Now Playing Bully For You
DONATE
Celebrating Diversity, Equality and Unity
1 Love was formed by Ki Soundsand
Somerset Racial Equality Council in 2010
to raise funds for various community projects
which aim to promote diversity, provide opportunities, improve access or benefit our environment.
1 Love also aims to provide a platform for new artists to showcase their work alongside people who are well established in the world of music and art.
If you want to be involved with 1 love check out our volunteering section or send your suggestions and comments to kira.mccoy_srec.org.uk
14.04.10
It's Health and Safety Check day!
I set out ready to scout across the fields at Town Tree Farm with:
My trusty Health and Safety Officer who knows everything about everything and on top of that has a field of experience in farming...
My friendly and hard working farmer who owns Town Tree Farm...
And my unflappable musical genius...who is also a highly skilled agricultural man.
Oh dash...(I thought) I am seriously going to look a fool in front of these three! ...And that's exactly what I did...
• Firstly, I didn't bring my wellington boots. Now bear in mind, it's not really summer weather at the moment, and the fields are used for cattle! It was like playing that game where you try not to step on the cracks while a construction worker uses a pneumatic drill to break up the concrete around you!
• Secondly, (now this is actually still connected to my firstly but I'm going to put it as number 2) Although I had not brought my wellies I was wearing my motorcycle boots...which are great, except for the massive tread in them, which kept getting stuck in the mud. I was not walking with a huge amount of grace, as I was trying to conceal my failure in walking. Luckily they were ahead of me most of the time talking of sheep...or...goats...I cant remember...pretty sure it was animal related.
• Thirdly, well the list could probably go on and on...Mainly due to my ignorance of farming and agricultural knowledge...but I'll leave it there anyway otherwise I will have rambled on for hours on end, you'll get board, not read this and then not know what the changes are...some of you may have already cut off...
Anyhoo, for those of you who havent set up outdoor events before...Health and Safety guides and regulations are a big old pain in the backside. Unfortunately the roads to get into Town Tree Farm are only 2.8 meters wide...they need to be 3.7!
PLAN B...we'll make an emergency exit across the fields. But as we're walking along I notice some pretty tight corners, which are also not as flat as I would like. Great! (I thought) that's all I need...theres a big old fire in the field and the fire truck takes the corner and topples over not only blocking the entrance for another vehicle to get through but probably needing some emergency servicing of its own! On top of that there are gateways which need to be widened, posts which need to be removed, ground that needs to be flattened without destroying the banks of the river...and thats before we even get into the rest of the setting up.
Another issue was going to be the money. I was hoping the price increase was going to cover the cost of the event ...well it looks like we are going to need a little goodwill from local businesses.
So basically we are going to need a little more time and money until we can get Town Tree Farm off the ground.
So this is the plan...over the next year or so, we shall be holding a load of 1 Love gigs and festivals across Somerset, while we fund and prep the farm.
Our location for 1 Love this August will be in the field behind The Royal Oak (Sonny's) in Hardington. It will be all day Saturday 21st August 2010 with all the things we were hoping of doing before. The only difference is that there won't be any camping. I will however post a list of B&B's for those of you coming from a great distance.
10.03.10
Okay....sorry! Now that is out of the way I have to let you know there have been a few draw backs. But do not fear...Superkira's here!
On a more serious note. You may have noticed two things have changed...1stly the date...secondly the price for camping.
THE DATE: Basically, fool that I am, I managed to start organising this event on the same date as the Music on the Lake festival in Kingsbury Episcope...So we've had to move it a week later...So now the event starts Friday 20th August. Sorry!
THE PRICE: For those of you who do not know me, I do not like money! I dislike buying things, I dislike getting paid for thins and I dislike charging people...However I have been going over the budget (which is pretty much just a list of expenses without any money coming in). Unfortunetley the ticket prices wont even cover the security needed! So I have had to add on a tenner to the camping prices.
Apoligies for the changes ...at least they were early enough for people to make whatever adjustments they need to...one love - Kira
03.03.10
there will be a meeting this Monday in Yeovil to discus plans, anyone wishing to be involved should be there. Please drop me an email if you would like to attend and I can send you the info. Cheers - Kira
24.02.10
I fixed the comments section...I feel proud...amazing...genius...
incredible... - Kira
23.02.10
Ok, small problem with the comments section. I will get it up and running ASAP...hold up! - Kira
Okay so the site is getting a little better and plans are falling into place. I might have some really wicked news but I can't tell you yet as I need it all confirmed. - check back in with you soon - Kira
21.02.10
After weeks worth of stumbling through the How To Create A Website Manual, adding features, and figuring out exactly what should go on the site, I'm still not at the stage where I am willing to press the publish button...I'll get there! - Kira
Martin Luther King Jr, Harvey Milk, Mahatma Ghandi, Medger Evers, Mother Theresa, Jesse Jackson, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Ryan White, Bob Marley.
