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DEVON & CORNWALL REFUGEE SUPPORT

A Private Company Limited by Guarantee

NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2011
Registered Company No. 06271122 Registered Charity No. 1130360 OISC Exemption No. N200100427 7 Whimple Street, Plymouth PL1 2DH Tel: 01752 265952 Fax: 0870 762 6228 Email: dcrsc@btopenworld.com

Providing Practical Support To Refugees

Website: http://dcrsc1.cfsites.org

FOREWORD
BY THE

EDITORIAL COMMENT
Written by Geoffrey N. READ DCRS Newsletter Editor

DCRS PROJECT DIRECTOR / TRUSTEE


Written by John SHINNER

Dear Friends & Supporters, I am delighted to introduce this edition of our monthly newsletter. Despite the holiday season, August as been as busy as ever for DCRS. Over the month we averaged between 40 and 50 Service User (SU) visits to the centre and in addition, had to deal with extra problems sent to us by letter and telephone. Our Staff of four Project Support Workers and our Training, Sports and Activities Coordinators work under extreme pressure but with great effectiveness. We survey our SU regularly and without exception they regard the work done with them to be of good quality. The Volunteer Team operating around the Centre provide tremendous support both inside and outside. They accompany SU to hospital and work / training interviews, as well as supervising our Internet Suite, our Clothing Store and our emergency Food Programme. Our Reception Area and Triage Desk are staffed by volunteers and all complement the hard work of the salaried staff. Among our volunteers are a significant number of SU who bring a special element to the Centre. They see our DCRS as their organisation and value it accordingly. For all of you who read the Newsletter I would give you an Open Invitation to visit our Centre for a look-see! We are in the process of completely refurbishing our basement area and have great plans for Training, Language and Recreation as well as improving our Internet Suite. The redecoration was completed by a Volunteer Team and the area has been re-carpeted and is now fit-for-purpose! We expect the autumn months to be as busy as ever and we thank you all for your continued interest and support. Yours sincerely ,

NTERNET Links. If youre reading this on-line and come across words with blue lettering that are underlined, then you can click on these links and be taken directly to another site for more information on that particular topic. If you read this on Microsoft Word, you can put your cursor over the link, hold down the Control (Ctrl) Key and click! Ed.

DCRS AUDITORS REPORT & ACCOUNTS for 2010


Written by Geoffrey N. READ DCRS Newsletter Editor

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COPY OF our Auditor's Report & Accounts for 2010 is now available on our website. All you have to do is click on the button on the Home Page of our website at: http://dcrsc1.cfsites.org/

DCRS BOARD OF TRUSTEES


Written by Geoffrey N. READ DCRS Newsletter Editor

OARD OF TRUSTEES Meetings. A meeting of the DCRS th Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, 27 July 2011. There will be no meeting in August 2011. The next th meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 28 September 2011 at 7 p.m. Should anyone wish to have a particular matter discussed at this meeting then please contact any DCRS Trustee.

DCRS HARVEST FESTIVAL APPEAL


Written by Christine REID DCRS Trustee & Food Programme Coordinator

John Shinner
John SHINNER DCRS Project Director / Trustee

CRS IS LOOKING for donations again at this time of Harvest Festival. Donations from organisations and /or individuals help to supplement the weekly Food Parcels we issue to our destitute Service Users and gives them that little bit extra, and sometimes, even the odd luxury they might not otherwise receive. You can deliver your donations to the Masiandae Centre at 7 Whimple Street. Alternatively, if you would like us to collect them from you please call Geoff on (01752) 563800 or text him on 07745819828. You can also email him on saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. Thank you!

To contact Geoff READ, the Newsletter Editor, please call 07745819828 (text only) or (01752) 563800. Alternatively email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. For the contact details of DCRS, please see the top of Page 1.

DCRS HISTORY
Written by Geoffrey N. Read DCRS Newsletter Editor

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BRIEF HISTORY of DCRS has been added to our website. Just go to our Website Home Page and then click on the History in the left-hand column. Do please take a look.

