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British Muslims Monthly Survey for March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3
Features
Reports
Community Burger seller in row with council Radio talks for Keighley festival Al-Muhajiroun leaflet holy cities Investment scheme without interest Council query centre management Local president meets Muslim community Artist to design children’s books Director of school nominated for award
Education School recognises cultural diversity Cambridge University given donation
Politics
Women
Youth
Interfaith Islamic Foundation encourages ‘dialogue’
Halal McDonalds refuses halal burger
Health Oral cancer targeted in children
Employment School still owes compensation
Mosques & Burials Llandudno Junction, Glyn y Marl Rd
Features Q News (No302/303, 01.03.99) reports that the number of people that made the pilgrimage to Mecca this year seems to be around the same as last year. The Saudi Arabian Airline, Saudia, flew two planes a day until the last hajj flights on March 21. Heathrow Airport set aside an area in Terminal 3 for travellers to pray. A spokeswoman said: "The volume and concentration of passengers plus all the meeters and greeters does tend to make things difficult but our staff have learnt to manage over the years." There was also an increase in the number of flights leaving from Manchester Airport this year. Airport Chief Executive Geoff Muirhead said: "Hajj flights have been increased to 13 owing to very popular demand from the Muslim community in the north of England." It was estimated that a record 5,000 Muslims would fly from Manchester Airport in March for Hajj (Manchester Evening News, 01.03.99). Meanwhile, the Islamic Society at Burnley College celebrated the pilgrimage by organising "The Hajj programme." The event featured talks about the significance of the Hajj, question and answer sessions, as well as recitations from the Qur’an and naats (songs of praise). It was the second programme organised by the society this year to raise awareness of Islam (Burnley Express, 05.03.99). Muslims across the country organised celebrations for the festival of sacrifice, Eid al-Adha. The festival commemorates the sacrifice the Prophet Ibrahim was willing to make for God, namely sacrificing his son, and is celebrated at the end of the Hajj. In schools, children celebrated with henna and food. Oxford Road County Primary School, in Reading, held an Eid Mela, which included hand painting, Asian foods, clothes and music. Around 150 people attended the mela, and helped raise £163 for the educational charity Action Aid, which aims to promote developing countries by teaching youngsters about life in Africa, Asia and South America. Deputy head teacher, Lee Smith, said: "A big percentage of the children who come to the school are Muslim, so we try to balance out the Easter celebrations with festivals from other parts of the world" (Reading Evening Post, 25.03.99). In Manchester special events and exhibitions were held to mark the festival. Thousands were expected to turn out for the celebrations on Wilmslow Road, starting from noon. Tofiq Malik, owner of the Pan Rhythm Centre on Wilmslow Road, said: "The spirit and atmosphere at the last Eid was absolutely tremendous and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It’s not just for Muslims. We didn’t even close the shop until 6am the next day. There was no trouble at all - just good humour and a good atmosphere. The police played a major part in that by making things flow and keeping control without any animosity. Our shop will have speakers outside and a DJ playing everything from Bhangra to Hindi to Punjabi." A funfair at a local park had also been opened, where fashion shows, dances and other entertainment were to be held. At the town hall, displays and an exhibition of Eid artefacts was set up, and early visitors to the hall would receive gifts, keeping in line with the tradition at Eid (Manchester Evening News, 27.03.99). Prime Minister, Tony Blair, sent an Eid message to the Muslim community through the Muslim News (26.03.99). He wrote: "I wish to the British Muslim community, on my behalf and on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government, our sincerest greetings on this occasion of joy and dedication. British Muslims have already in various ways enriched the life of the country and we look forward to greater Muslim participation in building a greater and more equal Britain." Welcoming the Prime Minister’s first ever Eid greetings to British Muslims, Iqbal Sacranie, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, described the message as "a gesture of great and historic significance for the British Muslim community" which the community "is going to be reciprocate fully and wholeheartedly." However, the festival did not pass without the usual controversy. Again the community was split on the day Eid should be celebrated, with half the country celebrating on Saturday 27th March, and the rest the day after. [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 1]
A press conference was held on 26 February where a letter written by the men detained in Yemen was read out by Monica Davis, the wife of one of the detainees (See British Muslims Monthly Survey for January and February 1999). The letter was addressed to Tony Blair, William Hague, Paddy Ashdown and "the British public". They are pleading to be sent a British doctor to examine them, as they claim they to be continually beaten, and in some cases sexually abused. The letter was sent through their British solicitor, Rashad Yaqoob, who also claims to have been tortured by Yemeni security forces. He was arrested in Aden at the end of February and held in a police cell for 24 hours. At the press conference, he told how he was beaten, slashed and held at gunpoint. He said: "At one point they got a bunch of keys and dragged them across my chest. I’ve got lacerations on my chest and on my back. They then put a gun to me head and they said: ‘You’ve caused a lot of problems for us. Why don’t you keep your mouth shut.’" Yaqoob says he later fainted while in custody and was taken to hospital, where he was drugged. He said: "While I was out, they got my thumb, put it in an inkwell and tried to get my thumbprint on a confession statement. I don’t know what it said as it was in Arabic. It was unbelievable. These are the people who beat up and tortured our boys, the detainees." Yaqoob says he was only released once the Yemeni central government heard about his arrest. He said the experience taught the campaigners a lesson, saying: "As a defence lawyer, one often has doubt as to somebody’s innocence. We go on presumption of innocent until proven guilty. Having been through an element of what the boys have been through; verbal and physical harassment; and then being hung up on preposterous charges, it is a precedent as to what could happen to other Britons." The next day he was allowed to see the detainees, where they signed the plea for a British doctor. In the letter, they insist their confessions were beaten out of them. They added: "The legal proceedings are a farce and we are incredibly scared that we will continue to be tortured and found guilty of something we have not done." They ended the letter by saying: "We desperately need a British doctor because the doctors here have not even taken urine or blood tests from us, nor have they fully examined us, and they are waiting for our injuries to heal before allowing a defence doctor in. Please send a British doctor to see us and please come and intervene and even bring us to Britain or a neutral country to try us fairly and justly. We have nothing to hide." Seven of the Britons held have denied associating with armed groups, plotting murder and destruction, and illegal possession of weapons in the Yemen. However, Muhammed Mustafa Kamel, son of Abu Hamza al-Masri has admitted forming an armed group (Birmingham Post, 27.02.99). Hanna Siurua, Chairperson for Active Human Rights based in SOAS, London, also gave accounts at the press conference of her experiences when visiting Yemen for the trial. She said she was appalled at the lack of basic human rights offered to the men. She was also alarmed by the way the Foreign Office reacted to the case, seeming to show the same prejudice as those who have a general preconception of "Islamic terrorists." She highlighted the lack of concern and consideration shown by David Pearce, the Consul-General. She said: "The British Consulate were the only people the Yemeni authorities allowed to give food and books to the detainees. It was arranged that Consul-General David Pearce would go in and give them some bananas and books. We felt it was a wonderful act of kindness. However, I was given a bill for £75. I was told that David Pearce wanted his money back." She said that Mr Pearce then chased the family for the money for a few days after, and added: "He [David Pearce] was told that we did not have the money. At this moment, he went to the prison and took back the books, which I find incredibly disgusting" (Muslim News, 26.03.99). According to the Foreign Office, only food was supplied and the Consul-General had agreed with Yaqoob and Siurua to advance the cost out of his own pocket. Meanwhile, The Birmingham Post (15.03.99) claims video footage apparently showing a few of the arrested Britons handling guns has been shown in court. The footage, which defence lawyers argued was inadmissible as evidence, is reported to show the men holding automatic rifles and grenades. Mr Yaqoob, however, denied they were handling grenades, but did see them holding guns, although he did not know which kind. He said two tapes were shown in court. One tape showed the accused sitting in a room, containing guns, singing songs and talking in Arabic, with two of the men actually handling the guns. The second tape showed Abu Hamza al-Masri with one of the British defendants. Mohsin Ghalain, from London, claimed the videos were souvenirs from a trip to Albania when he visited the country to gather information about the oppression of Muslims there. He told his lawyers that he was giving the information he found in Albania to the Arab press in London. Mr Yaqoob said: "He also stated categorically that it was his right to go to a country where there was oppression and killings of Muslims. He has said if he chose to carry some kind of weapon to defend himself in a volatile situation, that was his choice. It does not show all of the accused on the tape, just three of them. The defence made it very clear that this evidence was inadmissible and had not been shown to them." The trial has since been adjourned until 20 April. Abu Hamza al-Masri was arrested on 15 March under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, along with two other men thought to be involved in the kidnapping of tourists in Yemen. Yassir al-Serri, 39, who runs the Islamic Observatory Centre in London was the second man arrested, but the identity of the third has not been revealed. The arrests came after London police studied recent threats from Abu Hamza involving attacking military and civilian planes using "flying mines." He said these cheaply made mines attached to hot air balloons can bring down Western planes, and plans are being made to fill the skies above Iraq, Afghanistan and Sudan with thousands of these mines tied to balloons. Abu Hamza spoke of these plans to end the West’s "hegemony" in aviation at the "Second Conference of Islamic Revival" organised by his group, Supporters of Shariah. He was also being investigated by police concerning his