These leaders, humanitarians and activists were not Gods or devine beings.
They were human just like each and every man, woman or child who walks this earth.
But they still did great things.
This time it is our turn. To continue the work that these and many others started.
For we have 1 life . . . We have 1 community . . . We have 1 world. . . . 1 LOVE
Equality matters, it affects how we feel about ourselves and the quality of our lives. Some may say that inequalities are inevitable and our world will never be fair. Perhaps they are correct, but I know that I don't want to live in a world where justice and equality is not even on the list of things to do.
"Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality." As sung by Bob Marley in 1979. We must continue to challenge injustice when equality has gone astray.
A fair and just society is an essential part of our wellbeing. The welbeing of ourselves as individuals and the wellbeing of our community, our country, our world. It is important that we strive for equality together.
In 1623, the British poet, John Donne wrote "No man is an island/ entire of itself/ every man is a piece of the continent/ a part of the main." The need for unity has not disappeared, we do not thrive when isolated from others.
Some people would have you believe that a multicultural society is something to be ashamed of. Publications are still filled with malicious articles, lies about immigration and asylum, and distorted data in an attempt to depict certain groups of people as criminals.
Our Britain is lucky to have been blessed with an amazing history of differing cultures and ethnicities. Throughout the ages we have benefited greatly from migration and trade with an ever developing world. People from all over the world have brought food, spices, language and beliefs to our country, making Britain, the Britain we see today.
Foods we no longer recognise as 'foreign' have become ingrained in our culture, teas from India, pizza from Italy; even the traditional British classic, fish 'n' chips were a combination of chips from France and fried fish introduced to us by Portuguese Jewish refugees. The very language we speak has developed from other countries and cultures.
Some people wish you to forget this. Wish to seperate us. They play on our worries and fears, using them to instigate discontent, dislike and hatred.
Some people would have you believe that positive actions by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB and T) people should continue to stay hidden from our history books. Elements in society campaign against civil partnerships claiming they undermine 'normal' marriages.
Our Britain is lucky to be a place where we are not forced to live in fear, that the love we share for another human being won't result in persecution, imprisonment or death. We can be proud of the great accomplishments made by LGB and T people living in Britain:
Sophie Wilson, born Roger Wilson, designed the Acorn Micro-Computer, Britain's leading computer which supplied our schools; David Hockney, one of our best known and talented artists; Debbie Googe, the stunning British bassist from My Bloody Valentine; Lionel Bart, lyricist and composer of 'Oliver'; Oscar Wilde, Stephen Fry, Rupert Everett; the list of LGB and T men and women who have contributed to Britain's success goes on.
Some people wish you to join them in their perception of 'the norm' and disregard the positive influences and achievements of LGB and T people. But this would encourage our children to grow up in a world of a closed mind, a world that is void of empathy.
Some people wish you to believe that a disease which destroys lives is an act of God, endeavouring to wipe out certain groups of people. That these people and their families, deserve to go through such pain and suffering because they don't fit into certain ideology. In reality HIV/AIDs bears no discriminative characteristics.
In 1984 a young boy of 13 contracted HIV/AIDs from a transfusion. Fear and ignorance fuelled the decision of the local superintendent to ban him from going to school, which was supported by parents and teachers. Eventually he and his family moved to another community. He attended a new school where the young people took the initiative to learn about AIDs and educate their parents and teachers. This young boy grew up with both positive and negative attitudes but continued to deliver his message of compassion and caring for those with HIV/AIDs. At 19 years old he died. His name was Ryan White.
Where tragedy strikes, the human race can join together in unity and love or congregate in fear, anger and hate. British, European, African, Asian, American...no matter the region we are born in or the colour of our skin; we are all part of one race...the human race; when disasters occur we will join together in kindness and respect.
Some people wish to discourage us in supporting charities; to keep our material possessions to ourselves and ignore the hurting all over the world.
Some people would have you believe that our limitations are our problem. That someone with learning difficulties is 'thick' or someone in a wheelchair is 'in-valid'.
Our Britain is moving towards an understanding that we should enable people to learn, enable people to work, enable people to have fun and not dis-able people. Disability is not about a person, it happens when someone is excluded due to barriers in our environment. The choices society makes can either empower or disable people.
