21st Apr to 7th May - Play: "The Lost Boy"
2017-04-21 19:30 - 2017-05-07 21:00 UTC | St Mary’s Creative Space, St Mary’s Hill, Chester, CH1 2DW
How one boy’s story changed a seaside town
Written by playwright Stephanie Dale, writer of the highly acclaimed 2013 production of the Chester Mystery Plays, The Lost Boy is a brand new play with music and film that looks at the changing face of our communities as young people flee war-torn countries.
The original score has been composed by Matt Baker, who recently won an award for his outstanding contribution to the arts in Cheshire. The play will be performed by four professional actors with a diverse community choir.
Working in collaboration with a frontline charity has been vital in bringing this project to fruition. Theatre in the Quarter has partnered with City of Sanctuary, a national charity that supports people who are escaping persecution, torture or warfare in their own countries.

Tues 9th May - CWDF Forum AGM
2017-05-09 18:45 - 21:00 | The Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN
This is the opportunity to review the Forum’s activities over the past year and elect our Chair and Committee for the forthcoming year. Our speaker will be Cat Barton, Chester Zoo’s Field Conservation Manager.
We will also have a discussion with students from the University of Chester about findings from their project “CWDF Sustainable Futures”.

Sat 13th May - Ceilidh Night
2017-05-13 19:30 - 23:30 | All Saints Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Hoole, Chester, CH2 3HZ
A Ceilidh Night to remember! Enjoyable and energetic, at the same time raising funds for Transition Chester. Tickets are £10, £5 for children.
LIVE MUSIC FROM THE TIME BANDITS FOLK BAND
* PROFESSIONAL CALLER TO DESCRIBE THE DANCES *
* HOT ORGANIC VEGETARIAN FOOD INCLUDED
* REAL ALE SUPPLIED BY LOCAL BREWER
* SEPARATE QUIET ROOM FOR SOCIALIZING
* DRINKS SERVED UNTIL 11.00 * RAFFLES & GAMES * FUN FOR ALL

Christian Aid Week 14-20 May
2017-05-14 - 2017-05-20 | Various venues
This is the 60th Anniversary year for Christian Aid Week. It was set up 60 years ago to support work with refugees in Europe following the Second World War.
So this year Christian Aid is setting its focus on support for refugees: “Let’s act again now, to help relieve suffering and build a world where everyone has a safe place to call home.”
Fund raising ideas and resources available at www.christianaid.org.uk/christian-aid-week

Thurs 18th May - Meeting of "Jacob's Ladder" Group
2017-05-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Cloister Room, Chester Cathedral, Chester, CH1 2DY
“Jacob’s Ladder” is a cathedral group being set up in the wake of a refugee workshop held in Chester Cathedral in February. Working in conjunction with other refugee organisations the group aims to use the public platform of the cathedral to ameliorate the refugee crisis in unique ways:

Muslim – Christian relations/ social events
Campaigning on refugee issues.

The title “Jacob’s Ladder” was chosen because Jacob is a patriarch of both Muslims and Christians, and because the group would exist to help refugees up a metaphorical ladder. The group would devise its own agenda, but would include such activities as fundraising, awareness raising, lobbying and cultural celebration.
Further information from Claire HendersonDavis, C.HendersonDavis@chestercathedral.com

Sat 20th May - Chester Globetrotters Club
2017-05-20 13:30 - 16:30 | Grosvenor Museum, 25-27 Grosvenor Street,, Chester, CH1 2DD
The Club meets bi-monthly to hear two talks given by recent travellers. This meeting includes a talk by CWDF member Heather Lannin on “Travel to Sierra Leone, the working heart of Africa”.
Entrance £3 including refreshments. Further information 01244 383 392 or www.chesterglobetrotters.co.uk

Wed 24th May - CANCELLED: Pre-Election meeting on International Development Issues
2017-05-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Binks Building, University’s Parkgate Road Campus, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ
PLEASE NOTE: THIS MEETING IS NOW CANCELLED IN VIEW OF THE SUSPENSION OF ELECTION CAMPAIGNING FOLLOWING THE MANCHESTER TERRORIST ATTACK
As in previous General Elections, CWDF is hosting an open meeting with the main General Election candidates, exploring their views on international development issues.

