THE NATIONAL SIKH CHAPLAINCY PRAYER DAY REPORT

30 October – 12

November 2017

Our sincere thanks to all for making this a very special and

successful event

The prayers in hospitals across the country were held for the wellbeing,

recovery of those who are currently in hospital regardless of

faith, race or gender and for world peace.

The UK Sikh Healthcare Chaplaincy Group organised a prayer day in the UK hospitals

aimed at promoting community links between the NHS and the S ikh community with the

help of Sikh Chaplains and members of Sikh community from Gurdwaras.

Please note that this copy has photos included

The Prayers have successfully been held in 2017 and these are arranged in date order at the following Hospitals & Hospices:

16 October – Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham by Mrs Parkash Kaur Sohal, Sukhwinder Kaur Chana, Bhai Mohinder Singh Hamdard, Mrs Satinder Kaur Taunque OBE, DL and colleagues

Prayer, Ardaas for the well-being of patients, staff and world peace were held on 16 October by Bhai Mohinder Singh Hamdard and then sweets were very kindly distributed to all present.

16 October –Birmingham City Hospital by Mrs Parkash Kaur Sohal, Sukhwinder Kaur Chana, Bhai Mohinder Singh Hamdard, Mrs Satinder Kaur Taunque OBE, DL and colleagues

Prayer, Ardaas for the wellbeing of patients, staff and world peace were held on 16 October by Bhai Mohinder Singh Hamdard and then sweets were very kindly distributed to all present.

26 October - Manor Hospital, Walsall by Joga Singh

Rev Alison Cole said: We celebrated Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas at the Manor Hospital with members of the local Hindu and Sikh communities who generously brought and distributed food. Prayers were said by Mr Joga Singh, Mr Sharad Bhatt and Rev Alison Coles, Chaplain in the Chaplaincy Team.

29 October - Norwich and Norfolk Hospital by Manjit Kaur Kular, Gurnam, Tarsem, Gurbux, Surinder and President Balvinder Singh Kular

Ujjal Singh said: Just to let you know that members of the N&N Sikh Society went to the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital today at 4pm and said the prayers as requested.

This was the first time I was not at the prayers. However Manjit K Kular recited the prayers with Gurnam, Tarsem, Gurbux, Surinder and the President of N&N Sikh Society, Balvinder S Kular. The Chaplain was not available but the Chapel was open, so the Sikh Society members accessed the Chapel and said the prayers in the normal manner. All went well and everyone departed after a short meeting.

30 October - Queen's Medical Centre Hospital, Nottingham by Paramjit Singh Thiara

Paramjit Singh said: The Sikh Prayer Day took place on the 30 October, between 9:30-11am. We spent time in prayer for the world, for good health for everyone and for God’s blessing on everyone.

30 October - Sunderland General Hospital by Mrs Kalwinder Kaur Purewal, Gurbakash Kaur and Priya Kaur.

Rev Peter Webb said: Many thanks for your work on this, and to your colleagues for coming. It is much appreciated.

Kalwinder Kaur said: Thank you so much for letting us take part on the prayer day it was amazing we did 5 Chaupai sahibs and then we did the Ardaas for Sunderland Sangat and also for the whole world. There were three of us there, myself, my sister Gurbakash Kaur and Priya Kaur. A special thanks to Rev Peter Webb for putting our Sikh symbol on the wall. It looks beautiful now we need to make the Sangat aware that there is a peaceful place in the hospital where they can pray or just sit for a moment and be at peace.

1 November - Lewisham Hospital, London by Dr Jagir Kaur Sekhon OBE

Dr Jagir Kaur Sekhon said: Kevin Parkes, Navneet Singh,Birender Singh along with three other people attended the prayer day. We did Kirtan and Ardas for well-being of all the patients and employees to guide them to do the best and comfort and recovery of patients. This certainly was followed by variety of cakes, samosa, pakoras and savoury to celebrate guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday.

1 November - Sheffield Hallamshire Hospital by Surinder Singh Dhillon

Surinder Singh said: Ardaas was done at Hallamshire Hospital (John Kerry) on 1st November at 2.30pm as agreed. Mr Kerry was not there, but a Chaplain joined me in the Ardaas. At Hallamshire Hospital, the Chaplaincy staff were looking forward to it.

