Letters

On behalf of the Bahrain Llongsteppers, I would like to thank all British Club members and guests who supported our Birdman of Bahrain event recently held poolside.

A special thanks goes to our main sponsors, being A&E, The Domain Hotel and Hertel scaffolding, also to the Royal Hospital for first aid cover and the British Club of Bahrain for use of the facilities.

A fun day (without injuries) was enjoyed by all, the costumes and participation by budding aviators was well appreciated, and at the end of the day a total amount of BD2,500 was raised through sponsorship, raffle prizes and T-shirt sales.

Nominated charity for this year’s event was the RIA Institute and student director Christine Gordon MBE was in attendance to judge the winners of the children and adult categories for the furthest flight, best costume or machine and best entertainment value.

Every year a similar contest takes place in the South of England with attempts to fly by jumping off a pier. To date no one has succeeded, and all have been caught by the safety net of the English Channel, likewise, to date, nobody has managed to fly the length of the British Club pool!

Andrew Savage, Bahrain Llongsteppers.

Hurry on over to the Second floor of Harbour Gate May 14, 15 & 16 between 9.30am and 12.30pm to snap up a one-of-a-kind up-cycled T-shirt or T-shirt bag for your wardrobe. 

They have been made by volunteer artists and students at RIA Institute’s ‘Trash to Treasure’ T-shirt up-cycling event in April organised by @baloosbuddies to raise awareness about autism.

All donations will be used to sponsor a child at the centre who is in financial need says RIA Institute co-founder Christine Gordon, MBE.

We were delighted with the amazing works of art painted at the event and the incredible transformation of unwanted T-shirts. 

In fact many people wanted to buy them on the spot. In addition to more than 40 T-shirts and T-shirt bags, a small number of original artworks will also available on a donation basis.

We would also like to thank the management and staff at Harbour Gate for their ongoing support and to BMMI, Wild about Art Co and Paint and Palette for sponsoring the Trash to Treasure event. 

Please call 38338064 for further details.

Dr Sarah Clarke, event organiser.

Fasting is a deliberate abstinence from physical gratification, usually going without food for a period of time to achieve a greater spiritual goal.

A sound body and a sound mind are most essential in our daily life, and fasting helps to keep both mind and body in a perfect state of health.

Fasting bestows a divine happiness which can be enjoyed with such delight that once you take to it, you will be reluctant to leave the habit.

A man who spends a few hours in absolute calmness after his first meal on breaking a fast has a feeling of enjoyment which can never be expressed.

A man who genuinely practices fasting at regular intervals has clear-cut thoughts – dramatically, he can become gentle, polite and humble.

The ego stands nowhere before him. His thoughts are sublime and firm. His actions are diligent. There is a transcendental glow on his face, and he has found the kingdom of God in his own personality. He never wounds the feelings of others. Fasting teaches compassion for others.

While the goal of fasting is usually focused on faith and belief, it doesn’t mean we are not experiencing other benefits of fasting spiritually, psychologically and sociologically.

Fasting in Ramadan is truly one of the greatest social experiences. It strengthens the control of impulses and it helps to develop good behaviour. Fasting leads to a feeling of inner peace and tranquility.

Dr Meraj Ahmad Meraj, by email.

Ten-year-old: “What social network has caused the most harm?”

Me: “That’s a hard question.”

Eight-year-old: “No, really. Which one?”

Me: “Well, without Twitter I’m pretty sure Trump wouldn’t be president.”

Ten-year-old: “I think Instagram has caused the most harm.”

Me: “Why?”

Ten-year-old: “Because it makes so many kids sad.”

Five-year-old: “I have an idea for what I’m going to do when I grow up.”

Me: “What?”

Five-year-old: “I’m going to do two things. I’m going to be a baker and I’m going to make a machine that zaps people.”

Me: “That zaps people?”

Five-year-old: “Yes, it’s a machine that zaps adults when they are walking down the street looking at their phones. And then it makes them go and play with their friends.”

Nicholas Thompson, parent.