Nottingham connected
15
KENYAN LUNCH WITH THE MAASAI CRICKET
By Edith Ogochukwu Onovo
WARRIORS
Kenya Nottinghamshire Welfare Association, with over
100 registered membership, supports both social and
family events for their members including other events
where they are invited. They were actively involved in
making the Maasai warriors feel at home in Nottingham.
They were at the Africa Farm day event in their numbers
joining in the Maasai Warriors special dance. Kenya
Nottinghamshire Welfare Association (KNWA) treated the
Maasai Cricket Warriors to a lovely Kenyan delicacy lunch
on the 23 rd of August, keeping their palates in touch
with their roots! Michael Kioko, the Secretary of Kenyan
Nottinghamshire Welfare Association (KNWA) said that
the association would like to do more in the community to
grow their network and participation in building cohesion
within Nottingham communities.
THE BAKEHOUSE SOCIAL EVENING
By Leikeisha Walters
The Bakehouse, a local family-run bakery and café in
Sherwood, warmly welcomed the Maasai Cricket Warriors
for a social evening filled with delicious food, music
and a brilliant atmosphere. Craig Poytner, who runs the
establishment, said: “We are honoured that the Maasai
Cricket Warriors selected The Bakehouse as part of their
busy tour, and it was a privilege to host this trail-blazing
organisation that carries out such important work around
the world.”
The evening made way for the Maasai to engage with
members of the community, and to talk informally about
the themes they are passionate about. Conversations with
fellow diners took place over mouth-watering nyama
choma (a barbecued meat delicacy), ugali (a staple
dish made with maize), and accompaniments such as
maharagwe (a bean dish complete with onions, tomatoes
and spices) – served with a beverage or two and smiles
all-round! The Warriors were also joined by Colin Wilde,
managing director of Castle Rock Brewery, who gifted the
Harvest Pale beer and presented a cheque to support the
Maasai whilst on tour.
To close the evening and send diners home in good
spirits, the Warriors gathered everyone to witness their
spectacular cultural dance - lifting the roof with their
spirited jumps into the air, and filling the room with
thunderous sounds as their feet returned to the ground
beneath them. Debbie Maitland, a local who dined with
the team, said: “It was a wonderful evening. The Warriors
were charming and humble but with an amazing cause.
The food was also wonderful.”