For 2009's World Leprosy Day, the focus of The Leprosy Mission was on Nigeria, so we asked Lucy Samuel if she and her family would organise a typical African meal and a demonstration of the elaborate and colourful clothing worn by Nigerian people, glimpses of which Lucy has given us at Church Services on special occasions.

Around 50 people took part in what can only be described as a truly enjoyable evening.

Our thanks must go to Lucy and all those who helped, for all the hard work they did in making the evening a truly memorable occasion.

Thanks too to Oluseye and Vicky Obisanya for their eloquent explanation of the material and clothes so aptly “modelled” by some of those present, not forgetting their sons of course!

Also, our thanks go to Segun Idioli for providing the music, which helped give the whole evening a truly authentic atmosphere.

Finally, our heartfelt thanks must go to all those who came along, or gave their support to the evening in other ways.

Without you it would not have been possible to raise the magnificent sum of £440.

This will go towards the East of England Project of The Leprosy Mission to rebuild five leprosy affected villages in Nigeria.

Well done, and sincere thanks to everyone!

Fr Richard Fordham
(Hon Assistant Priest)

Photos by Val McAuley