I visited Stoneleigh Broadway on Sunday morning (7th) and watched the Hindu chariot celebrations from the Sri Raja Rajeswari Amman Temple in Dell Lane.

There were hundreds of Hindus; the women in beautiful saris, young children joining in, singing, chanting and offerings of fruit to the attendants on the chariot as it went by. 

It was quite surreal to me that I was actually in Stoneleigh (my childhood home) and not India, however my letter is not one of complaint but of praise.  The road stewards were very attentive and mindful of keeping off of the front drives and gardens in Briarwood Road as the procession made its way along. My young daughter was offered sweets by a young girl, and was also given the gift of fruits and flowers.

Yes, there was the noise of the drummers and singing crowd and I appreciate that the residents were inconvenienced due to the road blocks, but for all the hundreds of people around, there was no trouble, no litter, no alcohol, no swearing and no anti-social behaviour.  What a stark contrast from the Derby that I went to on Saturday!

I look forward to watching the next public event from the temple.

Jayne Screech

Tadworth