2 November - Kingston Hospital, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey by Makhan Singh and leading representative of Guru Harrai Sahib Gurudwara, Kingston

Rev Judith Roberts said: We celebrated the Prayer Day on Thursday November 2nd. Our volunteer Sikh chaplain Mr. Makhan Roy came with a leading representative of the Kingston Gurdwara who sang the Scriptures. We had refreshments afterwards. We had 6 people attending. Our Lead Chaplain is Rev Susan van Beveren.

2 November - Southampton University Hospital by Saranjit Singh Karir

Priti Dave, Hindu Chaplain said: Dear Surinder Kaur and Saranjit Singh - I would like to thank you both for instigating and helping us host the Annual Sikh Chaplaincy Prayer Day 2017.

This morning, Thursday 2 November, we were very fortunate to have three gentlemen from the Singh Sabha Southampton attend this Prayer Day and recite prayers in the Chapel at Southampton General Hospital, Southampton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The prayers were calming and beautiful. We look forward to working with you again on this worthwhile event.

Saranjit Singh wrote to Priti Dave and said: We, at Singh Sabha Gurdwara, are always willing to help when required and not just once a year. If you require us to visit more often, we could arrange it.

My father Ravinder Singh Karir is, the priest - Surjit Singh and Rajvinder Singh Brar – Assistant Secretary of Singh Sabha Gurdwara were also present.

3 November - John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford by Davinder Singh Gill

Davinder Singh said: I went to the John Radcliffe Hospital yesterday to pray for us all to carry on caring for each other, making this world a better place for us all by searching ourselves and correcting ourselves always. Prayers were also done for all who are sick and the staff & people who care for those who are unwell.

Deacon Deborah Louise Wilde said: Many thanks once again for your organisation and contribution to Sikh Chaplaincy day. The representatives who came prayed quietly in the Chapel throughout this time and offered a quiet but notable presence.

3 November - Southmead Hospital, Bristol by Balbir Kaur and Gurdial Singh Nirwan

Balbir Kaur said: The Prayers went very well. We had to rearrange the Southmead Hospital prayers to the afternoon, due to the Akhand Paath for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday starting on the same morning. There were 6 of us who went and the duty Chaplain was also in attendance. All in all the prayers went very well and the members of the Sangat were happy to go.

3 November - Newham General Hospital by Parminder Kaur Kondral, Balvinder Kaur Saund, JP & Chair of Sikh Women’s Alliance, Gurmit Kaur Mahil, Charanjit Kaur Ghataore, Javinder Kaur Gosai, Satpal Kaur Panesar and Harbans Kaur

Rev Christopher Oladuji and Parminder Kaur liaised to arrange prayers at Newham General Hospital’s faith room. Simran of Waheguru, Japji Sahib, and Chaupai Sahib were recited by all present. Ardaas was performed by Satpal Kaur for the well-being of patients, relatives, visitors and staff. Parshad of sweets was given to those present and a box of sweets was also given to the Hospital Reception desk.

3 November - Basildon & Thurrock Hospital by Charanjit Kaur Ghataore, Rajinder Kaur Degan, Parminder Kaur Kondral, Balvinder Kaur Saund, JP & Chair of Sikh Women’s Alliance, Gurmit Kaur Mahil and the Chaplaincy Team the Hospital

Rev Linda Peall, Charanjit Kaur & Rajinder Kaur originally planned for the morning of 3 November, but kindly adjusted the Prayer Day to the afternoon, as Parminder Kaur had already confirmed Newham General’s Prayer day in the morning.

We recited Waheguru’s Simran and Dhuk Banjani Sahib Paath. Ardaas was performed by Rajinder Kaur for the well-being of patients, relatives, visitors and staff. Parshad of coconut barfi made at home by Charanjit and Rajinder was distributed to all present.

Rev Linda Peall said: It was a pleasure to have the Sikh Chaplaincy Prayer Day at Basildon Hospital as always. Thank you. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.

