The newsletter provides updates on the Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support Council (DCRSC). It discusses the setting up of a new asylum seeker and refugee organization consortium. It also provides information on DCRSC operations like opening hours, donations needed, staff meetings, and volunteer opportunities. The newsletter highlights birthdays, farewells to departing volunteers, and thanks donors and volunteers for their support.
1. DEVON & CORNWALL REFUGEE SUPPORT COUNCIL
Providing Practical Support to Refugees
NEWSLETTER
AUGUST 2008
FOREWORD
Geoffrey N. Read
BY THE CHAIR OF THE DCRSC BOARD OF
TRUSTEES in the absence of ...
Lorna M. Sewell
Dear Friends and Supporters, Chair, DCRSC Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees has been very busy
progressing the setting up of the new Asylum
Seeker & Refugee Organisation Consortium and EDITORIAL COMMENT
its related Constitution. The Board remains
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completely confident that this will be very ONTRIBUTIONS. We welcome all
shortly achieved, thereby releasing the much contributions from anyone to our monthly
needed funding from Plymouth City Council. Newsletters. Do you have something to
include? Please pass your article or comment
There are several interesting snippets in this to the Editor whose contact details are at the
issue of our Newsletter, including the article on foot of each page. News, gossip, information,
the Draft Immigration & Citizenship Bill... so do notices, advertisements, photographs… anything
please read through it at your leisure! will be considered for inclusion.
Harvest Festival will be upon us next month and Deadline for the September 2008 issue:
we will soon be sending out an electronic email Friday, 29th August 2008
shot to you all requesting that you remember
DCRSC at this special time. We rely on your
donations of food, cash and other items to keep DISTRIBUTION
us afloat!
D
ISTRIBUTION. We would like to
We simply cannot afford to purchase Toiletries publicise our monthly Newsletters far
for our destitute clients and rely on you to and wide. Unfortunately, due to
donate such items. This includes soaps, financial constraints and to avoid postal
toothbrushes, razors, etc. You know the sort charges, we can only send copies to those on
of thing! email. A few spare copies will be available at
the Reception Desk at DCRSC. The layout is
Could I also please also take this opportunity to designed so that it can be printed back-to-back
thank you all for very kind support during the so do please print off a copy and pass it to your
first six months of this year? You have all friends. If you are reading this and not
been truly wonderful! already receiving a copy then please get in
touch with the Editor.
DCRSC Newsletter Editor: Telephone Geoff READ on (01752) 563800, or 07745819828, or at DCRSC.
Or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. Or go to our new website at: http://dcrsc.cfsites.org/
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2. DCRSC OPENING HOURS HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!
O H
PENING HOURS. Due to reduced APPY BIRTHDAY to Svetlana
st
staffing, our Drop-in Opening Hours ZAKHAROVA for Friday, 1 August.
until further notice will be: Svetlana was formerly a member of our
Food Programme Team.
Mondays: Drop-in 10 am – 2 pm.
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Tuesdays: Closed. Appointments only.
Wednesdays: Drop-in 10 am - 2pm. EST WISHES to Svetlana
Thursdays: Closed. Appointments only. STOUPNIKOV. All members of DCRSC
Fridays: Closed. would like to wish Svetlana all the very
best for her birthday on Wednesday, 6th
Clients will be seen for appointments on
August. Svetlana is a member of our Board of
Tuesdays and Thursdays only, and on Fridays
Trustees, filling the post of Treasurer.
the office will be completely closed to clients.
You can telephone DCRSC on (01752) 265952.
We hope that you both enjoy your special day
If anyone has an urgent enquiry on Tuesdays
and thank you for all your hard work!
then please go to Refugee Action which is
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located on the 4th Floor, Prideaux Court, Palace
THERS? Have we missed any? Do
Street (not far from DCRSC). Their telephone
please let me know! Ed.
number is (01752) 235030 and they will accept
telephone calls from Mondays to Fridays from
10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
DCRSC GENERAL MATTERS
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DONATIONS
NNUAL REPORT FOR 2007.
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Electronic copies are available by email
NGOING APPEAL. DCRSC is a
and our Administrator is currently
registered charitable organisation and
sending out copies to those who have already
not supported by any national
requested them. If anyone should like a hard
Governmental funding. We rely totally on
copy then please send an A4 SAE to the Editor.
donations. We ask for donations of cash, non-
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perishable food, and items of clothing, bedding,
OARD OF TRUSTEES. The Board held
and toiletries. If you are able to help, please
a meeting on Wednesday, 16th July. The
contact the Editor in the first instance.
next meeting will be held on Wednesday,
rd
3 September. If there is something of
FAREWELL! concern that you would like the Board to discuss
then please mention it to the Editor who will
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e bid farewell to Marvella WOOD- pass it on to the Board.
