Items of interest from the groups.
The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras is a wonderful themed parade and was held this year on Saturday 30th June 2018.
This year the theme was Global Biospheres in support of the Island's bid to become a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Equals IW was represented through the work of the Equals IW Women’s Friendship Group with their entry themed around Komodo Island, Indonesia.
The very colourful parade brought joy to those watching in the streets of Ryde as the town basked in summer sunshine.
The event was a collaboration between Island-based event organisers, the New Carnival Company and the IW Area of Outstanding Beauty Unit.
Click or tap on an image to see the gallery
Equals IW is recruiting now for 20 Mardi Gras Team Members
- We need people to join the Creative Team to create the costumes, Komodo dragon, Flowers and Flags.
- Be available to attend some of the workshops shown in the programme to make the costumes and the Komodo dragon.
- We need Dancers and Performers to join the Parade Team and take part in the parade.
- You must be available to take part in the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 30th June 2018
- Be available to attend some of the dance workshops to practice the dance routines. These details will be sent out in due course.
You can join either team on its own but we would love you to join both, helping to create costumes and join in the parade.
Join now and give your name and contact details to
- Niviera Piper 07807156229 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Aireen Gauntlett 07514805961 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Mark Cox 07854852518 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Open to all ages everyone is welcome to join.
The Equal IW Ladies' Friendship Group put on Cultural Kitchen events at two Cowes Schools towards the end of the Summer Term.
They were at Lanesend Primary School Cowes on 4th July 2017 cooking Chinese noodles with year 6 pupils.
The Ladies' Friendship Group visited Vecta House Care Home in Newport Isle of Wight twice over the summer.
In July they attended the garden party dressed in traditional costumes.
In September they gave a cookery demonstration as part of International Week at Vecta House.
Both events were a success and the contribution by the Ladies' Friendship Group was much appreciated by the residents.
Regular Equals IW Ladies' Friendship Group meetings started this month after the summer break.
This months activities included
- A meeting with Samantha Greatrex who is the Equalities Lead for the local NHS Trust. Held on the 14th Sept 2017 at St Mary's Hospital we discussed the possible involvement of Equals in Black History Month at the hospital.
- Some members attended the Celebration of Heritage Lottery Funding India Mardi Gras ,also on the 14th Sept 2017, at Ryde Academy. Sandra and Niviera were given certificates on behalf Equals IW for their contribution.
- On 22nd Sept 2017 the Ladies' Friendship Group participated at Vecta House Care Home in Newport for their International Week by giving a cooking demonstration.
June Meeting Update
"As the Equals Men’s Friendship Group Co-ordinator I am keen to get the group out and about in the community during the summer months.
Sam and Justin from the Men’s Steering Group met me outside Ryde LA Bowl on Tuesday 20th June 2017. Steering Group Member Wayan came along with Ilker.
As a group we took an evening leisurely walk along the sea front and got up close with nature at the canoe lake. Then we walked along to Appley Tower and took in the wonderful views of Solent on a beautiful summer’s evening.
We discussed ways to build the Men’s Friendship Group and shared ideas of fun activities and cultural experiences. We all agreed that once we had a large enough membership an evening to go karting would be amazing fun. In the longer term the men are keen to challenge Women’s Friendship Group to a racing event.
David from the Men’s Steering Group sent his apologies and wished the group evening every success."
Mark
Next Event
Coming from any background including an ethnic background, you may sometimes feel like you need a friend who understands and supports you in the community.
If so join the New Equals Men’s Friendship Group by coming to an evening Barbecue at Prince’s Green West Cowes on Thursday 24th August 2017, 18.30 to 21:00.
Come and join the New Equals Men’s Friendship Group, building bridges to celebrate and embrace diversity on the Isle of Wight.
EqualsIW took part in the 2017 Mardi Gras in Ryde on Saturday 1st July 2017.
The theme for the year was "Reflection of India" and the Women's Friendship Group was in
the Imperial India “Deli Durbar” section. Here are a few more images from the day.
Wendy Loader passed the donation bucket and it was almost full thanks to all generous donors especially the kids on the streets ...well done!
Equals friendship group team had a great time and success participating in the Family Fun Day at East Cowes Town Hall.
