Alton Assembly

Members of the public came together in Alton Assembly rooms in an act of solidarity and unity as they shared a meal on Saturday, September 14.
Residents were joined by representatives from parish councils, borough councils, public services and businesses as the Ahmadiyya Muslims and East Hampshire District Council aimed.
The organisation had planned to host the event to bring people together after the riots that took place across the UK.
Cllr Andy Tree began the formal proceeding by giving a brief history of the community and some of their practices in the local community. The talking point that resonated most with residents was the Ahmadiyyas starting the new year by cleaning up the streets in their local communities.
Cllr Tree was followed by keynote speaker Rafiq Ahmed Hayat president of the Ahmadiyya Muslims in the UK he was keen to educate people on the meaning of the word “Jihad” in Islam.
Hayat said: “Today I met lots of lovely people here and they felt they could relate to what we are saying reflecting how faith works and bring people together and not tear them apart. I hope that went people go home they will feel they have learned something about faith.”
After the speeches were made volunteers from the Ahmadiyya community prepared curry and rice alongside bread and other delicious food items.
Hayat also sang the praises of East Hampshire District Cllr Adeel Shah who helped organise the event and bring everyone together he said: “People can easily connect with Adeel due to the honesty and that is what a lot of the community finds.”
Residents discussed local housing targets, what to do with sleepy passengers on trains and personal stories of joy and laughter. After the meal resident got more chances to ask questions to Mr Hayat and other guest members.