The last of this year's talks was dispelling ignorance from the Jain view point. The speakers were Priti Shah & Priya Kothari who are members of ‘Young Jains’.

After introducing the topic they started with a quiz, to find out from us how much (or how little) we knew about Jainism.. we managed to give a reasonable account of ourselves (..sigh of relief all round) err (confession) we did have almost all the local Jains helping.

We were asked to submit questions, which Priti & Priya made a fine job of answering for us. The discussion continued over a break for refreshments.

This picture (left) was pointed out not to be an idol to be worshipped, but a symbolic means of focusing the mind on the salient. It was delightful to listen to what Jains say about Jainism and also to hear of how they personally put their faith into practice. Both Priti & Priya came over as content and relaxed in the practice of Jainism..

..this understanding for one who doesn't follow the Jain Faith is most helpful in dispelling concern over ignorance regarding the extent of Jain practice. We presented both with a bouquet, in gratitude for a much appreciated and engaging talk.

The final talk in this year's BCoF series is on the 30th of November and it takes dispelling irgnorance from the Jain point of view. The speakers will be ‘Young Jains’ members Priti Shah & Priya Kothari

BCoF member Mrs. Mary Shaw has served the faith communities in Bedford through her bookshop for 20 years. On the day she closed up Harmony Books for the last time, many turned out to say; Thank you Mary - at the Bedford Guild House, 56 Harpur Street, Bedford.

Attending this session, Vinanti Casttellarin (nee Sarker) USA Producer / Director of Mistaken Identity told us of the tragic accident that led to Amanda Gesine's death and answered questions from the audience. Councillor Khan was present, representing the Mayor of Bedford and remarked positively, that the production wasn't anti-Muslim, remarking on the similarities between religions and expressing that these also need to be highlighted in such productions, Councillor Khan went on to remark that in fact the first statement in the Sikh holy book "Ek Onkar" (One Thy Everything) was "100% muslim". The evening finished with a large spread of food and drink and people took the opportunity to spend time discussing with each other. All in all the event was a resounding success. BCoF would like to thank all those who took part and those who helped us and all those attending, for supporting this important event, which is sure to have helped support the aims of many.. that of peaceful acceptance, mutual respect and understanding where we see passive differences ..and may be, learning to be a bit slower to judge others ?
- May be we could all find some ultimate truth in such conduct ?

Good news, the Charity Commission has granted BCoF Charity status. BCoF was registered on 15th July 04. This will underline to the public we serve, that our activities are 'bona-fide', giving them official confidence in us. Being an officially recognised body in the local community will mean that professional bodies and institutions will more readily recognise us as an 'established service', run by those with committed dedication. It will mean that we are able to apply for grants and benefit from the financial advantages. The official regulation means that all our supporters (sponsors & helpers) can confidently contribute to BCoF's success, knowing that we are a legitimate benefit to the community. You can see our entry on the Charity Commission's website. Our charity number is 1104910.

Amaravati Buddhist Monastery provided a meditative and enjoyable environment for this year's BCoF study outing. The centre is dedicated to the development of wisdom and compassion. It was observed that as a Forest order, there was a reclusive aspect to this way of life, that made it seem a special privilege for us to be permitted to enter and experience. Our grateful thanks go to Amaravati for their kind hospitality and openness towards us.

Maximum numbers joined us on this visit. Immediately alighting the bus the peace and calm of the grounds seemed to lighten the spirit. Tom Short introduced us to the site, we visited the new Stupa that is being completed and the temple building, with its circular interior and light from above and green oak timbered (nailess) peaked roof construction, it evoked an atmosphere in which it was found easy to be at ease. We visited the glass etching of the reclining Buddha at the Monk's vestry entrance and some of us sat and meditated, or read the Buddhist chants in the temple for a short while.

We were permitted to join the community for lunch at 11:30, where we were able to witness the order and discipline of the community at first hand. Our gifts of food were put before the Buddha's figure at the head of the room, where the Monks and Nuns sat to eat. Each group took their meal in turn until all had their meal, a small bell rang, then the remaining community where permitted to take their food, we joined in. Monks and Nuns are not permitted to eat after 12 noon.

After lunch we split up, some of us talked together, others went to see the library, or walked in the grounds before joining the Meditation class for beginners at 2o/c : This opportunity to join together in the community's way of life seemed a special treat for us 'interfaithers' - an experience, that for some of us, we could observe and for others we could join in ..most of us seemed to be joining in ..some, even employing somewhat conventional relaxation techniques at the start of the session. Two hours is a long time for those who are not used to meditation and the Monk carefully broke up the seated session with two walking meditative periods in the grounds outside. He ended with a Buddhist chant and offered to stay on to answer questions at the end.

We left at about 4:25. The experiences gained made a memorable day for us. BCoF again, being able and permitted to reach out and come together with those in the community. On the way back we took a quick look at the 'Tree Cathedral' at Whipsnade. A few of us ended up at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara for evening 'Langar'.

To comply with the latest concerns of the Charity Commission it was necessary to amend section 3 of the constitution further at a special EGM held before the normal BCoF Committee meeting. This amendment was duely passed.

Congratulations to the Rev. Jay MacLeod for the recent addition to his family.

Well, what an evening, the Rev. Jay MacLeod's talk to a full hall really set our minds on the work of BCoF with a recollection of how Jay found his calling, through sharing his life with Buhhists in Napal and seeing the spiritual reality of others from another faith perspective. Jay said that multifaith / interfaith is to do with 'people relationships'.. "we need to understand one another and we need one another to understand ourself". There needs to be 'openness' and 'understanding' and 'recognition of differences' by respecting the status of those that hold these different views. Jay talked of the 'transcendent' quality of God - that could not be expressed in words and human ideas and that being humble (before this recognition), seems like a good idea. Jay went on to say that Truth is both a gift and a goal. He ended with some slides of ritual bathing in India.

We welcomed the Bishop (who's presence is an endorsement our work) and indeed everyone for a wonderful turn out. It is only through such support that BCoF can become increasingly effective and useful in society and we were particularly pleased that we now have a Jain member (..who was immediately elected onto the committee) thankyou to him, for his support.

The business of the evening went smoothly, with the Chair's acronym laid speech summing up the years achievements, this was followed by the Treasurers report and a tuck into the spread of waiting food & soft drinks. The formal meeting ended with the declaration of the nomination results and announcements and the evening ended with a social.

Another well attended BCoF committee meeting with another packed agenda. Special guest speaker was Vladek Cirin Head of the Risk Management Unit, the County's Emergency Planning Officer, who is appealing for guidance from faith communities on the faith implications involved with major incidents and possibilities for faith facilities, that can be 'factored-in', should a major incident require it .