DESTITUTE & HOMELESS ASYLUM SEEKERS & REFUGEES in the City of Plymouth
AN OPEN LETTER OF INVITATION
Dear Friend of Refugees, It has been a concern of our Staff and Volunteers that in this present economic climate, there are a growing number of destitute and homeless asylum seekers and refugees (ASR ) in the city of Plymouth. In this situation it can be very depressing for people recently given status to find housing shortages and rent prices are a huge obstacle to moving forward into a stable lifestyle. Those whose claims have been refused, have no hope of evidence, no safe route of return, and are given no choice as to finding a home or sustenance for their basic essentials. We would like, therefore, to invite those in the community who have an equal interest in meeting this need by coming together and discussing what options there may be to bring about some refuge in the city that will supply basic housing needs in these circumstances on a regular basis. Therefore, we are looking towards a better and more sustainable solution to this, once we have the views of those, like you, who can make a real difference in the future. Thus, we would like to host a forum for discussion during an evening in September, when we can share the findings of our first research. Please would you let us know if you will be available to come along to the Masiandae Centre in th Whimple Street, Plymouth on Thursday 8 September at 7.30 p.m. or send another person who would represent your concerns? We have invited a director of Boaz Trust who has a lot of experience in this field to join us. Yours sincerely, Mrs. Patricia BAXTER
Lead Project Support Worker

DCRS VOLUNTEERS
Written by Geoffrey N. READ DCRS Trustee & Newsletter Editor

HE JULY 2011 Meeting took place on Thursday, 28 July 2011 and the Minutes are available for collection from the Masiandae Centre. There was no meeting in August 2011. The September 2011 Meeting is expected to be th scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, 29 September 2011 at the Masiandae Centre. All volunteers are cordially invited to attend.

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PPLY TO VOLUNTEER With DCRS! Liz, our Volunteer Coordinator, has set some new procedures in place for those who wish to volunteer some of their time at the Masiandae Centre. This new procedures are outlined below and on our website: Are you interested in volunteering some of your time with DCRS? There are various opportunities available to you, as explained in this link. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with DCRS then please download theDCRS Volunteer Application Form on our website. Complete it, and then email, post or in person to the Volunteer Coordinator at the Masiandae Centre. The Volunteer Coordinator will then get in touch with you to arrange an interview. For directions to the Masiandae Centre please check out our map and photograph on the menu on the left of DCRS homepage. For those would-be volunteers who are not on-line, an Application Form can be obtained from the Reception Desk at the Masiandae Centre.

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY
Written by Geoffrey N. READ DCRS Newsletter Editor

Ms. Sheila BODDINGTON


DCRS Volunteer

VERY NOW AND AGAIN... something comes along to restore ones faith in the work we do! I attended a Citizenship Ceremony, along with one or two others from DCRS for the family of one of our Service Users. This took place in the Reception Room of The Council House, Plymouth, th at 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday, 9 August 2011 in the presence of Their Worships: Lord Mayor Councillor Peter BROOKSHAW and Lady Mayoress Mrs. Brenda BROOKSHAW. The family took the Oath of Allegiance and Pledge of Loyalty to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and received their Certificate of Naturalisation. The ceremony is the very summit of what the family has strived for, after so many years of heartbreak. They are so very proud of their achievement and deservedly so!

August 2011

Our Funders:

and Voluntary Donations.


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To contact Geoff READ, the Newsletter Editor, please call 07745819828 (text only) or (01752) 563800. Alternatively email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. For the contact details of DCRS, please see the top of Page 1.

VISIT OF THE LORD MAYOR & LADY MAYORESS


Written by one of the DCRS Trustees

OTHER NEWS & EVENTS


Compiled by Geoffrey N. Read DCRS Newsletter Editor DISCLAIMER Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this section are not necessarily those held by the DCRS Board of Trustees nor anyone connected to DCRS.

