Author

	John Bakanoba arrived in England in spring 1973 from Uganda to join his wife Jean and family (Jane and Mary). After living in several places within the district of Huddersfield (West Yorkshire), the family finally settled in Meltham where they've lived for 25 years. As well as being fortunate to secure employment in Huddersfield, John was equally fortunate to be welcomed in Meltham where he has since been integrated as a full contributing member within a community of 8000 inhabitants.

	Having settled down well in England, after 10 years John sought residential status as a British citizen . Whilst there were administrative delays, Zola Budd a South African runner got citizenship within two weeks of her arrival in England, on the premise that she was going to represent Britain in the Olympics. John saw this as unjust, a case he took to his MP who successfully challenged the Home Office Secretary. After a heated debate in the House of Commons Mr. Richard Wainritght the MP for Colne Valley constituency came out triumphant. In return John took an interest in local politics to be of service to the community and a voice to those who could not speak for themselves. He was elected to Meltham Town Council where he was later honoured to serve as Mayor of the Township, an honour he accepted with pride.
	John's activities in local government enabled him to reach out into the community taking on people's concerns and successfully making a difference. Those are the people who were not well disposed to fight for their just causes, people who put trust in him and in what he was doing. Quite a satisfying occupation John thought. Later John found himself rather humbled when his name appeared in the Queen's Honours List for an award of an MBE for service to the community. An honour he accepted with pride and humility on behalf of those who elected him to serve them.