Zambian visitors: The hall of Shipston Community School was filled for a concert by a visiting choir. The 20 singers, dressed in national costume which included grass skirts, were from Zambia. The concert was arranged by Shipston Baptist Church.

The Chililabombwe Choir took their name from the town where they live. Chililabombwe is a town in the country's copper belt. In recent times the industry has declined and there is now about 75 per cent unemployment in the area.

In the past seven years the members of the Christian church put up a large building for the worship centre. The choir (20 singers out of the usual Praise Team of about 60 in the home church) last visited the UK (including Shipston) two years ago and enough money was raised during the tour for funds to build the massive steel roof. The church can accommodate 1,000 worshippers.

Now the church has a place to serve the local community and a New Beginnings school was started in January of this year. Each year it is planned to take a fresh intake of up to 70 children - many are orphans after the ravages of malaria and Aids.

The UK administration and support team are all volunteers of the Council of New Beginnings - the UK-sponsoring charity.

The concert consisted of songs and dances of Zambia. It is hoped that the choir will return in a few years time. Further projects of the Moving Church of Chililabombwe include a People's Clinic and provision for the orphans - to provide accommodation within a Christian family setting.