4 November - Huddersfield Royal Infirmary by Harbinder Singh Bains, Mrs Baksho Kaur Bains, Gurmit Singh Jauhal, members of Far Town Gurdwara, Huddersfield

The Rev George Spencer said: If you scroll down the newsletter, you will see the report. It was a very enjoyable event (apart from one gentleman being taken ill, but he was alright).

Here is the report:

CHFT Weekly Issue 146 16 November 2017

Sikh Day of Prayer for the Hospital 2017

Representatives from both of Huddersfield’s Sikh Temples met in the Hope Centre at HRI for the annual Prayer for the Hospital earlier this month.

This comprises traditional chanting and prayers led by the priest, with the intention of spreading blessings and well-being for both patients and staff.

The Trust’s Honorary Chaplain, Mr Harbinder Singh, welcomed the participants and thanked them for their support over the years.

The event ended a little dramatically with one of the gentlemen being taken ill, but we are pleased to say after a medical attention and a visit to our Emergency Department he was able to go home.

Finger food brought up from the temples was shared in the foyer after the prayers, and both the staff and visitors appreciated it.

6 November - Peterborough City Hospital by Jaswant Singh Naura and member of Sri Guru Singh Sabha

Rev Helen Fyall said: I have spoken to Joannie and she said everything went well yesterday.

7 November - Douglas Macmillan Hospice, Stoke-on-Trent by Kashmir Singh and members of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara

Revd Martin McGonigle said: We had a very enjoyable and informative time yesterday when members of our local Gurdwara visited to do prayers for our patients, families and staff. Thank you for helping to organise this.

8 November - Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Shrewsbury by Mr Hermohinder Singh Uppal and members from Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Telford

Rev Petro Hryziuk said: We had a really lovely time and the prayers went very well indeed at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. We do so much look forward to welcoming our Sikh friends and they have become friends now.

8 November - Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, Shropshire by Mr Hermohinder Singh Uppal and members Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Telford

Rev Petro Hryziuk said: We had a really lovely time and the prayers went very well indeed at Princess Royal Hospital. We do so much look forward to welcoming our Sikh friends and they have become friends now.

8 November - Sheffield Children’s Hospital Blue Wing by Surinder Singh Dhillon

Surinder Singh said: Ardaas was done in Children's Hospital on 8 November at 11.00am. It went well. Rev Kathy Green was pleased to join me. At Children’s Hospital, the Chaplaincy staff was looking forward to it. Last year there was a Sikh woman had come to see Kathy Green when I was there. I mentioned about that last year. She had married a Muslim and was abandoned by both the families so I asked on how she was doing now.

Sister Kathy Green said: It was a pleasure and a privilege to see Surinder Singh Dhillon last Wednesday. He came and said the prayers for the well-being of patients, staff and for world peace which I joined him for. With every blessing and many thanks for all you do.

9 November - South Bristol Community Hospital, Bristol by Balbir Kaur and Gurdial Singh Nirwan

Balbir Kaur said: The Prayers went very well. The Bristol Community Hospital there were only 3 of who were able to go to do the prayers, together with Jillianne and 5 patients. One patient had to leave before the end. All in all, the prayers went very well and the members of the Sangat were happy to attend.

9 November - Whipps Cross Hospital by Parminder Kaur Kondral, Javinder Kaur Gosai and Rev Elizabeth, a volunteer Chaplain

Rev Tristan Alexander-Watts and Parminder Kaur arranged the Prayer Day and advertised it widely both at the Hospital and in the Sikh Community. Simran of “Waheguru” and Mool, Mantar were recited. Ardaas (in English) was performed for the well-being of all patients, relatives, visitors and hospital staff by Javinder Kaur. Questions were answered on Sikhism for Elizabeth and exchanged views on similarities in Sikhism and Christianity. Parshad of sweets were given to Elizabeth for the Chaplaincy Team.

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9 November - Kings College Dental Hospital, London SE5 by Dr Harjit Tagar, Pritpal Singh, Rev Stanley Njoka and others

Dr Harjit Singh Tagar said: Thank you for giving us the support to go ahead with the prayers. The Sanctuary was prepared for the Paath with the help of Stanley. Prashad had been prepared and Pritpal Singh read Japji Sahib with great “mitaas” followed by Ardaas for the “Chardi Khalla” of all. Tea, coffee, juice, sweet and savoury snacks were enjoyed together. Many colleagues came from their busy working day to participate. A group of us discussed possible future events including Vaisakhi.

