FOR the eighth time, St Augustine's, Tooting, in
Southwark diocese, got together with the Muslim
school Gatton Voluntary Aided Primary, and the Balham and Tooting
Community Association, for their annual Community Fun Day.
Broadwater Road was thronging with the diverse crowds always to
be found in this part of south London. Children had a specially
exciting time, and flocked to attractions such the animals from
Kingston City Farm, the giant slide, and the fire engine, as well
as the fairground rides, sideshows, and bouncy castle. A clown,
Silly Millie, entertained the younger children.
Many voluntary groups and public services displayed their work
for the community, and, I'm told, the international food was
irresistible: queues formed for the home-cooked Arab, Somali,
Indo-Pakistani, and Afro-Caribbean food and barbecue.
"Once again, I was hugely proud to be part of the Fun Day,"
Sadiq Khan, the MP for Tooting, said. "It has become one of the
highlights of my year. . . With Islamic ethos, Gatton Primary
School coming together with St Augustine's Church to put on a
brilliant event, we send a strong signal that we are tolerant and
respectful of each other, whilst raising money for our local
hospital, St George's, Tooting.
"I met someone today - she'd lived in Tooting all her life;
she's a Muslim. She said it was the first time she had been in a
church. That's thanks to this event opening doors."