Binks Building is the main building off the Exton Park entrance, Parkgate Road.
The meeting will be chaired by Gill Miller, Forum member and Programme Leader for International Development Studies at the University.

Fri-Sun 16-18th June - "The Great Get Together"
2017-06-16 08:00 - 2017-06-18 17:00
A nation-wide invitation from Brendan Cox, husband of murdered MP Jo Cox, to honour the 1st Anniversary of her death by getting together with neighbours to share food and celebrate all that we have in common.
Further information www.greatgettogether.org (CWDF will give publicity to local events we hear of.)

Mon- Sun 19-25 June - "I Welcome" - photo exhibition on refugee crises
2017-06-19 - 2017-06-25 | Garret Theatre, Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR
Exhibition of powerful photographs of past and present refugee crises will be at Storyhouse in Chester between Monday 19 – Sunday 25 June.
Vietnam, Chechnya, Bosnia, Iraq and Syria all feature in the exhibition as part of Amnesty’s I Welcome campaign.
Taking place during Refugee Week between Monday 19 – Sunday 25 June, the exhibition will explore the experiences of those uprooted by conflict and persecution over 70 years since the Second World War. From 1940s Greece to Syria today, the 30 striking pictures from Magnum photographers show the reasons why people are forced to flee, the challenges they face on their journeys to safety and what happens when they make it.
The exhibition is part of Amnesty’s I Welcome campaign, calling on the UK to share responsibility in responding to the refugee crisis, including by providing safe and legal routes for refugees to find sanctuary here. The campaign also highlights the many acts of welcome and solidarity towards refugees from local communities across the country.

Sat 24th June - "Stop Arming Saudi Arabia" - silent vigil
2017-06-24 12:30 - 13:30 | The Cross, Chester, United Kingdom
This vigil event at The Cross in Chester is organised by Chester CND. Participants are asked to wear black if possible. All are wlecome. Further information 07856 749264 chestercnd@gmail.com

Sat 24th June - Film "Fire at Sea"
2017-06-24 15:30 - 17:30 | Garret Theatre, Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR
This is the showing of a docufilm about the migrant crisis, in support of Refugee Week, 19-25 June. Arranged by Storyhouse in partnership with CHAWREC – the Chester Halton & Warrington Race and Equality Centre.
Here is the link to official trailer: https://youtu8be.be/qR519XDaxK0

Sat 1st - Sun 9th July - Week of Action on Climate Change
2017-07-01 08:00 - 2017-07-09 17:00 | Various venues
A national/international initiative to highlight the strength of community concerns about climate change, and the crucial role that community energy projects can play in reducing carbon emissions. This year the aim is to engage with MPs in the wake of the election, inviting them to champion the commitment in parliament. www.theclimatecoalition.org
Watch out for details of local events.

Sun 2nd July - "Welcome Refugees with Open Arms"
2017-07-02 12:00 - 17:00 | Chester Town Hall Square, Northgate Street, Chester, United Kingdom
Two Events on Sunday 2 July 2017:
Welcome Refugees with Open Arms – Chester Town Hall Square – 12.00 to 14.00
Amnesty International is holding an event to encourage support and understanding of the refugee situation. This is a particularly timely event as Chester is currently welcoming several refugee families to the area. Come and lend your support, visit our stall and have your photo taken with the giant yellow welcome arms!

