Na Mo Chuid Aodaich a resounding success for Lochs community
19 May 2009
On Friday 16th May, over 250 people of all ages from the Lochs community, and further afield, gathered at North Lochs Community Centre to watch and take part in an innovative and unique Gaelic community project using drama, songs, story and fashion. Na Mo Chuid Aodaich (meaning in my clothes) was led by Pròiseact nan Ealan and Crossroads Care Lewis, but could not have happened without the support and enthusiasm of local community members who pushed the project from an idea to a reality.
Ishbel Macleod, local organiser, said: “Our hope and aim when we got involved was to raise as much money as possible for Crossroads and to bring the whole of the Lochs Community together - North Lochs Kinloch and South Lochs - and we did both these things, and managed to raise over £2,200 on Friday night for Crossroads with more donations still coming in!”
Help came from throughout the community, young and old, with people providing delicious refreshments and home baking, handing in clothes as well as performing, modelling and helping on the night. It truly was a community effort, and organiser’s hardwork and impressive efforts were rewarded by a full house and a terrific response from the audience.
Marion Mackenzie, another local organiser, described the project and the community involvement: “The community spirit was very evident, with all parts of Lochs represented, along with people from many other areas of the island present for this great event. We would like to thank all who helped us - and we got lots of help, from family & friends in organising this event in the Community Centre. It was particularly poignant that some of the clothes from decades ago were modelled by daughters, granddaughters and great nieces of those who had worn the items originally”.
She added: “When this road show comes to your area make sure you do not miss it! Each show is unique - the clothes, models and stories are representative of each area. Another remarkable achievement for Pròiseact Nan Ealan. The huge success of this Gaelic production, with translation facilities available, shows a great desire to keep our language and culture alive”.
The project will be shown in other local communities over the coming months so anyone who missed out on Friday’s entertainment will be able to catch another version of the production song. The next show will be performed by the Tolsta community on 29th May at Tolsta Community Centre. This will be followed by eagerly awaited productions in Point (5th June, Bayble School), and Shawbost (19th June) with more productions in Borve, Harris, South Uist and Barra still to be confirmed.
Please get in touch with Proiseact nan Ealan (01851 704493 / pne@gaelic-arts.com) if you would like to find out more about this project or contribute to your local area production in some way.
Financial support has so far come from Scottish Arts Council, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Comunn na Gàidhlig, Leader + and MG ALBA.
