SADACCA’s 21st Anniversary

Story & photos: Camille Daughma

On the 31st March 2007, SADACCA celebrated its 21st anniversary since obtaining the building at the Wicker.

Lord Mayor Councillor Jackie Drayton attended, with the Archbishop of Sheffield, the Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, Sir Bob Kerslake and the first Chair of SADACCA, Mrs Sybil Roach- Tennant.

Hard work and dedication

The Lord Mayor told of her move to Burngreave in the 1970’s and her anticipation of the opening of SADACCA. Remembering the derelict building as it was, she praised members for their hard work and dedication over the years, commending their determination. She was honoured to address the 21st Anniversary as, ironically, the building previously belonged to Samuel Osborne – himself a Lord Mayor in his time. She ended her address, “I applaud you.”

Sir Bob Kerslake addressed the crowd with humour. He has worked with SADACCA in the past and hopes to continue in the future.

Present Chair, Mr Des Smith, started his address with a profound statement, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will do.” He gave a history of the organisation and plans for the future. Well known Burngreave resident Mrs Dorrett Buckley-Greaves had us all in stitches as she addressed the gathering with her natural gift of humour and story telling. She was one of the vibrant founding members of SADACCA and she expressed pride and joy to see the organisation grow.

Hopes for the future

The Chair launched the Bicentenary Programme with a moving poem written by a slave on board ship. One could only imagine the mental torment coupled with fear on this long journey. He commented that whilst Britain was the first to abolish the slave trade, it is yet to apologise for its role in slavery. France already has. While the slave trade itself has been abolished, slavery persists around the world.

All we require is respect and equality. We remain optimistic about the future.