Well that's that then.
It all seemed to go off alright, despite a drop or two of rain. I think that may have put a few people off for the evening, a shame as they missed a good night.

Thanks are of course due to all the willing helpers, before during and after the main event. Names are unnecessary as you know who you are ( especially the “after” helper) But no matter how much preparation and planning goes in to these sort of events, it is all to no avail if no-one comes. So a very big thank you to all the dancers, singers, musicians and those who just sat and enjoyed. The children were very much part of it all, with an enchanting little vision in purple and a well rehearsed (No Dad you got it wrong) song from little Jabel.

And of course the generous donations from those more distant or with previous commitments, well done,
Many photos were taken, of course, and because we are away for a while here are just a few as a taster.

The Bar, behind which Andy ( above) spent most of his time, thanks.

(This will have special memories for many old friends)

Thats just a few of the many photos, (thanks to Jillie's camera, various drivers!)

Loads more to come when I can grab another few minutes.

So, nearly £800 raised so far, there is still a small amount to come in but none to go out so it can only get better.

If you were unable to attend but would still like to donate, or even if you were there and enjoyed it so much you want to give more, the website is still operational for donations by Paypal. (I won’t object if you thrust old fashioned money in my hand either.)

There are also a few badges still available if you would like a memento of the day.

(If you donate £10, I will send you two badges)

The raffle has been sorted out with most winners now contacted.

Two unknowns can now own up and claim their prizes:

Green 33
Green 25

The winners of the Origami Crane Competition have also been chosen.

When Linda first arrived with a beautiful folded Crane about 8" inlength and made from white embossed paper I knew we had a worthy winner already and so it was.

Linda Barnes

Little did I know how helpful Linda was to be throughout the day, many thanks especially from Jillie.

The Origami table attracted a lot of interest throught the afternoon and many and various cranes started to arrive.

Then Zoe got to grips

and practised and practised and practised,

getting smaller and smaller and smaller,

until.....

.....these tiny cranes arrived. A worthy winner of the afternoon makers.

Well done Zoe, and here again thanks are due to Zoe and her partner Andy for their unstinting help.

Somehow along the way this truly delightful flower appeared.

The Final collection

Keep looking in lots more to come!

The Background

I watched the horror unfold, cried at the pictures, failed to grasp the scale and then wondered what to do next. The internet forum “Mudcat” came up with the answer:
Joan Crump, a prime mover with the Sidmouth Folk Festival told of her direct link with Fukushima. Her daughter’s school, Kesteven and Grantham Girls School, in Lincolnshire, has had a student exchange scheme for 18 years with Minami High School in Fukushima. After the Tsunami they set about trying to help.

The School are raising money through a number of events and sending the proceeds straight to Minami High School, in Fukushima, to distribute as they see fit locally.
At the present time the school is a temporary home to about 200 displaced people, all needing food, clothing, and above all comfort.

Some things come full circle and such a direct link between the Folk World and a disaster like this is surely a sign we can’t ignore. This connection gives a direction to money we will raise and a firm knowledge that it will be used wisely.

Our thoughts and gifts from our small Island to one of the most developed countries in the world is our chance to show that people the world over do care, we can really help.

I make no apologies for pulling on your heartstrings

If you aren't free on the 7th May, if you click here you can make a donation

The total for donations and advance ticket sales stood at well over

£300

at Midday 28th April

The Plan

Lunchtime

Bar and Food open

Morris Dancing and Music session

Afternoon

Origami Workshop

Song and Music session

with occasional featured guests.

Evening

Informal concert/Club

We now need you.... Singers ~ Musicians ~ Dancers

Helpers of all kinds needed for ~ Bar ~ Kitchen ~ Door ~ Raffle tickets ( of course!)

Get in touch now!! crane at mymerrymead.co.uk

(Replace the - at - the usual obvious Spam trap)

The Logo for Folk for Fukushima includes an origami Crane.
Japanese legends tell that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a special wish, such as long life or even recovery from illness or injury. How appropriate!!

During the day we will be demonstrating how to fold one yourself and we will try and make as many as possible. Although not practical to send them all to Japan a suitable photo or two would surely impress them.
If you really can't wait and want to start folding straight away try this:

How to fold an Origami Crane

We will be awarding a small prize for the best one made at home as well as the best on the day. So get folding.

Keep popping back here for a look as the site will grow daily.

I don't think an actual guest list is important; the day is about us all pulling together and as such we are all just as vital.

Here is the first of Islander Ruth Wyman's poems specially written for this appeal.

With the ever increasing uncertainty over the Nuclear Reactor at Fukushima these words are all the more appropriate.

The Cherry Trees of Fukushima by Ruth Wyman There’s a tradition in Japan, That, when the cherry tree Puts forth its blossom on the bough, The nation stops to see. Oh what a breath of sunny Spring Bursts from each precious bud. What dainty petals paint the air. It does the heart’s blood good. Like islands bobbing in the sky, The cherry blossoms float. Like sampans on a sea of blue, Each heaven scented boat Carries the hopes, and many dreams, Of those who gaze aloft, Caught by the warmth of their bouquet, In colours sweet and soft. In Fukushima, cherry trees Are yet to take their bow. A nuclear winter threatens to Destroy their beauty now. When Spring returns and buds break forth On the Good Fortune Isle, Oh let it be with joue de vivre, And with a thankful smile.   © Ruth Twyman Lockyer March 2011

Now here's a link to a beautiful song written by Fred Small about the young Japanese girl who wanted to fold 1000 cranes to perhaps cure her leukemia. Sung here by the late Jim Couza.

Cranes over Hiroshima

Yes it was based on the dreadful deliberate atomic attack and is meant as a cry for peace. I sincerely hope the threat of nuclear war is gone forever, but the effects of radiation are just as powerful. Let us all hope and, if you do pray then pray hard, that they will find a way to stop the spread of any more radiation.

Stretch the words a little and they work for todays disaster and certainly underline the power of the Cranes.

---

 

And now the second of Ruth's poems, very appropriately titled.

 

Folk for Fukushima by Ruth Wyman They said that Armageddon was a long, long time away. For, in this cosy world, what should we fear? In spite of revolutions and the usual manmade fray, It was a case of ‘It won’t happen here.’ Japan is not a country to sit idly on its hands. They know they live upon an active fault. And, how to face catastrophe, each person understands. Right from the start of childhood, it is taught. The one thing that life teaches is, ‘Don’t underestimate The power of this little rock called Earth.’ It really doesn’t matter how advanced you think your state. For nature doesn’t reckon human worth. The quake was overwhelming. There was nothing they could do. Then the tsunami swept their world away. Through Fukushima, aftershocks of devastation blew, Releasing unseen perils day by day. This planet that we live on, we must live on side by side. Compassion is the finest human trait. For folk in Fukushima, there is nowhere left to hide. For us, there is no longer time to wait. Although we don’t have much, we have our song and poetry, And music that, with you, we’d like to share. From our small island to that crippled land across the sea, Let’s send a message that we really care. © Ruth Twyman Lockyer March 2011

 

Well while I'm here I'll put another link up for you.

This is another moving tale of dedicated teams doing what they can where they can.

Into Ibaraki

Don't forget to get in touch if you would like to be involved in this important day

crane at mymerrymead.co.uk

(with the obvious anti spam change, which is also why no direct link, sorry!)