N WEDNESDAY 10 AUGUST 2011 we were honoured with a visit by the Lord Mayor & Lady Mayoress of Plymouth, Councillor & Mrs Peter BROOKSHAW.

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SYLUM LIFE: The Trials of Women Refugees, Through Their Own Eyes. This article was published in The th Observer, Sunday, 14 August 2011 by Kate KELLAWAY. Women refugees fleeing persecution across the world have photographed their daily struggle to survive in Britain. Now their work will go on show in Parliament.' Street life...
Photograph by N. YEMEN entitled Waiting, which features in the Home Sweet Home exhibition at the House of Commons.

They both expressed great interest in our work, and the plight of our Service Users (SU), and assured us of their support in our dealings with the City Council. They were shown the waiting area, our Support Workers rooms, our Food Programme Kitchen, our Internet Suite and Clothing Store. They talked to a number of our Staff, Volunteers and SU, and were informed all about the DCRS activities, especially since receiving the Big Lottery monetary award. Their visit ran considerably over its allotted time. The Grant of the Dignity of Lord Mayor for Plymouth th was announced on 6 May 1935 on the occasion of HM King George Vs Silver Jubilee and the post was assumed by the Chief Magistrate. Sir Francis DRAKE was Mayor of Plymouth before the post of Lord Mayor was instituted. The Lord Mayor holds the post for one year, and is elected on the third Friday in May by a selection committee of six councillors whose nomination is submitted to the full council. The post alternates between Conservative and Labour councillors irrespective of which party has control of the Council. The post of Lord Mayor is primarily ceremonial, except for presiding over the meetings of the City Council every eight weeks. Not a day goes by without him and the Lady Mayoress attending one function or another. At the end of his year of office he nominates a charity to receive funds from the Lord Mayors Fund, and this is distributed at Christmas. Councillor BROOKSHAW is one of 12 siblings, and was born and bred in Plymouth. He went into the painting and decorating business and now owns his own company, South West Decorating Services Ltd. He has been a councillor since 2000, and has been a ward councillor for Glenholt, Moorview and Eggbuckland, with the housing Portfolio and Safer & Stronger Communities (which covers Asylum Seekers & Refugees) and Sport, Tourism & Activities. He directed the transfer of Plymouth council housing stock to the private landlord Plymouth Community Homes. Councillor BROOKSHAW is well known amongst his colleagues on the council for his extremely colourful shirts and ties, of which he was wearing good examples when he visited DCRS!

The basement of a building near Old Street, in east London, is full: female asylum seekers from all over the world... Afghanistan, Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, and Zimbabwe... are getting together. Several English lessons are going on at the same time; the room is a hubbub of noise. This is the meeting place for a small charity, Women for Refugee Women, that helps refugees find their feet, and their voices. Many of the women here are destitute. They have spent months... years, in some cases... on the streets while fighting the British asylum system. I am visiting because of a powerful exhibition of their photographs, called, with an irony that does not need labouring, Home Sweet Home an attempt to capture what home means for them in this country. Natasha WALTER, a writer who founded the charity after meeting a destitute asylum seeker in London, explains that the original intention was to help women with poor English find an alternative way of communicating about the difficulties of their lives in London... every snap worth a thousand words. The idea was also that, as they went off with their loaned cameras, they might enlighten us... and this is what they have done. On the face of it, the photographs seem no more than a neutral record... but it's this that gives them the force of a protest. The cameras cannot lie. The exhibition turns out to be as much about us and our responsibilities as about them... an unnerving education. It is impossible to look at these images without feeling outraged compassion. They document the most basic struggle to survive; the sense of how little the women have is inescapable. Bare necessities dominate: suitcases are never unpacked (the women are always on the move); a hot water bottle keeps out the cold; meagre groceries... sugar, rice, Ovaltine... are arranged as if for a group portrait. Many of the snaps suggest a lost property department... only it is the owners, not the objects, who are lost.