The I Welcome Photo Exhibition, St. Anselms Chapel (access off Abbey Square), Chester Cathedral – from 12.30pm
A Magnum Photos exhibition in association with Amnesty International. The 30 evocative panels in the I Welcome exhibition tell a big story – ‘the global refugee crisis’. These few words encompass millions and millions of human lives. People of all ages, faiths and walks of life. Mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, grandchildren, friends.
The photos can also be viewed online at www.flickr.com/photos/amnestyuk/sets/72157675943911610

Fri 7th July - Talk "Proving Torture"
2017-07-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Quaker Meeting House Chester, Union Walk, Frodsham Street, Chester, CH1 3LF
Organised by Quaker Concern for the Abolition of Torture, this talk will be given by Dr Bernie Gregory, a GP who also works for Freedom from Torture – in that role she assesses survivors of torture who have made it to the UK and prepares medico-legal reports to support their asylum applications. Free admission – retiring collection.
See http://qcat.org.uk

Tues 11th Jul - CWDF Forum
2017-07-11 18:45 - 21:00 | The Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN
The Forum’s final meeting before the summer break.
We’ll have an intriguingly-titled talk “Three Jumbos Crash in a Day”: retired hospital consultant John Williams will be recounting some of his post-retirement activities overseas.

Wed 19th July - EID Celebration Get Together
2017-07-19 18:00 - 21:00 | The Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN
CAMCC (Chester Asian & Minority Communities Council) is looking forward to welcoming you at our open EID Celebration Get Together. All, plus family and friends, are welcome – do join us if you can [with or without a dish to share!] See the attached poster.
Best Wishes, Elizabeth pp CAMCC
CHAWREC, 01244 400730, www.chawrec.org.uk

Thurs 27th Jul - The Philippines: update on the work of MuCAARD
2017-07-27 19:30 - 21:00 | Hoole URC, Hoole Road, Chester, CH2 3NT
Romy and Linda Tiongco will have much to share with us about the work of MuCAARD in the Philippines, especially at this time of turmoil caused by armed conflict in the Marawi area of Mindanao in the Philippines. MuCAARD-Inc is currently, with other NGOs, in the centre of the relief work being done in the affected areas.
MuCAARD = Muslim Christian Action for Advocacy Relief & Development, “Growing Sustainable Communities“. Romy Tiongco, former Mayor of Damulog, Mindanao, has over many years been tireless in fostering the ideals and practical work of MuCAARD.

Sat 29th July - “Stop Arming Saudi Arabia” – silent vigil
2017-07-29 12:30 - 13:30 | The Cross, Chester, United Kingdom
The vigil events take place at The Cross in Chester on the last Saturday of the month. They are organised by Chester CND. All are welcome.
Further information 07856 749264 chestercnd@gmail.com

Sun 6th Aug - Hiroshima & Nagasaki Flower Memorial
2017-08-06 20:00 - 21:00 | The Bandstand, The Groves, Chester
To remember all those who died and suffered as a result of the atomic bombs dropped in 1945, and in the firm belief that it must never happen again.
All are welcome to meet at the Bandstand on The Groves for readings, a period of silent reflection and the dropping of flowers on the river. Bring white flowers if you wish.
Organised by Chester CND.

Sat 26th Aug - "Stop Arming Saudi Arabia" Silent vigil
2017-08-26 12:30 - 13:30 | The Cross, Chester, United Kingdom

Sat 2nd Sept - Fairtrade Wine Tasting
2017-09-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Hoole Community Centre, Westminster Road, Hoole, Chester, CH2 3AP
At Hoole Community Centre. Further details to be confirmed. (May be 9th Sept instead). Arranged by Fairtrade Steering Group, with the evening being led by the Co-op.

