Tuesday, April 15, 2008

People's World Carnival Band at the Old Brewery Tottenham High Road

People's World Carnival Band, some of its younger members at the Carnival last year.

"People’s World Carnival Band (formerly People’s War) has been making Carnival in Haringey for the past 26 years. Their HQs have been in a variety of places; volunteer’s front rooms and lock ups, a room above a book shop in Stroud Green Road, a room in Station House Ferme Park Road, at Bruce Grove Youth Project Number 10 Bruce Grove and now at the Old Brewery in Tottenham High Road.

The band works across generations in the community and produces artistic costumes to take onto the streets of Notting Hill as well as many other events through out the year a few of which are international. They have a policy of ensuring that the themes they portray have something to say about the world around us and there is always a historically educational element.

People’s World has performed in the Tottenham Carnival Parade since its inception in 1999, and has an information stall in Bruce Castle Park at the Festival.

The Band has a wide membership with people from all ethnic backgrounds, cultures, ages and abilities. They also try to ensure that costumes are well made and affordable as many band members are on low incomes and the Band has no regular funding. They also recycle wherever possible to save on costs and protect the environment.

There are currently approximately 150 members and another 200 friends of the Band who support events, but do not take part in Carnival.

The Band welcomes new members. Workshops for young people are held from April onwards each year (Saturdays from 12 noon, Thursday evening Dance Classes, Workshops throughout the Summer 6-9.30pm daily). Why not come along and see the work that we do?"

Everyone's getting ready for Tottenham Carnival

Come along to the official press launch and find out what's happening on the day and how you can get involved!

Over 60,000 people last year...

People's World Carnival Band -some of its younger members at the Carnival last year with the Mayor of Haringey Cllr Sheik Thompson


The Carnival Parade Bouncy Castles Latin Stage and Dancing

Youth Entertainment Sound System - Spurs sponsored fun - events for kids and old folk

- promotion opportunities in the Business Village and much more...

But what's happening on the Main Stage?


Starts 6pm sharp Thursday 24th April, at the Platinum Banqueting Suite, The Black Boy Hotel, 268 West Green Road.

RSVP info@tottenhamcarnival.co.uk 020 8801 4824



BCN

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Tottenham Vicar with a Love for Eastern Tongues


The latest 'Munch & Listen' lunchtime talk at Bruce Castle Museum took us from King Alfred to King James and shed light on Tottenham's great scholar, mathematician and linguist the Vicar William Bedwell.

William Bedwell, the vicar of Tottenham from 1607 to 1632, was one of the scholars commissioned to translate a new version of the Bible into English by King James I.

What with deciphering Aramaic, Hebrew and Ancient Greek this was no small feat and he was one of 50 men entrusted with the mammoth task.

Bedwell was engaged in the 'First Company of Westminster' responsible for the first bit: Genesis up to Two Kings. The Vicar also wrote a history of Tottenham which included an 'ancient poem' called 'The Tournament of Tottenham' - you can see them both at Bruce Castle Museum.

Carved on his tomb were the following words:

"Here lyes interred in this chancel Mr. William Bedwell, sometime vicar of this church, and one of King James's translators of the Bible, and for the Easterne tongues as learned a man as most lived in these moderne times. Aged 70. Dyed May the 5th, 1632."


It was Peter Brown, a historian, writer and illustrator who gave the talk at the Castle and vividly brought to life the great religious debates which led to the new King James version. He also brought a very rare Bible of his own for us to look at and his own illustrated history of the Augustinians of Aldgate, Tottenham and Palmers Green.

Spring's family events kick off at the Castle from Sunday April 6th.

BCN