AFTER all the pomp and ceremony, endless hours of preparation and the military turned out in their finery, we have an English spectacle broadcast around the world. Something that we can all be proud of, inch after inch of news print flowing to saturation, social media on overload. The last chance in a while for the dedicated, loyal followers to show their undying support.

The thousands that made their way from all around the country, to bask not only in the southern sunshine, but in the glory of the radiance of true love and passion. To share the joy and optimism in the beautiful May weather, red and blue flags waving with pride and expectation.

Faces all aglow with the knowledge that they would not only witness history being made but to be amongst those that would proclaim for ever more that they had made the pilgrimage, they had shown true loyalty and had stood shoulder to shoulder in the shadows of giants to cheer and profess undying obedience…… only to witness one of the most disappointing cup finals for years. Never mind, at least it wasn't raining.

On a more local front, we at Kandu are up to our necks in the community’s real life challenges and opportunities. Alongside our ongoing work in partnership with schools, social services and a whole cross section of organisations and individuals to overcome the myriad challenges and sometimes obstacles that some in our community face on a daily basis, we are planning for our forthcoming 20-year anniversary.

With an exciting menu of events and activities to mark the occasion, with art exhibitions, films and music, we have the added bonus of a special guest appearance/performance from Kandu’s longtime friend and supporter Melanie C (or Sporty Spice as some people will remember her).

We will be holding events in Chippenham and at Lacock Abbey (where our first ever event took place in 1998 together with social services and our good friends from the National Trust and village).

We are putting out a call to former attendees and participants of Kandu projects from the past 20 years, to get in touch and maybe contribute photos and anecdotes to our commemorative documentary that is currently being compiled.

We are also keen to hear from any local businesses who would be interested in sponsoring either some or all of the events taking place in August and September this year and are grateful to those who are already on board. For those who maybe don't know what Kandu Arts has been doing for the last 20 years, a wander through our website might be useful in explaining not only the crucial nature of our work but also its depth and reach.

In this time of prolonged austerity our workload has increased exponentially. Whilst funding is being cut left right and centre, the emergence of some worrying, negative and potentiality dangerous behaviours and attitudes are becoming more prevalent amongst some of the more marginalised members of our communities.

The consequences from a rise in mental health issues are starting to emerge at an alarming rate.

I do not wish to scare, but merely flag up the concerns that we and our fellow front line organisations and individuals face on a daily basis.

Unlike many other organisations, Kandu does not receive core funding and therefore, our 20-year anniversary is as much a recognition of all the countrywide success we have had, working alongside all manner of great individuals and institutions but also of the support of the general public, for which we and all those we work alongside are forever grateful.

If you should like more information on how you or your organisation might get involved, please contact us through our website link www.kandu-arts.com or phone 01249 444009. More details for the celebrations will be on our Facebook and website very soon.