Sun 10th Sept - An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power
2017-09-10 15:30 - 17:30 | Garret Theatre, Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR
A decade after An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore returns with this sequel looking at the state of the world in the run up to the Paris Climate Change Accord. Incorporating footage of both Obama and Trump, this powerful follow-up is a significant reminder of how we all have a part to play in preventing global warming.
Tickets £8.50, £6 under 26

Mon 11th Sept - An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power
2017-09-11 20:15 - 22:15 | Garret Theatre, Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR
A decade after An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore returns with this sequel looking at the state of the world in the run up to the Paris Climate Change Accord. Incorporating footage of both Obama and Trump, this powerful follow-up is a significant reminder of how we all have a part to play in preventing global warming.
Tickets £9.50, £7 under 26

Tues 12th Sept - CWDF Forum - Starting Our 25th Year!
2017-09-12 18:45 - 21:00 | The Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN
The Forum’s first meeting of the autumn – and which will mark the start of our 25th Year of campaigning, information sharing and awareness-raising! Come along, re-visit some of the highlights of those 25 years, contribute your own ideas about projects for the forthcoming year – and help us get the year off to a healthy start!

Sun 17th Sept - "Songs of Praise"
2017-09-17 16:00 - 18:00 | St Thomas of Canterbury, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4AG
This “Songs of Praise” service is being held in support of Christian Aid. Organists Ian Thomas and Matt Baker with the choirs of St Thomas and Holy Trinity Blacon. Homily Canon Dr Trevor Dennis. Refreshments to follow, gifts of cakes welcome. Contact 01244 375606.

Sun 24th Sept - Climate Change – Challenges & Opportunities - a Chester response
2017-09-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 6LF
The Chester Cathedral Public Workshop series, initiated by Claire Henderson-Davis, and offered in partnership with Chester Voluntary Action, is a space where we can practice community building and explore together the nature of human flourishing. Everyone is welcome – of any faith or none.
Climate change presents us with perhaps the greatest challenge of our current era. The choices we make now will decide whether or not we survive as a species.
This workshop takes a local look at responses to climate change, with representatives from Friends of the Earth, Transition Chester, Chester Community Energy and the Cheshire Wildlife Trust, as well as Steve Jones, Permaculture Designer & Teacher who is leading a Permaculture Design Course at Chester Cathedral starting in October.
https://chestercathedral.com/event/public-workshop-climate-change-challenges-opportunities
01244 324756

Sat 30th Sept - "Stop Arming Saudi - Silent Vigil"
2017-09-30 12:30 - 13:30 | The Cross, Chester, United Kingdom
Chester CND will be holding this Silent Vigil on Saturday 30th September, 12.30 until 1.30 pm, The Cross, Chester. You would be welcome to join them for the whole hour or part of. Black dress invited. More info from chestercnd@gmail.com

Tues 3rd Oct - POSTPONED! [CWDF Forum meets Chris Matheson MP]
2017-10-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Best Building, University of Chester, Exton Park Campus, off Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ
PLEASE NOTE THIS SESSION HAS BEEN POSTPONED – MP HAS TO BE IN LONDON THAT DAY – A NEW DATE WILL BE ARRANGED AND NOTIFIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
This will be an informal meeting with Chris Matheson, the re-elected Chester MP, 4 months after the 2017 General Election. This will be held during the parliamentary recess, and be a good opportunity for a Q&A session on a range of development issues in these very unpredictable times. Being arranged in association with the University’s International Development Society.

Fri 6th Oct - "International Trade for the Common Good?"
2017-10-06 19:30 - 21:30 | St Andrew’s Parish Hall, Graham Road, West Kirby, CH48 5DF
Dorothy Guerrero, Head of Policy at Global Justice Now, will give this talk, arranged by the Wirral Trade Justice Group. The evening starts with a very brief AGM to which all are invited. There will also be light refreshments and a stall of fairly traded products. Further information jill.loach@btinternet.com

Tues 10th Oct - Entrepreneurship and the Thunder Dragon
2017-10-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Best Building, University of Chester, Exton Park Campus, off Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ
Challenges of doing business in Bhutan
A lecture by William Tacon about his work with the Loden Foundation – an organisation which promotes development through education, learning and entrepreneurship in Bhutan. William is a mentor and monitor who supports employment opportunities through the creation of new ethical and sustainable businesses.. Event arranged by the Geography & International Development Department in association with CWDF.