involvement in the recent terrorist activities in Yemen, where it is alleged that he knew of the kidnap of western tourists and plot to bomb targets in Aden. Yemeni officials had been calling for Abu Hamza to be extradited, and were outraged that he had not been arrested. A Yemeni security official said: "We cannot understand how this man can make any threats of violence he wants and seems to be untouchable." (The Times, 27.02.99). The arrest of Abu Hamza occurred in dawn raids by anti-terrorist squad officers at his London home. This caused outrage amongst the lawyers of the men who want to know why the raids had to be staged at their family homes. One legal source said: "Both Hamza and Serri took part in a demonstration outside the gates of Downing Street on Friday. They are very high profile and the police could have asked to speak to them at any time, so why burst into their bedrooms when their children are there. Why the heavy-handed tactics?" Several of Abu Hamza’s children were in the house during the raids, and his wife and other female relatives were led away by police as forensic scientists moved in. Other detectives towed away his left-hand drive car which is equipped with attachments to enable him to drive using his artificial hands. (The Times, 16.03.99). The Muslim Parliament had urged that "due process of law" be observed while he was being questioned, saying that despite his "exaggerated and irresponsible" statements in recent months, there was no evidence to substantiate claims that he was involved in acts of terrorism (The Scotsman, 16.03.99). The men were held and questioned for four days under the Terrorism Act, which allows the police to question individuals for 48 hours without charging them, and hold them for a further five days without being charged with the authority of the Home Secretary (amongst others: Financial Times, 16.03.99, Birmingham Evening Mail, 16.03.99, Aberdeen Press & Journal, 16.03.99, The Times, 18.03.99, Cambridge Evening News, 19.03.99, Asian Times, 23.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 2/3]
Mohammed Sarwar, Labour MP for Glasgow Govan, has been cleared of charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice (See BMMS for February, May, September, October 1998, January and February 1999). The MP had been suspended from the House of Commons since May 1997, one month after winning the Govan seat, when allegations of vote rigging and fraud emerged. It was during these investigations that the News of the World story was printed, alleging Sarwar had bribed Badar Islam, an election rival, to give a false statement, and then pretended that the money was a loan. Giving evidence, Sarwar had told the court that the money he gave to Badar Islam was a loan and not a bribe for swearing a false statement. He told the court that he loaned the money after Islam telephoned him saying his son was seriously ill in hospital, that his house was going to be repossessed and he needed £5,000 in cash. They came to an arrangement that Sarwar would lend the money provided Mumtaz Hussain, the co-accused, put up a £5,000 cheque as security. Sarwar said he had at first thought Islam was an "angel" after he warned him before the election that his safety was in peril, adding that he was subsequently attacked by three people. However, after the story broke, he began to think that the men had "trapped" him. He said: "I came to know I had been set up. I thought I had been set up by the News of the World, Badar Islam, Tariq Malik and Mumtaz Hussain." He also told the court that it was common in his community for successful figures to give loans backed by post-dated cheques to the less-privileged (Aberdeen Press & Journal, 11.03.99). Earlier in the month, Sarwar had been cleared of the other two charges he faced. The trial judge Lady Cosgrove acquitted the MP on the charge of understating election expenses and of fraud relating to the addition of four names to the electoral register. The charge of understating expenses was dropped after Margaret Curran, the MP’s election agent, told the court that she had misunderstood the rules for declaring expenses. She said she only declared what she thought was needed to be declared. She added: "I followed proper procedures as I understood them and if anything was wrong that was my mistake." The latter charge was also dropped after one of the witnesses contradicted a previous statement, now claiming she did not know if Sarwar was the man who called at her house asking her to fill out a form giving false details (Q News, 01.03.99, The Daily Telegraph, 09.03.99, The Guardian, 09.03.99). It took the case 13 months to come to court, nine weeks to hear the evidence, and just four hours for the jury to determine that Sarwar was not guilty. In her directions to the jury, Lady Cosgrove said it was impossible to reconcile conflicting evidence without concluding that some witnesses had been "less than truthful." She also drew their attention to the role of the newspaper in influencing Islam’s meeting with Sarwar with a concealed tape recorder in his pocket. The jury’s acquittal of the MP on both charges was by a majority verdict. They also acquitted co-accused Mumtaz Hussain on one charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Leaving the court, Sarwar told reporters: "This is a great day, not only for myself, but for my family and for the electorate in Govan, and for all those who believe in fairness, equality and justice for all. I have always maintained from the outset that the allegations against me were false and I am glad that the jury has found me innocent of the charges brought against me. Today, the truth has triumphed, and I have been vindicated." Sarwar has since had his suspension lifted by the Labour Party, and returned to the House of Commons a week later. Scottish Secretary Donald Dewar said: "I welcome the court’s verdict. This trial must have placed a great strain on Mohammed Sarwar and his family. I know that he will be relieved that he can now concentrate on his Parliamentary duties" (Dundee Courier & Advertiser, 26.03.99). However, although Sarwar has won the court battle, it is believed that he still has a fight ahead of him as he tries to re-establish his reputation. Just as his position has been damaged within the Labour Party, he has also lost standing amongst some of the Asian community. What he will have to do now is prove that he will campaign fully for the Govan constituency, and show his determination to fight for the rights of the Muslim community, not just in Glasgow, but for the whole of the UK (Daily Record, 26.03.99). Speaking to the Scotland on Sunday (28.03.99), Sarwar said he would not stand for the Scottish Parliament, as he was the only voice for the Muslim community in the Commons. He said: "Ninety-one per cent of my constituents are from the indigenous population, while 9% are from the ethnic communities and I will campaign on issues like poverty, housing and drugs that affect them all." He said the Muslim community had been delighted when he was elected, saying: "That’s why I was so upset. Because if things had gone the other way [and I had been convicted], it was not just myself that would have been let down, it was Britain’s two million Muslims." Sarwar is also suing the News of the World for £750,000 defamation damages. [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 3/4]
Reports Community A High Court ruling has rejected a renewed bid to bring Muslims under the protection of race legislation (See BMMS for October and November 1998). Merton Council had applied for a declaration that would protect Muslims under race laws, after the Ahmadiyya sect in the area had been subjected to a race hate campaign by members of the far right British National Party. The Crown Prosecution Service said that because Muslims are a religious, not an ethnic group, it is "not clear" whether they are covered by race laws. Lord Justice Kennedy agreed with an earlier judgement made last year, that any High Court pronouncement on the status of Muslims would not be binding on a criminal court. He said: "No one doubts the importance of giving as much protection as possible to the Muslim community, but that is no reason for granting leave if the grant of leave will produce relatively little assistance" (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99, Walsall Express & Star, 02.03.99). The council, however, has vowed to continue its fight to have Muslims recognised under race laws. A spokesman for Merton Council said: "The council is not prepared to sit back and let this happen. We are now looking at new ways the case can be pursued" (Wimbledon News, 12.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 4]
The 2001 Census will not include the question of religion in Scotland, despite the fact that the question will be included in the census of England and Wales (See BMMS for August, September, October, November and December 1998). The General Register Office in Scotland claims there was not enough demand from government departments, local authorities and others who use the census. A spokesman for the Register Office said: "Consultation with users in Scotland indicated that there was a far less strong business case for information on religion to be collected in relation to the 2001 census. This is consistent with the requirement for less information to be included in the census." However, Bashir Maan, a Labour member of Glasgow City Council, said the plans were unfair and discriminatory as the Muslim community in Scotland had campaigned just as hard to get the religion question included. Mr Maan, who is seeking the backing of the Christian/Muslim Forum, of which he is joint convenor, said: "We are very disappointed that religion will not be included on the census in Scotland. It is discriminatory and I don’t see any sense in it, especially when the question will be asked in Wales where there is a much smaller ethnic population. The question of religion is important because it allows local authorities and government agencies to cater for the specific needs of different religious groups. I believe the Muslim community in Scotland is being let down." Census users, including local authorities, businesses, government departments, researchers and academics have been lobbying the census office on the questions they would like to see included. However, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities’ Scottish Census Advisory Group took the view that the religion question should not be included because "there was no need to know the religious breakdown in Scotland" (The Scotsman, 10.03.99). A spokesperson for the 2001 Census organisers told the Muslim News that a consultation was done with users who indicated that there was no need for information on religion in Scotland. However, he did also say that there was no meeting held with the faith communities, as was done in England and Wales, to discuss the need for a religion question in the Scottish census (Muslim News, 26.