I was also very happy to see such excellent support from Kings with our Medical Director forwarding the email flyer of the event at short notice to the Clinical Leads. The event was also attended by the other Kings’ Chaplains as well as the Imam. This was very touching and makes me very proud to be part of a Trust which is not only inclusive but shows such strong support to all its Staff faiths.

9 November - New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton by Giani Shyam Singh

Giani Shyam Singh said: On Thursday 9th November we celebrated Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Prakash utsav and Chaplaincy Prayer day. We did Japji Sahib and Chaupai Sahib Paath and Ardaas for well-being of patients, staff and world peace and talked about Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Jeevan. After that we served refreshments.

Giani Shyam Singh said: On Tuesday 17th October we celebrated Bandi Chhor Diwas and Diwali at West Park rehabilitation hospital, Wolverhampton in ward one. I told the staff and patients about Bandi Chhor Diwas and we distributed refreshments.On Thursday 19th October 2017 we celebrated Bandi Chhor Diwas and Diwali at Ward 2 West Park Hospital and New Cross Hospital. We did Sukhmani Sahib Paath, Ardaas and talked about Bandi Chhor Diwas. After that we served refreshments and karah prashad.

10 November - Bristol Royal Hospital by Balbir Kaur and Gurdial Singh Nirwan

Balbir Kaur said: The Prayers went very well. At the Bristol Royal Infirmary there were 6 of who went. The duty Chaplain came to welcome us but was not able to stay.

If I get selected to be a volunteer Chaplain, next year I will work with the Chaplain Office to advertise the prayers to try and get more patients involved in the prayers as they did in one hospital with initiative of the Chaplain Jillianne Norman. All in all, the prayers went very well and the members of the Sangat were happy to go to Bristol Royal Hospital.

10 November - Mildmay Mission Hospital by Parminder Kaur Kondral, Mohinder Kaur Bilku, Charanjit Kaur Ghataore, Satpal Kaur Panesar and Harbans Kaur

Sister Bernie and Parminder Kaur had originally arranged the Prayer Day, but it so happened that Mildmay Hospital’s Interfaith Day was scheduled for that day, too. So we were asked to join in the Interfaith Day but were given a very limited slot in the programme for a lengthy Prayer.

We recited Waheguru’s Simran and Mool Mantar (explaining the meaning in English) for the benefit of all faiths and none. Parshad of sweets were given for distribution to all present.

11 November - Queens Hospital, Romford by Parminder Kaur Kondral, Charanjit Kaur Ghataore, Gurmit Kaur Mahil, Jasvinder Kaur Gosai, Satinder Kaur, Dr Taranjot Kaur, and Rajinder Kaur Degan

Rev Philip Wright and Parminder Kaur arranged the Prayer Day and it was advertised in the BHR Newsletter, the NELFT Weekly Newsletter and within the Sikh Community. Waheguru’s Simran, Dukh Banjni Sahib was recited, followed by Ardaas by Gurmit Kaur for the well-being of patients, relatives, visitors and staff. Sweets were distributed to all present.

11 November - King George Hospital, Ilford by Parminder Kaur Kondral, Balvinder Kaur Saund, JP & Chair of Sikh Women’s Alliance, Surinder Kaur, Mohinder Kaur Bilku, Gurmit Kaur Mahil, Charanjit Kaur Ghataore, Satinder Kaur, Dr Taranjot Kaur, and Rajinder Kaur Degan

Rev Philip Wright and Parminder Kaur arranged the Prayer Day. It was advertised in the BHR Newsletter, the NELFT Weekly Newsletter and within the Sikh Community. Waheguru’s Simran, Dukh Banjani Sahib was recited, followed by Ardas by Gurmit Kaur for the well-being of patients, relatives, visitors and staff. Sweets were distributed to all present.

