About 20 members of Altrincham Interfaith Group went on this visit to the Jewish
Museum on Cheetham Hill Road (see photos). The museum has recently been
refurbished and an extension housing a café, meeting rooms and an exhibition area
built on what had previously been a garden. It was very modern and displays
included various artefacts brought over by the Jews fleeing oppression such as
household items, and objects from their professions – a dressmaker bought her
special box of pins that would strap to her wrist, a baker bought cooking implements
etc. There were recordings of their experiences and some film showing photographs
of the old shops and businesses in the area. A guide was there to answer questions
and after being shown the synagogue we were left to browse the various displays. It
was a very interesting afternoon which everyone enjoyed.

Carolyn Jones
Hon. Sec., Altrincham Interfaith Group)

On a lovely sunny afternoon, over 70 people from diverse faiths gathered at Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College in Altrincham to share food and friendship. It was wonderful to see people from different faiths and cultures chatting together and sharing a most delicious tea brought by those attending.
Everyone was welcomed by the AIG Chair, Elinor Chohan, after which prayers were said by members of the Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Baha’i faiths before plates of sandwiches, savouries and cakes were brought in to enjoy. Then the Guest speaker, Dr Mona Dillon from the Baha’i community gave an address entitled “Different Religions – One Purpose” in which she stated the ideals of religion including forging good character, promoting the search for truth and betterment of the world by instilling compassion and tolerance. She said that true religion should be in harmony with science and stressed the oneness of humankind, thus invalidating all past notions of the superiority of any race, sex
or nationality. She emphasised the importance of the contribution of other religions and their prophets who awakened in whole populations the capacity to love, to forgive, to sacrifice for the common good and to discipline the impulses of humanity’s baser instincts.
The Baha’i faith has endeavoured to extend this and to build communities that are founded on the oneness of humanity, and to engage in social action with the aim of advancing society. Her final inspiring sentence was to quote the words of Bahá’u’lláh, founder of the Baha’i faith “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens”, something we could all do well to remember.
We were also privileged to hear Karen Wilson speak to us in her role as Deputy Lieutenant, “the Eyes and Ears of the Monarchy”. She noted how King Charles had described himself as Defender of all Faiths, rather than one, and pledged to protect multiple faiths in diverse communities. At his Coronation, he was greeted by representatives of other faiths – the first time this had happened, and he is continuing his vision of interfaith work. It is wonderful, she said, to have a Monarch that pushes forward with interfaith dialogue, and she described
the work of Altrincham Interfaith Group as being immensely powerful, and a force to help with change.
After those uplifting addresses, Elinor Chohan, AIG Chair, briefly described AIG activities over the past year and then Ann Angel, Vice-Chair, promoted future events and the afternoon came to an end. It really was a very inspiring day, enjoyed by all.

In conjunction with Wellington School and Greater Manchester Community Renewables (GMCR), AIG held this event on the evening of April 18th at Wellington Road School. It was attended by members of AIG, funders, the School and GMCR.

The evening began with a welcome by Richard Beeley, Headmaster of the School, who talked about the school’s experience of installing 1000 solar panels, a massive project which is already providing energy for the school. Gemma Tunstall, school Finance and Business Manager, then introduced 4 Wellington students, members of the School’s Eco Committee, who talked about their involvement with the project and also fund-raising to plant trees and help staff with recycling.

Kate Eldridge and Ali Abbas, both Directors of GMCR, explained that the Wellington School solar panel project was funded through community shares and will generate around 116,000 kw annually. Then School benefits from a reduced electricity rate, and can sell its excess energy to the grid, which will help fund the costs. Kate explained some important facts about embarking on this project, GMCR’s largest to date, which was completed in February 2024.

Ann Angel, Vice-Chair of AIG, thanked everyone and introduced three speakers: Richard Baker, freelance Climate Change and Sustainability consultant, Sukhbir Singh, member of AIG with experience of domestic energy modifications, and Kate Eldridge. Richard Baker explained how faith communities could help by, for instance, reducing their carbon footprint and by using smaller spaces for their services, and by individuals’ small actions such as eating less meat and not flying. Sukhbir Singh described his own experience of making his home eco-friendly, and stressed the importance of not cutting corners and doing plenty of research before starting the project.

There then followed a series of questions to a panel comprising Richard Baker, Kate Eldridge, Sukhbir Singh and Ali Abbas on several aspects of installing solar panels including the source of the panels (avoiding China), different forms of heating for churches to avoid gas usage (eg infra-red heating, ground source heat pumps), and the challenges of changing people’s behaviour. A Green Party local councillor urged people to engage with their local politicians, before the upcoming elections, to work for projects such as leasing school buildings for solar panels. After a wide-ranging discussion, Ann Angel closed the event, thanking all concerned for a most informative evening.
Dominique D’Arcy and Carolyn Jones

On the evening of February 8th 2024, Altrincham Interfaith Group held what turned out to be one of their most interesting events. Representatives from eight faith communities each brought along religious artefacts that meant something to them personally, and explained their significance. The audience were spellbound and everyone learned something new – it was a fascinating evening.

Elinor Chohan, Chair of Altrincham Interfaith Group, started the proceedings with a brief introduction and a call for a moments prayer for peace for all those in conflict over the world. Then John Mulholland, a Christian, showed us a small reproduction of part of a fresco painted by Giotto of St Francis preaching to the birds. He described in a moving and eloquent way the circumstances whereby he obtained this, how St Francis worked tirelessly for peace, and how it impacts on his everyday life.

