Celebrating Contributions of Buddhist Community in Bedford
The Mayor Dave Hodgson together with Venerable Samitha, CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO A CELEBRATORY BUDDHIST COMMUNITY RECEPTION to recognise the contributions of the Buddhist community in Bedfordshire on Tuesday 12th June 2012 at 6:45PM to start at 7PM at Council Chamber, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AP
The Mayor Dave Hodgson
together with Venerable Akurala Samitha of
Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Cultural Centre
for Education Meditation Psychotherapy & Counselling
CORDIALLY INVITE YOU
TO A CELEBRATORY BUDDHIST COMMUNITY RECEPTION
to recognise the contributions of the Buddhist community in Bedfordshire
On (Date & Time):
Tuesday 12th June 2012 at 7PM
At (Venue):
Council Chamber, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AP
Theme: "Community Cohesion, Social Well-Being & Religious Education"
(Objective): This get together will facilitate to improve the relationship between local authorities and community members (Buddhists, Sri Lankan, Indian, Meditation & Spiritual Groups etc). The Mayor of Bedford & Community members will get an opportunity to meet and discuss issues for a better society. Venerable Akurala Samitha is the Official Buddhist Representative of SACRE (Standing Advisory Council of Religious Education) both in Bedfordshire & Central Bedfordshire Councils. He would like to meet more children and parents to improve their spiritual and social needs in school environments. We are so pleased to host this very important reception and we trust this will certainly contribute for a better livelihood among local communities. Hence your participation is greatly appreciated.
Please Note this is an Adult's Meeting and No Children Participating. All participants will need to report to the (above address) Council Reception By 6:45PM for 7PM start. Then they will direct participants to the Council Chamber.
Refreshments will be served.
Dress Code: Casual
More Information: Venerable Samitha (Letchworth Buddhist Cultural Centre) 01462 641 688 (Mobile) 07983 466 105 (Email): buddhistacademy@gmail.com
Elected Mayor
Mayor Dave Hodgson was first elected Mayor in October 2009. He is a Liberal Democrat, and prior to becoming Mayor he was a Councillor for the Kingsbrook Ward from 2002. He was re-elected in May 2011, and his current term of office as Mayor is until May 2015.
Bedford Borough Council is one of only 14 Councils in the country to have a Directly Elected Mayor. Unlike the more traditional ceremonial Mayors, Directly Elected Mayors have wide decision making powers and Mayor Hodgson provides the political leadership of the Council as well as being the Borough’s First Citizen. Together with the Councillors he has appointed to his Executive, Mayor Hodgson is responsible for the majority of Council Services.
Buddhist Representative of Religious Education Advisory Council
Venerable Akurala Samitha is the Official Buddhist Representative of the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) both at Central Bedfordshire and Bedfordshire Councils. A SACRE's main function is "to advise the authority upon such matters connected with religious worship in county schools and the religious education to be given in accordance with an agreed syllabus" and to advise on matters relating to training for teachers in RE and Collective Worship.
It is a privilege for him to share his experiences as a Buddhist monk for 28 years and a meditation teacher for 20 years besides the academic credentials in Philosophy, Buddhist Philosophy, Psychotherapy, Counselling, Stress Management and Comparative Religions.