The Latvian Ambassador came to Holbeck to open the new Leeds Latvian Centre on Sunday (21st July 2013).
The centre is based at Holbeck Working Men’s Club and will run language, music, dance and cultural classes on alternate Sunday afternoons. 200 people attended the opening and were entertained with traditional Latvian music, dancing a food.
Organiser Aija Pacevice explained that the centre had been opened to help the Latvian community in Leeds maintain their Latvian identity whilst integrating into the local community. She thanked the rest of the team that are organising the centre as well as the club and local councillors.
Ambassador Andris Teikmanis presented a map of Latvia to the centre.
Councillor Angela Gabriel welcomed the audience to Beeston and Holbeck, saying she understood the importance of maintaining culture having arrived in the UK from Malta as a small girl. She said that she hoped people would get involved in their local community.
Holbeck resident Dennis Kitchen said:
“I’m always pleased to meet other cultures and I hope to build many friendships over the coming months and years.”
Everyone was presented with a handmade tile depicting an owl and shared a traditional Latvian buffet.
If you would like to get in touch with the Leeds Latvian Centre please email: leeds.latviancentre@inbox.lv.
