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Steve
(centre front) and some of the cast at Bar Monique
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"Out
of Sight, Out of Mind
….. Not this year!
The local press, we are pleased to say, took interest in this year's
World AIDS Day. The Sentinel, Express and Star in Stafford and even
the local radio stations made reference to the day.
Events
that took place went extremely well. On the 24th November we had a display
in the Potteries Shopping Centre.
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Linda
Lush up to her usual tricks at Bar Monique….
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Many
volunteers turned out for the day to shake their tins and hand out red
ribbons to the public.
A big thank you to the volunteer who turned up even though she was not
feeling a 100% - you know who you are!!!!!
£400 was raised - well done.
Many
went along and supported Churches Together & Musicaid Service held
at St Peter's Church, Stoke on 30th November. The children had put a
lot of practice into preparing for the evening and it showed. Maurice
didn't miss the opportunity when he was offered to play on the churches
very large organ. The church certainly came alight.
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Sophie
in full swing at Bar Monique….
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The
following day there was no lay in for anyone, even though it was Saturday.
World AIDS Day services and vigils took place throughout the day. Staff
and volunteers tried to attend as many as possible. Keele Chapel had
their usual service, where the Keele Revelation Rock Gospel Choir entertained
us. I think Paul R saw his chance to impress the choir and sang far
louder than anyone else, unfortunately his words were from a different
song entirely - but thank you Paul you made us smile.
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Kirsty
singing her heart out at Bar Monique….
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On
the Saturday afternoon a crowd
gathered in Fountain Square, Hanley, to watch the street theatre performed
by the New Vic Borderline. The children were aged between 11 and 17
years. The majority of them had already experienced tough times in their
lives and this was so clearly displayed in their performance. The "Urban
Strawberry Lunch" provided music. Seeing was believing…large underground
piping was rested against huge plastic drums. By covering the top of
the piping with rubber bats they were able to create music. It was the
kind of tune you couldn't help but tap your feet to!!
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Giving
her all, Sophie at Bar Monique….
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Following
on from this was the traditional tying of the red ribbon on the tree
in Fountain Square. A new idea this year was to have luggage labels
bearing the words "In my sight…On my Mind". People were then
invited to write something of their choosing on the labels; these were
also placed on the tree. Candles were lit and incense burnt. It was
a comforting and thoughtful way of remembering our love ones and friends.
Later
in the evening the street theatre performances were repeated together
with other short plays by the teenagers at the New Vic Theatre. I was
pleased when we had another chance to hear "Urban Strawberry Lunch".
Familiar faces from Staffordshire Buddies read a collection of interesting
and related material. Chris (Director) made his stage debut. I think
he has found his vocation in life!!!
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A
poetry reading by Quinn at Bar Monique
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Our
thanks to Julia and Sue who worked so hard to organise this event. It
was encouraging to see World AIDS Day remembered in this way and know
that many of the children who took part learnt about the importance
of safe sex and the risks they take in life.
Sunday
2nd we went to Sneyd Church. Together with Geoff from the Lesbian and
Gay Christian Group, Father Brian organised a thought provoking service.
It had a variety of readings, music and prayer and just by looking round
at the faces of those present it touched many. Special thanks to everyone
who helped organise and took part.
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"Bridgie"
sings for World AIDS Day at Bar Monique
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The
final event for World AIDS Day was held at Bar Monique on the Sunday
evening. At very short notice Steve, Adam and Sophie organised an evening
of cabaret acts, a prize raffle and even strippers. They raised £300
for Staffordshire Buddies and have promised to make this an annual event.
We are still receiving donations from people who have held collections
and sold red ribbons. Every penny will go to our Support Fund.
There
are lots of people to thank for their time and help given during World
AIDS Day, not just for raising money but also for highlighting that
HIV is a local issue .
Sarah
E Beech