WOLFE (Vella) who has moved on to
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pastures new. Monica covered all OMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF
volunteering points during her time with DCRSC TRUSTEES.
and finally ended up in the Clothing Store.
Thank you for all your hard work Vella and best Trustees. The following were confirmed as
wishes for the future! Trustees at the AGM in June:
Mrs. Lorna M. SEWELL
Mr. Arnold D. MELHUISH
Ms. Svetlana STOUPNIKOV
Mrs. Elizabeth A. HARDINGE
Mrs. Isatta KALLON
Dr. Penelope KEY
DCRSC Newsletter Editor: Telephone Geoff READ on (01752) 563800, or 07745819828, or at DCRSC.
Or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. Or go to our new website at: http://dcrsc.cfsites.org/
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Board Members. The following were elected ALKS & PRESENTATIONS. Two of
as Board Members at the Board Meeting held in volunteers, Geoff and Charlie, conducted
July: two sessions of lectures and PowerPoint
Mrs. Lorna M. SEWELL (Chair) Slide Shows at Estover Community College in
Mr. Arnold D. MELHUISH (Vice-Chair & Secretary)
July. Both presentations were well received
Ms. Svetlana STOUPNIKOV (Treasurer)
and more sessions are being planned.
Co-opted Members. The following are
currently serving as Co-opted Members to the Are you a School, Group or Organisation
Board: that would welcome a Talk about the
Mr. Geoffrey N. READ
Mr. John SHINNER work of DCRSC?
Please get in touch with the Editor in
N
EW DCRSC LEAFLET. We have the first instance.
recently issued a brand-new leaflet to
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replace the earlier edition. All earlier
RAINING DAY. Another Training Day
editions should now be destroyed as they
for Auxiliary (Volunteer) Caseworkers
contain out-of-date information. We also have
was held on Friday, 27 th June from 09:30
a brand new separate leaflet outlining our Food
a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This was organised by Trish
Programme. If you would like to receive copies
Baxter. The next level of training will be
and have not already received them, please
dealing with the Asylum Support Service
contact the Editor.
Contract & Asylum Process for our clients so
that we know how to assist them when they
come to us with their needs. This will take
place on Friday, 1st August from 10:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. Trish will give more details to those
who are interested.
V
OLUNTEERS’ MEETINGS
July 2008 Meeting. This was held at 10:00
st
a.m. on Thursday, 31 July. The minutes have
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TAFF TEAM MEETINGS. Staff Team been made available by email and hard copies
Meetings are normally held on a have been placed in the Volunteers‟ Box in the
Wednesday every fortnight. The Staff Administration Office of DCRSC.
Team had a meeting on Wednesday, 9th July and
Arnold has emailed copies of the minutes to the August 2008 Meeting. The next meeting will
Staff Team. The next meeting is scheduled be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, 28th August
for Wednesday, 6th August at 3 p.m. at DCRSC. All volunteers are encouraged to
attend.
S
TATISTICS. Geoff Read has produced
the monthly statistics for DCRSC for
the June 2008 and is currently working
on those for July. These latest stats are
particularly important as it gives the run-down
for the first half of 2008. If anyone wishes to
have sight of any statistical information then do
please contact the Editor directly in the first
instance. The 2007 statistics are included in
the 2007 Annual Report which is also now
available.
DCRSC Newsletter Editor: Telephone Geoff READ on (01752) 563800, or 07745819828, or at DCRSC.
Or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. Or go to our new website at: http://dcrsc.cfsites.org/
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OLUNTEERS NEEDED! We are EBSITE. We have a brand-new
constantly seeking new volunteers to website at long last! Although this
replace those who occasionally leave us. site is up-and-running, there will be a
No special qualifications are necessary… simply lot of „tweaking‟ to be done in the next few
the ability to give a little of your time each weeks so please try to take a look at in each
week. We need more volunteers to assist us week to see how it develops. We would welcome
with the following: any suggestions, criticisms and / or comments
that you have regarding this site so please
Clothing Store forward them to the Editor. This new website
Food Programme was built for us by one of Volunteers who
IT Supervision
wishes to remain anonymous but we should like
Reception Desk
to give him / her our very sincerest thanks!
