CISCO Devon met at its new venue of the Crediton Library on Friday, August 27, with a full agenda of forthcoming items on the table, including the special music, food and arts festival of "West Meets East" arranged for October 8 at Crediton Arts Centre.

Mrs Natalia Letch explained that each member is to contribute a special presentation of food dishes, stories and music from their native country featuring a special dancing lesson and display of the Polonnaise dance.

CISCO (Crediton International Social and Cultural Organisation) hopes that everyone in Crediton will go along and enjoy the show, to be coordinated by Peter Hamilton.

The organisation says there is still time for more international people to come forward and take part in this cultural event.

CISCO is working hard to open a Drop In Centre to provide advice on welfare rights and benefits to international migrant workers and local people in the Crediton area.

With regard to this, six members have signed up to a specialist eight week course run by Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau which will provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge. CISCO welcomes anyone else who is thinking of joining the organisation and becoming a volunteer.

Anyone interested can contact the chairman, Maggie Bankowska-Sylla at: [email protected]">[email protected] or contact the vice chairman, Judi Binks on 07837436395.

In addition, specialist English language classes are planned to be held at the centre together with a translation and letter-writing services. Volunteers are needed to help run this valuable voluntary service.

Geoff Hayward gave a presentation of the new website which impressed everybody present and they look forward to the new website going "live" by next month.

CISCO aims is to provide a forum where local people and international migrant families can develop a harmonious relationship and integrate new communities through the alleviation of problems and sharing of cultural events.

Miss M Chorzepa, the secretary of CISCO, spoke about the importance of getting involved in the local community.

On September 11 members are fielding a full team of walkers in the Relay for Life to raise funds for Cancer Research.

Relay For Life, a 24-hour team walking event, organised by volunteers, celebrates and commemorates life and raises money to help beat cancer.

The next meeting of CISCO is at 7.30pm on Friday, September 24 at Crediton Library when there will be a rehearsal of the Polonnaise and refreshments.