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October 2013 - 3rd Edition
Baroness Warsi sends Eid message
Minister for Faith and Communities Baroness Warsi said: “At this special time of deep reflection and celebration to mark the end of the Hajj pilgrimage, I want to send my best wishes to those who are commemorating Eid ul-Adha.
“The spirit of unity and togetherness during this festival of sacrifice is ever present as thousands of Muslims complete their pilgrimage. “During this holy time we can all relate to the values of peace, compassion and giving – values
that are common to us all, regardless of faith or background and which can serve to unite our communities. “These values can inspire us and are also held closely between all faith groups who make a huge contribution to national life, working
hard all year round to bring local people together and make our communities stronger. “As you join in reflection and celebration with your loved ones, let me wish you a happy and peaceful Eid ul-Adha.”
DONATION: (l-r) Sufi Asif Qureshi, Sahibzada Sufi Amjad Aslam, Sufi Aslam Khan, and Sufi Nazim Ali
Putting the pieces together
Work on the Piece Hall and Halifax's new Central Library and Archive has moved a step closer after the £25m contract for the construction work was advertised by Calderdale Council. The Grade 1 Listed Piece Hall will be restored and revitalised, creating a 21st Century heritage visitor attraction, harnessing the beauty and impact of the building with the addition of a state-of-the-art interpretation and learning centre, a new east extension and a re-designed courtyard. Councillor Tim Swift, Leader of Calderdale Council, said: “This is a significant milestone for the Piece Hall on its journey to become a world class heritage destination.”
Have a go at...snorkelling
Bradford Council is offering taster snorkelling sessions to young people this half-term holiday. Children aged 8+ will be able to try the popular activity at 30-minute taster sessions at Bowling Pool. A 10-week snorkelling course will then be launched at the venue in November. A total of seven sessions will run on Saturday, 26 October between 11.30am-1pm; Monday, 28 October between 5.30-6.30pm; and Thursday, 31 October between 4-5pm. Each session will cost £1 per child and all participants must be able to swim 50 metres. Places must be booked and paid for in advance by contacting Bowling Pool on 01274 727 577.
Test run
Highways staff at Bradford Council are showing true grit as they get ready to tackle the worst that winter can throw at the district's roads. The weather forecast may show it to be mild and damp at the weekend but on Saturday 19th October Bradford's fleet of 26 gritters will take to the roads in a gritting "dry run”. The exercise will help drivers familiarise themselves with the routes and make sure that there are no obstacles which are not shown on their maps. By gritting a short section of road each they will also ensure that their equipment, including global positioning system indicators, are up to scratch and ready for action.
Local charity donates tens of gifts to celebrate Eid
Gift Giving By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk
A group of selfless individuals visited Bradford Royal Infirmary earlier this week to ensure that no child would be without a gift this Eid. The team of four, from Bradford based Naqshbandia Active Development Association (NADA), delivered more than 30 gifts to Children’s Ward 17 on Tuesday 15th October in celebration of the Islamic holiday. Members of the Bradford based organisation all contributed towards the purchase of the Eid gifts which were delivered to the
grateful children. General Secretary of NADA, Nazim Ali, was one of the individuals who handed over the gifts and said just to see the child’s smile certainly ‘made his Eid’. He said: “We realise Eid is a period of celebration for Muslims however; it is also a period where we should reflect and support the most vulnerable in society. To this end we felt the need to make a proactive difference. “When we presented the gifts to the children they were ever so happy and seeing them smile was priceless, it certainly has made our
Eid.” Nazim felt a personal connection with the Children’s ward after spending a prolonged time in the unit during his own childhood. “On a personal level, this was a poignant moment for me since as a child I spent a significant period at the Children's Ward in BRI as I suffered from Tuberculosis,” he explained. “I can empathise with what these children are going through and it brought back memories. To have been involved in the distributing of the toys was understandably a special moment for me.” Cath Piggott, play specialist at the BRI, was delighted to see such generosity and explained how much the gesture meant to all the hospital’s stakeholders. “It is absolutely brilliant,” she said. “No child wants to be in hospital at any time and especially
THANKFUL: BRI play specialist, Cath Piggott, was extremely grateful for the donations
when they are celebrating Eid. “I think they are all a bit overwhelmed because they saw all the gifts. We appreciate it and they do too. “I didn’t expect anything like this so it is really love. “It is a lovely thing for everybody. It cheers the parents up as well because they can see their children are happy. All children love presents and it is great for the adults to be able to see their kids enjoying themselves. “It is fantastic for the staff as well. When everybody is happy it makes our job easier and helps create the relaxed atmosphere.” The group now plan on repeating the gift donation programme in the near future, whilst other fundraising events are always ongoing.
Should you require further information visit www.naqshbandiaaslamiabradford. org.uk/contact-us