To contact Geoff READ, the Newsletter Editor, please call 07745819828 (text only) or (01752) 563800. Alternatively email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. For the contact details of DCRS, please see the top of Page 1.

WALTER explains that the show is not about individual asylum cases but about the importance of letting people know how difficult circumstances are for these women. The vast majority who come to this group have fled serious human rights abuses, including sexual violence, ethnic and political persecution. They are traumatised by the loss of their homes and families. And what is so awful about their experiences here is that the struggle to find asylum can traumatise them all over again; they have to negotiate a very complex system, and however real their persecution, they are very often disbelieved." As failed asylum seekers, the women are moved from place to place and can be made destitute, which means they are left homeless and without any benefits or right to work. "We want to show the impact of an unjust system on their daily lives," WALTER says. In one particularly haunting image, Shadow, an unlaced patent shoe sets forth on a London pavement. The body of the woman wearing it casts shadows across the stone. The photograph comes close to being an invitation: can you imagine stepping into her shoes? I meet four of the photographers: Evelyne, Madeleine, Esther and Herlinde. They are warm but wary. They are from the Democratic Republic of Congo but were strangers until they met, for the first time, in this room. They are all fleeing ethnic and political persecution, but here they can at least share their experiences... and be pointed in the direction of a lawyer, be part of a network. We converse in an effortful mixture of English and French. We start with London's weather... they laugh, exclaim, shudder... and then move on to food. Herlinde remembers a visit to Margate and being repelled and mystified by English food, while Evelyne's eyes light up as she describes kwanga the cassava roots that remind her of home. She buys them in Dalston, and has fondly photographed them. When they talk about their feelings, the laughter ceases. Herlinde describes her head as "like a coconut it is as if my brain was shaking. They say it is depression". She is the most fluent of the four and has now been granted leave to stay. With assistance, she has written about her feelings: "Being destitute affects your mind, body and soul. I found that when I was destitute, I couldn't plan my life. You feel useless and down; you are not steady, you become like a child." Madeleine, a queenly woman dressed like an engine driver, in dungarees and a jaunty peaked cap, says: "I am a victim because of my father's blood." She talks, with spirit, about the social challenges of her life, the danger of false friends... and of men in particular: "Men say they want to help you but, actually, they want to abuse you. And then you are left alone with a child. Or you can get diseases such as Aids." She has been here eight years: "My mind is all over the place. I am not at peace. I want to work to help myself... but time is passing." All the women are eager to work, but as one of them says: "If you try to work, you get arrested." Several have children still in Congo, and the pain of separation is almost unspeakable. "I don't get to talk to my 11-year-old daughter.

It is a problem for me," Evelyne says simply. Esther tells me she has three children and then dries up. Herlinde suffers a cruel and chronic homesickness: "I'd be better if I could be in Congo," she says, "but I can't go there." When they talk about the kindness and hostility they have encountered in London, Madeleine is incredulous at those who believe they would leave home for opportunistic reasons: "Why would we want to come?" she asks. "We only come here to save our lives! We are not coming here for adventure." Herlinde agrees: 'When a woman comes here, fleeing, with a genuine fear, it is because she has a genuine problem. We feel we don't have fair treatment from the Home Office." Still, they are delighted... fired up... about the exhibition. Madeleine believes it may help people understand their plight and "make this group grow... that would be good for women". Before I leave, I ask if they might have a go at describing the homes they have left behind. They struggle with this... something more than the language barrier, I imagine, is holding them back. Then Esther, unexpectedly, takes my notebook and painstakingly writes down her home address in Congo. She passes it back to me as if, in another life, I might be able to call in on her there. "Home Sweet Home" can be seen at the House of Commons th from Monday, 12 September 2011 by prior arrangement (email admin@refugeewomen.co.uk for details). And at th Riverside Studios, London W6 from Sunday, 18 September 2011.

