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Kings Church celebrates at Taste of Africa event
COLOURFUL costumes, vibrant music and exotic food were the order of the day as African members of Kings Church brought a taste of their home continent to Hampden Park. More than 300 people attended the Taste of Africa event.
Kings has about 20 families of African descent regularly attending the church. The countries represented include Zimbabwe, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya and South Africa.
One of the organisers, Femi Ogeleye, whose family is originally from Nigeria, said the aim of the event was for the Africans in the church to celebrate and share their culture with the rest of the members and their friends. He was thrilled that so many people came along.
"The atmosphere was electric and infectious," said Femi, who lives in Sovereign Harbour.
"It was great to see everyone mingling and getting involved, and it certainly was a good example of diversity working in unity. Everyone seemed to have had a great afternoon."
There was an opportunity to sample a range of African food, try on traditional costumes and learn about African history, arts and crafts.
Among those trying on African attire was Eastbourne mayor, Carolyn Heaps, who is a member of Kings.
Another church member, Dejo Olaleye, organised the music – bringing an African band from London for the occasion.
There was also a chance for people to tell African stories – their own accounts of experiences visiting or living on the continent. This prompted tales of close encounters with elephants and the story of how one church member on National Service in what was then the Gold Coast, found himself ordered to join a traditional dance group which was short of numbers. Senior church leader, Graham Marsh, was delighted by the day. "Taste of Africa was an amazing event," he said. "I love the fact that we can gather together from many different nations and not only integrate with each other, but genuinely accept and embrace one another.
"We have many nationalities represented at Kings, and it's great when we celebrate the rich diversity of culture whilst at the same time enjoy being united in such a vibrant community."
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Weather for Eastbourne
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 3 C
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