Then Dr Nasser Kurdy of the Islamic faith gave a most interesting presentation about the two folded pieces of white cloth which he had brought along, that are obligatory garments for men visiting the Ka’aba in Mecca. He explained all the rituals associated with the wearing of the cloths and about the Ka-aba itself and a very lucid way, with explanations as to their significance.

He was followed by Dr Poonam Kakkar, a Hindu, who delighted everyone with her talk about God Ganesha. She displayed images on the screen and explained how every part of his body eg elephant head, trunk, broken tusk, large belly, folded leg are significant as well as the four items held in his hands (an axe,piece of rope, a lotus flower and rice). She then went on to describe a Puja Thali (prayer plate) and the objects upon it – fruit, a sprinkler, a lamp, bells and a container, their meaning with the connection to 5 physical elements and our senses.

Gordon Levy, from the Jewish community, brought along a twisted candle with 6 wicks, and a spice box, used in a ritual to close the Sabbath on Friday night, called Havdalah. This was carried out in the home, together with singing songs wishing people a good week, and alleviated the sadness felt at the closing of the Sabbath.

Then Carolyn Jones, a Unitarian, presented a chalice which, with a lighted candle, is used at the beginning of the service in many Unitarian Chapels and Churches to represent the light of truth, freedom and love. She explained the origin of its use in the 15 th century and how it really came into force during World War II when it was used as the symbol of the Unitarian Service Committee which smuggled Jews and other persecuted people out of Nazi controlled France.

Danoush Youssefi, a Baha’i, brought along several items – soil in a cup, an apple and leafy branch, a torch and roses. The significance of each was explained and how they were reminders of how to live a good life, for example, “Plant not but the rose of love in the garden of your heart.”

Izak Loggenberg from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brought along copies of the Book of Mormon and explained the major beliefs of the Church and the story of how the Book of Mormon came to be. He stressed how their focus was on Jesus Christ and his teaching.

Finally, Sukhbir Singh, a Sikh, talked about the importance of truth and how difficult it could be to be truthful at all times. He described the three pillars of Sikhism – to worship God, share everything you have and work hard. He then showed us the iron bangle that all Sikhs wear, which symbolises the eternal nature of God with no beginning or end and which was a constant reminder to always do good at all times.

After some questions from the audience, the evening closed with drinks and biscuits and a time for people to mingle and chat. The event was well attended and very much appreciated. We all learned a lot about many different faiths that we did not know before.

We are most grateful to St Vincent’s Church, Altrincham, for the use of their premises.

Over 120 people, the majority of whom were from the local Muslim and Jewish communities, met in Hale last week for a silent vigil for peace in the Middle East at the invitation of Altrincham Interfaith Group.

Elinor Chohan MBE introduced the event, which was welcomed as being dignified, uplifting and positive in bringing local communities together in solidarity. A bell rang, initiating a profound 20-minute period of silence. In this shared stillness, Jews and Muslims sat side by side, bowing their heads in a collective reflection for resolution to the longstanding conflict that has divided Israel and Palestine.

The diverse attendees echoed a common sentiment – a yearning for peaceful coexistence and collaboration in an atmosphere of mutual respect. The vigil clearly demonstrated that hate and violence have no place within this community, aligning with the truth that “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that,” echoing the wisdom of Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

Both sides have their own and differing narratives, but the commonality is that there are civilian casualties and human suffering on both sides. Contemplating the occasion, attendees conveyed a deep sense of positivity, departing from the event with uplifted spirits and a hopeful outlook. There is now an appeal for leaders to draw inspiration from the community’s unity, fostering collaboration to bring an end to the sorrowful conflict, and seeking a resolution that acknowledges the diverse needs and aspirations of those affected.

Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council, commented on the significance of the vigil, stating, “We have all been shocked by the harrowing events in the Middle East, and the vigil was an opportunity for people from different communities in Trafford to come together, reflect, and pray for peace in the region.”

Rabbi Yisroel Binstock of Hale Synagogue, remarked, “There was a powerful and palpable energy in the room as friends and neighbours of all faiths and none gathered in silence together, united in our heartfelt desire for peace. I wish we could share that moment with others; it is difficult to heal a fractured world, but we can do it one village at a time.”

Elinor Chohan, Chair of AIG, reflected on the event, expressing, “In the tranquil silence, a healing essence pervaded, and the collective presence was powerful. It is my sincere hope that such gatherings can serve as a guiding light, illuminating a path for our communities to coexist harmoniously as neighbours and friends.”

Nasser Kurdy, surgeon and Imam said, “In this collective effort to transcend religious boundaries and come together in solidarity for peace, the Altrincham Interfaith Group exemplifies the potential for positive change that can occur when diverse communities unite for a common purpose. Strong friendships forged over the years are being severely tested and strained but they will not be broken for we all share a unified understanding of humanity. Being part of this gathering was very humbling and like everyone there, I left with a renewed sense of hope. I pray for the end of hostilities and the end of the senseless loss of lives. I pray that innocent people can return to their innocence and I pray for peace, prosperity and security for all people of Israel and Palestine.”

Carolyn Jones, Secretary AIG