Link with Africa is now clear (From Stroud News and Journal)

Link with Africa is now clear

A PAIR of stained glass panels marking the 25-year link between Minchinhampton and the Tanzanian town of Nkokoto has been delivered to the remote African community.

Artist Annemarie Robinson created two abstract panels, one each for the church and mosque in the town.

The windows are of an identical design but different colours and featuring a geometric design because mosques may only be decorated with geometric patterns.

She said: "We now have road signs on the outskirts of Minchinhampton announcing the link and I just felt it would be good to make a similar tangible sign in the village of Nkokoto."

Mrs Robinson is passionate about the impoverished East African nation having spent two years there 35 years ago with the Voluntary Services Overseas organisation.

Six years ago she returned to visit her daughter, there on a gap year project, and together they visited Nkokoto, a remote community in the west of the country.

"I feel excited and proud that Minchinhampton has managed to keep a link going with this small village for so long and am very happy to help keep it going," she said.

Link chairman Anne Brookes said: "They were very well received. We had lovely letters back from the community leaders saying how pleased they were."

The African town has a similar population to Minchinhampton of around 4,000 and the aim of the link is to help improve life for the people there.

Over the years this has included sinking wells, providing a dispensary and treatment centre and sponsoring six school graduates to study vocational skills, such as carpentry or tailoring, at a specialist college.

"When they finish the course we buy whatever they need to go back to Nkokoto to work and earn a living," explained Mrs Brookes.

Annemarie Robinson, who trades under the name Annie Rie, exhibits across the country. Her work can be seen in The Studio Works Gallery in Nailsworth and with The Cotswold Craftsmen.