OMBATANTS FOR PEACE (CfP). A unique group of Israeli and Palestinian former combatants engaged in a non-violent joint struggle to end the Israeli occupation, visit rd th England Saturday, 3 Saturday, 10 September 2011. Hosted by Encounters in association with Amnesty International UK and the Forgiveness Project. Encounters are very proud to once more be hosting a group of Israeli and Palestinian members of the pioneering Combatants for Peace movement for a UK tour of public events to share their personal stories and non-violent creative methods for resolving conflict, with a focus on the Israeli / Palestinian conflict. The CfP movement was started in 2005 by Palestinians who had been part of the violent struggle against the occupation and Israelis who had fought in the Israeli army. Having put down their arms, CfP members are engaged in a non-violent struggle against the Israeli occupation and for a viable peace in the area. They are committed to using dialogue and reconciliation as a way to promote the establishment of a Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem, alongside the State of Israel. CfP are represented in the UK by 16 members of Movements Steering Group, who are responsible for coordinating the five binational local activist groups operating in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

To contact Geoff READ, the Newsletter Editor, please call 07745819828 (text only) or (01752) 563800. Alternatively email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. For the contact details of DCRS, please see the top of Page 1.

CfP uses theatre as one of its tools for dialogue, action and transformation. For an organisation whose bi-national members routinely risk arrest and resentment from within their own communities simply for meeting together, this extraordinary UK visit offers a safe space for CfP members to deepen relationships within their group as well as share their creative approach through a series of public events. Their UK hosts, Encounters, are an arts practice working at the intersection of social and ecological sustainability to offer frameworks for people to explore their identity and imagine new interconnected stories to live by. We will be hosting this unique group at our new home on rd th the Dartington Hall Estate (3 - 7 ) and then travelling to London to join with our Partners, Amnesty International UK and Cardboard Citizens Theatre Company. Encounters and Combatants for Peace invite you to join them. Members of Combatants for Peace share their journeys from division and violence towards non-violence and peace. No Victory in Violence: Tuesday, 6 September 2011 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. An Evening with Combatants for Peace in Exeter. The Mint Methodist Church, Fore Street, Exeter, EX4 3AT. Wednesday, 7 September 2011 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. An Evening with Combatants for Peace in Totnes. Totnes Civic Hall, Totnes Market Square.
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MMIGRATION STATISTICS: April-June 2011. The latest immigration statistics from Home Office administrative sources, covering April - June 2011 and detailed tables for the calendar year 2010, together with earlier data are now available. The April June 2011 summary provides key points and details of whats new in this release. More detailed information, covering the work of the UK Border Agency, is also available.

HE IMPORTANCE OF Belonging. Not having a nationality is to be marginalised, not to belong. Many stateless persons have little possibility to make themselves heard and are in many cases silenced by fear of discrimination. The most important thing is that governments, ombudsmen, national human rights institutions and non-governmental organisations take action to defend their rights. Six hundred thousand people in Europe are stateless they need extra protection. An article by: Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights, 02/ 08/ 11 Having a nationality is a basic human right... so basic that it amounts to a "right to have rights". The tragedy of persons without nationality gained attention after World War II and a first United Nations treaty was agreed in 1954 on the Status of Stateless Persons to be followed by another convention in 1961 on the Reduction th of Statelessness. However, even now... on the 50 anniversary of one of these accords... many people remain without a nationality. Even in relatively peaceful Europe they can be counted in hundreds of thousands. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, estimates the number to be as many as 589,000. Some stateless people are refugees or migrants, having left their countries of origin. Others live in their home country but are not recognised as citizens. The plight of the stateless, who are estimated to number 12 million worldwide, has received limited attention in recent years and seems to be little understood. No papers - no rights Stateless persons are often marginalised. When they lack birth certificates, identity cards, passports and other documents, they risk being excluded from education, healthcare, social assistance and the right to vote. A stateless person may not be able to travel or work legally. As a result the stateless have to grapple with inequality and discrimination - and with a heightened risk of being perceived as irregular. This dire situation was recently described in a report from the Equal Rights Trust (ERT):

Combatants for Peace UK visit is funded by J.A. Clark Charitable Trust, The Cornish Foundation and other donors. For further information about the visit, please contact Ben YEGER, Creative Director of Encounters and UK representative of Combatants for Peace on: ben@encounters-arts.org.uk or 07977 449901.

