MVWI - November Meeting - Diwali Traditions & Celebrations

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE RSVP'D WILL BE BE ABLE TO ATTEND.

THE VENUE HAS CHANGED TO ST ANDREW'S & ST MARK'S JUNIOR SCHOOL. IF YOU ARE ATTENDING IN PERSON, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE READ THE COVID INFORMATION BELOW. IF YOU ARE ATTENDING ONLINE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ACCESS THE MEETING ON ZOOM. THIS IS OUR FIRST HYBRID MEETING SO PLEASE BEAR WITH US AS WE DO OUR BEST WITH THE TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE!

This month, we've invited our neighbours at Sarvoday in Tolworth to join us to tell us all about the traditions and celebrations of Diwali which takes place just a few weeks before our meeting. Sarvoday is a Gujarati Hindu Association based at Tolworth Recreation Centre. 

With the majority of its members originating from Gujarat, the homeland of Mahatma Gandhi, the Association provides a platform for the local community to celebrate the best of Gujarati Heritage with around 10 major events organised every year.

While COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, we will still be taking precautions to reduce the risk of transmission during physical events:

· If you are symptomatic of COVID-19, been advised to isolate by NHS Test and Trace, self-isolating or awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test, then please stay at home or attend the event via Zoom, where possible.

· If you experience any Covid-19 symptoms within seven days of attending a WI in-person event or activity, you must get a PCR test. If you test positive you must inform the Secretary or President.

· It is recommended that members carry out a rapid lateral flow test before attending a meeting to ensure they are not unknowingly infected with Covid.

· Members who are clinically at high-risk are advised to decide carefully whether attending face-to-face is a safe option for them in the chosen venue and situation.

· Members are encouraged to continue to wear masks when attending the meeting if they wish to do so, but this is not obligatory (unless specified by the venue). Please respect the choices made by the attendees in this regard.

· All members attending are advised to bring hand-sanitiser with them and to use it at regular intervals during the event.

· Members are advised to bring their own packet of appropriate wipes to wipe surfaces in venue toilets.

· Please note that the names and contact details of all attendees will be recorded to ensure that in the event we are notified of a positive Covid-19 test either from a Member or the Venue we will notify all of the attendees.