Women‟s Group
Simply click on this link or cut-and-paste it into
We are also seeking selected volunteers to become
Auxiliary Caseworker. your address box. Please also make a note of
this link in your diaries, etc.
Would you like to help? Please contact the http://dcrsc.cfsites.org/
Editor in the first instance. He will then pass
those details to the appropriate Trustee / THE DCRSC CLOTHING STORE
Staff Member who will arrange a short
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interview over a cup of tea! ONATIONS. Although located in the
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basement of the DCRSC offices, the
OLUNTEER’S ROSTER FOR JULY Clothing Store is managed by Churches
2008. John JEBB is responsible for Together in Plymouth (CTiP). They would
producing the roster. The roster welcome any donations of clothing, etc., but are
includes the names of volunteers for the currently in need of:
Reception Desk, the Food Team, Auxiliary
Caseworkers and the Clothing Store. Just the Curtains No thank you!
one hard copy is displayed at the Centre... in the Men’s Clothing Yes please!
Kitchen. Please add you names to the list! Men’s Shoes Yes please!
Pots & Pans Yes please!
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Single Blankets No thank you!
OMEN’S DEVELOPMENT GROUP.
Sleeping Bags Yes please!
Sessions are usually held at 12 noon on
Toiletries Yes please!
the last Thursday of each month. Children’s Clothing No thank you!
The next session will be held at 12 noon on Ladies Clothing No thank you!
Thursday, 14th August. Other sessions planned
for the Summer are listed below. All ladies, Please note that no Ladies or Children‟s Clothing
including ladies with small children, will be most are required at the moment. It would most
welcome to attend. Please contact Blerina or helpful if all donations were clean and of
Liz at the Centre for further information. reasonable quality. All contributions will be
gratefully received and put to good use.
SUMMER DATES:
Thursday, 28th August
Thursday, 11th September THE DCRSC FOOD PROGRAMME
Thursday, 25th September
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HANK YOU! The volunteer Food
WANTED!
Programme Coordinator would like to
The Women‟s Development Group is currently in need
express his especial thanks to all those
of materials, sewing thread, wools and knitting
equipment. who gave their time and / or who made
The cost can be beyond the means of our Clients. donations during recent months. Many thanks!
If you are able to help, please hand items in at the
Centre to either Liz or Blerina.
Thank You!
DCRSC Newsletter Editor: Telephone Geoff READ on (01752) 563800, or 07745819828, or at DCRSC.
Or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. Or go to our new website at: http://dcrsc.cfsites.org/
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5. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR NEWS, GOSSIP &
ADVERTISEMENTS
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ALL TO FREEZE DEBTS OF FOOD
CRISIS COUNTRIES. The following
item was submitted by our Volunteer, THIS SPACE COULD HAVE BEEN USED TO
Christine: PLACE YOUR NOTICE!
Debt Campaigners have called for a moratorium on debt
repayments from countries afflicted by severe food Why not contact the Editor?
shortages. The call came as the Food & Agriculture
Organisation met recently in Rome to discuss the food crisis
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and G8 Finance Ministers met in Japan. Nick Dearden,
director of Jubilee Debt Campaign, said: “It‟s shocking that MADONNA OF SACRIFICE.
while many millions of people in the world are going short of Wordless reverence is the most fitting
food, their governments are still being forced to shell out tribute to the Mothers of All Lands.
millions of pounds a week to rich countries and banks. The
May her sole remaining treasure, in the
terrible irony is that economic conditions, forced on poor
countries by the World Bank and the IMF in return for liberated and peace-blessed world of the
debt relief packages, have actually contributed to the crisis future, live to realise that in the terrible vision
we are witnessing today.” of the present his eyes have seen the glory of
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the coming of the Lord.
PPRECIATION. The following item was
submitted by our volunteer, Helen:
On behalf of my children and I, may I express my deep
appreciation to everyone that supported us in various ways
during a very difficult period of our lives whilst we were
imprisoned at Yarlswood, IRC, Bedfordshire. Thank you all
for writing letters, sending e-mails and faxes, signing
petitions, organising the various and massive campaigns and
for praying. Our appreciation also goes to all who visited us
at Yarlswood, the encouraging phone calls, cards and letters.
