As thousands across the country celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in various locations, Area 6C, working in partnership with Newham Council, put on a special two day Community Healthfest and Platinum Jubilee Celebration at Stratford in East London, during the 4th-5th June 2022. Hundreds visited the Healthfest across the weekend which offered a diverse range of activities to attract everyone, from the outdoor arts and crafts station for children to the free massages and general health checks for all ages inside Stratford Library.
Area 6C Health Coordinator, Kwadwo Densi Amankwah was happy with the community response to the weekend’s activities. He said: “We give God thanks for a successful programme. Each day began with Prayer for the community and the Queen by our Area 6C Prayer Coordinators. Then members of the public were invited to visit our 8 gazebo’s on display inside Stratford Library where they could be treated to a free massage, BMI, Blood Pressure and general health checks as well as receive information based on our NEW START model of health.”
The Pathfinders Drum Corps in particular drew a large crowd of visitors, with many members of the public fascinated at the exceptional drumming skills and sharp attention to drill instructions the young Pathfinder group displayed. The Pathfinders involvement of members of the public in drumming and the following of drill instructions proved to be a popular highlight of the weekend. Area 6C Pathfinders Coordinator Roz Parsons said: “The Area 6C Healthfest over the last weekend was a real treat for our local community in Stratford, East London. It was packed full of information regarding healthy living, arts and crafts and free gift bags for everyone. Our Pathfinders also challenged members of the public to participate in a drumming and drill workshop session with many taking part and rising to the occasion, surprising both themselves and us at how good they were. To God be the glory, great things He has done. We are looking forward to witnessing the growth of the spiritual seeds which were planted in this part of God’s vineyard.”
With it being a few weeks away from Windrush Day (22nd June), a film was shown of members of the SDA Church community sharing their experiences of the Queen visiting the commonwealth including Islands of the Caribbean as well as various areas around the UK itself.
As well as musical performances from a local Steel Pan and drumming group, the community healthfest came to a close with musical performances from the East London School of Music under the direction of the school’s manager, Fiona Pacquette. She said: “It was a beautiful two days with many members of the public attending, with one suggesting that we come back. Also it was a real joy to see young people and children doing missionary work, including the Pathfinders who assisted in the distribution of gift bags and literature around Stratford Centre.”
Many members of the public responded very positively to the free healthy vegan food on offer and gladly received the gift bags and literature which included the books – Health and Wellness by Dr. Peter Landless and Ellen G. White classics – The Great Controversy and Steps to Christ.
