AFTER being out and about over the weekend, I got to see the Scouts parade through Worcester as well as a family day at Gheluvelt Park.

It is good to see everyone coming together in celebration.

I got to find out about people and ask them lots of questions without knowing them and being a reporter makes it acceptable.

Worcester has a diverse population and I believe diversity is the key to creating a well-rounded society.

Last year far-right activists marched through the city attempting to divide communities for their own political end, with their vile politic.

Why do they choose to project their hatred onto others?

My grandparents were Irish, and I was told of the hatred they received when they moved to England to look for work shortly after the Second World War.

Signs said: “No blacks. No Irish. No Dogs”.

But by working hard and integrating, gradually the hegemonic view of the Irish was changed and they became accepted.

What is happening now is that Muslims are being treated as the ‘outsider’, the new Irish to persecute and blame their woes upon.

I find it sad that when a terrorist incident happens and so-called Islamic State claim responsibility, the local mosques feel it is a reflection on their wholesome view of Islam so have to come and condemning such a despicable act and offering an apology.

But the the extremists were nowhere to be seen as proud parents watched their children parade in Scout uniform to Worcester Cathedral to attend the St George’s Day service and I witnessed different ethnic groups all getting along.

Regardless of background, class or ethnicity, if people showed more kindness to one another, not as some throw back to the 70s but to truly connect with their fellow man, then our short time on earth would go along more smoothly.