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We must stand tall

THE murderous attack in Manchester, the killing of 19 innocent women and children in Baghdad while breaking fast and 90 innocent people in Kabul is followed by the murders in London on Saturday.

I wish I could find words strong enough to condemn these criminals. I may not have any tears left to shed or words to condemn but I still have hope in my heart.

I hope that we shall confront these criminals together, as one nation and together show these cowards that we will not fear them.

Together, we shall tell them that what you did was not for Allah but it was for the devil.

Together, we shall tell them that you will not divide us.

Together, we shall stand tall and proud – proud of our country, our nation and our faiths.

We shall say, in the words of the Holy Quran: “For us are our deeds, and for you your deeds. There is no contention between us and you.” (Chapter 42, verse 15)

I beseech faith leaders to come together and establish an interfaith form and hold events to promote harmony and peace.

I started this campaign a few months ago with help from your newspaper but, sadly, there was no response.

Please contact me through this newspaper so that we can move this project forward.

SHAHID AZIZ, National President, Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam Lahore (UK), Butts Road, Chiseldon

Beyond call of duty

I CANNOT agree with comments made in the letter from D Thomas regarding coverage of the Manchester bomb tragedy.

I am sure as the news broke, and we realised the severity of this incident, many millions like us were drawn to the TV – more than that drawn close to the people of Manchester.

As we now know, so many people in all parts of the United Kingdom and beyond were also affected.

Yes, there was saturation coverage in the days following but it must be remembered many news reporters, so well known to us, gave up the comfort of their studios and stood for hours near the scene of the carnage talking with people still traumatised.

With all respect, to anyone wanting something else on their screens, there were still many other TV channels available.

In these days of mass news, TV and radio coverage this is something we as a nation now come to expect and indeed appreciate.

One unforgettable moment was the unexpected arrival of Her Majesty The Queen at the children’s hospital – covered live.

Also the times our Prime Minister, throughout the day and in an unprecedented way, kept the nation up to date with the latest news.

In between this she chaired meetings of the COBRA emergency committee, and visited Manchester, having herself been up all night.

Rather than criticise we should send our heartfelt thanks to all those many thousands who went beyond the call of duty and are still doing so to give support and comfort at such a terrible time.

STANLEY H JONES, Horse Road, Hilperton Marsh

Boost for charities

AS we look forward to the open gardens weekend at Middlewick House in Corsham on June 10 and 11 to raise funds for our charities, we would like to thank the residents living nearby for their co-operation and support.

The open gardens weekend is extremely popular and over the years has raised more than £60,000 for local charities.

The vital funds raised would not be possible without the generosity of Nick and Annette Mason, who open their gardens at Middlewick House to support charities that are close to their hearts.

As well as wandering around the beautiful gardens, which will be open from 11am to 4.30pm, visitors will be able to see farm animals, sculptures from Alan Dun, one of Bath’s leading fine art sculptors, and they can also browse a range of stalls selling everything from plants to gifts.

The charities benefitting are The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust and Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Airbase Appeal.

The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust secures the home of the elderly, vulnerable and disadvantaged living in Wiltshire, who have become or are at risk of becoming victims of house crime or domestic violence.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance provides an emergency helicopter emergency service for people in Wiltshire and surrounding counties.

Nick and Annette Mason recently became charity ambassadors for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

The charity’s Airbase Appeal is raising the remaining £1.25m needed to complete the building and equipping of our new airbase at Semington. So far more than £311,000 has been raised.

We look forward to seeing everyone on June 10 and 11 and thank you in advance for your support.

JENNIE SHAW, Director, The Bobby Van Trust

DAVID PHILPOTT Chief Executive, Wiltshire Air Ambulance

What a nice gesture

PLEASE send on my mother’s behalf a heartfelt thank you to a warm, caring and kind lady.

My mother is a soon-to-be 87-year-old lady. When shopping in Iceland Trowbridge on Wednesday, May 31, she realised at the checkout she had no handbag or money to pay for her shopping.

She became very flustered. It was then that an incredibly kind lady paid for her £5 worth of items.

My mother asked for her address so she could send her a cheque but the kind lady would have none of it.

My mother was humbled, as I was, to hear of this lady’s kind deed.

My mother was blessed to be the recipient of such a huge gesture in today’s world.

JOHN LINTERN, Via email