A COMMUNITY leader is calling on Swindonians to help her form a Mauritius Association in Swindon.

Nazma Ramruttun is keen to establish a formal friendship link between the town and Beau Bassin-Rose Hill in west Mauritius, but needs to form an association to do so.

The former nurse met Swindon mayor Kevin Parry to start the process of forming one.

“We have so much to learn from each other that forming friendship links between the towns would bring many benefits,” said Nazma, who is Mauritian by birth but has lived in Swindon for 47 years.

She added: “I’m proud of living in Swindon and proud of where I come from.”

Coun Parry said: “This is about bring different communities together to get a greater understanding of each other cultures.

“Friendship links will allow us to do things like share skills and apprenticeships and host joint sporting events.

“We have lots of the table and when we know what they want we can be more certain about how best to achieve that,” he added.

Well known in the community, Nazma has previously chaired Mental Health Act hearings, been a member of Healthwatch, advised GWH on hospital meals, and acted as a school governor.

She was instrumental in twinning Churchfields Academy and Belle Rose State Secondary School.

Ten people are needed to form the association, which will have a formal constitution

“Although it will be a Mauritius Association, it will be open to anyone in our town.

"I want it to be a truly multicultural organisation and am keen for anyone interested to get in touch,” said Nazma.

Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Nazma on nurie@hotmail.co.uk.