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 4/5] Burger seller in row with council A row has broken out between a kebab and burger seller and Aylesbury Vale District Council over a trading pitch. Baghi Shah was given consent in September to sell hot food and drinks from his trailer but claims problems of access have made this difficult, and so has refused to pay the consent fee since November. Councillors are now expected to revoke his consent to trade, and will not refund any of the money he has already paid. Mr Shah is a well known figure in Aylesbury’s Muslim community, being active in the running of the mosque as well as helping at a young offenders institute, and has run another pitch in the area for ten years. He said: "I have been unable to use the pitch since November because of the tremendous troubles I have getting in and out of the site. The kerb is uneven and has caused damage to my car, there were branches overhead which damaged the roof of my trailer and it is often impossible to get in at all because of the parked cars." On several occasions he could not get out until seven or eight in the evening and the damage has cost him more than £1,000. He said: "When I agreed to take the pitch on, the council said they would sort out the problems but it took them too long or they didn’t do anything at all, like with the kerb. I don’t see why I should pay them for a pitch I couldn’t use, and haven’t used since November." He added: "I have been working with the council all my life and I would like the problem to be sorted out soon and easily, but I can’t run my business in Kingsbury the way it is at the moment." However, Richard Cassidy of the council’s housing, health and leisure department said: "Mr Shah had the opportunity to view the pitch before he applied to trade there and he must have thought it was suitable - we believe there is safe access to the pitch. Parking restrictions already exist in Kingsbury. It is a matter we have raised with the police on a couple of occasions and we will be looking to ensure they are enforced" (Bucks Herald, 24.02.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 5] The House of Lords hosted the launch of a new book by Professor Akbar Ahmad called "Islam Today". Peers, politicians and may other guests from all over the country packed the Moses Room at the House, for the event organised by Lord Nazir Ahmad. Professor Ahmad spoke of the need to find a middle ground between the West and the Muslim world. He asked for the West to show more understanding towards the beliefs of Muslims and to avoid seeing them in stereotypical terms, but he also asked the Muslim community to stop seeing everything in terms of a conspiracy from the people who have not yet got a true picture of Islam. He said: "The West needs to understand the Islamic expressions of revolt as movements against corruption, lack of justice, and not necessarily against the West itself...The West must back off and give the dignity due to a world of civilisation." He asked: "Why are Muslims forgetting that God’s greatest names are Beneficent and Merciful? Muslims need to rebuild their idea of Islam to one which includes justice, integrity, tolerance and the quest for knowledge." He also stressed the need for Muslims not just to dwell on Islamic rituals. He said: "Not just the five pillars, but the entire building." Distinguished speakers at the event congratulated Prof. Ahmad on his book. Lord Melvyn Bragg said: "We live in a world of potentially explosive challenges. The only way forward is understanding and I wish great fortune to this book which wishes to bridge two great cultures." The Heritage Secretary, Chris Smith, spoke about the contribution Islam has made to British society. He said: "Look at the richness of talent that there is. Look at Sabiha Khemir, Luqman Ali, Waris Hussain, Hanif Qureshi...and of course, dare I mention it, Salman Rushdie." The Muslims in the audience seemed somewhat stunned at this addition, and a member of the audience pointed out that Muslims do not consider Salman Rushdie to be among the great people that the Islamic tradition has produced (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99 and Bucks Free Press, 26.02.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 5] Radio talks for Keighley festival Radio Ramadan for the Keighley area is holding talks with the organisers of the Keighley Festival about broadcasting during the event this summer. It is hoped a festival radio station will cater for everyone and not just for the town’s Muslim community. Organisers believe the expertise and equipment - funded through Keighley’s Single Regeneration Budget - should be shared for the good of the whole town. Spokesman Khadim Hussain said the station was able to apply for several temporary broadcasting licences each year. He said: "We feel we want a wider horizon. It’s an excellent platform for sharing information, and for cultural exchange and diversity. We want Keighley to be a place for everyone. I feel radio is an excellent medium that can eliminate fear between communities" (Bradford Telegraph & Argus, 27.02.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 5/6] The Dorset Racial Equality group held an Islamic awareness night in Bournemouth. The aim of the meeting was to smash preconceived ideas and clichés about Islam. The key speaker was Dr Zaki Badawi who co-wrote the book "Living Islam" (Bournemouth Daily Echo, 27.02.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 6] A slaughterer was fined £500 after attacking a Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) vet, and was ordered to pay his victim £50 compensation. Mohammed Akram Sheikh prodded the female inspector in the shoulder while using abusive and threatening language as she carried out her duties at the abattoir where he worked. Sheikh had pleaded not guilty to charges of common assault and obstruction. A spokesman for MHS, which last year found that one in four inspectors had faced some sort of intimidation, said: "We have zero tolerance for intimidation" (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 6] The government New Deal scheme may help get many Muslims back to work. Currently Muslims suffer from some of the highest unemployment levels of any group. According to the latest Labour Force Survey the unemployment rate is 21 per cent for Pakistanis and Bengalis. Under new laws introduced last April, anyone between the ages of 18-24 still claiming Jobseekers Allowance after six months - two years for those over 24 - will either have to go on the New Deal programme or be struck off, and it seems that this incentive is helping people back to work. Although figures are not broken down by religion, statistics show that young Pakistanis and Bengalis all over Britain are benefiting from the New Deal. By the end of last December, nine months after the New Deal started, 960 Pakistanis and 400 Bengalis had found unsubsidised employment. Mahrukh Afzal, 25, is one of those who entered the programme after six months of being unsuccessful in finding a job. Now, at least once every week she visits her New Deal Advisor, Kippi Dhami. Although Mahrukh found a job through her own efforts, she says she is grateful to the New Deal for helping to motivate her and improve her job seeking skills. She said: "I thought originally that they would force me into a job, any job, but that hasn’t been the case." However, 22-year old Ismail was not so happy. He was hoping to start a training programme which would prepare him for work in a business or clerical environment. Instead, he has found work as a security guard. His personal advisor arranged for the job to be subsidised which means his employer will receive £60 per week for six months, in return for training Ismail. However, Ismail feels he has been bullied into this job. He said: "It’s just pushing you all the time to get a job, not always the job that you would like" (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 6] Following the resignation of Yusuf Islam from the charity Muslim Aid, Q News (No302/303, 01.03.99) carries an article written by himself about his work at Muslim Aid and his resignation. He goes through the early stages of the charity, describing how it was formed, and goes on to more recent events and problems they have faced. He expressed deep regret for his departure, but said that it was brought about by intolerable politics and the failure of Muslim Aid to live up to its original vision. He writes: "Right up to this day, there remains a clear absence of certain representative sections of the community on the Board of Trustees - while retaining an over representation of others...The result, therefore, has been a further splintering and reduction in the unity of the Ummah." He says that he will now co-operate with all Muslim relief agencies and not just one, and hopes he will be able to direct his time towards education and welfare and the unity of the Muslim Ummah. [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 6] Al-Muhajiroun leaflet holy cities Members of the extremist group Al-Muhajiroun will be sent to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina during the hajj to distribute leaflets speaking against monarchies, man-made laws and the presence of foreign forces on Saudi land. It is said that the proponents of ‘khalifa’ have already vandalised the inside of the Al-Aqsa mosque with their hard to remove stickers. The groups leader, Omar Bakri Mohammed, said up 30 activists were travelling to Saudi Arabia, to link up with sympathisers there, and will distribute the leaflets to the pilgrims. He said: "It is not new or unique. It is something we do every year but this year some brothers from the UK are going." The Saudi Arabian embassy in London declined to give any assurances that the proposed activities of the group would not result in stricter security checks for British pilgrims. A spokesman refused to describe any consequences for those caught breaking Saudi law, saying only: "If anything happens, you will hear about it" (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 6] Investment scheme without interest Various newspapers have reviewed the new investment scheme aimed primarily at the Muslim market (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99, The Express, 03.03.99, Financial Times, 04.03.99, Wall Street Journal (Europe), 05.03.99, The Independent, 13.03.99, The Mail, 21.03.99). The Al-Safa Investment Fund, an open-ended investment company, will only invest in companies approved by Shari’ah, and will avoid any involvement in lending or charging interest. The fund is the brainchild of the STZ, a Muslim partnership based in West London. They have convinced three Islamic scholars from the UK, Canada and Egypt to team up with Greig Middleton, a City stockbroker, and City Financial fund manager, to offer Britain’s Muslims a "unique" investment opportunity. Initially the fund will focus on the UK’s top 350 quoted companies, the FTSE 350, although only 200 of these are expected to be passed as halal as the other companies are likely to be involved with tobacco, alcohol, banking, gambling, pornography, life assurance and non-halal food. There will be a minimum investment of £1,000, or £50 per month. Ian Thomson, a partner at STZ and an independent financial advisor, said: "We’ve launched this for fairly selfish reasons really. We had nowhere else to put our money. Until now many Muslims have had to compromise and put their money on deposit but not take any interest. The banks were making money hand over fist" (The Times, 04.03.99). He also said: "It has taken us over three years to find someone to launch a fund that invests in strict adherence with our religious laws. Greig Middleton was recommended as they are the country’s leading private client stockbroker and a well-known fund-management group" (The Independent, 13.