HE CULTURAL KITCHEN is having a break for August 2011 and Ramadan, and will start again in September. The dates of future Cultural Kitchens for your diary are: Friday, 9 and 23 September th st Friday, 7 and 21 October th th Friday, 4 and 18 November nd th Friday, 2 and 16 December th th Friday, 13 and 27 January 2012 th th Friday, 10 and 24 February 2012
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We would like to thank all those who have attended the Cultural Kitchen over the past year. Regards Janet, Isaac & Susie START Management Team Students & Refugees Together Unit 4 HQ Building 237 Union Street Plymouth, PL1 3HQ Tel: (01752) 255 200 Fax: (01752) 668 826 Email: isaac@studentsandrefugeestogether.com Website: www.studentsandrefugeestogether.com

To contact Geoff READ, the Newsletter Editor, please call 07745819828 (text only) or (01752) 563800. Alternatively email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. For the contact details of DCRS, please see the top of Page 1.

Unravelling Anomaly: Detention, Discrimination and the Protection Needs of Stateless Persons. The political developments in Europe after 1989 led to increasing numbers of stateless persons, especially those belonging to national minorities. The breakup of the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia caused enormous difficulties for people who were regarded by the new governments as belonging somewhere else... even when they had resided in their current location for many years. A big problem in Europe In Latvia and Estonia large numbers of residents remain non-citizens, even if the number of those who have been granted full citizenship has increased in recent years, and others have been provided with personal identity documents which enable them to travel and work more easily. But non-citizens, even those who were born in the country, are still not granted the right to vote in national elections. A great number of stateless persons in Europe are Roma, particularly in the countries of ex-Yugoslavia. Some, who have moved from that region to other parts of Europe, are living as de facto stateless since they lack personal documents and live in legal uncertainty. For instance, there are approximately 15,000 persons in this situation in Italy. The exclusion and marginalisation that Roma persons already experience is compounded by the lack of effective nationality. There are rules - to be respected Children should not be denied their right to a nationality just because their parents are stateless. The host country has an obligation to ensure that children have citizenship. Both the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights stipulate that children shall have the right to acquire a nationality. Children who would otherwise be stateless should be granted the nationality of the host state. The Council of Europe has adopted two highly relevant treaties to guide a rights-based approach towards nationality and statelessness. However, these have not been widely ratified. Only twenty Council of Europe member states have ratified the 1997 Convention on Nationality, and only five states have so far ratified the 2006 Convention on the Avoidance of Statelessness in relation to State Succession. All member states should sign and ratify these conventions as well as the two UN treaties. It is crucial that states bind themselves legally to respect these agreed standards. The importance of belonging Not having a nationality is to be marginalised, not to belong. Many stateless persons have little possibility to make them-selves heard and are in many cases silenced by fear of discrimination. The most important thing is that govern-ments, ombudsmen, national human rights institutions and non-governmental organisations take action to defend their rights. Thomas HAMMARBERG

