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Plastic Aware is an organisation based on the Isle of Wight promoting the marine environment by helping the Island cut its consumption of single use plastic. We work with individuals and businesses, speak to groups or at events and promote practical schemes to reduce plastic consumption. You can get involved through our Facebook page where we celebrate Island people and businesses who are being “plastic aware”.
You can message us or drop us a line via our website or by email if you want to find out more, work with us, or get involved in one of our Plastic Aware projects.

https://wightblog.co.uk/13/13/

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African Women’s Forum (AWF) Portsmouth

Mandela centenary celebrated with programme of Portsmouth events African Women’s Forum (AWF) Portsmouth
are celebrating the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth by revisiting the values enacted by the revolutionary political leader during
his life and time as President of South Africa, through their Mandela 100’ project and programme of events.
Leading up to Mandela’s 100th birth date of 18th July 2018, AWF, a local voluntary community
and charity organisation, are running a series of events which will unite the island’s tight-knit
spirit and highlight the needs and difficulties of others, wherever they come from.
The project aims to provide schoolchildren, students, and the community at large the opportunity
to gain new cultural skills in a naturally diverse environment. Each event will promote a deeper
understanding of how individuals and groups can inspire fairness, dignity, and equality.
AWF, a non-religious and apolitical group, have created their Mandela 100 programme with
financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund of £28,100. Mandela 100 is also being supported
by Portsmouth City Council, Victorious Festival, and the University of Portsmouth.
Primary and secondary school pupils and a massed community choir will be assembled to
perform African songs, dances, and drum progressions at the New Theatre Royal
on 17th April 2018. A specially-choreographed dance by internationally-renowned South African ballet dancer Dane
Hurst, created in honour of Mandela, will form part of the performance. The choreography was
first performed in Mandela’s presence during his visit to London, as a ‘thank-you’ for his patronage to Dane.
This will be the second performance of the dance since Dane created it. Other South African
artists who were close to Mandela will be featured, including Chris Lubbe, Mandela’s bodyguard
after his release from 27 years of imprisonments. Another is Colin Chambers, Mandela’s spiritual
guide and confidant whilst in Robben Island, and a trusted friend afterwards.
AWF are also showcasing artistic African styles in open air spaces such as the grounds of St
Mary’s Church on 14th July, as well as schools, furthering the reach and impact of the Mandela
100 project to the public. Pupils will be taught by professional international African artists through a series of workshops
focused on African culture and arts. The workshops are designed to celebrate both commonality
and differences.
Choirs singing African songs will be led by community choir director Janet Ayers. Anyone
interested in attending the workshops should email contact@janetayers.org— they’re open
irrespective of ability, gender, or ethnicity.