It was so pleasant, satisfying and heartwarming to read Councillor Ramesh Patel's letter (Times Series, January 7). It was a letter with a difference, and in sharp contrast to what we normally read in the national press -- gloom, doom and the un-Christian behaviour of individuals and authorities alike.

The incident that readily springs to my mind is the one at Finsbury Park Underground station, where two burly attendants picked up a fragile woman with a crutch and dumped her outside, along with the rubbish. All she was trying to do was to escape the bitterly cold night and to seek some warmth and shelter. Sometimes it makes me wonder where our once caring, sharing and tolerant society is heading.

I have been fortunate enough to meet both Councillor Patel and our popular and devoted MP for Brent North, Barry Gardiner, both socially and when seeking their help and assistance. No two politicians could be more kind, caring and considerate to their constituents. In the world of political intrigue, power struggle and naked ambition, where cronyism and sleaze are an every day occurance, it is nice and comforting to know that honest and caring politicians are not an extinct breed.

I distinctly remember the pleasure, thrill and deep satisfaction we used to get when we were on the list of a Christian charity for homeless at the festive time, providing warmth, food and shelter to a homeless person for a week or two.

But it was equally heartbreaking to ask him to leave at the end of the festive season, when we knew so well that he had nowhere to go except back to his cardboard box among his comrades, down-on-luck and victims of a super-efficient economic society. It was difficult to look into his eyes and not to notice the look of pain and bewilderment.

I guess the compassion fatigue has set on all of us, and instead of providing a home we are taking an easy way out, donating a small sum to charities which look after the homeless. But at least our youngsters prepare and distribute hot soup and sandwiches to the homeless during Christmas holidays.

I am sure by coming into contact with the homeless, these youngsters realise how lucky they are to live in a predominantly Christian country, to have a comfortable home, and to be surrounded by family and friends who love and care for them. This experience will make them better citizens and better human beings.

I wish your readers a prosperous and peaceful New Year.

Bhupendra M Gandhi,

Wimborne Drive, Kingsbury

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