OGETHER WE CAN Defeat Hate Crime. In last months issue of our Newsletter we published an article relating to The New Geographies of Racism and how Plymouth in particular was highlighted. The following article is what the Plymouth Herald published as their Editorial Comment on nd Friday, 22 July 2011: OVER the centuries, Plymouth has provided a welcoming safe haven for minorities from around the world of every colour and creed. It is a tradition which continues until today. Indeed, in recent years, our city has thrown open its arms to accommodate even more foreign residents than ever before, thanks to the expansion of the European Union and its status as a designated asylum dispersal area. This willingness to welcome others is something of which we should all be immensely proud. But unfortunately, the untold good work being done by so many people and agencies to make ours a truly integrated multicultural city is being undermined by a dark undercurrent of hate crime. This stain on Plymouth's good name has been highlighted in a shocking new report entitled The New Geographies of Racism, which highlights our city as one of three areas which are experiencing particularly high levels of racist incidents. Worryingly, Anne WILKINSON, co-director of the Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council, told us that racism is more overt here than in places such as London. The situation is such that there are an estimated 50 racist or religiously aggravated incidents every day... a shocking figure which should horrify all decent people. Even one incident of this nature is too many. We should pride ourselves on our ability and willingness to tolerate others, whatever their background, as the number of newcomers to our city rises... and the key to harmonious multiculturalism is working together. 2011 is the 60 Anniversary of the UN Refugee Convention
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http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49da0e466.html

DOES YOUR ORGANISATION PROVIDE FREE MEALS OR FOOD PARCELS?


If your organisation would benefit from receiving free food produce then please go on-line to DCFA at

http://dcfa.webs.com ,
download the Application Form & Wish List, complete the details and submit it to Geoff (details at the foot of the page).

WANT TO PLACE YOUR NOTICE IN THE DCRS NEWSLETTER? Contact the Editor!

To contact Geoff READ, the Newsletter Editor, please call 07745819828 (text only) or (01752) 563800. Alternatively email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. For the contact details of DCRS, please see the top of Page 1.

EDEEMING OUR COMMUNITIES. Please CLICK to see the flyer with an invitation to the launch in Devon and Cornwall of an exciting new initiative, which it is hoped, will bring people closer together with public and other agencies for the benefit of our communities.

SO & The Zebra Collective Global Xchange Programme: Surkhet, Nepal & Plymouth, UK: October 2011 April 2012 Open meeting At Devonport Guildhall, Monday 5th September 2011 6.00pm 7.30pm (7.30pm 8.00pm networking) Zebra Collective is now looking for expressions of interest from potential hosts and work placements so come along and find out how you can get involved. Volunteer Work placements must be based in Plymouth and engaged in work which benefits communities. The volunteers will do genuine, sustainable work with you around the programme theme - Well-being & Social Inclusion. Being a Host Home is a great opportunity to learn about others lives, in Nepal and other parts of the UK. Host Homes must be in Plymouth or within the travel to work area. Host Homes will be given an expenses allowance of 100 per week (50 per volunteer).

Contacts: Marc Gardiner, GX Programme Superviser: marc@zebra.coop Liza Packer, GX Programme Organiser: liza@zebra.coop Tel: 01752 395131

DIARY DATES
Download the Flyer (3.33MB, from mediafire.com).
Written by Geoffrey N. READ DCRS Newsletter Editor All the dates are shown using the Gregorian (Western) calendar. The calendar is accurate, but some dates may vary regionally because they are determined by the lunar calendar. Jewish festivals usually begin at sundown on the previous day. If you have access to the internet, just click on the faith links for further information.

OU COMPLAIN THAT Your Neighbour is an Immigrant?

Your car is Japanese. Your pizza is Italian. Your falafel is Lebanese. Your democracy is Greek. Your coffee is Brazilian. Your movies are American. Your tea is Tamil. Your shirt is Indian. Your oil is Saudi Arabian. Your electronics are Chinese. Your number are Arabic. Your letters are Latin. ... and you complain that your neighbour is an immigrant? Pull yourself together! Submitted by Pamela CURR Campaign Coordinator Asylum Seeker Resource Centre 12 Batman St. West Melbourne "No one chooses to be an asylum seeker!"