11 November - Goodmayes Hospital, Ilford by Parminder Kaur Kondral, Balvinder Kaur Saund, JP & Chair of Sikh Women’s Alliance, Gurmit Kaur Mahil, Charanjit Kaur Ghataore, Surinder Kaur and Rajinder Kaur Degan

Mirabai Swingler, Lead Chaplain at Goodmayes Hospital, Ilford and Parminder Kaur arranged the Prayer Day. It was widely advertised by Satin Taylor (Buddhist Chaplain at Goodmayes) and in the NELFT Weekly Newsletter and within the Sikh Community.

Waheguru’s Simran, Mool Mantar and Chaupai Sahib were recited, followed by Ardaas by Gurmit Kaur for the well-being of patients, relatives, visitors and staff. Sweets were distributed to all present.

13 November – Ealing Hospital, Middlesex by Mrs Harjeet Kaur and Mr Atma Singh Sohal and colleagues

Rev Michael Sserunkuma said: The prayers were held on 13 November at Ealing Hospital. All went well. Many thanks

13 November - North Tyneside General Hospital, Tyne and Wear by Rev Martyn Skinner and Rev Graeme Harrison

Revd Martin Skinner said: On Monday November 13, the National Sikh Chaplaincy Prayer Day was observed at North Tyneside General Hospital in the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Unfortunately at the last moment, due to unforeseen circumstances, no representative from the local Sikh Community was able to be present. However, two of the Chaplains, Graeme Harrison and Martyn Skinner, ran an information table outside the canteen over lunch before silently reading Ardas prayers together in the Chapel. Some of the staff was very appreciative of information concerning caring for Sikh patients.

14 November - Bradford Royal Infirmary by Hoshiar Singh, Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara

Dawn Arnison said: All went well. 14 November - Birmingham Children’s Hospital by Mrs Parkash Kaur Sohal and Dr Jaswant Singh Sohal

Joyce O’Neill, PA to Karen Henson said: I am informing you that Sikh Prayer took place today Tuesday 14th November 2017 at 11:00am at the Birmingham Women and Children’s Hospital. The prayers were conducted by Parkash Kaur Sohal, Sikh Chaplain and Dr Jaswant Singh Sohal. Sweets were very kindly distributed. Many thanks to all involved.

15 November - Bedford Hospital, South Wing by Dashwinder Kaur

Revd Nicola McIntosh said: I know Dashwinder led prayers a week early but we have done them. Lots came from the community.

15 November - Leicester General Hospital by Kartar Singh Bring and Sulakhan Singh

Bhai Sahib, Sulakhan Singh said: We Sikh Chaplaincy members held a special Sikh Prayers Session at Leicester General Hospital to celebrate Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday.

Prayers were held in the Chapel of Hospital wishing and praying for better health of all the patients regardless of their faith and all the staff working in all hospitals in Leicester.

We arrange this session every year to promote Sikhi spirit. The opening and welcoming words were said by Rev Andy Jones, Christian Chaplain and Kartar Singh, Sikh Chaplain, working in Leicester Hospitals. Prayers were attended by Deputy Mayor Shrimati Manjula Sood, Inderjit Singh Gognani -City Councillor, Dr Sujan Singh and other ladies and gentlemen from Sikh families. Kirtan was sung by Bibi Gurvinder Kaur and Kartar Singh. Closing and thankful words were said by Sulakhan Singh Dard, Volunteer Sikh Chaplain. After the Ardaas, Deg (parsad) was distributed and refreshments were served to everybody.

The prayers session was firstly initiated by Sardar Ajmer Singh Matharu, part-time employed Sikh Chaplain and with the blessings of Guru Maharaj we do it every year.

This time £205.00 pounds were raised for charity. The money collected will be divided between Leicester Hospital Charity and Loros Hospice.

15 November - Lister Hospital, Hertfordshire by Dr Karnail Singh Bhogal

Revd Rachel Allen said: Thank you for asking Dr Bhogal to lead prayers for the wellbeing of

everyone at the Lister Hospital.

It was a source of comfort to a patient's family member who came with her friend, and was also attended by some of our Sikh staff. Other staff thought it was a lovely idea, and some staff who were Sikh but unable to attend were really delighted as it was the first time Sikh prayers had been used in the Chapel. E-mail was copied to Claire Mugford, who is on our communications staff.

