Altrincham Interfaith Group Annual Shared Meal, February 16th 2019
As has become the tradition now, we all met at Stamford Hall in Altrincham Grammar School for Boys on a mild evening to participate in our Annual Shared Meal. Almost 150 people attended and after a welcome drink everyone was seated and welcomed by Azhar Rasul, Chairman of Altrincham Interfaith Group. He then introduced the Worshipful the Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Tom Ross, and presented him with a cheque for his chosen charities -Trafford Mencap and the St. Ann’s Community Refugee Project. The Mayor spoke about the excellent interfaith record in Trafford, which was the first borough in the country to welcome asylum seekers, and of the importance of sitting together and talking to each other. After prayers from Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu communities, platters of delicious Kosher food including olives, pickled cucumbers, hummus, fish balls, falafel with various breads, were placed on every table for all to enjoy. Then people were invited to the serving area to be given a chicken curry with dhaal and accompaniments, after which our guest speaker, Hani Singh, a policeman from the Sikh community and executive member of Faith Network 4 Manchester, gave his address. He was frank and honest about his re-discovery of Sikhism having investigated many other religions. He explained the significance of his colourful attire and peppered his talk with amusing anecdotes. His address was very warmly received and then it was time for the desserts from the Christian community – a great variety of different dishes. Finally, Azhar thanked all those who had helped to make the evening such a success.