Thursday, 8 September Nativity of the Theotokos (Christian). Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary. Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christian). Roman Catholics celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary. Feast of the Birth of Mary (Christian). Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches celebrate the birth of Mary, mother of Jesus. Sunday, 11 September Ethiopian New Year (Rastafari). The start of the New Year in Ethiopia is recognised because Rastafarians believe Ethiopia to be their spiritual homeland, and a place to which they want to return.
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To contact Geoff READ, the Newsletter Editor, please call 07745819828 (text only) or (01752) 563800. Alternatively email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. For the contact details of DCRS, please see the top of Page 1.

Friday, 23 September Autumn Equinox (Pagan) This day is celebrated when day and night are of equal duration. Wednesday, 28 September Navaratri (start) (Hindu). Navaratri (nine nights) symbolises the triumph of good over evil and marks the start of autumn. Thursday, 29 September Michaelmas / St. Michael, St. Gabriel & St. Raphael's Day (Christian). A feast day in honour of the archangel Michael. Michael is one of the angels named in the Bible (along with Gabriel and, in some traditions including Roman Catholic, Raphael.) Rosh Hashanah (first day) (Jewish). Jewish New Year. A two-day festival during which work is not permitted.
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Sukkot (Jewish) Sukkot or The Feast of Tabernacles, commemorates the years that the Jews spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land, and celebrates the way in which God took special care of them under impossible conditions. Sukkot lasts for seven days, and work is not permitted on the first two days. Wednesday, 19 October Hoshanah Rabbah (Jewish) th The 7 day of Sukkot. Thursday, 20 October Shemini Atzeret (Jewish) Shemini Atzeret can be translated as "the assembly of the eighth (day)." In Israel the festival is combined with Simchat Torah. Birth of the Bab (Bahai) Celebrates the birth of the precursor of the founder of the Baha'i faith. Friday, 21 October Simchat Torah (Jewish) Simchat Torah means "Rejoicing in the Torah." This holiday marks the completion of the yearly cycle of weekly Torah readings. Wednesday, 26 October Paryushana (Jain) The most important Jain festival, it consists of eight (Swetambara) or ten (Digambara) days of intensive fasting and repentance. A time of reflection. Diwali (Hindu, Jain, Sikh) Diwali, the Festival of Light, comes at the end of October or early November. It's a festival that Sikhs, Hindus and Jains celebrate. For Sikhs, Diwali is particularly important because it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, and 52 other princes with him, in 1619. Monday, 31 October Samhain (Hallowe'en) (Pagan) Samhain (pronounced 'sow'inn') marks the Feast of the Dead. Many Pagans also celebrate it as the old Celtic New Year (although some mark this at Imbolc). Hallowe'en (All Hallows' Eve) (Christian) The night before All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day). Its origins date back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of th Samhain. It was celebrated as a Christian festival by the 8 Century.
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Saturday, 1 October Fast of Gedalliah (Jewish) Fast in memory of the assassination of Gedalliah Ben Achikam, the Governor of Israel during the days of Nebuchadnetzar, King of Babylonia. Sunday, 2 October Feast of the Guardian Angels (Christian) A Catholic festival celebrated annually on 2nd October in honour of guardian angels. Thursday, 6 October Dussera (Hindu) Celebrates Lord Rama's victory over the evil demon Ravana. Saturday, 8 October Yom Kippur (Jewish) Day of Atonement... the most solemn day of the Jewish year. Sunday, 9 October Birthday of Guru Ram Das (Nanakshahi calendar) (Sikh) Guru Ram Das (1534-1581) was the fourth of the Sikh Gurus. Thursday, 13 October St. Edward's Day (Christian) Edward the Confessor was King of England 1042 - 1066. He built Westminster Abbey where there is a shrine to him... and where the saint is also celebrated on 5th January each year, the anniversary of his death.
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To contact Geoff READ, the Newsletter Editor, please call 07745819828 (text only) or (01752) 563800. Alternatively email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. For the contact details of DCRS, please see the top of Page 1.

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