Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Author: susan

  • Wrotham Festival of Light brings colour for another year

    Wrotham Festival of Light brings colour for another year

    Wrotham Festival of Light brings colour for another year

    The coming of another autumn marked the return of the annual and much loved Wrotham Festival of Light on Friday 11th October. The festival, which every year attracts hundreds of attendees from the local village and surrounding areas is now in its 11th year is still popular as ever.

    The event was organised in partnership by Cohesion Plus, Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Saint Georges Primary School and Same Sky Arts. It was supported by Arts Council England and Wrotham Parish Council.

    The village was transformed with an array of colourful light installations around the theme of wildlife which attendees were able to interact and take photos with. The main attraction was the vibrant lantern parade which featured musical acts such as the Kings of Dhol, internationally renowned Dhol drumming troupe who are experts in the percussion which hails from North India as well as Bloco Fogo Samba who brought the sounds of the Brazilian carnival to the celebrations.

    The crowds were also entertained by The Charlie Chaplin Show, a popular street act hailing from Covent Garden and usually performed on the South Bank circuit.

    The lantern parade was led by the Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling Cllr Steve Hammond and Deputy Lieutenant Louise Bryant and the Headteacher of Saint George’s Primary School Wrotham Elizabeth Rye. They were followed by hundreds of children parents and guardians as the parade made its way up from the Saint George’s Church to the cricket ground. Once at the cricket ground there was spectacular fireworks display provided by local business Phoenix Fireworks which drew loud applause from those in attendance.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “I am so proud of what we were able to achieve working in partnership. As a nation we have had a testing few months with the riots in the summer a recent memory. Events like this show what can be achieved when we all work together for the better good and celebrate what unites us rather than divides us. I am proud of how the Wrotham Festival of Light has developed over the years and how many local residents come out to support it every year regardless of age, background or faith.”

  • Dartford Black History Month Celebrations 2024

    Dartford Black History Month Celebrations 2024

    Dartford Black History Month Celebrations 2024

    Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council working in partnership with Dartford Borough Council produced a community celebration for Black History Month on Wednesday 2nd October. The event was supported by Arts Council England and took place at the Orchard West Theatre.

    The event was part of a month long programme celebrating the achievements and accomplishments of the Black diaspora in the UK with this year’s theme “Reclaiming Narrative.” Civic guests included Cllr Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, Mayor of Dartford Cllr Andy Lloyd, Jim Dickson MP along with Gurvinder Sandher Deputy Lieutenant of Kent.

    The evening featured a range of guest speakers including Akua Agyepong, Director of Adult Social Care at KCC and Naomi Benjamin, founder of Medway based CIC The Sewin Project. The speakers spoke about their individual journeys and how being Black and British shaped their identifies and life paths.

    There was also a screening of the a Cohesion Plus produced film detailing the story of local resident and baker Dela Oresanwo who despite great trials and tribulations, runs a successful home baking business bringing joy to her customers.

    Uzambezi, a Zimbabwean dance and music troupe performed traditional songs and choreography throughout the evening, wowing guests with their interactive numbers.

    Local micro businesses were also showcased on the night, ranging from natural beauty products, soaps and jewellery as well as Afro-Caribbean groceries, brands and ingredients. Guests were able to also try Afro-Caribbean cuisine provided by Jerk on the Hill as well as delicious home backed desserts provided by Dela Homebakes.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “I am proud of what we were able to achieve working with Dartford Borough Council. Our work in the borough celebrates its diversity and the shared history of residents regardless of background 12 months of the year, during Black History Month we just amp up this work as we believe strongly that Black History is British History and it needs to be celebrated across the year not just in October.”

  • Down pours couldn’t stop the magic of Maidstone Community Mela

    Down pours couldn’t stop the magic of Maidstone Community Mela

    Down pours couldn’t stop the magic of Maidstone Community Mela

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council once again supported the Maidstone Community Mela working in partnership with Cohesion Plus, Maidstone Cultural Group and community partners. The Mela which took place on Sunday 8th September in Mote Park once again played host to the diverse communities of the County Town welcoming all to enjoy a day of culturally diverse entertainment.

    Despite the heavy downpours those in attendance were able to enjoy a free artistic programme of performances from community led arts and dance groups. The offstage offering was just as exciting with an array of food from all around the world as well as information stands from local charities, community groups as well as Unison and Maidstone Borough Council. There was also entertainment and free music workshops for 0-3 year olds delivered by Playground Project.

    The Mayor of Maidstone Cllr John Perry and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Victoria Wallace attended the festivities and warmly welcomed those in attendance. They spoke about the importance of celebrating diversity and the arts and wished those who had braved the weather a great day.

