WHILST attending a meeting in High Wycombe on Saturday, November 3, I briefly left the hall to place a case in the boot of my car.

Walking along the adjoining road, an elderly Asian gentleman looked in my direction and I passed the usual courtesies with him.

He politely thanked me, and as I reflected on the incident it occurred to me that it is unusual to thank another human being for what is normal behaviour.

Many local people must now feel under great pressure since the September 11 atrocities in the United States, whether they are of black or white origins.

The personal humbling experience of last Saturday has made me realise that in a multi-racial, multi-cultural world, a much broader understanding of all the issues involved, together with sustained tolerance, is a real necessity for the survival of the human race.

Alan Page

Chairman

Pensioners Voice

High Wycombe

and District Branch

Curzon Avenue

Hazlemere