Peace day in Rochdale

The sun shone on Sunday morning as 18 of us from the Manchester area gathered in Rochdale to put on our T-shirts printed with "Peace is a feeling" and wordsofpeace.net and hoisted the banner, reading "6.7 billion reasons for peace and you are one of them". With other groups, we followed the brass band through the streets to the cenotaph in front of the town hall. All gathered with guests of honour and observed 2 minutes silence as the clock struck midday.

Amidst the various musical entertainers, Joe manned the video camera while Tony interviewed key members of the audience and public, including a representative involved in the struggle for peace in Kashmir.

Many took materials from our display and Moira was available to talk to the people who were interested in learning more. I chatted to guests about Maharaji's message and gave Adi mags, brochures and dvds to some including Nancy Del'Ollio, representing Truce International, the Mayor of Rochdale and John Cushnahan, formerly involved in the peace process in Northern Ireland.

It was wonderful to spend the day surrounded by people who are working for peace. After the day's programme, as we were left with full hearts and satisfaction with our efforts, Joe used up the end of the tape with us giving thanks to Maharaji who gave us the inspiration to make it possible.