    Community Mela Producer Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL said: “Despite the wet weather we are so pleased to have delivered the Mela this year working with local businesses, community groups and residents. The Mela continues to be a vessel toward greater understanding of one another, promoting community cohesion and celebrating all that brings us together regardless of ethnicity, social background and faith. As always we are incredibly grateful to our partners who work tirelessly to support our work.”

  • Vaisakhi 2024

    Vaisakhi 2024

    Vaisakhi 2024

    The CEO of KECC was delighted to attend the 2024 Vaisakhi celebrations in his capacity as Deputy Lieutenant on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant Lady Colgrain who is His Majesty the King’s representative for Kent.

    The festivities took place on Saturday 13th April in Gravesham and were attended by thousands from all over Kent and further afield. Organised and delivered by Gravesend Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, the annual festivities celebrate the founding of the Sikh faith and are the biggest in the south of England.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC commented, “It was an absolute honour to be invited to attend this year’s Vaisakhi celebrations in my hometown, especially in my capacity as Deputy Lieutenant. This time of year is a special one and incredibly important to myself and all Sikhs around the world. I would like to thank all the countless volunteers who dedicated their free time to make this year’s celebrations some of the best yet.

  • Archbishop of Canterbury hosts KECC at Community Regeneration Event

    Archbishop of Canterbury hosts KECC at Community Regeneration Event

    Archbishop of Canterbury hosts KECC at Community Regeneration Event

    The Archbishop of Canterbury hosted a special Collaboration for Community Regeneration and Growth event to which KECC’s Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL was invited to attend. The event took place on Tuesday 26th March in Maidstone and was also attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent Lady Colgrain, Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Gordon Newton and KCC Chair Cllr Gary Wood.

    The event was an opportunity for key figures in the county to come together and highlight the positive community work taking place in their boroughs and to discuss ways in which further work could be done by fostering new partnerships and relationships for the overall benefit of Kent.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC commented, “It was a great honour to be invited and have an opportunity to talk to the Archbishop about community cohesion and the work we do across the county, breaking down perceived barriers and celebrating cultural differences as well as shared common values.”

  • Asian women’s Group Xmas Lunch

    Asian women’s Group Xmas Lunch

    Asian women’s Group Xmas Lunch

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council worked in partnership with the Asian Woman’s Group to arrange a special community luncheon which took place on Thursday 14 December at the Taste of Punjab.

    Along with the group members the Mayor of Gravesend Cllr Gurdip Bungar, the Mayoress Mrs Bungar and the CEO of KECC Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL were in attendance.

    The average age of the Asian Women’s Group is 70 plus and they deliver a range of community activity including weekly fitness and yoga classes. They also arrange regular trips to places of interest and participate in community activity across Gravesham. The Group provides vital social interaction for the women many of whom are widows and limited English language skills.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of KECC commented, “We are always so proud to support the Asian Woman’s’ Group who have been doing some excellent work over many years to raise awareness around fitness, well-being and community. We have been their champions for some time and applaud their hard work and commitment to their members. I know the ladies benefit immensely from the sense of community and access to physical activity tailored to their fitness and abilities. We will continue to support their work here in Gravesend and look to them as an outstanding example of community led initiatives.”

  • Thousands turn up for Dartford Festival of Light!

    Thousands turn up for Dartford Festival of Light!

    Thousands turn up for Dartford Festival of Light!

    The 14th annual Dartford Festival of Light took place on Friday 17th November in Dartford Town Centre to huge success and was supported by Kent Equality Cohesion Council in partnership with Cohesion Plus, Dartford Borough Council and KKB Group.

    The event attracted record numbers, with around 1500 taking part in the parade element of the event and local 13 local schools taking part in the creative workshops ahead of the festivities, creating lanterns around the themes of community, unity, friendship and tolerance.

    Civic guests were also in attendance including Deputy Lieutenant Kelvin Holford, Mayor of Dartford Cllr Roseanna Currans, Leader of Dartford Borough Council Cllr Jeremy Kite, Gareth Johnson MP and Chairman of the KCC Cllr Gary Cooke. The festival climaxed with a free fireworks display in Central Park which was enjoyed by those in attendance.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, event organiser and CEO of KECC commented, “We are so proud with this year’s celebrations and the record turnout of attendees, old, urban and rural, from different faiths and backgrounds, all of who came out to support as residents of Dartford. Special thanks of course go to Dartford Borough Council for their ongoing partnership as well our event sponsors KKB, local business who put community at the heart of what they do.”

