Mayor of Merton, Gilli Lewis-Lavender inaugurated the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association National Meena Bazaar, which was held in Baitul Futuh Mosque, Merton last weekend. The day was host to over 3,000 women and children. The Mayor of Merton said: “I was very excited to see all the wares that were being sold. I love the colour and the vibrancy of the clothes and jewellery, they are very beautiful. It was really exciting to help judge the stalls. Everybody was so dedicated and proud of their stalls, and rightly so - they were all so good, lots of imagination and colour - and the food was delicious!!

“It was very encouraging to see the ladies take an active part in Society - they have much to offer and make this country a better place to live in.”

The event was held to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Replica Meena Bazaars have been held throughout the country to raise funds for the Queen’s Jubilee with many stalls including food, drinks, clothes, beauty corner, and bouncy castle.

A competition was held as different stalls were decorated and designed to honour the Queen and the United Kingdom. They were judged and awarded prizes by a panel of judges including the Mayor of Merton. Charities and causes being supported are Save the Children, Great Ormond St Children’s Hospital, Macmillan Cancer, British Heart Foundation, Royal British Legion, NSPCC, Royal Hospital of Neuron Disability, Leukaemia Cancer Support and British Heart Foundation.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association is the oldest Islamic community in the UK. The community laid the foundation for London’s first mosque in Southfields in 1924 which is now known today as the Fazl Mosque. Baitul Futuh Mosque is recognised as the largest mosque in western Europe. The Ahmadiyya Community also sent a congratulatory message to Her Majesty Queen Victoria – some years ago – to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee.

Based on information supplied by Meliha Hayat.