 This year, as usual, saw frantic preparations for the events taking place during the week and I found myself (voluntarily) involved in a number of them.This year was the first time I had become actively involved in the MUSICAID concerts, organised by Maurice - I ended up as ‘stage manager/director’ (- I think I was probably more nervous than the performers ) and thanks to Maurice’s endless patience with me,both evenings were a resounding success. The concerts really are a tribute to the dedication and tireless efforts of Maurice, and they proved a joy to all who attended them. It was especially good to see so many young people involved in making music, on both occasions. It’s difficult to choose between the two, but for me, the concert at Stoke was my favourite.
A
new event for this year was a poetry and prose evening at ‘Scruffy Murphy’s’ in Hanley (thanks to the Manager, Andy, who has been very supportive) - there was a good turn out, and the audience seemed to appreciate the selection of work that had been chosen (thanks to Keith for his efforts)and the mix of remembrance and celebration.Hopefully this will become a regular feature in future WADW's in Staffordshire.
The
highlight of the week for me was the procession, with dancers,streetband and lanterns (all courtesy of ‘Cultural Sisters’) - we began at the museum in Hanley and thanks to police and traffic wardens,managed to bring Piccadilly to a standstill as we paraded towards the town centre.It gave those of us with collecting buckets a ‘captive audience’, as people in their cars found themselves swamped with red ribbons and ‘polite’ requests for donations.
We
certainly attracted attention from the late afternoon shoppers,most of who were more than ready to contribute -although one surprising and disturbing fact was that many people asked what the red ribbons were for, and what they represented.Obviously still a lot of work to do out there in terms of education. We arrived at Fountain Square, where the theme song for this year’s WADW was sung - ‘Something Inside’ - and again those attracted by the music,lights and costumes were encouraged to take a red ribbon and make a donation. Overall my impression was of a sense of celebration and fun, all those taking part seemed to enjoy it and the vast majority of those encountered on the way (apart from one market trader whose comment I won’t bother to repeat) entered into the spirit of the event.
Well,
roll on WAD 1999 - see you all at Lichfield Cathedral! |