It has been some time since the idea of a day trip to the physical and spiritual heart of the United Kingdom was first discussed in the Londonderry community. At the time such a trip was both financially costly and almost impossible in the timescale, but the world has changed since. With the coming of lower-cost of air travel millions more have been able to take to the skies, including the Bahá’ís.
So the Derry Assembly decided to celebrate the holy day of the Birth of the Bab in a whole new way. With an early rise on Wednesday 20 October a valiant group of all ages met at City of Derry Airport and within a couple of hours we were in England, on our way to the holiest point in the British Isles.
Tube connections, taxis for some, long walks for others and lost items were just some of the challenges we facedbefore we even made it to the New Southgate Cemetery and the resting place of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. Our day had just begun and already it was one to remember. With fine English weather (i.e. wet) to deter other pilgrims, we each paid our respects in different ways to the Guardian, and others including the Hand of the Cause Hasan Balyuzi and the late Philip Hainsworth, after whom the Foyle cluster is named. To our delight we ran into several old friends to community members including Michael Hainsworth, Philip’s son, and his family.
Then we moved on to Rutland Gate. A tube ride, in which many indulged in a late lunch and we had arrived at Knightsbridge station only a short walk from the heart of the Bahá'ís of the UK. Upon arrival at the National Centre most of us were just happy to get off our feet and have a cuppa. Then after a short tour of the historic building and explanation about it from NSA member Iain Palin and what appeared like only a few minutes we were off again for the last leg of our journey, back to the airport.
I had never believed the horror stories of the London Underground in the rush hour, and the numbers who are crammed in but now I know better. On the final stretch we were crammed like sardines, but at least everyone got on the train… just. There was just enough time for a sandwich and we were on the plane home.
Although it was a very long day, and most suffered threats of their feet falling off, all agreed the trip was entirely worthwhile. Indeed there have been suggestions that the trip the Guardian’s Grave be an annual event, so watch this space— the Guardian is within reach of every last one of us.
CTP
The QUB Baha’i Society held a stand at the Queen’s annual Freshers’ Fair with great success this year, with help from community. We handed out leaflets, invitations to Tranquillity Evenings and lots and lots of fairy cakes! By the end of the day, almost 50 new members had signed up to the Bahá'í Society, as against last year’s membership of six.
Bryony and I were interviewed by Queen’s Online Radio station about the aims of the society, our next big event and contact details. We spoke about the society as a forum for diversity to be expressed in a unified environment and how necessary this is in Northern Ireland. We were able to advertise the Tranquillity Evening and our e-mail address qubbahaisociety@hotmail.com We made friends with people from the organisation “Food Not Bombs” that prepares and serves food to the homeless on Botanic Avenue, and we went along to help them cook and give out.
The day was a great success and so much fun for us: it was incredible to speak to so many people about the aims of the society and the future looks bright for our fledgling society. We would appreciate all prayers and any offers of support or suggestions for activities are extremely welcome, the letter can be addressed to the above e-mail address.
EK
A true inspiration to us all. In 1979 the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga died, but his memory and the spirit in which he lived is still alive today, burning brighter than ever.
On 24 September Eddie Whiteside hosted a deepening on this extraordinary life, before and after he was appointed a Hand of the Cause. We were doubly blessed as after the truly inspirational talk by Eddie we were given the rare treat of hearing Mr Olinga’ s own voice from a talk he gave in America.
The night was a complete success for this the first in Derry’s new series of deepenings, devoted to the Hands of the Cause.
The next in the sequence took place on 29 October when Jim Holmlund spoke on “Ugo Giachery”. There are very few Bahá’ís left in the world who have had the privilege to get to know any of the Hands of the Cause in a close and very personal way. Jim is one of them. Wwe were given not only a lot of information, both personal and ‘professional’, as, spellbound, we listened and shared his obvious love for this Hand, and learnt about Dr. Giachery’s service to the Faith, which amounted to a lot more than procuring the marble to clad the Shrine of the Bab and the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.
As a result the meeting only covered about half of that service. We will be inviting Jim to come again and share more of Dr. Giachery’s, and his wife Angeline’s, time and service there during the times of the Guardian, the International Bahá’í Council and the Universal House of Justice.
CTP/ECP
The Birthday of the Báb was celebrated on the evening of 19 October with a devotional and meal that was open to all in Magherafelt. The devotional was notable for the contributions by the youths and children including some wonderfully sung prayers. This touched the hearts of people who asked for copies of the prayers when they were leaving. It was good to see many friends, old and new.
Our Sunday School is running for its second year with four children and the community is hoping to expand this in the coming year.
LG
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