Vegetarian Event in Manchester

The Jain Samaj Manchester organised a two day festival to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Mahaveer on 18th and 19th April. On the 18th a panel of speakers discussed the benefits of a vegetarian diet. The speakers were Marian Hussenbux of Quaker Concern for Animals, Gaurkrishnadas of Manchester Hare Krishna Society and Mukesh Pancholi of the Brahma Kumari organisation. ‘Not in My Name’ a DVD which has been produced by Viva! was also shown. A Mahaveer Award was presented to Lesley Tarleton by Jayendrabhai Patel. Lesley has been looking after animals for almost 30 years. She runs an animal sanctuary in Liverpool and Wales. The inscription on the award reads :

Mahaveer Award Presented to Lesley Tarleton

 For over 30 years you have dedicated your life to the care of animals.

Animals at your sanctuary get your love and attention everyday.

We thank you and salute you for your compassion.

You give us hope for a kinder and happier world,

in harmony with our fellow creatures.

Y.I.V 18/4/2009

Please go to: www.freshfieldsrescue.org.uk to find out more about Lesley’s work.On the 19th I gave a talk urging the Jains to establish links with the Vegetarian Society, Vegan Society and animal welfare groups. Manchester is where the vegetarian movement started in the UK and hosts the headquarters of the Vegetarian Society, so the time is right to revive the movement in Manchester! In 1815 Manchester was the home of a radical vegetarian movement. In Salford hundreds of Christians had become vegetarian! A Special thanks to Shailesh, Dipti and Bela Mehta for their hospitality and for organising the event. Thanks also to president Piyushbhai, Sarojben, Mukeshbhai and all the members of the Jain Samaj Manchester for the warm welcome they gave me during my stay. Special thanks to Marian and Khalid for their help and support.

Successful Campaigning

In 2007 the League Against Cruel Sports started a campaign called, ‘Corporate Watch’. It was a campaign to name UK companies which were promoting bull fighting in Spain. Airline giant BA quickly opted out of its promotion of bull fighting after being named. Low cost airline Ryanair too dumped its promotion of bull fighting after one thousand post cards arrived at the Dublin headquarters of the publishers of Ryanair’s in-flight magazine. Name and shame those who patronise cruelty, it works! Visit www.league.org.uk to find out about the latest campaigns.

Looking Back Hyde Park 22 July 1990

The first ever mass vegetarian rally was held in Hyde Park on 22 July 1990. Pictured Juliet Gellatley addressing the crowds after receiving the Mahaveer award. Juliet went on to found 'Viva!', one of the most active animal rights organisations in the UK today.