I know this appears obtuse at first glance but there is at least one connection between Formby and Afghanistan and ironically it has to do with blogging, well at least in part.
I came across a blog today where the author writes:
I attended a Shura, which is the Afghan term for a meeting, at Patrol Base Waterloo earlier this week. It was the first one I had ever attended,......
According to Wikipedia a Shura is:
an Arabic word for "consultation". It is believed to be the method by which pre-Islamic Arabian tribes selected leaders and made major decisions....Muslims believe that Islam requires all decisions made by and for the Muslim societies to be made by shura of the Muslim community and believe this to be the basis for implementing representative democracy.
As both an elected member of Formby Parish Council and blogger I find the story very interesting but I suppose the other connection that makes it relevant is the fact that the writer is my son. I've only just discovered his blog along with others writing for the Jack Speak blog.
...written by the people who truly understand what it means to be a part of this exceptional service – the Royal Navy personnel themselves.We were delighted to be the first of the Armed Forces to have created a blog on our own website, and hope to continue to lead from the front. We hope you’ll enjoy sharing our Life Without Limits....
I hope you'll forgive me a little display of parental pride and understand the connection between Formby and Afghanistan.