Thank you all for the many interventions from different
quarters and organisations particularly the MP, Mrs Lynda
Gilroy; Bishop John Ford and Father Sam Philpott with the
congregation at St. Peters Church. Also, the Management /
Trustees, Staff and Volunteers at the Devon & Cornwall
Refugee Support Council; Refugee Action in Plymouth; the
Governors, Principal, Staff and the amazing students of
Stoke Damerel Community College. EMAS in Plymouth;
NCDAC; and the local newspapers.
Thank you ever so much, and may God in His infinite mercy
meet you all at your points of need. AMEN
Regards,
Helen
Editor’s Note: I came across a batch of these photographs
and accompanying quotations. The above item is the third
of the collection. I intend to publish each of the remainder
every month. Ed.
Do you have something to say?
Do please write and tell us. Ed.
DCRSC Newsletter Editor: Telephone Geoff READ on (01752) 563800, or 07745819828, or at DCRSC.
Or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. Or go to our new website at: http://dcrsc.cfsites.org/
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PPLES & SNAKES, COLLECTIVE NDEPENDENT ASYLUM COMMISSION
VOICES & AVID. My place or PUBLISHES SECOND AND THIRD
yours? Saturday, 26th to Wednesday, REPORTS. The Independent Asylum
th
29 October 2008. Free performance poetry Commission‟s second report focused on the
workshops. treatment of refused asylum seekers, saying
An invitation – if you or your group would like to take part in that the current system was inadequate. It said
a brand new live lit lyrical explosion, please read the poster
that dawn raids by immigration officers should
at the end of this Newsletter!...
be phased out and that voluntary return should
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RAFT IMMIGRATION AND be the “standard procedure” for refused asylum
CITIZENSHIP BILL. The draft seekers,” with force used only as a last resort.
Immigration and Citizenship Bill was It also said that refused asylum seekers who
published on 14th July 2008. The Bill has been are unable to return through no fault of their
published in draft to allow Parliament and public own should be given temporary permission to
to provide their views on our plans before the work rather than being forced into destitution.
final Bill is introduced. If you would like to The third report called for a comprehensive
comment on the plans, a public scrutiny review into the detention of an estimated 2,000
document setting out the proposed changes children each year. "There should be an end to
there is a setting in the website given below. A the detention of children and age disputed
questionnaire is also provided so that you can young people," it said in its recommendations.
complete electronically and return to the Home For further News Reviews, please visit the
Office simplification team. DCRSC will be Refugee Council website.
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submitting a joint reply.
NE WORLD WEEK:
For further information, please go to: 19th -26th October 2008. One World
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents Week is a development educational
/policyandlaw/immigrationandcitizenshipbill/
charity, which encourages local people to use a
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week as a focus to get together for activities
REE LUNCH AND ENGLISH CLASSES and celebration of One World issues, using a
for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and others common annual theme. This year it‟s „Growing
who are unable to access provision. Together‟.
Organised by Plymouth Faith Communities
Asylum Support Coordination Group. Lunch is at Some One World Facts:
1 p.m. and English Classes are at 2 p.m. every Founded 30 years ago.
Tuesday and Friday in the Stoke Damerel Parish It is a member of Development Education Association
and the Trade Justice Movement.
Centre, Paradise Road (entrance behind the Usually held around 24th October (United Nations Day).
Stoke Damerel Church).
For further information please contact: Marlene Schuster Millions of people around the world still do not enjoy that
on (01752) 567420 or email her on most fundamental right – the right to survive. Yet 2008 is
marlene_schuster@hotmail.com. the 60th Anniversary of The Universal Declaration of Human
Rights which aspires to:
“….a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of
speech and belief and freedom from fear and want”
One World Week Are Working Towards:
Growing together – locally... By bringing together people of diverse
cultures, of many faiths and none, to grow together in mutual
understanding of shared values and commitment to each other‟s human
rights locally and globally, and
Growing together - globally... By learning more about how our local
actions and personal lifestyles can affect the rights to a livelihood of
members of our human family across the world, and what we can do to
help.
DCRSC Newsletter Editor: Telephone Geoff READ on (01752) 563800, or 07745819828, or at DCRSC.
