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Yearly Archives

2009

Te Marae

By OceaniaNo Comments
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Many people groups have a long history of oral tradition, learning and understanding is passed down through the generations. In New Zealand, the marae (a gathering place) has been the focal point for Maoridom for many centuries.  Not just a place for people to meet but a family home to the generations that have gone before.

“We, the Maori, need our marae so that we may pray to God; rise tall in oratory; weep for our dead; house our guests; have our meetings, feasts, weddings and reunions; and sing and dance.” Hiwi and Pat Tauroa.

8. September 2009
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Remember the year 200 sunrise?

By OceaniaNo Comments
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Gisborne, on the East coast of New Zealand; you may remember it was the world’s focus for the beginning of the new millennium, 2000. What you may not know …. the sunrise captured by TV crews and beamed all around the world was recorded the day before!!! On the big day, it was cloudy, broadcasting at its best or worst … your choice?

7. September 2009
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Meeting Nievans

By OceaniaNo Comments
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We have travelled south to Te Puke and staying in a small community with David and Mary Charrington (yes, related to the brewers in England). They are helping with the pastoral care of 400 Nievans. (people born of Vanuatu). This Pacific archipelago has around 86 separate islands with 104 different languages. The New Zealand government have in the last couple of years, set up a program to help the poorest families, by allowing them a 6 month work placement in Kiwi fruit orchards. (Incidentally there is one called Lindisfarne Orchard!) Read More

5. September 2009
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Maori art

By OceaniaNo Comments
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One of the highlights of the hui was this collection of Maori art telling the sad story of Nia Glassie. The artist used cultural symbolism and glass in her piece about this young 3 year old child who was battered and killed. The horrific abuse astounded New Zealand, bringing it to its knees. One of the things that was so powerful was the significance of glass, causing you to see your own image reflected in the art composition. Read More

4. September 2009
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Creative workshop

By OceaniaNo Comments

We just had a wonderful hui (gathering) with creative artists and musicians. Graphic, visual and fine artists mixed with dancers and musicians from diverse backgrounds and traditions, coming together over a weekend to share life stories and artistic expression. Check out some pictures below.

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4. September 2009
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The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treasons strategems and spoils, The motions of his spirit are as dull as night, And his affections dark as Erebus, Let no such man be trusted.

From the Merchant of Venice
1. September 2009
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Wandering down under

By BlogNo Comments
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How bizarre to come to the other side of the world and yet find ourselves in familiar surroundings. We are staying at a community called Berakah (valley of blessing) retreat near Warkworth on the North Island. Six generations of our host’s family have been on this land since 1874. The original settlers in this county were from Northumberland, UK, and as we travel around we have found many street names taken from places in North Northumberland. We have had an amazing couple of days hearing stories about this land and sharing stories from our Celtic heritage.

 

25. August 2009
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Never look at the trombones, it only encourages them

Richard Strauss
23. August 2009
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Too many words?

By My StoriesNo Comments

Many Western cultures are very word based and are very suspicious of silence. Yet for the Japanese, in some cases, less talk says more as the pauses and silence communicate much. Some would say that they are even suspicious of words as they are more concerned with actions.

In New Zealand, in certain circumstances the Maori people will meet for discussions on a marae (a community gathering place) in a wharenui (meeting house). There, a speaker will stand and deliver his talk and then sit down and there will be silence, to allow others to contemplate his words before the next speaker.

I once heard a wise man talk about the many words used in religion, he said “Church is a little bit like a swimming pool – all the noise comes from the shallow end.”

13. August 2009
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Sing to the Well (Tanzania)

By StoreNo Comments

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People photos ….  Instrument pictures …. Donate to this project …. Village pictures …. Hear about the drum

In 2005, Martin and Rebekah Neil were recording in a rural community in Tanzania. Now, “Sing to the Well” brings the people’s story home to you. The CD & extra DVD present a musical glimpse of the sounds, songs and rhythms of a beautiful people, the Wagogo. The harsh realities of their lives do not stifle them; they retain their creative passion to sing, dance and give thanks to God.

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Be transported into the heart of the Wagogo community and experience for yourself the atmosphere and spirit of hope.

Best of all, as you enjoy the music and the story, you will be directly supporting the construction of wells in the village and a medical unit, as all monies go back to the village.

100% of sales go straight to projects in Mnase village when you buy the Sing to the Well CD and DVD Read More

2. July 2009
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CCAM pictures

By CambodiaOne Comment

The Idea is to go back maybe in Jan 2010 to help them tell their story through their arts. We will partner with them by recording their traditional Khmer music, their new songs written by the students and filming their cultural dances (our good friend Jerry Curd, a cameraman is available for the adventure). CCAMS have a dream of opening up an arts centre just outside Phnom Penh in Kompong Chnang (they have purchased land there) which would be a facility where they could grow their own food and have multiple buildings for school, auditorium and housing, enabling them to take in more children. 100% of funds from the sales of the recordings will go back to them to help in this endeavour to provide a new home for the community.

25. June 2009
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CCAM

By CambodiaNo Comments
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This trip was to visit CCAM, a place of refuge for many children who have fallen on hard times. All are youngsters from difficult backgrounds – orphans,  street kids, children sold into slavery, kids who were members of gangs, poor children whose families could not feed and educate them, abused children, abandoned kids from broken homes, teenagers on their way into prostitution, etc. Read More

24. June 2009
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