Issue 8 – Monday 7 August
Showing off the best of GV06
Global Voice Reporters
The best parts of Global Village 2006 were on display to Kent and the world yesterday as the colourful, enthusiastic campers showed off their skills in music, craft and living life to the full.
Camp authorities estimate that 2,000 people came to the open day. They included parents of campers, local people and members of the Cooperative movement.
GV06 participants laid on stalls selling everything from bracelets and t-shirts to henna tattoos and massages, while musicians entertained at every corner. Delegations performed their dances on the stage and in the Fairytrade Cafe. The two cafes did a roaring trade in teas, juices, burgers and pancakes.
"It was lovely that so many different delegations and villages took part in the international market and really added to the spirit of the camp," said Simon Phillips, head of the GV06 steering committee.
Uwe Ostendorff, secretary-general of the IFM-SEI, added that the event was important to the overall success of GV06.
"The whole afternoon showed the diversity of the people present in the camp and how learning about each other and our differences and similarities strengthens our resolve to make the world a better place," he said.
The event also included the Peace Carnival, during which participants from across the world expressed their wishes for peace in the Middle East.
People also drew feet and decorated them as part of the "One Big Step for Peace" project.
The camp shop also did brisk trade in t-shirts, badges, mugs, books and
Global Village will continue to be in the spotlight today, as BBC Southeast return to film the camp again. They are planning to go live on the lunchtime news, so look out for the camera around the site.