Dear People,

Youth A.I.D. Lewisham, a small voluntary Youth Organisation, initiated the above Community Heritage Event in November 1996. Planned as a one off, it quickly became an important annual event enjoyed by many from Lewisham, across London (and outside). It has been a great success in terms of the learning and sharing a tremendous amount about what is so special about our "Caribean Black Cake" and the many skills associated, some of which is captured in our book, The Carribean Black Cake.

For too many reasons to go into, we have not been able to sustain the initial work needed to continue the event, as in past years......that is not to say that we have been inactive, far from it. A small group of us continue to seek new and innovative ways of "Keeping the Cake on the Table" and are hopeful that in the not too distant future we will have news on our work to share.

In the meantime, we have a healthy collection of archival materials - photos, books etc that, subject to conditions, we are able to offer for short term loans. Remember Support the Making of the Cake, and the Cake Makers.....and Eaters.

We Give Thanks

Saturday 4th December 2004
Celebrating the Caribbean Black Cake and 20 year of 'Irie' Dance Theatre - Fundraising Dinner and Dance 7pm - late
The Great Hall, Goldsmith's College, New Cross, SE14 6NW
DJ Elayne, Tony Montono on the turntable - £15.00 inc Food
Ring Youth Aid for tickets 0208 697 2152
info@caribbean-cake-event.com

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Cakes Cakes CakesFollowing last year's successful re-launch, the Caribbean Cake Event will be taking place on Saturday 4th December 2004 at Goldsmith University's Great Hall. As part of this year's proceedings we will be celebrating 20 years of "IRIE" Dance Company, which was started in the Borough of Lewisham by Beverly Glean, a long established resident of the borough.

The Mayor of Lewisham, Councillor Steve Bullock has joined with us to extend an invitation to mayors of neighbouring South London Boroughs to encourage wider participation in this culturally rich heritage event.

Caribbean Cake EventThe significance of celebratory cakes within the African-Caribbean culture has developed over many centuries, and plays a central role within UK Caribbean life. Such cakes are a focal point at formal events such as christenings, weddings, significant birthdays, anniversaries, retirement and other happy occasions. They are often seen as a "labour of love" with the preparation activities often spanning a period of several months, involving young and old, which is reflected in the event.

Notting Hill Carnival CakeTraditionally many of the activities which go into producing these cakes are a closely guarded secret, only passed on to a close circle of trusted family members in order to ensure the family recipe is passed to future generations.

Two photographic images taken at previous workshops celebrating Caribbean culture will be displayed throughout December at the Creative Communities poster sites in Charing Cross, Stratford, Mile End, Highbury & Islington, Kings Cross, London Bridge, Tottenham Court Road, Westminster, Marble Arch, Liverpool St & St Paul's Underground Stations.

Black CakeYouth A.I.D. Lewisham is a dynamic agency committed to responding positively to the needs of young people. For the past thirty years the project has worked to improve direct services as well as disseminating relevant information to thousands of young people, many of whom are homeless, vulnerable and at risk.

IRIEThis is the seventh year of our Caribbean Black Cake Event making it a well-established part of the "social events calendar" for Londoners and beyond. The days programme includes - exhibitions demonstrations, workshops, business advice, culminating in the evening with a formal reception and dance. This event has grown in stature as a community development area, with many off shoots including the publication of a book, as well being a fundraising initiative, we are proud of its continued success and the fact that this is first of its kind in the U.K.

Bake that CakePlease help us to continue our valuable work with young people by supporting our fundraising efforts at this event. All donations will be acknowledged in our events programme contributions can be in the for of;

Make that CakeThanking you in anticipation

We are indebted to Mia Morris, Donna Pieters, and Maureen Roberts @ Well Placed Consultancy for their unstinting support over the last two years as they have assisted with developing the School workshops in 8 secondary schools and securing promotional and publicity support form Platform for Arts - London Underground with the Celebrating Caribbean Cake Poster campaign which will be up in November.

RECIPES
Thanks to Beverley Frederick from Tantie Lorraine's Kitchen
Creole Christmas Fruitcake with Whiskey Sauce (MS Word doc 28kb)
Fruit Wedding Cake (MS Word doc 26kb)
Light Fruitcake Recipe (MS Word doc 28kb)
Old Fashioned Fruit Cake (MS Word doc 27kb)

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Photos Courtesy: Erol Bent