Rugby town centre has stepped up to say ‘count us in’, joining an increasing number of locations, organisations, communities and schools across the country who are helping the organisation, One Britain One Nation (OBON) create a feeling of national unity and belonging, on Friday June 10.
Rugby First and Rugby Borough Council are inviting people from all faiths, backgrounds, races and age groups to join them in the gardens of St Andrew’s Church, on the Friday of Her Majesty the Queen’s official 90th birthday weekend.
That day, at 11am, all those in the location will join together to wish the Queen a Happy Birthday and sing the national anthem, at exactly the same time as their counterparts in places such as Manchester and Bradford.
People in Rugby will also join schoolchildren from across Yorkshire, people gathered on the platforms of train stations and workers in a variety of businesses across the country, in this nationwide display of unity.
This simultaneous signing of the national anthem has been organised by OBON, which has been building strong and unified communities across Britain, over the last few years. This follows the blueprint established by OBON’s founder, Kash Singh, who was the police inspector charged with turning around community life in the diverse district of Manningham in Bradford, following riots in 1995 and 2001.
Aftab Gaffar, Managing Director of Rugby First said; “Friday 10 June promises to be a truly momentous occasion across the country as well as here in Rugby. We would like as many people as possible to join us to celebrate a very special lady, wish her happy birthday and sing the national anthem.”
Aftab continued: “There will also be a commemorative book held in St. Andrew’s Church through which people can send their birthday wishes to Her Majesty. The book will be available from Monday May 16, so please take the opportunity to mark this special occasion.”
Councillor Ramesh Srivastava, of Newbold and Brownsover ward added: “One Britain One Nation has a simple clear message that embraces all of us, irrespective of race, nationality, faith, colour or creed; whether we were born in Britain or have chosen to live here. It will be fantastic to see the Rugby community come together for this remarkable event.”
Imogen Nay, Rector of St. Andrew’s Church, said: “The Church in Rugby is located in the very heart of the town centre and it seems fitting for it to host this very special event where all of Rugby’s rich and diverse communities can join together to celebrate this special occasion.”
For further information please call Rugby First on 01788 569436 or email Aftab@rugbyfirst.org More information about OBON and its nationwide campaign, as well as ideas of ways to get involved, can be found at www.onebritainonenation.com