Memorandum by Mrs Joan Punchard (SOC 71)
Dear Mr Bennett
I have just read the article in the Oldham Chronicle
about the concern of the "powers that be" about the
racial tensions that still are with us even now in 2003. As an
ordinary citizen I am worried that nothing seems to have changed
since the riots of 2001. The ethnic minority still cause problems
by continuing to use their own language in public—when if
they want to be fully accepted into the community they should
at least speak English when in public, otherwise it creates a
us and them situation, and the sooner English is taught from the
very first day in school it will not alter. This is the first
basic step to being accepted into the indigenous society. When
we all speak the same language then we can begin to understand
each others problems.
You may think this is the ramblings of a dyed
in the wool patriot—but our new incomers have much to contribute
to our culture if only they could.
Hoping your meeting will be fruitful for all
our sakes.
Joan Punchard (Mrs)
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