Ramadan prayer services and spaces to be held across Test Valley borough

Test Valley councillors awarded a £500 community grant to The Silk Route Charity to support a programme offering daily Ramadan prayers, extended night prayers and Eid gatherings at local venues.

Borough communities are preparing to celebrate Ramadan and Eid, and Test Valley councillors have provided a £500 councillor community grant to The Silk Route Charity to support its Taraweeh and Eid Congregational Community Prayers Programme. Ramadan began this year on February 17 and is described as a month of prayer, charity and community gathering. The programme will offer daily Ramadan prayers, extended night prayers during the final ten days, large Eid gatherings and a multifaith iftar dinner. Events are scheduled at North Baddesley Village Hall, Toynbee School and the Pavilion on the Park and are open to residents from Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh, Chilworth, North Baddesley, Romsey and Ampfield. Key details: - A £500 councillor community grant was awarded to The Silk Route Charity by Cllr Celia Dowden and Cllr Alan Dowden. - The programme includes daily prayers, extended night prayers (Taraweeh) in the final ten days, and large Eid congregational gatherings. - The charity said it aims to create an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and that the council support helps deliver safe and accessible activities. - A multifaith iftar dinner will bring together people from different backgrounds to share a meal and raise awareness about Ramadan traditions. - Events will take place at North Baddesley Village Hall, Toynbee School, and the Pavilion on the Park and are intended for residents across several local communities. Summary: The council-funded programme is intended to provide prayer services and community gatherings across the borough while fostering understanding among different groups. Events will run throughout Ramadan at the named venues and will culminate in Eid al-Fitr gatherings.