Faith

A war veteran was among the special visitors to the ADHYA SHAKTI MATAJI TEMPLE in Cowley High Street.

Walter Hinges a war veteran from Chelsea Royal Hospital, PC Ross Swallow and Sergeant Nick Davis from Hillingdon Police Station and Councillor Judith Cooper from Hillingdon Council were among esteemed guests at a special afternoon on Friday.

It was a very special day at the Temple where Walter Hinges known as "Wally'' shared his first hand experiences of World War II in Japan.

THE 20th anniversary of Churches Together in Uxbridge (CTU) was celebrated in style last weekend.

The group was launched to forge links between the town's churches and improve projects for the young and the elderly.

More than 100 guests attended the anniversary lunch at Watts Hall in Redford Way, Uxbridge, including the deputy mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor David Yarrow, and council leader Ray Puddifoot.

A CELEBRATION will take place this weekend to mark the second anniversary of a Hindu temple.

The Adhya Shakti Mataji Temple, in High Street, Cowley, will commemorate the occasion on Saturday.

IT MAY be months away, but some are already making plans for Christmas festivities.

The Cowley Community Residents Association, and St Laurence Church are arranging a crafts and gifts fair for Saturday November 21.

A VIBRANT dance act topped off an entertaining evening of celebration in honour of the Indian harvest festival.

People of all ages gathered to enjoy Vaisakhi, one of the most colourful events in the Hindu calendar, at the Adhya Shakti Mataju Temple, in High Street, Cowley on Saturday.

The temple is the first Hindu worship place of its type in Hillingdon, and is run by a handful of committed volunteer.

Supriya Chaddah, social secretary, said: "It was extremely satisfying to see enthusiasm and participation from everyone who attended and we savoured the rich, aromatic, traditional Vaisakhi dinner."

The highlight of the night was the energetic traditional dance act, and the night was organised by the temple's youth groups.

It is the first of many celebrations the temple aims to hold throughout the year.

A CHURCH in Uxbridge is extending an invitation to the local community to encourage non-attenders back into the fold to see what transformations have been made.

This Sunday marks the start of Back To Church Week, at St Margaret's Church, in Windsor Street, where every member of the congregation is asked to bring a friend, neighbour or family member to church who has not been there before.

It is the idea of vicar, The Reverend Andrew Sheard, who said: "I'm always hearing stories about how people have come back to church here and loved it.

"Whether it's a first time visit, or a return visit to church after some time, we're hoping people will discover church isn't as they thought or remember. And all can be assured of a welcome at any of our services."

Back to Church Week begins this Sunday with services at 9am, 10:45am and 7pm, and continues through the week with services on Tuesday at 1pm, Thursday at 10:30am and Friday at 12:40pm.

Further details from 01895 258766 or visit www.uxbridgeparish.org

By John Hugill
AN ISLAMIC group has been refused permission to build two prayer rooms after residents vented fears of potential religious "frictions" with a nearby Sikh group.