Yes Graham, i remember when some silly politician went on about the cricket test with reference to immigrant communities from the commonwealth. He forgot the main point about the fact that we all liked cricket. Therefore we had something in common. We have seen many players play for the counties and England whose families originated elsewhere but i am sure they play with as much pride and enthusiasm for Yorkshire and England as the next guy. Our world has changed but over time being English evolves and includes so much. We just need to ensure that we keep having a country that people love by encouraging everyone to be a part of it. I sometimes wonder whether there is a test for Christians, Jews and Muslims where we have to reconcile the truth of our own faith with being tolerant and caring to others. In this test plenty of people fail!! Our differences are used to justify wars and some people want to drive us apart. Recently i have been heartened by many displays of unity. and that gives me some hope for our country. we welcomed french, poles, czechs and many more in 1939 and they helped us win the battle of Britain. An Sikh colleague of mine told me about his dad fighting his way up through Italy. We have been an empire and are now a commonwealth. I find our world fascinating.
Peter Chadburn ● 3194d