Syrian Friends in Britain by SEOMagnet.co.uk

The organizing team, the SFiB Council Officers, were very keen to make sure that everything was ready for our guests when they start arriving at 14:00. So, we arrived at Wilmslow High School at 13:00, work started in earnest to prepare the venue for the arrival of our Guests.

The various stalls were quickly and efficiently set up.. All the merchandise that was donated by Council Officers, the SFiB Members, SFiB friends and supporters, was laid out in elegant and attractive displays... The food stalls began to fill up quickly, with a fantastic array of delicious and mouth-watering dishes, all lovingly prepared and donated by our Council Officers, our Members, and our friends and supporter.

As the guests started arriving, they were greeted at the Entrance by Council Officers. Around 120 guests arrived over a short period, and all were offered soft drinks, and were directed to the Music Hall. After a brief welcome and introduction from Ayman Jundi, the SFiB President, the music programme started.. Ashraf Kateb, the Syrian-born violinist, played a series of delightful tunes, each preceded by a clear and concise description of the piece, and its relevance to Ashraf, and why he chose each.. He was accompanied on the piano by Ramune Neris.

At the interval, Ayman spoke briefly about the Event, and about the Charity which we were supporting... A short video was then played, explaining the work of the SOS Children's Villages, and highlighting the excellent work that they carry out...

After the interval, the performance resumed, and the two musicians entertained the audience with more of their carefully chosen and superbly played pieces.

The sublime talent of Ashraf Kateb captivated the audience, and his unquestionable mastery of the violin was clearly evident. The standing ovation that the audience gave to Ashraf and Ramune was an expression of how much our guests appreciated the recital, and a clear recognition of the talent and skill of the two magnificent performers... It was also a sign of how much we valued their generous gesture in giving this memorable performance in aid of the Charity we are supporting.

Once the applause calmed, the SFiB President presented the two musicians with commemorative presents on behalf of the Syrian Arab Association for SOS Children's Villages, in recognition of their most appreciated efforts to support this Charity. After that, Ayman presented Ashraf with an Honorary Membership of Syrian Friends in Britain, in recognition of his contributions in raising the profile of Syria and its People, and for his tireless work to enhance the cultural standing of Syria and its people on the World stage.

After all that, Ayman thanked the audience and directed them to the Charity Stalls. For the next three hours, the guests had the opportunity to wander around and enjoy the beautiful display of all the stalls that were set up and laid out by our Members and friends. The stalls were stacked with Middle Eastern goods that were brought over from Syria and other parts of the Middle East, by some of our Members and friends. All the merchandise was donated to the Charity by our Members and friends. The guests also had the chance to buy the delicious food that our Members have prepared for the event. Many guests also chose to take away some food, which was carefully packed for them, in the containers that were prepared especially for that purpose.

Throughout the event, the children were kept entertained in a specially set-up area, where they spent time colouring and drawing, supervised by a few more mature volunteers. The volunteers also carried out face-painting for the children, charging them small donations, all of which went to the Charity as well...

All in all, we raised around £3,500 on the day, of which £400 will go to the SOS UK Haiti Orphan Appeal. In addition, some significant donations were made before and after the Charity Concert. Once these were added, the total sum raised by our efforts came to a magnificent £4829.19 so far.... and more donations are still coming in!.. Well done, everybody!.. What a fantastic achievement!... I have no doubt that your amazing hard work will be highly appreciated by the Children of SOS...

Those of you who missed out on the great day yesterday, you can still have a taste of our successful event.. Please click here to view the photos...