Improving race relations (From Bucks Free Press)

Improving race relations

10:30am Thursday 6th September 2007 in

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TWO friends from High Wycombe have come up with a novel initiative aimed at bringing people from different backgrounds together in High Wycombe.

Abid Hussain and Rebecca Hickman, who became friends after meeting at an open day at the Jubilee Road Mosque, came up with the idea to try reflect the nature of High Wycombe's long history of multiculturalism.

The Dine at Mine' initiative is designed to get people together who would not normally have the opportunity to meet each other.

The pair decided to do something to promote the town's good race relations after the national media descended on High Wycombe following the anti terror arrests made in August last year in connection with the suspected plot to blow up transatlantic airlines.

They felt that the national coverage painted a picture of a segregated town that was unrecognisable to most local people.

Mr Hussain, 33, who lives in Chiltern Avenue, said: "These dinner parties will enable people from diverse background to realise how much unites us - whether it's our common values and hopes, or our frustration at the dismal performance of our local football team!

"In this informal way, we hope that understanding and friendships can be built across our community, contributing to all our efforts to promote harmony and mutual respect in our town."

Rebecca Hickman, 33, who lives in Rectory Avenue, added: "We wanted to create an opportunity for people to share food and time with those who they may not otherwise get to know in the course of their day-to-day lives.

"We hope that each dinner party will create a space where we can meet each other and learn about each other as individuals and fellow human beings."

Forty people are taking part in the Dine at Mine initiative and will be going round to strangers' houses tomorrow for a meal and to talk to other guests.

And the pair are keen to run the project three or four times a year.

If you are interested in taking part in Dine at Mine, email Rebecca at becks_hickman@hotmail.com