London parish explores The Irish Experience

Tess McConnell, Parish Priest Fr Tom Forde, Brigid O'Brien and Saoirce O' Conghalaigh

A north London parish will be exploring the lives of post-war Irish immigrants to Britain with stories, music, dance and exhibitions later this month. Over three Sunday evenings, from 13th May to 10th June, parishioners at Our Lady Help of Christians in Kentish Town and friends, will be celebrating 'the Irish Experience.'

On Sunday 13 May, the focus will be on 'leaving home, arriving in London, challenges and difficulties faces - and finding accommodation and work.

The second Sunday on 27th May will be about 'settling down, socialising, making friends and bringing up a family.'

The theme of the third Sunday, 10 June, will be: 'Making a contribution, finding identity and being Irish in London today.'

The Irish Experience will conclude on Saturday 16 June from 8-11pm with a social and dance with music by Irish band Finbar and Paul. (tickets £5 on the door).

The organisers are collecting stories and pictures for a wall exhibition. Some families have already put together their own posters telling their stories. If you would like to submit exhibits please hand in materials to the presbytery at 4 Lady Margaret Road, NW5 2XT by Sunday 6 May or at the latest Friday 11 May.

For more information call: 0207 485 4023 or email: kentishtown@rcdow.org.uk