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UNA Twickenham & Richmond: UN Service, attended by the Mayor of Richmond upon Thames

Timed to coincide as closely as possible with UN Day, a Civic Service for TRUNA was held at Twickenham United Reformed Church. 

Two UN flags and the TRUNA banner were prominently displayed. UNA and TRUNA leaflets were well distributed in a nearly full church.

The participation of the Mayor Cllr Ben Khosa and by three other Councillors was much appreciated.  The hymns and Bible readings (including one by the Mayor) illustrated the spirit of the UN.

The service started with a re-telling of the Fable of the Two Mules, illustrating the need for cooperation, by Hilary Evans (TRUNA), supported by her young helper William Marten, who also read a New Testament passage beautifully.

The Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations was then read by former TRUNA Chairman Derek Smith, followed by an address by former UN employee Martin Barber, who drew on his extensive knowledge of the UN to speak about the positive things that the organisation has done and is doing.

At one meeting Martin attended about how best to provide aid to stricken areas, there was a discussion about what form it would take, and the EU representative voiced doubts about the wisdom of providing cash. Martin asked: “Would you like your pension paid into your bank account or in sacks of potatoes?”

Prayers were said by Brian Jackson and Olivia Richardson (TRUNA).

After the service TRUNA Chairman Rodney Mantle presented the Mayor with a UN mug.

Generous donations were given at the retiring collection for UNICEF.

Rodney Mantle, UNA Twickenham & Richmond