  • Remembrance Day 2023

    Remembrance Day 2023

    Remembrance Day 2023

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council marked Remembrance Day 2023 by laying wreaths at both the Gravesham and Dartford remembrance events. The wreaths were laid to highlight and mark the vast contributions and ultimate sacrifices made by soldiers from the Commonwealth.

    KECC in recent years have made a concerted effort to spread awareness of the soldiers from the Commonwealth and the doubtless part they played in Britain’s victory in the World Wars, a stark fact that has historically been sadly overlooked and erased. As such, the organisation has produced short films around the subject, with the intention to educate and inform the public around the many Commonwealth countries who contributed to the war effort, with soldiers serving in less than favourable conditions and who faced discrimination and racism from the very country they were serving.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “We are passionate about cultural diversity and representation, it is essentially the back bone of the work we do. So we felt it imperative to not only mark and pay tribute to those countless souls who served in the World Wars, but also mark the lives and sacrifices of those souls who do not have their names engraved on war monuments or have statues made in their honour. Every year we pay respect to the soldiers from the Caribbean, Africa and the Indian Sub-Continent who laid down their lives for our freedom and who deserve to be commemorated and celebrated alongside British soldiers. We thank them, commemorate them and hope that history will do the same in coming years.”

  • Black History Month Event Celebrating Local Communities and Businesses in Ebbsfleet

    Black History Month Event Celebrating Local Communities and Businesses in Ebbsfleet

    Black History Month Event Celebrating Local Communities and Businesses in Ebbsfleet

    A special community event took place at the Castle Hill Community Centre in Ebbsfleet on October 12th as part of the Dartford wide programme for Black History Month produced by Cohesion Plus, Dartford Borough Council and Kent Equality Cohesion Council.

    The theme of the event was to showcase local Black Business owned by women, reflecting the national theme of Black History Month 2023 of Celebrating our Sisters.

    The event was opened by Gurvinder Sandher from KECC and Elliese Bramble from Cohesion Plus. The two welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of these events as well as reflecting on the National Black History Month theme, Celebrating Our Sisters.

    They were followed by the Leader of Dartford Borough Council Cllr Jeremy Kite MBE who the importance of Black History Month and the need to celebrate the positive contribution made by communities with links to the Caribbean and Africa over many years to the UK.

    The key note speaker Alexandra Bode-Tunji Chief Strategy and Transformation officer from the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, who spoke about the positive contribution made by Doctors and Nurses with links to the Caribbean and Africa to the NHS, which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. She also spoke about the health inequalities that exist in the area and her desire to forge a closer working relationship between the NHS Trust and the local community.

    A number of local residents then shared information on some of their respective businesses and activities that they run in the areas. These included Yoshina Bhopal who delivers Bollywood inspired fitness sessions, Dela Oresanwo and Rebecca Ajwole who both set up micro catering businesses during lockdown and were supplying the food for the evening.

    Other business highlighted at the event included Eden Health who showcased their work around healthy living and the Afro-Caribbean Grocery which delivers traditional foods to the local community. There was also a demonstration from Tanya at TMG Business who got everyone up and working hard with a special boxercise class.

    The session finished with a talk by Nick Marden DL about the work of Charity Mentors Kent and Medway which provides free mentoring for charity Leaders across the county.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO commented “We are grateful for the support we received for this community celebration in Ebbsfleet. I was really pleased that we were able to showcase a number of local businesses and celebrate the positive contribution made by those from African and Caribbean heritage to the local economy and community.”

  • Wrotham Festival of Light

    Wrotham Festival of Light

    Wrotham Festival of Light

    The Kent Equality Cohesion Council were delighted to support the annual Wrotham Festival of Light which took place Friday October 13th .Despite the rain the community came together in the rural village of Wrotham in Tonbridge and Malling.

    The Village was transformed and lit up with a wonderful nature themed light installations. These were supplemented by colourful lanterns which were made by the pupils of St George’s Primary School.

    The highlight of the event was the colourful lantern parade which was slightly curtailed by the weather but none the less brought smiles to all who took part. The lantern parade along with school children and their families also featured some wonderful drumming from around the world including, Samba, Djembe and Dhol. The lantern parade finished at the cricket ground were the festival climaxed with a spectacular firework display by Phoenix Fireworks.

    The partners for the Wrotham Festival of Light alongside KECC were Cohesion Plus, St George’s Primary School, Wrotham Parish Council, Samesky and Arts Council England.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “It was so positive to see so many people coming out and supporting this community celebration both young and old. It is important at a time where there is extreme division in the world that we all remember that there is more that unites than divides. I am so proud of how this festival has evolved and it’s a showcase of what can be done when you work at a grass roots level with community partners.