Massai Warriors drop in toempower Bexhill Rotarians

The Osiligi Maasai Warriors, to give them their full title, come from the village of Oleopolos and surrounding communities in southern Kenya and are currently on their fourth tour of England.

The Warriors, resplendent in traditional costume, gave a stirring display of song and dance which included the famous Maasai jumping.

Rotarian Roger Batey said: “At one point President Geoff Longmire was hauled on to the dance floor by one of the Warriors and he gamely set about giving a reasonable impression of a Maasai Warrior even including one or two impressive jumps, much no doubt to his surprise and certainly to the surprise of the assembled Rotarians and their guests.

“Not only were the Rotarians and guests treated to tribal dancing but also to the history of the Maasai.

“The Maasai used to rely on their warriors fighting other tribes, quite often for the possession of cows, but nowadays the warriors swear by the pen in one hand and a book in the other, instead of a spear and a shield.

“The final dance, which included spears, that the Warriors performed was in celebration of a victory over the killing of a lion, although sometimes the tribesmen were killed by the lion so the stakes were very high indeed. Respect for the land and living things is strong in the Maasai.

“At the end of the performance, amidst thunderous applause, President Geoff thanked the Osiligi Maasai Warriors for entertaining in a right royal manner, and Bexhill Rotary donated £200 to the Warriors’ charity.

If you wish to know more about the Osiligi Maasai Warriors and their community projects, log on to www.osiligiwarriors.co.uk .

The Warriors also performed at the Roaring Twenties at the De La Warr Pavilion on Saturday.

To find out more about what Bexhill Rotary club get up to or if you are interested in becoming an active Rotarian, either log on to www.bexhill.rotaryweb.org or telephone Brian Cope on 01424 732895.

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