Or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. Or go to our new website at: http://dcrsc.cfsites.org/
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“Sharing this fragile planet our rights are inextricably EFUGEE COUNCIL INFORMATION.
linked to those of our fellow human beings. However far
The following website gives some very
away the event may be, if another human being anywhere is
denied their fundamental rights that impoverishes the useful information including:
world I inhabit.” Milind Kolhatkar, Chair of One World
Week, April 2008 Language ID Chart
Language Profiles
Resources for Advisers
For further information, go to:
www.oneworldweek.org. http://languages.refugeecouncil.org.uk/
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LYMOUTH FLAVOUR FEST 2008. Food
EACHING FELLOWSHIP AWARDS
and drink traders are being encouraged to
FOR ACADEMICS... The following
get in quickly to snap up the last few
article was published in The Herald on
remaining stalls to sell local produce. The
Tuesday, 8th July:
event, now in its fifth year, is to take place
between 15th and 17th August and will be held in Two academics at the University of Plymouth have won
the city centre‟s Piazza. national awards to further their work.
Avril Butler, senior lecturer in social work, and Dr. Chris
P
Ricketts, sub-dean in the Faculty of Technology, have each
LYMOUTH KURDISH COMMUNITY
been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship from the
THEATRE GROUP. This group is running a Higher Education Academy.
theatre project every Sunday at 2.30 p.m. Fifty fellowships have been awarded across the country to
on Floor 1, Anglia House, Derry‟s Cross, outstanding teachers. The university now has a total of 12
fellowships.
Plymouth. This project explores Kurdish culture
They will each receive £10,000 for their professional and
and heritage. personal development and will collect their awards in London
If you are interested in attending or would like to know in September.
more then please call (01752) 262040 or 07856055376. Ms. Butler has led the Social Work Centre for Practice
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Learning at Plymouth and launched the Students & Refugees
ECYCLING GOODS TO CITY FOLK Together (START) project in 2001.
WHO ARE IN NEED. The following
article was published in The Herald on Avril Butler is the Chair of the Board of
Saturday, 12th July: Governors of START. All members and
supporters of DCRSC offer their
A new Domestic Recycling Centre is set to open in congratulations to Avril on this great
Stonehouse, aimed at re-circulating goods such as fridges achievement!
to people in need.
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The Resettlement Agency, which is launching the Rendle
Street Centre, is also searching for more volunteers from EEKEND BOLLYWOOD AT
all walks of life to help with the project. PLYMOUTH ARTS CENTRE:
As well as being a base for repairing and re-servicing white Saturday, 2nd & Sunday, 3rd
goods, the centre will be used as a furniture showroom.
August at 1pm.
Bosses are urging the public to donate goods such as
Plymouth Arts Centre is screening a Weekend Bollywood
washing machines, fridges, freezers and electric cookers,
film every season, beginning this weekend with Sarkar Raj.
which will not only help those who may not otherwise be able
The film features the biggest stars of the Bollywood world
to afford them, but also lead to fewer ending up on landfill
and is the much-awaited sequel to Sarkar. The film is
sites and harming the environment.
screened as a matinee only, offering the chance to luxuriate
The non-profit group, part of the national Furniture Re-use
in front of a film and relax whatever the weather is doing
Network, already runs two shops in Union Street and a
outside. Sarkar Raj is an intense political drama, a study of
social inclusion service in Adelaide Street.
power, which explores the politics of development and takes
Donated furniture is cleaned, reconditioned and then sold at
a fresh look at the traditional versus the modernity debate.
low cost, or given away free, to those who need it.
When the CEO (Rai) of an international firm proposes a
The centre at 170 Rendle Street in Stonehouse will be open
power plant in rural Maharashtra the insightful Shankar
from Monday, 14th July.
(Abhishek) is quick to realise it‟s benefits.
Anybody wishing to donate re-usable furniture should
But with shady fixers with an eye on multi-million kick backs
contact the Union Street office on (01752) 217046.
complicating the issues, Shankar‟s dream project becomes a
Both centres‟ opening hours are 9 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. on Modays
potential minefield.
to Fridays, and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturdays. (Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, India, 2008, 125 mins, subtitled. Cast includes:
You can also visit their website at: Aishwarya Rai, Abishnek Bachnan, Amitabh Bachchan).
www.resettlementagency.org.uk.
DCRSC Newsletter Editor: Telephone Geoff READ on (01752) 563800, or 07745819828, or at DCRSC.
Or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. Or go to our new website at: http://dcrsc.cfsites.org/
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8. Tickets just £3.50. Booking recommended on Friday, 15th August
(01752) 206114. For further information go to:
Christian
www.plymouthartscentre.org Dormition of the Theotokos
An Orthodox festival that commemorates the death,
resurrection, and glorification of Christ's mother.
DIARY DATES Dormition means "falling asleep".
Christian
All dates are shown using the Gregorian (Western) calendar. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The calendar is accurate, but some dates may vary regionally A largely Roman Catholic festival celebrating their belief
because they are determined by the lunar calendar. Jewish that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul
festivals usually begin at sundown on the previous day. into heaven.
