ALMOST a year into retirement and life is settling into a routine. Part of my life is now spent listening to full council meetings when the microphone being used allows. 
On Sundays I worship at St Mary, Roman Catholic Church, at the bottom of Stow Hill.
The cultural variety, which our councillors and newspapers tell us Newport is blessed with, of the congregation at Sunday’s morning 9.30 service started me wondering. Why is that mix not seen on our city’s committees, elected, employed or voluntary. Is it just that religious beliefs call louder than civic duties?
Or is my experience too limited?
I would add the cultural mix in our church is also absent at the after service coffee and biscuit meet.

Peter Walters
Newport
Gwent