Earlier this week I took a peek into another of the

cultural worlds in our midst.

I was absolutely delighted to be asked to say a few words at the Keighley celebration of the seventh

anniversary of the independence of the Ukraine. At first, as I told the joyful gathering, I was totally lost for words - for once. I realised I knew precious little about the

country - and still do - and was terrified of saying

something which might offend.

One of my colleagues here brought me a new book on the history of the Ukraine. Turning the pages and looking at some of the photographs revealed centuries of

struggle which I guess most of us would never

understand.

As it happens, all turned out well and during the evening several lovely stories were told to me which helped lift some of the fog which shrouded the importance of such a party. I listened to their magnificent male choir and I confess to a lump developing in my throat as I stood while the gathering sang national songs.

Mr President Peter, thank you for inviting me to join you on such a wonderful occasion. We should not forget the wonderful contribution your community has made to the general welfare of this town.

Saying that, my thoughts turned to another potentially great development in another of the former Iron Curtain countries - Estonia. The Keighley Business Forum is part and parcel of a trade mission to Estonia through Urmet Lee, director of a company based at the Aire Valley Business Centre. The mission is to form two-way links between the countries and bring greater prosperity all round. Keighley is at the forefront once again.

When you put together the rich multi-racial, multi-

cultural package we have in Keighley it's like a mini United Nations. Long may it be so.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.