Photos of Lister Hospital Prayer Day on 15 November on next page…

Lister Hospital Prayer Day

15 November - Queen Elizabeth Hospital, London SE18 by Dr Jagir Kaur Sekhon OBE

Dr Jagir Kaur Sekhon said: We held prayer and celebrated Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday at the Hospital. It was well advertised, but only few people attended.

16 November - North Middx University Hospital, London N18 by Mrs Balwant Kaur Rehal, Jagjit Singh Thethi and Mrs Narinder Kaur Thethi, Mrs Rani Kaur, Mrs Gurmej Kaur Maan, Mrs Manjeet Kaur, Mrs Nirmal Kaur Ghale, Mrs Chandan Shah, plus 10 members of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara

Rev Samuel Agboola said: Trusting that this email finds you well. This is to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to you and your team for finding a place in your time to come and say Prayers at the North Middlesex University Hospital Multi Faith Chapel today, Thursday 16th November 2017, as part of the National Sikh Chaplaincy Inter-Faith week and Prayer Day.

Your gift to the Multi-Faith Chapel of a copy of the Sacred Nitnem containing the divine Hymns of the daily prayers by the Sikhs is most wonderful and hugely appreciated too.

On behalf of the Lead Chaplain, Dr. Revd. Geoff Morgan and the entire vibrant Chaplaincy Team @North-mid, I say a big THANK YOU SO MUCH believing in Ik Onkar, as there is only one God.

16 November - St Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 by Parminder Kaur Kondral, Satpal Kaur Panesar, Inderjit Kaur Chana Charanjit Kaur Ghataore and Mohinder Kaur Bilku with Christian volunteer staff of the Hospital

Rev William Sharp, Abdul Chowdhury and Surinder Kaur of Sikh Chaplaincy arranged the Prayer Day. It was advertised widely within the Hospital and in the Sikh Community by Parminder Kaur. Waheguru’s Simran and Chaupai Sahib was recited, followed by Ardaas performed by Inderjit Kaur for the well-being of patients, relatives, visitors and staff at St Thomas. We included Tickhill Road Hospital, Doncaster and Westmoreland General, Kendal, Liverpool Hospitals’ patients, staff, relatives and visitors in our Ardaas.

Brief outline on Sikhism and End of Life Care was given by Parminder to the Volunteer staff who was interested in knowing more on Sikhism. Sweets were distributed to all and Tea/Coffee served by the Chaplaincy Team. We also attended the interfaith event which took place in the foyer of the Hospital.

Revd William Sharpe said: The Interfaith event which took place at St Thomas’ today. Thank you to the Sikh community (Mrs Parminder Kaur Kondral) and her team who used the small prayer room for a time of prayers.

16 November - Tickhill Road Hospital, Doncaster by Parminder Kaur Kondral at St Thomas’ Hospital, London

Rev June Rutherford said: The staff and patients at Tickhill Road Hospital greatly appreciate your prayers.

16 November – Westmoreland General Hospital, Kendal, Liverpool by Parminder Kaur Kondral at St Thomas’ Hospital, London

Rev Jayne Tyrer said: I thank you sincerely for including us in your Prayers on 16 November.

16 November - St James’s Hospital at Faith Centre, 1st Floor Bexley Wing, Leeds by Dr Satwant Kaur Rait, Hon Sikh Chaplain, Gurdev Singh Dahele MBE, Ramesh Khetani

Dr Satwant Kaur Rait & Gurdev Singh Dahele said: The prayer day was jointly organised by Satwant Kaur, Gurdev Singh and Ramesh Khetani with the support of the UK Sikh Healthcare Chaplaincy Group. The local Gurdwaras attended and participated in the event. Sikh community of Leeds came to support the day.

The prayer was started by Dr Satwant Kaur focusing on the well-being, recovery and good health of patients who are in hospitals irrespective of their faith, spirituality and beliefs. In line with the Guru Nanak’s philosophy of sarbat da bhalla, we all prayed together for the World peace and prosperity. Keertan Kaur Rehal from South Asian Arts charity recited ‘Mool Mantar’ and sang Guru Nanak’s hymn, in a melodious vocal, in accompaniment of musical instruments, harmonium and tabla (drums). Giani Boota Singh performed Chaupai prayer and the main prayer, the Ardas when the whole congregation joined in.

