The month of March was also Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar and the month in which Muslims around the world fast from dawn till dusk. It is a month reflection and sacrifice and a month of charity and kindness. Muslims of all backgrounds will give up food and drink, (yes, not even water!) from dawn till dusk every day for 30 days. They will also perform extra prayers at the mosque after breaking their fast in the evening. Although it can be a difficult time for many it is also a time that brings communities together. This year Community Rail Lancashire and Northern, with help from Stations of Welcome, distributed water and sweets to passengers and staff at Accrington and Blackburn Stations. It was a way of creating awareness of this special time and also of sharing something significant with the community as a whole. It sparked some interesting conversations about the health benefits of fasting whether you are Muslim or not and gave people the opportunity to ask questions about fasting, Islam and Muslims. It was a very positive way of breaking down barriers and creating understanding.