As has become our custom, this year’s Shared Meal was held in the Hall of Altrincham Grammar  School for Boys and once again was a fantastic success.

After a welcome by the AIG Chairman, Gordon Levy, we heard Detective Police Inspector Ben Ewart of Trafford Division, Greater Manchester Police, who spoke about the excellent interfaith relations in the Borough of Trafford. Prayers were then recited by Muslim and Hindu children, and representatives of the Jewish and Christian communities after which everyone was invited to partake of the main course.

The Hall buzzed with chatter while people enjoyed delicious home-cooked food, with meat and vegetarian curries prepared and served by the Muslim and Hindu community, supplemented by samosas from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, and Kosher alternatives made by the Jewish members.

Then it was time to hear the main speaker, Baroness Susan Williams, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Communities and Local Government) who gave a personal and heart-warming talk about the work that she did in the community, and her interest in interfaith activities.

Following that, everyone descended on a large table groaning under the weight of numerous delicious puddings, cheese and biscuits and fruit donated by the Christian community which were enjoyed by all, and then chatter continues till it was time to go home.  It was so good to see members of all the faith communities mixing and talking together, which is the whole purpose of this shared meal.

Many thanks to Mr Gartside and the staff to Altrincham Grammar School for Boys who made the Hall available for our use. In few of the current situation, this year we will make a donation  from proceeds of the dinner to the charity Refugee Action.

Carolyn Jones, Hon. Sec. Altrincham Interfaith Group