Chris van D’Arque, Deputy Head of Chaplaincy welcomed the Gurdwara representatives and gave a brief talk on the role and work of the LTHs NHS Trust Chaplaincy service. Gurdev Singh Dahele spoke on the role of volunteers and the attributes required for becoming a volunteer for providing spiritual care to the Sikh patients. Jo Bewley - General Manager for Adult Therapies was very pleased with attendance and thanked the Sikh volunteers Satwant, Ramesh and Gurdev for organising the day.

The event was a great success attended by about 50 people from all Gurdwaras of Leeds and staff from the hospitals. This year, in addition to praying for the well-being of the patients, the awareness of the community was raised about the Chaplaincy service in hospitals and built links with the staff of the Trust. The community members also tasted the new multicultural food menu now available to the patients who gave the verdict as good quality of catering. Seven members of the community were so inspired by the work of volunteers that they registered their interest to join the Chaplaincy service.

Finally to close the event Pritpal Singh Manku, the Vice President of Ramgarhia Board Leeds gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the Sikh community to Chris van D’Arque, Jo Bewley and their staff for holding the prayer day and thanked all the participants and the Sikh Chaplaincy volunteers for making the event a great success. He also thanked Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Gurdwara for providing refreshments (samosas) and tea & coffee by the hospital staff.

Chris van D’Arque – Deputy Head of Chaplaincy Gurdev S Dahele MBE – Sikh Volunteer for Spiritual Care

St James’s Hospital, Leeds

Keertan Kaur Rehal and Giani Boota Singh Members of the community having refreshments provided by

Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Leeds

24 November - St Oswald’s Hospice, Newcastle upon Tyne by Cloud Singh

Cloud Singh said: I will only be able to do Sikh Chaplaincy Prayers this year at St Oswalds. This happened on Friday 24th Nov. After discussion with the Lead Chaplain - this was a completely new thing for St Oswalds, as is the input of Sikhi to the Organisation - prayers were held in the Chapel. It is a busy building generally and the Chapel opens out with wide wide doors onto the foyer area. Many people passed by and were able to see and hear what was going on, which was delightful for all. Mool Mantra, Simran was recited and concluded with Ardaas. The image was taken by a Volunteer who was putting up a Christmas tree nearby - multi-culturalism at its best!

15 December – Saint Francis Hospice, Romford, Essex by Parminder Kaur Kondral, Surinder Singh Jandu MBE, Rajinder Kaur Johal JP & Vice Chair of Sikh Women’s Alliance (SWA), Arvinder Singh Khalsa, Satwant Kaur Marwa, Mohinder Kaur Bilku, Satinder Kaur and Satpal Kaur Panesar

We were invited by Jason Demant, Spiritual and Pastoral Care Lead, with a nudge to Shahina Haque, a new member of staff, supported the Sikh Chaplaincy prayer day to be held on 15 December at SFH’s Chapel. We had among us 3 staff members - Anne, Tracie Brenan, Head of Therapy & Well Being and a Sikh patient, with her 2 daughters.

Manvir Kaur Sehmbi, who could not attend the Prayer Day due to a prior engagement, has always has been supportive in arranging visits to the Hospice and inviting us to their annual events during the year.

We started with the Morning Prayer - Japji Sahib. Arvinder Singh Khalsa conducted the Ardaas, adding a verse in English thanking the Almighty for the opportunity to help all patients, doctors, nurses and ground staff, including the relatives and friends in looking after the patients with dignity, poise and respect.

We concluded with giving parshad of biscuits, sweets and drinks and then went to the Café and had a proper sandwich lunch, tea and coffee.

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Sikh Chaplaincy will endeavour to include the following Hospitals in 2018 Annual Prayer Day:

Faith Centre, UHCW NHS Walsgrave, Coventry Wexham Hospital, Slough, Buckinghamshire University College Hospital, London NW1 Spring Field Hospital, London SW17 James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough Milton Keynes University Hospital, Milton Keynes Northampton General Hospital, Northampton King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire