Group marks global tragedies with vigil

People ‘showing solidarity’ with those suffering

A NEW solidarity group has been launched in Hayes to bring together police and members of the community after terror attacks and natural disasters.

More than 100 people joined in the first Hayes in Solidarity candlelit vigil, held on Tuesday August 30 in front of Botwell Catholic Church.

The vigil was not inspired by any particular disaster, the organisers said, but was an inclusive way for the people of Hayes to show solidarity with people who are suffering around the world.

The idea came from talks between Father Paul Smyth, the parish priest at Botwell, Ijaz Khan, the centre manager of the Hayes Muslim Centre, Reverand Andrew Pottage of Hayes Methodist Church and Inspector Andy Lewis and PC Emma Read from the Hayes police team.

Chairman of the Hayes Town Partnership, David Brough, attended the event. He said: “It was a fine evening and it was moving to see people from all the different communities in Hayes standing together in silence with their candles gently flickering in the breeze as the sun set over the town.”

Also there on the evening were councillors Janet Gardner and Phoday Jarjussey, representing Hillingdon Council, and the chairman of the Hayes Town Business Forum, Ajaib Puar.

Vigils will now be held on the church grounds at 8pm on the evening after any tragedy.