THE CHRISTIAN and the Alevi communities in Didim have united in grief at the tragic loss of former Altinkum resident Mrs Jan Bennett.

Rev Maurice Ryan, leader of the St Mary’s Christian Ecumenical Fellowship, said Mrs Bennett was an active member of the community and served as its secretary before moving to Bulgaria for pastures new.

The Christian community meets every Sunday for a religious service at the Cemevi House, the centre point of the Alevi community, on the Hospital Road, close to the small Tesco Kipa superstore.

Mr Ryan thanked the Alevi community leaders for allowing a memorial service to be held there on Sunday August 16.

He said: “Jan’s death has saddened everyone within the Christian community. She intended to stay this winter in Altinkum. She was considerate, but was also a highly thought-of person.

“We are extremely indebted to the CemEvi House and the Alevi community in allowing us to hold the memorial service.

“We have been working alongside the community and have built up great friendships over the last three years.”

Alevi community leader Hasan Dikçe said: “The loss of Jan is terrible news for all the Didim community When we asked to cater for the memorial, we were only too happy to respond and readily accepted the request. We have also remembered Jan.”