link 49 limited edition

NOTICE BOARD Dear Reader, Our apologies for no issue of LINK this Autumn. Circumstances beyond our control made publication impossible. Again ‘circumstances’ bring limited space this Winter; but, in Spring, LINK should be back to its usual size and circulation. Inside we have CHRISTMAS - : the best part of all; BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT; and our usual feature NEWS VIEWS. Please remind anyone interested without a copy to look on our website for this issue. Also the site has many more features and details of where to write, fax or email your articles and comments. We wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

CHRISTMAS - THE BEST PART OF ALL Most people agree Christmastime is great for the family. At last there is time to sit together and commune around the table; and the real effort made to put aside the hassle and stress is part of the christmas spirit we feel. Often we have carols and the nativity play at school amd these are usually acceptable. But moving on to the story about the child born in a manger and lots of stuff about rules, regulations and sin - that is definately less popular!

Strangely, seen for what it really is, this unpopular bit can become the best part of all. So here goes to justify it with perhaps nothing too difficult to take on board.

Firstly, I think there can be no argument, we are all in this complicated life together and we struggle to establish ourselves; to find a way through, to make everything clear. Many ask 'what's it all about', others admit 'it can't be just an accident.'

Next, imagine there is a Great Creator. Not only has this Creator set up all things in this world but gives us also the chance to get established we so desperately need. A special Messenger is sent along to show and say just how it should be done, 'Always try to help your neighbour and Honour the Creator, the Father. You must go for it wholeheartedly, put your mind, body and soul into it.'

"It's not an easy task" you might say, "I'd rather just enjoy myself while I can, let me alone to eat, drink and be merry "

But consider the great reward on offer. In life now, we get special understanding that cuts through the hassle and the stress. Everything is much clearer; and, if we work hard to complete the package, we get the chance of a bright new existence following on.

Again you might say, "I'd rather just enjoy myself while I can, let me alone to eat, drink and be merry " Really? Is not the chance to find a successful way through life and to answer the question "WHY" much more important? If you can understand this time thinking about the Christmas message will not be wasted.

Body Mind and Spirit - ‘thoughts’ The Christmas season, that time of year when families and friends find time to meet and be happy is with us again. As they come together, there will be a lot of eating and drinking. But the joy of meeting friends and family, loved ones that our busy lives keep us from, is to some only secondary to the excuse to drink excessively in the name of making merry. As much as we have nothing against people getting together and being happy in whichever way they fancy, we at LINK believe that it should all be done with moderation. As we have said before in this column, having too much to eat and drink, especially the latter, does not contribute to a healthy body, mind and spirit. . Much as it is the time that brings a lot of joy into our drab lives, it is the same time that we could inflict physical, mental and spiritual wounds on others. So before you do things that may bring misery to your or other people's lives ask yourself; IS THIS THE RIGHT THING TO DO? Do you want to be responsible for other peoples misery? Do you want to live with a guilty conscience for the rest of you life? Please reflect on these thoughts and do the right thing. May you have a Healthy Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

MOSES MASINDE WRITES The Christmas celebration has eclipsed the city of Nairobi in earnest. The shops are already awash with decorations and messages of Merry Christmas and Happy New year.

But celebrating Christmas festivities in Kenya is not all about buying and selling. In fact the bigger steak of it is about people travelling up country to celebrate together with their kinsmen and women during this annual festive moments.

During this time of the year, heavy luggages consisting mainly of furniture, mostly sofa sets and beds dominate the bus carriers as people travel up country to their ancestral homes particularly in Western parts of Kenya. The communities living in this region are mainly the Luo and Luhya communities who are not only known for playing soccer and singing but are also good at lavishly feasting during such times. For these communities Christmas celebrations can only be memorable if only a few chickens lose their lives - for that is the turkey of this part of Kenya.

FOND MEMORIES OF MY UNCLE JOHN As one of his many nieces I have very fond memories of his antics. Once when I was young, he took me to the cinema. We got on the bus in Clapton and travelled to the cinema in Mare Street. We got on the bus and he ushered me upstairs, we sat at the front of the bus the conductor came upstairs and started his collection at the back of the bus, then he went downstairs to do some collection . No sooner than the conductor went downstairs, Uncle ushered me to the back of the bus . When the conductor came back upstairs he started at the middle and worked his way to the front. When we got off the bus I questioned him on why he did not pay? He stuttered and rebuked me saying

" You want fe go a cinema and u a go fe want ice cream so shut u mouth den"

DORRETTE B

NEWS VIEWS: THERE IS NO EXCUSE So we again see corruption in our government and there is no excuse for such behaviour. For those in positions of influence there is a huge responsibility to demonstrate a sound code of morals. How else can the value of sound family life be passed on to young people? Finally it is the children of these liaisons who suffer the most. Have you seen the trust in a young child's eyes? It is this that is taken away and lost and often can never be replaced. THE PRESS carries much responsibility. In the first place it is perhaps right to bring out the shady doings of ministers but how often do we see in print details about good behaviour in parliament. Always the seedy is given front-page headlines - and it is these that can set the tone of peoples thinking. No wonder it is often expressed that we need to fear the media, 'the gutter press.' If only we might progress back to the news once a day on the home service as radio 4 used to be, and not allow it at all on television. But then what a problem for the programmers as negative news must fill up at least 50% of our TV time. We may be thankful for star trek where no man went before but morals seem still to exist!

MORE SERVICES - A REAL TASK FOR THE HOME SECRETARY If more services, such as worthwhile projects to cover the needs of young people, were available we would not need so much concentration on ASBOs, anti social behaviour orders, and myriad's of cameras to watch our every move. Again, although post office closures are blamed on the post office, surely the government is guilty in reducing the post office budget. These are very troubling to many people and strike at the roots of our society. In a season of good will like Christmas we see more clearly that our government system should be devolved and allowed to function at local levels. It should recognise that to give more in needy areas will produce a much happier and settled society. Here indeed is the real task of the home secretary.

CONKERS AND THE NANNY STATE Any state where children are not allowed to play conkers probably deserves the title 'completely bonkers'!

Such petty safety rules will gradually sap all the spirit and life not only from children but from its citizens too. And how, it might be asked, can it be afforded to employ people in health and safety quangos to make up such daft rules?

EDITORIAL TEAM John and Dorrette Broadhead, Moses Masinde, Evans Gallo -- Our website site has many more features; also details of where to write, fax or email your articles and comments. See spine of Link for addresses