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 6/7] Basildon’s Muslim community set up a stall in the town to bring a greater understanding to what the Muslims association called the "misunderstood religion." Politicians, council chiefs and community leaders were invited to the conference. The Association secretary, Sarfraz Sarwar, said: "There is a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to Islam which causes ignorance and friction. We don’t know why that is, but the media’s headlines always focus on the bad side. People should come along and see for themselves what we are about - that we are no different from them and that we are not going to shoot them or cut off their hands." Mr Sarwar, who has lived in the town for 32 years, added: "We are a small, minority group in Basildon and we want to live and mix in the community. To me Islam means honesty, respect to other people and just being good to others. We just want to get the misunderstanding and the politics out of the way" (Basildon Recorder, 05.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 7] The Luton on Sunday (14.03.99) has reported that Monica Davis, the wife of Ghulam Hussain, one of the men held in Yemen (See BMMS for January and February 1999), wants to open a Muslim ‘education centre/book shop’. Plans for the change of trade of the shop on Biscot Rd, Luton, are expected to be given the go-ahead by Luton Borough Council. The paper says that the "Islamic propaganda centre" will increase concerns, as there is already a lot of extremist material being circulated in the area, including stickers and posters urging ‘jihad’. They do not know the precise nature of the kind of literature that will be sold by Ms Davis. [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 7] Council query centre management Sandwell’s regeneration team have welcomed the decision to probe the way the Bangladeshi Islamic Centre in Smethwick has been run. Members of Sandwell’s Bangladeshi community had complained that they were facing difficulties in getting involved at the centre. More than one hundred protested at a Sandwell Council meeting which discussed a petition calling for action against the centre and its management, who were accused of keeping out people who wanted to get involved. They wanted the council to get rid of the present management committee and hold elections as soon as possible. A council spokesman said moves were being made to address the situation and that the centre’s joint management committee had re-drafted its constitution, which was welcomed. The committee also asked to meet the council to discuss further moves to improve the situation (Dudley Express & Star, 12.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 7] Local president meets Muslim community Plaid Cymru president Dafydd Wigley met with local people in Cardiff to discuss issues facing them. He visited various areas of the city, including schools and a sheltered housing project. He ended that day with a meeting with Sheikh Said and representatives of the Muslim community at the Islamic Community Centre in Alice St (Cardiff Western Mail, 15.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 7] The Times (17.03.99), looks at two housing schemes which address the needs and aspirations of multi-cultural urban dwellers. The first is the Saltley and Small Heath Regeneration Budget scheme in Birmingham which covers a population of 55,000. Wendy Shillam, a partner with Shillam & Smith, the community architects for the scheme, said: "The area has always had an itinerant population and now the important group is South Asian. Some areas are 70 per cent South Asian. It is essentially a Victorian suburb but the housing is in a very bad state, built on heathland and former brick pits. A lot of the property is owner-occupied but often it is not in good condition because the owners haven’t the wherewithal for the upkeep." She added that another problem the community faces is with size: "South Asian families tend to live in large, extended households which the average two-up, two-down cannot accommodate. Often they would buy two and knock them into one, but such homes are very unadaptable. The project aims to improve and provide more housing and regenerate the area. Our aim is to have more community-led strategies." The first challenge was to find out what the residents actually wanted from the scheme, so a mobile library was set up to help talk to people. Most residents wanted flexibility and space. Ms Shillam said: "None of the internal partitions is structural, so you can change and add on as you have the money. We’re building homes 20 per cent bigger for the same money, so they won’t have a fully fitted kitchen and all the other things you get in a spec building. You can walk in and live there and add on as you want to and can afford to. There will be no brass doorknobs and microwaves but you will have space." Shillam & Smith hope to obtain planning permission soon. Another similar scheme is part of a project by the North London Muslim Housing Association. The association has unveiled a ten-year, £500 million programme to build 10,000 homes in some of London’s most deprived districts. Saif Ahmad, chief executive of the association, said: "The main point is to regenerate the community, to foster tolerance, understanding, care for each other and to enrich British society with its diverse cultural heritage." He added: "I would like to create a community for people who live here and love it. Tower Hamlets and Newham are 50 per cent Muslim. Some council estates are 95 per cent Bangladeshi, which creates an insular community. If 50 per cent were local and 50 per cent from various Muslim ethnic groups, that would create a diverse community. People often say integration at what price. We say integration through tolerance." The associa tion plans a first phase of 50 to 100 houses. "We are trying to identify a locality with the need and a favourable host community. Once the first project goes through, we can go to the Government with an example. Once the model starts, after three or four years the scheme will gain momentum," he said. Mr Ahmad hopes to incorporate Islamic architectural influence of the sort seen in Spain and Portugal into basic British house designs. He said: "We are discussing this with architects and English Heritage and will adjust according to the rules." [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 7/8] A novelist who has apparently made derogatory references to the Prophet Muhammad in his latest book Unreal City, has had his hand burned through a parcel he received in the post. Tony Hanania was scarred when acid sent to him in an industrially strengthened jiffy bag dropped onto his fingers as he opened it. He has since been assigned two bodyguards and a bullet-proof black cab by his publishing company. The novel has apparently provoked a storm of controversy in Al-Hayat, an international Arabic newspaper. The book deals with the freedom of expression of Arab writers in the West. Hanania said: "The book reiterates the central blasphemy of the Satanic Verses." He continued: "Regrettably, as with the case of the Satanic Verses, two isolated passages have been picked out of the book. The first deals with a brothel off the Edgeware Road, where clients have a choice of the 12 wives of the prophet. The other part involves drug-dealing and drug-taking by the Islamic clergy in Lebanon." Despite the attack, he says he will not be withdrawing from any publicity events (Evening Standard, 25.03.99). Earlier it was thought that there may be protests at readings planned in Leeds and York. Ayub Laher, of the Bradford Council of Mosques, said the visit would not be "conducive to the public good" if the novel was "unnecessarily provocative" (Yorkshire Post, 17.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 8] The Association of Muslim Professionals in Wales held a meeting at the University of Wales in Cardiff to coincide with the festival of Eid al-Adha. Daud Musa Pidock was to give a talk on Islam and Napoleon (South Wales Echo, 20.03.99). The article in the Cardiff Western Mail, (18.03.99), also talks of the religious significance of the festival, as well as mentioning that the Muslim community is the oldest immigrant community in Wales, which emphasises the links between Wales and seafaring. It is estimated that 25,000 Muslims live there. [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 8] Artist to design children’s books A design graduate from the University of Dundee is to design a series of books aimed at bringing the Qur’an to young people. Shehraz Afzal is primarily an illustrator, but has turned his hand to adapting stories from the Qur’an into books for young children. The first of the stories from the series will be The Creation and Noah and the Ark, published by Hood Hood Books, and appearing in spring. Afzal is also set to publish a more ambitious work later this year entitled Islamic Architecture of Lahore, the native city of his parents. He says: "I started out looking at the buildings and the city itself which has many beautiful aspects and points of historical and aesthetic interest, but as I went along I found I was photographing and drawing people so it gives a flavour of the life of the place as well as the architecture." Afzal, who is a lecturer at Perth College, is also working on a children’s volume about the boxer Mohammed Ali and a book on Aladdin (Dundee Courier & Advertiser, 20.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 8] The Muslim community in Little Harwood, Blackburn, have been shocked by the vicious murders of jeweller Mohammed "Tony" Karim and his wife Bilquis. Arriving for prayers at the local mosque, which the couple are said to have attended regularly, friends and family told of their grief. Sulaiman Ali said: "I can’t believe this has happened, we are all so shocked. Mr Karim was such a nice man, a gentleman. The whole community is shocked and upset, this is a tragedy. I knew Mr Karim and his family and I just can’t believe it has happened." Another neighbour said: "Everybody at the mosque is shocked and saddened. We just cannot believe that something as terrible as this could happen to somebody in our community" (Lancashire Evening Telegraph, 23.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 8] A 74-year old man was attacked as he made his way to the morning prayer at a mosque in Birmingham. The attacker leaped out in front of the victim and rifled the pockets of his robe just 5am in Moseley. The man, who suffered a slight hand injury in the attack, shouted for help to passers-by and the offender ran off empty handed. Police have appealed for witnesses to the attack to come forward (Walsall Express & Star, 25.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 8] Director of school nominated for award Dr Musharaf Hussain, director of the Karima Institute in Nottingham, has been nominated for the Nottingham Citizen of Honour award. He has been put forward for his "wide ranging work within the Muslim community," including anti-drugs work and founding the community radio station, Radio Ramzan. Dr Hussain said: "I’m actually very surprised to be nominated. We have hundreds of people using the centre - I don’t know who could have nominated me" (Nottingham Evening Post, 27.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 8]
