2020 - October to December

2020 has presented extreme challenges to us all, and as we move into tier 4 here in Greater London, some of us face the prospect of a Christmas without many of our loved ones, although we can take courage from the knowledge that we carry them in our hearts from day to day. 

In this issue, you can read Pam's message of hope at this difficult time, together with an array of colourful and interesting articles to distract us from the gloomy winter weather and the difficulties of lockdown. Always keen to promote the work of talented artists, this quarter's cover image is entitled 'Maasai Woman' and was painted by SACCO member Scherin Massey Barlow. You can read all about Scherin's lifelong love of art in her entertaining article below. We are also delighted to introduce Gabby and Mariella, two new talented young writers who have written articles on Black Excellence and Diversity, while Paulette and Margaret offer two contrasting perspectives on the migrant experience, from emigrating from Yorkshire to Grenada and from Guyana to England. Graham concludes his series on the history of Zambia and Zimbabwe, while SACCO's Deborah reports back on an online event with the writer Alex Wheatle. If you have any queries about the Flu vaccine this year (although overshadowed by the recent introduction of the COVID Vaccine) please do check out the article below written by our friendly NHS community outreach team. 

We wish everyone a peaceful and healthy Christmas....Here's to 2021 being a better year for us all.

The Editors