If on the internet, just click on the faith links for further Friday, 15th – to Sunday, 17th August
information. These are underlined. Ed.
Plymouth Flavour Fest 2008
(see separate article)
Friday, 1st August
Saturday, 16th August
DCRSC Caseworker Training Day
(see separate article) Hindu
Raksha Bandhan
Pagan Raksha Bandhan is the Hindu festival that celebrates
Lughnasadh - Lammas brotherhood and love.
A harvest festival and one of the Pagan festivals of Celtic "Raksha Bandhan" means a thread for protection.
origin which split the year into four.
Sunday, 17th August
Saturday, 2nd & Sunday 3rd August
Rastafari
Birthday of Marcus Garvey
Weekend Bollywood at Plymouth Arts Centre
Commemorates the birthday of Marcus Garvey, the
(see separate article)
Jamaican politician born in 1887 who predicted the crowning
of a King in Africa, and instigated the 'Back to Africa'
Wednesday, 6th August movement.
DCRSC Staff Meeting
Tuesday, 19th August
(see separate article)
Zoroastrian
Christian
Jamshedi Noruz (Shenshai)
Transfiguration
Zoroastrian New Year's Day in the Shenshai calendar.
Orthodox Christian feast commemorating the sudden
emanation of radiance from the person of Jesus that
Muslim
occurred on the mountain.
Lailat-ul-Bara'h
Lailat-ul-Bara'h (Night of Forgiveness) is the time when
Sunday, 10th August Muslims seek forgiveness for their sins.
Muslims believe that on this night one's destiny is fixed for
Jewish
the year ahead.
Tisha B'Av
A solemn day that commemorates a series of tragedies that
have befallen the Jewish people over the years, many of Sunday, 24th August
which have coincidentally happened on this day.
Zoroastrian
Khordad Sal (Shenshai)
Thursday, 14th August The birthday of Zoroaster, celebrated on this date in the
Shenshai calendar.
DCRSC Women’s Develop Group Session
(see separate article) Hindu
Janmashtami - Krishna Jayanti
The Janamashtami festival marks the birth of Krishna, the
most highly venerated God in the Hindu pantheon.
DCRSC Newsletter Editor: Telephone Geoff READ on (01752) 563800, or 07745819828, or at DCRSC.
Or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. Or go to our new website at: http://dcrsc.cfsites.org/
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9. Thursday, 28th August Monday, 22nd September
DCRSC Volunteers’ Meeting Pagan
(see separate article) Autumn Equinox
This day is celebrated when day and night are of equal
DCRSC Women’s Develop Group Session duration.
(see separate article)
Thursday, 25th September
Jain
Paryushana
DCRSC Women’s Develop Group Session
The most important Jain festival, it consists of eight
(Swetambara) or ten (Digambara) days of intensive fasting (see separate article)
and repentance.
A time of reflection. Monday, 29th September
Hindu
Friday, 29th August
Navaratri (start)
Navaratri (nine nights) symbolises the triumph of good over
Deadline Date
evil and marks the start of autumn.
for articles for the DCRSC September Newsletter
(see separate article) Tuesday, 30th September
Jewish
Tuesday, 2nd September Rosh Hashanah
Jewish New Year
Muslim
Ramadan (start)
Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting. Sunday, 19th – Sunday, 26th October
One World Week
Wednesday, 3rd September
(see separate article)
DCRSC Meeting of the Board of Trustees
(see separate article) Saturday, 26th to Wednesday, 29th October
Hindu Apples & Snakes, Collective Voices & AVID
Ganesh Chaturthi (see separate article and attached poster)
Hindus celebrate the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the
elephant-headed God.
Monday, 8th September
Christian
Feast of the Birth of Mary
Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches celebrate
the birth of Mary, mother of Jesus.
Christian
Nativity of the Theotokos
Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary.
Christian
Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Roman Catholics celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary.
Thursday, 11th September
DCRSC Women’s Develop Group Session
(see separate article)
Rastafari
Ethiopian New Year
The start of the New Year in Ethiopia is recognised because
Rastafarians believe Ethiopia to be their spiritual homeland,
and a place to which they want to return.
DCRSC Newsletter Editor: Telephone Geoff READ on (01752) 563800, or 07745819828, or at DCRSC.
Or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. Or go to our new website at: http://dcrsc.cfsites.org/
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