Westbury Hustings cancelled

A message from Churches Together:

"Unfortunately this evening's hustings at All Saints, Westbury, has had to be cancelled. Nationally, in the light of the Manchester tragedy, the cancellation of campaigning has impacted on local events with one of the major parties deciding it is appropriate to continue standing aside from all national and local campaigning activity. It may be that other parties clarify similar expressions of ongoing suspension as the day unfolds. Some will see this as an appropriate decision, while others will see it as a victory for terrorism.

It had been our intention to go ahead having observed a 24 hour time of mourning and to begin our evening with a time of quiet reflection before proceeding with the hustings. Having planned to begin with a time of reflection to remember all caught up in the tragedy of Monday night, the Revd Rhona Floate and I will be in All Saints for a short time to still do just that at 6.30 pm. You are welcome to join us.

May I thank

all the candidates for their willingness to attend the hustings

those of you who submitted some 56 questions

members of Westbury Churches Together who have helped with the organisation of the event

the Revd Rhona Floate for her help and cooperation in making it possible to stage the hustings at All Saints

Finally, three requests. Please,

1. find time today to remember all affected by that appalling event on Monday.

2. if you know of anyone who was due to attend this evening, please could you advise them of the cancellation.

3. if you were responsible for displaying one of the posters advertising the event, it would be very helpful if you could arrange for the word 'cancelled' to be added."

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Comment - Having a time of reflection this evening is an appropriate response. I shall be joining Churches Together for this.