Matthew was delighted to attend the Kathia robe offering ceremony at the West Hendon Community Centre. This is a Buddhist festival which occurs at the end of Vassa, the three-month rainy season retreat for Buddhists in Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

It is a time of giving, for the laity to express gratitude to bhikkhus (Buddhist monks). Lay Buddhists bring donations to temples, especially new robes for the monks. During the ceremony Matthew was extended the privilege of sewing part of the monks' robes as they were being made.

Matthew said: “The Hendon constituency is a diverse place and after almost ten years as the Member of Parliament, I continue to be passionate about the different cultures, religions and practices of local residents.

"Being part of the local community means that I have the opportunity to participate in many of the events that are of great significance to those celebrating. Having visited India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, I have experienced much of the culture of people whose family history originated in those countries, and who have an affinity with them, and it is always a pleasure to celebrate with them.”

Matthew is pictured (1) with Deputy Mayor Cllr Lachhya Gurung and West Hendon Councillors Saira Don and Helene Richman with new robes, (2) presenting the robes, (3) helping to sew a robe, (4) speaking to those present