Education Greenhead Grammar School in Keighley has opened its new prayer room. The scheme was made possible by generous donations from local community groups and individuals who raised in excess of £5,500. At a special opening ceremony the head teacher Miles Mizon thanked all those who made it possible: "We have had the idea of building a prayer room for a long time but the decision to go-ahead and build it has been done in a short time. The way we have been able to do that is because of the very generous support this prayer room appeal has had from you. We know all the mosque associations have supported this appeal very generously and we would like to think that we have created a prayer room worthy of you support, which will serve now and in the future as a very important part of the school. We want to encourage your sons and daughters to praise and respect the values of Islam through this prayer room." Chairman of governors Andy Mudd said: "It is this kind of ground breaking project which allows us to pursue the dream of multi-cultural education in society. I am very pleased we are doing this at Greenhead and I know people across the district are watching what we are doing." Former president of the Keighley Muslim Association, Nazar Hussain, said: "From the community perspective it is an excellent project and I am very pleased that the community has participated to bring this to fruition. Thanks must also go to the generosity of the teaching staff and all the associations which have worked in partnership." Features of the room include stained glass windows designed by pupils, and a new carpet donated by A and E carpets in Bradford (Keighley News, 19.02.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 8/9] Councillors gave unanimous backing for a disused shop in Salisbury to be converted into a teaching room for Muslim children. Councillors have only given temporary planning permission until the year 2002 to enable officers to monitor the effect the meetings could have on parking, traffic and noise. 67 residents had objected to the proposal saying it would create too many parking problems. However, Dilwar Hussain, of the Muslim Association of Salisbury, said most families attending live nearby, so would walk to the shop, and the only noise will be of the children reading. The classroom will be used by about 15 children up to the age of 12 in a one hour daily session (Salisbury Journal, 04.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 9] The University of Sheffield Islamic Circle Society organised a week of lectures, films and exhibitions at the end of February to promote the image and understanding of Islam. Topics ranged from evolution to miracles of the Qur’an (Sheffield Telegraph, 26.02.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 9] Muslim students at the University of Wales are upset by the decision to close the refectory and snack bar to cut costs. The move to centralise all afternoon catering facilities means that only the Students’ union canteen will serve food, which will also be licensed. The Students’ Union has said the decision to close the refectory is "insensitive" and "inconvenient" saying it will also affect families and part-time students. Gillian Franklin, the women’s officer, said: "The university still seems to think that all students are beer guzzling 18-23 year olds. The reality is very different." The university has promised to look into the complaints (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 9] Islamia Primary School in London has come tenth in the governments national schools league tables for Brent. Over four-fifths of the schools 31 pupils reached level 4, or above, of the National Curriculum in English, maths and science, just beating the government’s national target of 80 per cent for English and 75 per cent for maths. It is the first time the school has been eligible for ranking since it joined the state sector last year. The national averages were 65 per cent in English and 59 per cent in maths (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 9]
The Students Islamic Society at Swansea University organised an awareness week, entitled ‘Islam - A Closer Look’. President of the society Omar Williams, said: "The lectures cover a number of area where the Muslim community in Swansea feels there are common misconceptions, or a general lack of understanding on the part of non-Muslims in the West...In the interests of better religious understanding we have organised the series of talks designed to stimulate thought and discussion. the speakers will be available for question-and-answer sessions after the talks." Muslims in Swansea make up 90 per cent of the city’s ethnic minority population. Eighty per cent of them are originally from Bangladesh, with the remainder being from Pakistan, Malaysia, Turkey, the Arabic-speaking states, Indonesia, Mauritius, Kashmir and some African states. There are also a growing number of Welsh converts to the faith. Mr Williams added: "We hope the people of Swansea will use this opportunity to put aside any prejudices they may have and find out more about the largest minority community in this city" (South Wales Evening Post, 02.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 9]
Members of the Muslim community in Derby are asking the council for permission to continue teaching and prayer sessions at a house in Normanton, Derby. The house is used as the Jamia Nizamia Educational Centre, and icludes activities such as teaching Arabic and Urdu to children. Currently, the centre has permission from Derby City Council to use the house for educational purposes only on a temporary basis (Derby Evening Telegraph, 11.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 9]
The fastest improving school in England is to abandon its British curriculum and adopt an Islamic curriculum as is practised in Saudi Arabian schools. Last autumn, the King Fahad Academy, which was built with funding from Saudi Arabia, doubled its GCSE scores in the space of four years, and became one of the best schools in London. Pupils at the school already spend about a quarter of their time on Islamic studies and learning Arabic, as well as studying for GCSEs and A-Levels. The new lessons will all be taught in Arabic, with English being taught as a foreign language subject. Some parents are opposed to the plans arguing that no other school offers the combination of English exams and Islamic-Arabic culture. One said: "There is nothing in this area which is like the academy. The Muslim community is huge. What are parents going to do if their children have siblings who they were planning on sending to the school?" Another said: "I don’t really agree with what they are doing. My daughter has done very well; but I really sent her there for the Islamic studies, which is hard to get elsewhere." Paul Burtenshaw, head of the academy’s boys’ upper school, said the schools trustees, chaired by the Saudi ambassador, were bringing it into line with other Saudi schools, including those in Washington and Bonn. But he stressed the change would be phased in over several years and the children currently at the school would be able to complete their studies in English (The Independent, 10.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 9/10]
School recognises cultural diversity A school in Swansea is recognising its cultural diversity by introducing three-way conversations at parents evenings. Dynevor Comprehensive School introduced Bengali and Urdu translators at a recent parents evening to help talks about pupils’ progress. Allan Smith, head teacher at the school, said he knows it is vital that parents feel able to communicate even if it is through a translator, especially as 20 per cent of the pupils at the school have English as an additional language. He said he is proud of the way the school embraces an ethos of tolerance and respect. He said: "I think our pupils and staff find Dynevor very enriching because we have a mix of children from very different backgrounds. At the moment we have children who have moved to Swansea from Bangladesh, China, Italy, Iraq, Korea, Japan and Iran, to name but a few of their countries." Speaking of racism and bullying, he said: "What we try and ensure is that pupils at our school recognise and respect each other’s different cultural backgrounds. We say that it is something which should be celebrated, not seen as a problem…Sometimes we will encounter a problem – but I have to say it is usually as a result of a misunderstanding rather than something malicious. For instance, we might have a situation of a lad pulling a headscarf off a Muslim girl as a prank. That boy might not realise the seriousness of the situation. For the boy it is a bit of fun, but for the girl it would be very upsetting. When a situation like that is explained, then there is a respect for the situation and I have known children who have done something as fun not knowing the consequences but who have then been genuinely sorry. From that situation then we have built some respect and understanding for another person’s feelings and beliefs." The school also makes a point of celebrating religious and cultural festivals other that Christmas. He believes that new pupils from other cultural and religious backgrounds create a learning process, not just for the child, but for the staff and school too (Cardiff Western Mail, 12.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 10]
The religious instruction department at the Ragstone School in Slough have formed an Islam Club, open to all 12 and 13-year olds. The purpose of the club is to discuss and learn about Islam, and is open to boys and girls, Muslims and non-Muslims. There are also plans for a ‘girls group’ to meet on another night to discuss the role of women in Islam (Slough & Langley Observer, 12.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 10]
The Lifelong Learning Commission in Walsall called in at a school to get the views of students of all ages about the future of education in the borough. The commission, led by Professor John Tomlinson, met students from the independent Palfrey Girls School, the borough’s only Muslim school. Among the issues raised, to be submitted in a major report in the autumn, were problems faced by ethnic minorities getting education that was sensitive to their faith (Walsall Express & Star, 17.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 10]
Cambridge University given donation The University of Cambridge has received a £1.4 million donation from Oxford based company Oakhill Group to use for the teaching of Islam within the Faculty of Divinity. Rosalind Paul, faculty administrator, said Islamic Studies was an optional subject for students reading the BA in Theology and Religious Studies, and some graduate students also carried out research in the subject. The money will be used to create a post of assistant director of research in Islamic Studies within the faculty. Ms Paul said: "We have been teaching Islamic Studies for some years but we have only had a permanent university lecturer in it for a couple of years. This is to support that post and provide further coverage in the field." Tim Winter, the lecturer in Islamic Studies, said faculties such as divinity rarely received such donations, adding: "We are particularly grateful that we have been able to land this funding. We hope it will set a precedent and many other areas in the faculty will similarly receive this kind of benefaction." He said that many of the shareholder’s at the Oakhill Group were Muslims and are keen to promote a better understanding of their religion. It is hoped the new post will be filled by October 1, in time for the next academic year (Cambridge Evening News, 19.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 10]
