MORE than 250 VIPs gathered at Flaxley to celebrate the inauguration of the international peace foundation, the ASHA Centre.

The Marquess of Bath launched the celebrations by declaring the Centre open and unveiling a plaque.

It had been hoped the Baroness Royall would have been present but sadly her beloved husband had just died and so she was unable to attend. The Marquess of Bath, as one of ASHA's distinguished patrons, immediately agreed to attend with his butler, his dog, and his beloved consort. Although he was not well, Lord Bath said he felt he should support the work of the ASHA Foundation which he so admired for having transformed the lives of so many young people.

It was also the first visit to the Centre by Viscount Bledisloe and his wife Shera. Among the many other extraordinary guests from around the world were Hollywood producers, Indian royalty and several leading members of the world's religions, together with representatives from the media, charity, the arts and politics.

The new MP for Gloucester, Richard Graham's wife, Anthea, was joined by several local politicians, mayors and London based diplomats, including a

number of High Comm­is­sioners. Many of the women featured in founder Zerbanoo' Giffords latest book, "Confessions to a Serial Womaniser: Secrets of the World's Inspirational Women" also came along to celebrate the ASHA Centre.

The day began with prayers and the Bishop of Tewkesbury, the Right Rev John Went, unveiled the Celtic Cross, specially carved for Zerbanoo's 60th birthday by local sculptor, David Lovemore. The Bishop spoke movingly about the symbolism of the Cross and his words started an interfaith ceremony on the newly planted Peace Grove. Members of the world's faiths each walked to a specially planted tree where they stood, and together recited prayers and blessings from their faiths.

The religious leaders then moved to a newly constructed fire pit throwing bundles of wood symbolising purification for the Centre's work bringing the world's faiths and spiritual movements together.

Satish Kumar, the editor of Resurgence magazine and celebrated peace pilgrim, opened the Golden Tiger Eco Lodge. The specially designed building will allow visitors to observe birds and other wildlife without disturbing them or even being seen.

Satish, who has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, told the gathering about the origins of the word 'ecology' and its connections with the word 'economy' and how these two disciplines are inter-connected. He went on to say that the ASHA Centre was a beacon of hope for those who wanted to have a more profound way of living.

Continuing with the green theme, the new Energy Centre was the next feature of ASHA to be declared open. Edward Trevor, MBE and ASHA Patron did the honours.

The Centre provides all ASHA's buildings with green energy, including heating and hot water. Many people were fascinated by how they could cut their carbon footprint.

After lunch, the focus moved onto Zerbanoo's 60th birthday celebrations and personal and professional tributes.