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Dalai Lama draws crowds in 'unlikely visit' to Aldershot Dalai Lama draws crowds in 'unlikely visit' to Aldershot
(about 1 hour later)
By Roz Tappenden BBC News, AldershotBy Roz Tappenden BBC News, Aldershot
The small Hampshire military town of Aldershot is more used to welcoming home soldiers from conflict zones rather than spiritual leaders.The small Hampshire military town of Aldershot is more used to welcoming home soldiers from conflict zones rather than spiritual leaders.
So when it was announced the Dalai Lama was paying an unlikely visit, it was a chance thousands did not want to miss.So when it was announced the Dalai Lama was paying an unlikely visit, it was a chance thousands did not want to miss.
Crowds began gathering early in the drizzle at the 7,000-capacity EBB Stadium, where the town's football team hosts League Two games, to catch a glimpse of the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader.Crowds began gathering early in the drizzle at the 7,000-capacity EBB Stadium, where the town's football team hosts League Two games, to catch a glimpse of the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader.
'A miracle''A miracle'
The large local Nepalese community ensured it was a colourful affair, with many in traditional dress.The large local Nepalese community ensured it was a colourful affair, with many in traditional dress.
A Nepalese man, who did not want to be named, described the Dalai Lama's visit to the town as "nothing short of a miracle".A Nepalese man, who did not want to be named, described the Dalai Lama's visit to the town as "nothing short of a miracle".
Val Wilkie, 67, who travelled up from Teignmouth in Devon on Wednesday, said: "I've come to see him because of the history he has in world peace."Val Wilkie, 67, who travelled up from Teignmouth in Devon on Wednesday, said: "I've come to see him because of the history he has in world peace."
Addressing the crowd in broken English, the Dalai Lama spoke of mutual respect and religious harmony.
As he spoke the heavens opened, but he still managed to do a lap of honour around the pitch as it eased.
Dave Freestone, 47, from Portsmouth, came with Paula Slater, 48, from Aldershot.Dave Freestone, 47, from Portsmouth, came with Paula Slater, 48, from Aldershot.
"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, I'm planning to go to India where we were hoping to catch him over there but this is guaranteed," he said. "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, I'm planning to go to India where we were hoping to catch him over there but this was guaranteed," he said.
"It's a very auspicious occasion. I'm hoping to walk away with some spiritual guidance."It's a very auspicious occasion. I'm hoping to walk away with some spiritual guidance.
'Interesting figure''Interesting figure'
"It's a strange place for the Dalai Lama to be, but in Aldershot where else could he be [then the stadium]? It's the only place.""It's a strange place for the Dalai Lama to be, but in Aldershot where else could he be [then the stadium]? It's the only place."
Oyuntsetseg Gilbert, 44, travelled with her husband Andrew, 47, from Canvey Island in Essex, said she was excited about seeing him," she said. Oyuntsetseg Gilbert, 44, travelled with her husband Andrew, 47, from Canvey Island in Essex, said she was excited about seeing him.
"I'm from Mongolia, I'm a Buddhist and this is a chance to see him. "I'm from Mongolia, I'm a Buddhist and this is a chance to see him."
"I'm very excited."
Dhartee Sunuwer, 25, from Wembley in north London, came with her friend Renukha Sunwar, 24, said they had travelled to get his blessing.Dhartee Sunuwer, 25, from Wembley in north London, came with her friend Renukha Sunwar, 24, said they had travelled to get his blessing.
Jo Staples, 45, from Farnham, Surrey, said he was an "interesting figure" and she wanted to see him as she has lived in in the part of the world he is from.Jo Staples, 45, from Farnham, Surrey, said he was an "interesting figure" and she wanted to see him as she has lived in in the part of the world he is from.
VIP seatsVIP seats
The cost of hosting the event has been put at £60,000 to £70,000 so organisers, Buddhist Community Centre UK, said it had no choice but to charge for entry.The cost of hosting the event has been put at £60,000 to £70,000 so organisers, Buddhist Community Centre UK, said it had no choice but to charge for entry.
Thirty VIP seats were sold for £100 each, while a seat in the ground cost £30 and a standing ticket was £15.Thirty VIP seats were sold for £100 each, while a seat in the ground cost £30 and a standing ticket was £15.
Any profits made will be split between Buddhist Community Centre UK and the Dalai Lama's charities.Any profits made will be split between Buddhist Community Centre UK and the Dalai Lama's charities.
The Dalai Lama is nearing the end of an eight day visit to the UK during which he has given talks on non-violence, dialogue and universal responsibility.The Dalai Lama is nearing the end of an eight day visit to the UK during which he has given talks on non-violence, dialogue and universal responsibility.
He lives in exile in India, travelling the world to seek support for more rights for Tibetan people.He lives in exile in India, travelling the world to seek support for more rights for Tibetan people.