We can empower each other by ensuring the messages we pass on are not discriminating; by thinking about the words we use; by walking away or simply not laughing at the joke about the 'cripple' and the 'retard'. Dispelling the stereotypes and encouraging people to aspire to more. When a child states "I cannot read or write...I have dyslexia", remind them of Kiera Knightley, the lead female movie star who earned 5 million during Pirates Of The Carribean 3.
Some people cannot grasp the concept that we all have an range of abilities. Some of us are great at sport, others excel in science, some have flare for art and design, while others succeed in literature. A boy in a wheelchair can do a marathon, a girl who's deaf can star in a movie. An impairment is only that...an impairment. So give us the tools, remove the put downs , and we'll endeavour to do our best.
Some people have a fear of people with mental illness. Whether we are experiencing stress, depression or any other form of mental illness, our condition can be intensified by the way in which other people react to us. Whether this is because of our mental condition or due to other factors. The discrimination only adds to the initial problems.
Mental health issues still carry a huge stigma. Many think it only happens to other people, but in fact, every year, approximately 1 in 4 people will experience some type of mental ill health. Mental health is all to do with how we feel, think and behave. However, when our thoughts, feelings or behaviours become unmanageable we need to seek support, talk about the problems and source possible solutions.The trick is to get the support before we hit critical, therefore it is important to have an understanding of who we need to contact and how we can do it.
The impact of prejudice, fear and ignorance can be devastating, especially when people are coming to terms with an illness. The need is to be supported to challenge the issues, as by perpetuating the stigma or excluding people's feelings will only make the issues worse. Mental ill health is the biggest single concern of the NHS. Over 4000 people in the UK commit suicide every year as a result of mental ill health.
Our lives, our world is an extremely complex affair. We are faced with exceptional highs and agonising lows. Yet in the face of adversity we find something within to give us great strength.
Our darkest moments compel us to feel lost and alone, but they are only ever that....a moment in our lives. And that which has hurt us...hurt our family...our friends...our neigbours, will not break us.
It is our passion for art and beauty which brings us together.
Our love for humanity which drives us to be charitable.
Our search of knowlege which allows us to understand.
It's our hopes and dreams which empower us to change the world.
We are looking for local artists to volunteer thier time and
showcase their work at out 1 Love events across Somerset.
From blues to folk, and reggae to rock we want it all.
Musicians recieve a free ticket to the event, and are welcome
to promote and sell their work, cds and merchandise.
Please be aware you will need to have someone to man the stall.
To support 1 Love and play at one of our events please
download the application form, complete it (in word 2003 format)
and email it to 1love_kisounds.co.uk
As long as you are promoting a message of unity, equality, understanding or diversity we want you with us. Wheather you are a local artist and wish to sell or you are a community group wishing to spread positive messages or dispel common myths get in touch.
All non-profit stalls are free of charge, all other stalls wil be charged at £5.00 per pitch. Donations welcome. If you are unsure if your product or service is suitable for our events drop me an email and I will answer any of your questions.
To run a stall please download and complete the form then return to
SREC, 1 Love, PO BOX 75, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 9AR
Please note: 1 Love cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage,
please ensure you have your own insurance.
FOOD VENDORS
We welcome a variety of foods from all over the world.
Especially encouraging new buisnesses who are looking
to venture into the world of mobile services.
We charge small fee of £25 for traders and
welcome any further donations to keep 1 Love alive.
It is the responsibility of the vendor to ensure that Food Hygiene Certificates
are up to date and insurance is valid for the entire event.
If you are interested in becoming a 1 Love trader please complete the form
and return to SREC, 1 Love, PO BOX 75, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 9AR
FIRST AIDERS
Anyone applying to be a 1 Love first `aider must hold a basic first aid certificate
watch this space...
application to come...
STEWARDS
So your thinking of becoming a 1 Love Steward?
Stewards act as the eyes and ears of the festival.
You will often be the first to be aware of something happening on the festival site.
Your primary role is to keep people safe and informed, keeping an eye out for hazards, disturbances, crowd build-up, medical or other incidents.
Whilst stewarding mainly involves assisting, advising, reporting, and checking tickets, stewarding can also require you to act quickly and calmly in an emergency.
Download the following links to find out more and apply.
Applications to be sent to SREC, 1Love, PO BOX 75, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 9AR
KiSounds, Somerset Racial Equality Council SREC, 1 Love Arts Festival, Somerset Racial Inclusion Project SRIP
Check us out on Facebook
