The Winter School was held in the Aberdeen Youth Hostel with the Bahá’ís filling the place for the New Year period. We were blessed to have an equal ratio of junior youth and youth to adults. Some friends had travelled from as far afield as Germany and Ireland to join us for this special break.

The many speakers included Val and Tony McGinley from Ireland, and Jeremy Fox on a short visit from France. The theme of the school was the "Distinctive Pattern of Bahá’í Life", which was discussed by all speakers with full reference to the Bahá’í Writings.

The children and junior youth had their own sessions all on the theme of the school, with outdoor and craft activities in the afternoons.

The passing of the old Gregorian New Year was celebrated by a friendly but energetic Ceilidh and then we went outside to watch (from a distance) the magnificent fireworks display put on by the City Council. It was a clear, warm(!) and starry night. When we returned to the hostel we were welcomed by a room lit by candles and beautifully prepared for a prayer meeting. It was great to welcome the year 2000 with friends and our Bahá’í Holy Writings.

The Winter School was enjoyed by all, especially the children, who, as always, loved meeting each other and making new friends and parted with such sadness, already looking forward to their next encounter.

Bahá’í Council for Scotland

Surrey Bahá’ís had the opportunity to network with many different groups around "One World Week" when a number of proclamation activities presented themselves. One of these was a major Conference at Guildford Cathedral "Human Rights 50 Years On". Dr Bibhas Neogi was on the organising committee through his work with the local UNA and was able to arrange for a Bahá’í exhibition to be in Guildford Cathedral for two weeks either side of the Conference along with CAFOD, Christian Aid, Amnesty International, the United Nations Association and Jubilee 2000. The exhibit included "Warwick" leaflets on relevant topics and bound copies of a number of "Bahá’í Statements" downloaded from the Internet.

Dan Wheatley, representative from the Office of External Affairs, confidently took his place alongside Bruce Kent, Gary Streeter, MP, Anne Clwyd, MP and Bishop McCormac. The organisers were delighted with Dan’s brilliant workshop on the International Criminal Court.

There were many activities at the Cathedral during the two weeks the exhibition was there and thousands of musicians, choristers, tourists and conference attendees had the opportunity to find out something about the Bahá’í Faith.

After months of planning, a final Centenary gathering took place in Woking on the Day of the Covenant at the Maybury Centre, a converted School just a stones-throw from the birthplace of Thomas Breakwell.

An exhibition was set up in Woking Library for a week either side of this event. Representatives of most of the Surrey communities attended and tribute was paid to some of the original Surrey Bahá’ís, many pioneering in distant places, others watching from the ‘Abhá Kingdom. Dr Wendi Momen spoke eloquently about the origins of the Faith, and its links to Woking through ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visits to the Shah Jehan Mosque and Thomas Breakwell’s connection.

Among the guests were a number of past and present Mayors, a Baroness, two college principals and friends and co-workers from many Faith traditions.

The usual cultural diversity prevailed, with Persian and Indian snacks, Caribbean music from Jeannette Contant (see photo below) and a huge Centenary cake. There was a moving ceremony with the "Seven Candles of Unity" being read, and candles lit by three junior youth which the press photographer loved. Each guest was presented with a copy of the "Statement on Bahá’u’lláh", a scroll of the "Seven Candles of Unity", and the booklet produced by the Haifa Tourist Board. Some also took copies of "Who is Writing the Future?" We await furthur developments!

Sheffield Bahá’í community was all ears on Sunday 16th January, when Philip Hainsworth was guest speaker on Jack Shaw’s religious programme at Radio Sheffield. As someone who has been a member of the Bahá’í Faith for over sixty years, for forty-two of them served on nationally elected bodies, has lectured on the Faith in forty-seven countries and written many books and leaflets, Philip proved irresistible material for this Sunday slot. In fact Jack was so impressed by the octogenarian’s breadth of experience, as set out in his CV, that he invited him to be his celebrity guest to broadcast a version of "Desert Island Discs." Philip chose some of the most poignant classical music of his life.

"Voice Sapete" from Mozart’s "Marriage of Figaro" was his first choice. It had been the very first song his wife Lois had sung for him and will always have a special place in his heart. He revealed on the programme that it had taken him two weeks to become a Bahá’í after first hearing a talk by David Hofman in Bradford. It took him slightly longer to marry his beloved Lois, a whirlwind courtship of three weeks.

Schubert’s "Impromptu in A Flat" was his second choice as it reminded him of a dear colleague in the Second World War, a cook in the forces canteen, who played the haunting melody on a rickety piano.

His third and last choice was "Shepherd On The Rock", a piece for clarinet, voice and piano. On their way to Uganda he and Lois had stopped off in Belgium. Their host had learned that Lois was a trained singer, so playing the clarinet himself, suggested that they might perform it together. Philip had learned the piano as a child and gave it a shot. It is the only time he remembers performing together with Lois.

The interview was very entertaining and informative about the Faith. There was opportunity to talk about various subjects, including the persecutions in the Faith, obedience to government, pioneering and how the Faith is viewed in much better standing today. It was also an excellent advertisment for the afternoon’s meeting where the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress enjoyed a well-attended lecture by Philip on "The Oneness of Religion".

Following the success of the "Rescue Mission" and "Stand Up for your Rights", which were produced by PeaceChild Network, books on the following are now in the pipeline: "Human Development", "The Convention on the Rights of the Child", and "The Convention to Eliminate all forms of Discrimination Against Women". Contributions are welcomed.