|
Liverpool sends multi-faith message
LIVERPOOL is sending out a multi-faith message of peace at this year's civic service.
More than 800 people from Liverpool's seven major faiths will come together for the annual civic service which celebrates the Faith in One City theme - the second themed year in the run up to European Capital of Culture 2008.
Thursday's ceremony will recognise Liverpool's diversity through song, performance and readings which tell the story of faith in the city.
Children of all religions from schools across the city will take part in the service and will be led by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Frank Roderick, the Bishop of Liverpool and the Dean of Liverpool.
Seven children representing each of Liverpool's major faiths will give the first ever public readings from the book "Me and my Faith"
in which they talk about their beliefs. The book, co-ordinated by Liverpool City Council and written entirely by children, aims to provide a greater understanding of different cultures and religions.
There will be a poignant moment of quiet reflection when a one-minute silence to be held in remembrance of Ken Bigley, who was murdered in Iraq last week, and the victims of the Beslan atrocity.
Blessed Sacrament junior school will also pay a special tribute to all those who were tragically killed in the Beslan school siege by singing Canon of Peace, a traditional Russian song
The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Frank Roderick, said:- "The theme of this year's civic service is very important as it brings together people of all ages, faiths and beliefs.
At a time when there is tension around the world, and people's faith - however it is defined by them - appears to be declining, Liverpool can stand out as a beacon of hope and understanding. Liverpool is bringing together people from the Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Baha'i faiths and we should all be proud of this.
It is wonderful that we can all be together in one service to celebrate our unity and pass on the message of tolerance and understanding."
Others taking part in the annual service include Steelharmony, a Caribbean Steel band, The River Niger Orchestra, who are from the Congo and will perform a traditional African folk song and Rachael Russell, the city's singer in residence.
The Civic Service begins at 1.45pm with a procession by the Lord Mayor, The Bishop of Liverpool, The Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Dean of Liverpool Cathedral.
|
BRITAIN A NATION OF FARE DODGERS
ACCORDING to research published today, 35 per cent of British adults
(13 million) admit to having travelled on a train or the underground
without a valid ticket at least once. The cost in penalty fares for
these journeys would equate to at least £130 million.
The manned security business of Group 4 Securicor, which
commissioned the research, believes the findings highlight the daily
problems faced by UK rail operators.
The research indicated that penalty fares would have to increase
significantly if they were to deter the public from travelling
without a valid ticket. The greatest proportion said the fine should
be over £50 on top of the cost of the ticket to deter fare
dodging.
Douglas Greenwell, Marketing Director of Group 4 Securicor said:- "These figures are a major concern for UK rail operators. Rail companies need to take proactive steps to ensure that revenues are protected and deter the public travelling without valid tickets."
Only one third of those surveyed said uniformed individuals on the
train and at the platform would be the most effective deterrent to
travelling on a train or the underground without a valid ticket.
Only one per cent of respondents said that CCTV at stations and on
the platform would deter them from travelling on the train or
underground without a valid ticket.
PETS
AT HOME SEEKS SOUTHPORT'S BEST LOOKING DOGS
PROUD
dog owners in Southport will this weekend have the chance to enter
their pooch into a UK wide competition to find the best-looking dog
of 2004.
From 10 am - 5 pm on Saturday 16 October and 11 am - 4 pm on Sunday
17th October, a dog photographer from The Dog Portrait Company will
be at the Pets At Home store on Ocean Plaza Retail Park, to photograph contenders for the 'Pick of the Pooch 2004' title!
The competition is free to enter and one winner from each store will receive a large framed photo of their dog and automatically be entered into the grand final to be held in February 2005.
The grand final winner will receive one year's supply of Hill's Science Plan Dog Food (for one dog) and £100 worth of Pets at Home vouchers. Second and third prize winner will receive Pets at Home vouchers.
Southport's Pets At Home store manager said:- "The competition isn't just about finding the best looking dog as we also take into account their personality and character! The photo sessions are completely free and no appointment is necessary. It's a really good opportunity for dogs and their owners to come and have a bit of fun and over 10,000 dogs are expected to enter competition nationally".
|
