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WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
 On Friday 4th March about eighty women - and a few men - came together in St Giles’, as the church hosted our local contribution for the Women’s World Day of Prayer. The initiative is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions, who come together in over 170 countries to observe a common day of prayer on the first Friday of March. Our participants came from a number of churches, including Church of England, URC, Catholic and Methodist ones locally.
Each year, the programme is prepared by a different group of women for use worldwide. This year, the women of Chile had prepared a service entitled “How Many Loaves Have You?” about sharing with others. Many participants were dressed in the red of the Chilean flag, and four readers were dressed as Chilean women (see photo). Our service, which was very moving, featured us all learning to say ‘hello’ in three native languages as well as Spanish. Juliette Guthrie led an insightful meditation, supported by excellent slides; and the church was beautifully decorated with Chilean flags, red, white and blue flowers and a large wheatsheaf loaf.
Afterwards, delicious refreshments were served in the church hall, including buns baked to Chilean recipes, further reinforcing a real sense of cooperation and unity among our local church communities.
Diana May
CLICK 4WARD WITH RUKIGA
We’re happy to report progress on two of the four strands of our link with Rukiga in South West Uganda (see ICN February 2011), thanks to the involvement of Vyners School and the Birothi Restaurant in Swakeleys Road:
VYNERS GO BANANAS FOR FAIRTRADE
As part of Fairtrade Fortnight, Vyners Sixth Form got busy in March for a day of selling Fairtrade treats in school at break and lunchtime. Preparation in the days leading up to the sale saw posters and bunting going up, and an assembly beforehand raised awareness of the Fairtrade movement generally.
 On the day itself, tables in the hall were covered with Fairtrade food and drinks, and homemade treats made from Fairtrade ingredients. These proved extremely popular with both teachers and students alike, and an impressive £300 was raised to support the Kamwesi Parents’ School in Rukiga.
Now that can put a smile on anyone’s face!
QUIDS FOR KWID
 On Tuesday 26th April the CLICK Rukiga team are taking over the Birothi Restaurant in Ickenham for the ‘Quids for KWID’ fundraiser. Tickets at £20 per person will get you a three course meal (drinks are extra). There will be live music and a raffle. It’s bound to be a great evening, so book early to be sure of a place. Tickets can be obtained from Mike Whitlam (01895 678169) or any member of the CLICK Rukiga team.
(KWID - it stands for Kyanbuhangwa Women in Development- is an organisation based in Kamwesi in Rukiga. It helps to mobilise the community to get the best out of local government services. But if services fall short, KWID encourages the community to support themselves. Their main concerns are with schooling, health issues and economic development, particularly agricultural development. Proceeds from the night will help KWID develop local sustainable agriculture, and good Health and Education programmes.)
BOLLYWOOD NIGHT
 Another successful family evening for Bollywood lovers took place on 12th March at Vyners School. The hall was filled to capacity with enthusiastic participants of all ages who were treated to Indian music, dancing lessons and demonstrations, authentic drummers and spicy food.
One of the highlights of the evening was the sinuous solo display by Nikkita Chadha (pictured). The occasion was organised by the Ickenham Festival team, strongly supported by Nidhi Uppal and her colleagues, and turned in a very welcome profit which will contribute towards next year’s Festival.
DONATIONS
This month, receipt is acknowledged, with grateful thanks, for donations from:
Anon via David Thorpe; Mothers’ Union; Mrs IF Griffiths; Anon of Woodstock Drive via Val Kershaw; Ickenham Village Morning Townswomen’s Guild
Copy for the May issue of ICN should be with the team by 12 noon on 13th April.
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