On Tuesday it was the first meeting of a new African women’s choir in Pilrig Church. Today (Friday) its the family event in the National Library of Scotland and there is much more to come – March is a very busy month for women of the Africa Centre.
Agnes Holmes, chair of the Africa Centre, gave us a glimpse of what lies ahead, when she joined the Leith Open Space discussion event for women carers (and more about that too very soon!) at Pilmeny Youth Centre last Saturday (14th March).
During the tea break she told us how she was looking forward to the first meeting of the African Women’s Choir on Tuesday (17th March). “Our aim is to sing songs in many different African languages,” she said with infectious enthusiasm. After six weeks of rehearsals under musical director Rachel Milne the choir will be ready to sing in public, starting on 25 April with at the Africa Centre conference, Africans for the Equalities Network in the Thomas Morton Hall.
Last weekend we were meeting to talk about the different needs of women carers but we hope to meet up with Agnes again soon to find out much more about all the Africa Centre activities. Meanwhile, here are key dates on their calendar (for more information see the Africa Centre website ).
Friday 20 March – Women and Children’s event
At the National Library on George 1v Bridge – talk about people you admire and make a picture frame to celebrate their achievements. This event – organised by the Africa Centre in collaboration with Edinburgh Women and Children’s Group, Family Learning and the National Library – will lead to another project celebrating the centenary anniversary of the suffrage movement. (And from what Agnes said this will be a truly inspiring project which we hope to support).
Tuesdays March and April – African Women’s Choir
Rehearsals start on Tuesday 17th March and run for six weeks 7.30 — 9.30pm at Pilrig Church, Leith Walk working towards a first public performance at the Africa Centre Scotland conference.
Saturday 25 April 10.30 – 3.30 – Africans for the Equalities Network
A conference and family day at Thomas Morton Halls in Leith with a programme including music, speakers, good food , creche facilities – and an opportunity to mingle and share with members of the African community.