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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, Aldershot | By 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 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. | |
"I'm from Mongolia, I'm a Buddhist and this is a chance to see him." | |
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 seats | VIP 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. |