Pupils in year seven at Mortimer Comprehensive School in South Shields were given lessons about Islam and its culture for one week. The students were taught about Islam in every class, from maths and English to art and technology. There was also a special day devoted to dance, food tasting and art displays. A spokesman for the school said: "We are proud to be a multi-cultural school with a truly multi-cultural population. Almost 10 per cent of our ethnic minority pupils are Muslim. To promote understanding of the culture and religion, and to prepare our pupils for life in local multi-cultural surroundings the week was prepared" (South Shields Gazette, 23.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 10/11]
Politics A Labour councillor has been successful in clearing his name against allegations that he made anti-Semitic comments in a speech addressed to the Young Fellows Association of Pakistan in Southall last year. Cllr Ahmad Shahzad denied the allegations and issued a High Court writ against Robert Blackman, a Jewish leader of a council Conservative group, for defamation claiming the slur had damaged his reputation. Mr Blackman apologised the same day the trial was due to begin, and agreed to pay an un-disclosed five figure sum to the Labour councillor. As part of the settlement he will also have to meet Cllr Shahzad’s legal bill, which could make the settlement in the region of £25,000. Mr Blackman was not in court to read out his apology, but his counsel read out an agreed statement which said: "These allegations were completely untrue. The Plaintiff made no such remark in his speech which could be construed as anti-Semitic. The Plaintiff, who is not a racist, and who has many friends in the Jewish community, was utterly appalled by the contents of the press release. The Plain- tiff was particularly upset that the Defendant had not consulted him before issuing the press release." Cllr Shahzad said he was now happy to let the matter rest: "I was hurt. It’s a very nasty thing to say of somebody. I really don’t know why he said it. I would really like to ask him myself." Cllr Shahzad said he will be donating all of his compensation money to charity (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 11]
The Muslim News (26.03.99) carries an interview with the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Paddy Ashdown. It covers issues of discrimination and legislation against religious discrimination; Muslim representation in the House of Commons and House of Lords; European elections; the Asylum Bill and immigration law; Muslim schools; and international issues such as Iraq, Israel, Kashmir and Kosovo. The interview is printed in full in the Muslim News. [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 11]
Women Following the controversy surrounding Keighley MP Ann Cryer’s campaign to bring an end to forced marriages, the Yorkshire Post (24.03.99) carries an article which speaks to three Muslim women about their experiences of marriage (See BMMS for February 1999). All three say Ms Cryer’s comments have offended them, and that she is focusing on something which is not an issue within their community. Razia Bhatt-Ali, 35, a consultant clinical psychologist, Shaheena Ashraf, 32, a housewife, and Rukhsana Sabir, 27, also a housewife, all point out that under Islamic law no-one should be forced into marriage. Shaheena says: "The point Ann Cryer could make, if she really wanted to be helpful, would be to tell Muslim women: exert your Islamic right to refuse consent. No marriage is valid without free consent. No marriage ceremony could take place if the women said no...Jack and Zena are an extreme example and if it wasn’t for the media, we in the Asian community in Bradford would not have heard of it. Have they been able to update it with any other cases? Ann Cryer takes an extreme example which is abhorrent to us." Razia adds: "There aren’t enough cases for us to feel that there is an issue there." They feel concerned about the way these images of forced marriages are perceived by mainstream British society. Shaheena says: "They think we are a repressed community with violent brothers, violent fathers, and come from a family where nobody cares for us." Razia adds: "And that we have no rights whatsoever." The three women all point out that they were encouraged by their families to get as good an education as possible. [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 11]
A new centre providing various activities and training for women has officially been opened by Sandwell Mayoress Margaret James. The £50,000 new training centre was developed after the Sandwell Muslims Organisation’s Access Services Unit (ASU) realised the need for a culturally sensitive unit for women of all ages and communities. Previously, most training programmes for women were inappropriate and had a low take-up. The Sandwell Regeneration Partnership has worked with the Muslim group and contributed cash from the single regeneration budget fund, as well as attracting lottery funding. The centre will have female staff, single-sex classes, crèche facilities, bilingual assistance, activities for children, and access for the disabled. Sandwell Regeneration Partnership chairman Councillor Steve Eling said: "We are delighted that we are able to help disadvantaged members of the community access training opportunities" (Sandwell Express & Star, 25.03.99). Saima Irfan, senior link worker at the ASU said: "This centre has been set up to address the inappropriate provision and lack of take up of existing training services provided by Muslim women. We identified the need for a separate training institute to provide a culturally sensitive area" (Sandwell Express & Star, 18.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 11]
Youth Young members of the Ahmadiyya sect attended the first annual Youth Competition Day in Hounslow, organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association. Activities included competitions demonstrating both literal and physical excellence and all prize winners will be entered into the national contest. Youth leader Ahmad Khan said: "The annual youth competition day has been held for many years nationally but this is our first event locally. It has proven very successful, uncovering new talents and high standards in the competition" (Hounslow Borough Chronicle, 25.02.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 11]
The inquiry into the death of Glasgow teenager Imran Khan has been halted after a surprise witness alleged that the boy had pulled out his own chest drain (See BMMS for March, June and October 1998). Dr Marguerite Kennedy, who was a medical student from Glasgow University at the time, said she saw Imran moving the drain around in "haphazard way". She also claimed she was told by a student nurse that Imran had "pulled out" his chest drain, although she cannot remember the name of the nurse, or the person to whom she later reported the incident. Mr Alfred Vannet, the procurator fiscal, told the inquiry that Dr Kennedy had contacted him asked to give evidence after seeing the publicity surrounding the case. She told the court that Imran had earlier refused to allow her to take blood samples which would have shown he had an infection two days before he died. She said: "I explained it was to find out if he had an infection and it would help him get better. He said he had already given blood and that was enough. Later the same day a student nurse told me that she had seen Imran adjusting his chest drain. She said that Imran had told her the drain had fallen out and that he had fixed it and that it was all right. I saw him holding his drain and he had it in his right hand and he was fiddling with it and moving it around with his right hand and covering it with his left arm. I told him what she said and he replied it was fine and to leave him alone. I tried to move his arm to see, but he did not let me." Dr Kennedy said she told someone near the nurses’ station on Ward 5 at Glasgow’s Victoria Infirmary about the incident, but could not remember who she spoke to or whether it was a doctor or a nurse. She later learned that the drain site was the possible source of infection which caused the teenagers death. Asked why she had not come forward at the time of the murder trial last October, Dr Kennedy replied: "My name was known to have been in the hospital at the time and I thought I would be contacted if I was needed." She was "surprised" when Mr Vannet told her there was no record of her name at the hospital. Anne Smith, QC for the Khan family, asked Sheriff Principal Edward Bowen, QC, to adjourn the hearing for three days to enable lawyers to try to trace the student nurse (Glasgow Herald, 02.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 12]
Interfaith Islamic Foundation encourages ‘dialogue’ The Islamic Foundation in Markfield held an open day for the public in a bid to forge better links with the local community. There were guided tours, talks, stalls, a continuous video show, exhibitions on Islamic culture, with refreshments from the Muslim world also available. Chowdhury Mueen-Uddin said: "The Stephen Lawrence affair illustrates that there is a long way to go in building an equal and tolerant society. In a spirit of dialogue and openness, the Islamic Foundation would like to invite all to this open day." He added that he hoped the event would reassure local people that there is nothing sinister about the Foundation or its aspirations (Ashby Times, 05.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 12]
Jewish students in Manchester have complained that the city’s students unions have become magnets for Muslim extremists (See BMMS for August and September 1998). David Menton, national activities co-ordinator for the Union of Jewish Students, said that Manchester was "the biggest hotbed of extremist activity in the country," due to the large number of Jewish students in Manchester. His comments came after the Manchester University Students Union removed posters put up by the Islamic Society during anti-racism week, which showed Israeli soldiers beating up Palestinians (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 12]
Muslims and Christians have been working together in the Blackburn area to tackle the increasing drugs problem (See BMMS for February 1999). The Blackburn Diocesan Communications Officer, Martin Halsall said: "We are anxious to work alongside other agencies that are already dealing with the problem to solve it and are being careful not to duplicate what they are doing." A drug-awareness conference was launched in February by the Home Secretary, Jack Straw, where a fact sheet ‘Islam and Drugs’ was given out providing information about the different types of drugs that exist, their effects, and penalties for use and possession. The leaflet also provided an Islamic perspective on drugs, quoting verses from the Qur’an. Talha Wadee, Director of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, said: "The general rule of the Islamic shari’ah is that it is haram (forbidden) for Muslims to eat or drink anything which may cause death, either quickly or gradually, such as poisons, or substances which are injurious to health or harmful to body." The average age for drug users is 20 for Asians and 21 for non-Asians, and Mr Wadee believes that the one-year age gap is highly significant. He said: "The key thing is the developing problem. We are trying to find ways of educating the children at a younger age as well as dealing with the existing drug problem." The Lancashire Council of Mosques have already launched a scheme which will be used in 63 mosques around Lancashire. The project will focus on teaching the harmful effects of drugs to seven and eight year old children. It also has plans to extend the programme to include five, eight, ten and twelve year olds (Muslim News, 26.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 12]
