7th Annual Charity Concert in aid of Friends of Conakry Refugee School
Published: 28th February 2013
In aid of Friends of Conakry Refugee School
Saturday 9th March 2013
Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley
7.30 pm
Tickets: £10.00 available from:-
Ruth Walmsley 01952 876703
Downes’ Greengrocer, Broseley
E Davis Hardware, Broseley
Wenlock Books, Much Wenlock 01952 727877.
Chase away the winter blues with a magical evening of first class musical entertainment and raise funds for Conakry Refugee School in Guinea, West Africa.
There are two exciting new acts for this year’s concert. The Klezmonauts from mid Wales will get our feet tapping with traditional celebratory music from Eastern Europe, often played at Jewish weddings. Its high energy is balanced with beautiful contemplative pieces. The Almshouse Band from Herefordshire will entertain us with haunting and fiery Celtic melodies, blues and tango rhythms. We’re also delighted that the Democratic Republic of Djembe will be joining us for the 7th year running, bringing you their irresistable African drumbeats. There’s also a surprise act to keep you guessing!
As each of the previous concerts has sold out early booking is advised.
About the School
Ruth Walmsley and daughter Tanya from Broseley founded Friends of the Conakry Refugee School in 2005. The Charity is the sole fundraiser for the refugee school which educates 500 children. They have visited the school twice. Director, Ruth Walmsley, says:
"The welcome we were given was truly overwhelming. The children had put up posters all over the School welcoming and thanking us. To see their smiling faces you would have no idea of the suffering and trauma most of them have been through as refugees from civil war in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Many lost parents and siblings. But they love their school and they see their one hope for the future is to get an education.
"The only money the school receives is from tiny school fees but many can’t afford to pay. The teachers are determined to allow as many children as possible to attend without paying but this is hard. FCRS has kept the school going since 2005. It is now thriving with 500 pupils. Besides paying for school materials, rent and a hot meal at school every day, the charity is raising money to enable the school to start vocational courses. This will help the school to be more self-sustaining and will also give students skills to help them earn a living when they leave school.”
Ruth adds, "The school is grateful for every penny they receive. The teachers are totally dedicated to providing a good education and ensure that all funds we send are used wisely.”