AN event and prayers, together with an Iftar dinner, took place at the Jamme Masjid Thurrock Muslim Centre in Stanford-le-Hope this evening (Tuesday, 19 March).

Iftar is the main meal of the fasting day, which occurs at sunset every day of Ramadan, a month-long event when Muslims observe a strict fast from dawn until sunset.

Ramadan is the Islamic faith's celebration of the time when the Holy Qur'an was sent down from heaven "as a guidance for men and women, a declaration of direction, and a means of salvation."

Today's feast at the new Islamic site that was formerly Stanford Methodist Church took place in the hall at the rear of the main church.

Among invited guests for the evening were the Archdeacon of Southend, the Venerable Mike Power, and the recently appointed Rural Dean of Thurrock, Rev David Rollins, Rector of St Mary the Virgin, Corringham, and St Michael's Church, Fobbing.

Also present were town community policing officers, accompanied by Thurrock Divisional Commander, Chief Inspector Tony Atkin.

Thurrock Council's deputy leader and portfolio holder for transformational change, communications and governance, Cllr Deborah Arnold, and Stanford West independent ward councillor Neil Speight were also guests.

Visitors and mosque members enjoyed a meal.

The hall is in the process of a significant renovation and will be used as the mosque until further work is carried out on the main church building by Stanford Education and Cultural Association, the organisation that purchased the site last year.

The cost of the purchase was around £750,000 and on completion of the deal in November, the Association chairman Dr Muhammad Siraj Ali announced the formation of an appeal to cover the cost of purchase and also a further £250,000 for refurbishment.

That target has now doubled, with an appeal now ooperating to try and raise £2 million. £750,000 will be required to bring the main building back into use and the further £500,000 will be required for a third floor expansion project and to cover the day-top-day running of the centre.

Work has yet to start on the main church building.

The Association has set up an extensive fundraising campaign, including a request for interest-free loans. More details can be found via this link.

A statement says the Association's aim for the centre is to co-operate with all local organisations, Muslim and non-Muslin, to facilitate social, educational, religious and cultural activities that help create a better understanding of Islam.