Halal There are fears that condemned meat which went missing from an abattoir supplying halal meat could still reach local butchers’ shops, as health officials have confirmed that not all of the missing carcasses have been recovered. Environmental Health officers visited butchers’ shops after rumours that the meat was still on that market, when they found thirteen condemned lamb carcasses in a shop refrigerator in Bately. Gary Pearson, Senior Environmental Health Officer with Kirklees Council said: "My understanding is that a certain number of carcasses went missing and we here in Kirklees did not find that number. It is possible that some of it is still around." However, he reassured consumers by saying that such incidents are unusual: "Butchers shops are subject to regular, routine inspections by environmental health officers, when all the meat is checked. The public have to rely on the normal safeguards that are in place and make sure they buy from a reputable outlet. Any member of the public who has any con cerns should contact our service." A spokesman for the Meat Hygiene Service which is responsible for the safe disposal of condemned meat, said an investigation was underway, but could not comment on whether any of the meat had been sold to the public or not (Awaaz, 01.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 12/13]
McDonalds refuses halal burger The burger chain McDonalds have said they will not be using halal products as they go against the company’s animal welfare policies. In a letter to one of their customers, who brought the matter to the company’s attention, Customer Services Manager Amanda Carter says the company have been approached by a halal beef supplier. However, she thinks it is unlikely that they will use any halal products: "Whilst we have no objections to the use of such products in our menu, we have explained our animal welfare policies and specifications to this supplier. Based on this, it was suggested that we feel it unlikely that halal products would satisfy these requirements" (Awaaz, 01.03.99) [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 13]
New legislation to be introduced from 16 March will restrict the religious slaughtering of animals. The new regulations will mean that thousands of Muslims who conduct the ‘Qurbani’ (sacrifice) during Eid ul-Adha, will only be able to do so in licensed slaughterhouses. Johnathan Webb, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, said the amendments had been introduced because of a European Union directive, and also to ensure that hygiene standards are maintained during slaughter in the UK. The Halal Food Authority, an agency of the UK Muslim Parliament, were pleased with the ruling as they have long campaigned for slaughter to take place on licensed premises and for it to take place without stunning the animal. Masood Khawaja, President of the Halal Food Authority, said: "I feel very happy. The Muslim community will benefit because slaughter will be done in hygienic and licensed abattoirs." The legislation was also welcomed by Mr Akram, floor manager for the Birmingham Halal Meat Company. He said: "It is unfair that some people have been able to slaughter sheep in their gardens or farms, while we have to pay huge costs under the supervision." It also means that a veterinary officer must be present during the slaughter (Asian Times, 09.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 13]
Dewsbury District Hospital has been given a halal certificate by the Institute of Islamic Jurisprudence. The move to provide halal food in the hospital came after enquiries and complaints about hospital food. Dewsbury District Community Health Council Chief Officer, John Kaye, said: "Muslim patients were concerned that the food wasn’t halal and didn’t meet their dietary requirements. This was upsetting for them as for religious reasons they were unable to eat it." Many patients were asking families to bring food for them. Idris Griffiths, general manager of hotel services at the hospital explained that halal is not just about the way an animal is slaughtered. He said: "It also refers to the way in which food is prepared - particularly meat." Cllr Mohammed Razaq, for Dewsbury West, said: "I am aware that Muslims used to feel uncomfortable about their dietary requirements and now, because this need is fulfilled, they will be in a position to feel satisfied and I am delighted." Alan Hobbs, Assistant Chief Executive of Dewsbury Health Trust, said: "We are sensitive about the dietary requirements of our Muslim patients. Our Muslim chaplain has been very helpful throughout the process" (Dewsbury Reporter, 05.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 13]
Health An entrepreneur is launching his own chain of pharmacies. Twenty-eight year old Tariq Muhammad hopes to bring a personal touch to pharmacies by introducing a door-to-door drug delivery system that will also give medical advice. He says that nine out of ten complaints could be dealt with by a pharmacist, allowing doctors to deal with more serious illnesses. Pharmacy Plus, which has started out with 12 stores, will also collect prescriptions from surgeries, process them and deliver within 24 hours. They will also have waiting areas, private consulting rooms and on-site facilities such as physiotherapy and chiropody (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 13]
Leicester’s Muslim community may soon have a free circumcision service provided by the local health trust. Fosse Health Trust is finalising plans for the service which will include the provision of a health centre, qualified surgeons and patient after care. Although there will be a nominal charge for the operation in the beginning, Manzoor Moghul of the Federation of Muslim Organisations in Leicestershire, said he hoped the charge would be phased out in time (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 13]
Oral cancer targeted in children The National Centre for Transcultural Oral Health has begun a campaign called STOCK: Stop Oral Cancer in Kids, to raise awareness in ethnic communities about oral cancer. It comes after the introduction of a sweetened mixture of chewing tobacco and betel nut has become available to buy in Britain. "Ghutkha" has already been available in the sub-continent for three years, and since then children as young as twelve have been diagnosed with pre-cancerous lesions due to ghutkha use, which can lead to mouth cancer. The campaign is supported by the British Dental Foundation and the Muslims Doctors and Dentists Association. Professor Raman Bedi, Director of the World Health Organisation collaboration centre for Oral Health, Disability and Culture, said: "There is a cynical marketing strategy by manufacturers who are targeting children by making these products look like sweets. Shop-owners are freely importing these products from the subcontinent and selling them to children who are too young to buy cigarettes." Dr Khalid Anees, a Clinical Researcher-Lecturer in transcultural oral health and Public Health Coordinator for the Muslim Council of Britain’s Health and Medical Executive Committee, said: "The children most at risk are Muslims of Bangladeshi and Pakistani origin...It is illegal to sell tobacco to children under sixteen but products like ‘gutkha’ escape through the legal loophole because they are imported as food." The STOCK campaign hopes to raise awareness and stamp out the risk to children. Dr Anees said: "We must also challenge the myth that just because something comes from Pakistan or Bangladesh it is good and halal. I cannot declare gutkha to be halal or haram but it is injurious to your health, it has no positive health benefits and it can cause many problems. The effects of chewing tobacco are devastating and once the cancer sets in it is almost impossible to cure." He added: "As Muslims we are obliged to look after our health and avoid harmful or addictive products. Keeping this in mind Muslims can decide for themselves if chewing tobacco is halal or haram" (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99 and The Scotsman, 04.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 13/14]
Employment A Muslim miner who claims he was denied promotion is claiming damages. Mohammed Ansari said he was racially discriminated against when he worked at Daw Mill Colliery. Mr Ansari alleges he was kept on the lowest grade while his white colleagues were able to progress through the ranks. Mr Ansari started work at Daw Mill in 1979 and took voluntary redundancy in 1998. He claims that within those years he was never presented with any promotion opportunities. At a preliminary hearing in Birmingham a date was set for an industrial tribunal to hear his claims (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 14]
School still owes compensation Bailiffs may be sent to a Muslim school in Yorkshire to recover money it still owes to its sacked head teacher. Nighat Mirza was sacked from Zakaria Muslim Girls’ School, and alleges that the school’s governors and committee are trying to avoid paying her £6,100 compensation awarded by an Industrial Tribunal who found she had been unfairly dismissed. When the Tribunal found the governors of the school guilty, they were ordered to pay the compensation within six weeks. The school’s solicitors then sent a letter to Ms Mirza’s solicitors saying they would like to pay the money at a rate of £500 per month, which Ms Mirza agreed to. When this money was not forthcoming and Ms Mirza questioned it, the school offered to pay £40 per month, saying they did not have the money to pay its debt. It is alleged that the school has been dispersing its monies by buying furniture, carpets and paint for the school and has also changes its account details. Ms Mirza said: "It’s not that I need the money, it’s the principle of the thing. I am not going to let it go; legally that is my money." Ms Mirza was at Zakaria school for ten years. She added: "I was really lucky to find a good job where people appreciate me, Allah has really helped me. Some people say "leave it, let this be your jihad," but I say it is my jihad to fight this injustice. The school mustn’t get away with playing games with me and breaking the law" (Muslim News, 26.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 14]
Mosques & Burials Bournemouth Borough Council’s planning committee are to make a decision as to whether they should allow a former church to be converted to a mosque, or demolished to make way for housing. The Muslim community want Ashley Bookshop, on Ashley Road, to be their permanent place of worship, but planning officers are urging councillors to back the housing scheme, even though they admit it does not comply with "height, density and site coverage criteria." Councillor Phil Stanley said the site, near a roundabout on a busy road, was the wrong place for home. He said: "I don’t want to see it empty. I understand the lady who’s been there many years is retiring. I would like to see it as some kind of community facility. It’s in such a position that it lends itself to some kind of community-led attraction." Nine objections from residents have been received who feel it is the wrong place for housing (Bournemouth Daily Echo, 27.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 14]
