickets£10via: https://tinyurl.com/2hth5 c3s
7thOctober YeovilLibrary 2pm-3pm
BlackHistoryMonth: ChildrensStorytelling
YeovilLibrary,King GeorgeStreet,Yeovil BA201PY
8thOctober 12pm-3pm
MulticulturalFrome
CheeseandGrain MarketYard,Frome BA111BE
11thNovember 11am-4pm
BridgwaterTogether BridgwaterTownHall
Wearedelightedtoinviteyoutothelivemulticulturalevents!
Whattoexpect!
Deliciousfoodfromaroundtheworld,music,performances,presentationsandmuchmore. Comealongwithyourfriendsandfamilytocelebratediversityofourregion.
Date/Time Time Event Venue
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DoyouWorkatHinkleyPointC(HPC)?
Wouldyouliketohaveanactivitydayandmeetyour localHPCcommunity?
WearehostingaseriesofFREEactivitydaysand wantyourideas...wouldyouliketoattend:
Bowling Workshop Sportsmatch
Kayakingsession
Sightseeingsession
Cookeryclass
Getintouchandshareyourideas-welook forwardtohearingfromyou-contactMichal.
Ourlastbowling sessionwasattended by12people,from3 nationalities.
by email: michal somersetrcc.org.uk
@ HinkleyPointCWorkersWebpage DownloadableSomersetWelcomePack Communityinformation Events Services Visit:www.ccslovesomerset.org/hinkley-point-c-workers/ 14
Funded
www.ccslovesomerset.org/sdc
Saturday 16th September 2023 11am - 3pm
Chard Museum Discover
Heritage crafts
Arts and crafts Experience food from Poland & Ukraine
polish& polish& Ukrainian Ukrainian CulturalDay CulturalDay Share&CelebrateCulture
new
cultures in Somerset with: Live performances
Chard Community Hub CIC, 9 Fore Street, Chard, TA20 1PH Company registration No.14246662
Live Music Family& Children's Activities
Films
Talks Stalls
Drinkto share!
You can be part of this multicultural event by: Performing, presenting, run a workshop/stall, cook or volunteer. Join us to make this day represent the Bridgwater community!
@BridgwaterTogether
We started this event in 2015
Organised by international communities from Bridgwater
To be part of the day contact:
michal@somersetrcc.org.uk
Or come to the Cultural Cafe at The Engine Room on August 20th 2pm to find out more!
BEPART OFOUR COMMUNITY DAY& VOLUNTEER! BEPART OFOUR COMMUNITY DAY& VOLUNTEER!
Foodand
JOIN JOIN US! US! @bridgwater_together/ CELEBRATE DIVERSITY 11TH NOVEMBER TH
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www.ccslovesomerset.org/sdc
Wearerecruitingmorevolunteerstojoin ourLanguageConnectteam!
Whenlearningalanguage,meetingupwitha fluentspeakeristheidealopportunitytopractice languageskills,learnnewvocabulary,and becomemoreconfident.
Wouldyouliketojoinourteamoffluent speakers?Wehavelearnersatthereadysostart yourvolunteerjourneywithus!
TOFINDOUTMOREVISIT:
www.ccslovesomerset.org/ language-for-learners/
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