The Muslim community in Burton has applied for permission to build a domed roof for its mosque (See BMMS for July 1998). Plans for a pitched roof as part of a large programme of extension works, have been submitted to East Staffordshire Borough Council. Planning permission has been granted for new buildings, a first floor extension and a new upper floor, which will double the size of the building. Mohammed Mahroof, president of the Jamia Mosque, said: "At the moment we have planning permission for a flat roof. But the community thinks we should have a pitched roof because it will last longer and look better." The works are expected to cost £330,000. The committee has already raised £200,000 through the community and is optimistic that they will be able to raise the rest in the next six months (Derby Telegraph, 10.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 14]
A row erupted in the Chingford council chamber as councillors gave permission for a mosque to be built on Chingford Mount Road (See BMMS for August and September 1998). Residents packed the chamber to voice their anger at the proposals for the Chingford Islamic Society to set up a library/bookshop, a cultural centre and a language centre. It will provide temporary space for over 80 people to worship until the year 2001. Fred Gregory, representing the Broad Oak Close Tenants Association which is fighting the plans, said at a previous meeting: "The group used to hold meetings at 116 Chingford Mount Road and there were always problems there. The parking around that area is bad at the best of times but if there are going to be 86 people attending prayer meetings throughout the day then the situation is going to get worse. We are also told there is a lack of accommodation around the borough so is it a good idea to agree to this?" But Labour Councillor Narinder Matharoo said: "I know of the problems with parking and the general disturbance but there is also the fact that if we do not allow this to go through these people will not have a life-style. This is a chance to promote their culture and their children could lose their identity if the centre does not open." He was backed by Tory Councillor John Walter, who said: "I had intended to vote against the proposals but after meeting a number of the people I will support the project. With the considerable size of the Muslim community in Chingford it is only right that they are given a place to worship" (Chingford Guardian, 04.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 14/15]
Residents in Clitheroe are planning to submit revised plans for the building of a mosque in the town centre (See BMMS for May, June, July, August, September 1998, January and February 1999). Last year, Ribble Valley councillors turned down a request from resident Mohammed Arshad to build a mosque on an end terrace on Holden Street. The proposals created a storm of protest amongst residents. Mr Arshad has now re-submitted the plan, but for a smaller development with soundproof-ing. He said: "We have been looking for a mosque for 18 years and this is the ideal site, as it is near the town’s Asian community. We want to get on with residents. We don’t want any problems" (Lancashire Evening Telegraph, 26.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 15]
A family who planned to turn their disused shop into a small mosque have become the target of racial attacks (See BMMS for January and February 1999). Mohammed Saeed wanted to turn his newsagent shop, in Greenrigg near Edinburgh, into a mosque, but withdrew his plans after a stream of objections from local residents on parking grounds. Now his shop has been vandalised by racist slogans, and his family feel under threat. He said: "I never wanted any trouble. I always said that if the plans were overturned then I wouldn’t object. I think it’s terrible that people should be allowed to damage my property with disgusting words about me and my family." He says that he has become a victim of racial abuse since last year: "Just before Christmas someone tired to burn my garage down. This isn’t fair. I have always tried to run my business fairly. I take on local people and I work hard. The shop in Greenrigg has been closed for some time and I wanted to make use of it. I knew that some people would not be too happy but I never expected any of this. I’ll give a reward of £100 to whoever tells me the names of the people who vandalised my shop." Polkemmet councillor, Bert Gamble, said: "This kind of thing will not be tolerated. It is an outrage that a member of the community has become a target for racism. Mr Saeed’s family grew up in this country, in West Lothian in fact, and this is how he is being treated. I am disgusted that there are people out there who have it in them to think and then write such atrocities about a family" (West Lothian Courier, 04.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 15]
The approval of a £1 million road scheme is said to boost the plans for a religious development in Leicester (See BMMS for July, August, November, December 1998 and February 1999). The access road to the site in Manor Farm, where two religious buildings are to be built, has resulted in other religious groups contacting the people behind the complex saying they are interested in buying a section of the land which was made vacant when a third group pulled out of the project. Spokesman for the two remaining groups, Jaffer Kapasi, said he has had calls from various groups: "I have had calls from five groups who are interested. They would like to buy the land and move because they are short of space where they are at the moment." The sale of the land will only go to the groups if they can raise half of the purchase price of £1.5 million or the full costs of road access and sewers, whichever is the highest, and if the Government approves the sale (Leicester Mercury, 20.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 15]
Llandudno Junction, Glyn y Marl Rd A former Baptist chapel is to be converted into a mosque for the local Muslim community in Llandudno Junction. Conwy councillor Meirion Hughes said the conversion of the chapel to a mosque did not need planning permission as it did not involve a change of use. She said: "There has been work going on at the site for some time and, as I understand it the building will be used to house a small mosque. There is a small, but important, Muslim community in the area and if they feel this is something they need then they should be made welcome" (North Wales Weekly News, 18.02.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 15]
A request for a separate area to be set aside for Muslim burials in any of the three cemeteries under Westminster City Council has been rejected by the council (See BMMS for February 1999). Mohammed al-Majid, the director general of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, asked for a dedicated space that would eliminate the need for Muslims to find burial space in other boroughs, or in the case of some families, to go abroad. At the meeting where the decision was made, Councillor Kit Malthouse said: "Jews lie next to Christians who lie next to Moslems - showing we’re all equal once we’re under the sod." He added: "As a practising Christian I have no objection whatsoever to be buried next to a Muslim and I don’t see why a Muslim would not want to be buried next to me. The problem we have is a purely practical one. There are so many denominations and we are so short of space that it would make life not only extremely difficult but impossible if they all asked for their own areas." Cllr Malthouse admitted that the committee may not have taken religious sensitivities into consideration, adding: "If you’re saying that in the Islamic religion there is a specific requirement for you to be buried separately then it might be something we may have to consider" (Q News, No302/303, 01.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 15/16]
Work is sest to start on a new £1.5 million mosque for the Muslim community in Lanarkshire (See BMMS for February 1998). The foundation stone was laid by the Provost of North Lanarkshire Council Vincent Mathieson, during a ceremony at the site in Clydesdale Street. The mosque, which will replace the former Church of Scotland building currently being used, will have space for up to 1,000 worshippers, and should be ready for use in one or two years time. The building will also include 10 classrooms to accommodate the 250-plus children who currently attend night classes at Taylor High School, and the facilities will also be available to be used by the wider community. At the ceremony, Provost Mathieson said: "Today’s event is the culmination of many years of hard work and effort on behalf of Lanarkshire Muslim Welfare Society. I am delighted to participate in this very happy occasion not just for North Lanarkshire’s Moslem community but for the community at large." Local councillor, Kevin McKeown, who helped the society secure the site, said: "I have supported this project from the start and look forward to its completion. The mosque with its unique architectural style will be an asset for Mossend and, along with houses which are being built nearby, will help regenerate the area." Ghulam Siddique, secretary of the Muslim Welfare Society, said the mosque will be financed by donations from the Muslim community, both locally and nationally, and if needed further help could be found from abroad (Motherwell Times, 11.03.99, Motherwell People, 19.03.99, East Kilbride World, 19.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 16]
Work on a new mosque in Rochdale at Castlemere Street is almost complete, which includes magnificent new bathrooms for ablutions before the prayers (Rochdale Observer, 20.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 16]
Burial rules at Skipton Cemetery are set to change to ensure that Muslims are laid to rest facing Mecca (See BMMS for January 1999). A section of the cemetery which was originally earmarked for Second World War casualties, is now likely to be set aside for Muslim burials. Craven District Council’s Community Services Committee will be recommended to approve the changes which include the facing of the graves towards Mecca and allowing Muslim burials to take place within 24 hours of death (Yorkshire Post, 22.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 16]
Work has started on a controversial new mosque which has been opposed by residents since it was first proposed three years ago (See BMMS for May 1998). The new mosque, which will be Watford’s second, is being built at the end of Berry Avenue near the A41, and an access road onto the A41 will be built for those entering and leaving the mosque. Protesters have argued that the site is not a good place to build a mosque as they say it will lead to increased traffic problems and possible accidents. The main issue is to do with safety, but the Highways Agency, which tested for any safety risk, said it was 100 per cent certain there was no risk. A spokesman for the agency said: "A very thorough process was carried out to ascertain any safety threat but there is none at all here. There is a slight incline in the hill but there is no danger aspect – otherwise they would not have gone ahead with the work." Protesters also believe the development will result in the "loss of valuable land to the children of the area," even though the council has agreed to build a children’s play area and open space alongside the mosque. Patricia Lees, a member of North Watford Action Group, said: "Having an 80-space car park behind a children’s play area is hardly environmentally friendly. Add that to the huge refuge area with only a fence dividing it – it is not an ideal place for children to play" (Watford Observer, 12.03.99 and 19.03.99). [BMMS March 1999 Vol. VII, No. 3, p. 16]
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