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Holocaust Memorial Day - Friday January 27, 2017

Matt Holland from Lower Shaw Farm writes about arrangements in Swindon for this year's Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday January 27, 2017.

The theme for this year is “How can life go on?”

First, at 12.00 noon, there will be a short (20 minutes) wreath-laying ceremony by the Cenotaph, Regents Circus. Following this, at 12.30 pm, there will be a gathering for readings and reflection at the Friends Meeting House, Eastcott Hill, Swindon.

NOTE: For this event, and in the spirit of the day, we welcome talks or presentations from individuals and groups. If you would like to speak or read at this gathering or know someone else who would like to, please contact the undersigned, beforehand or on the day. We welcome everyone who would like to speak.

At this latter event, we expect to be together for approx 1 hour. As well as words and quiet time, there will be light lunchtime refreshments, including sandwiches and hot drinks, provided by Friends, whom we thank.

Background

Holocaust Memorial Day was first marked in the UK in January 2001, and is now established as an annual day of remembrance on 27 January each year.

Local authorities, faith and community groups, and individuals have been asked to take a lead in developing local memorial events and appropriate activities. We do so in Swindon.

The aim of this day is to mark not only the Holocaust but also numerous other human rights tragedies around the world, including persecution and wars, past and present. Its aim is also to help raise awareness in young people.

This day also provides an opportunity for all of us to renew our commitment to building a strong and caring community in Swindon, which embraces people of all faiths, beliefs, backgrounds, languages, and nations.

Further information, and a more national perspective, about Holocaust Memorial Day, can be found at www.hmd.org.uk

If you have any queries or suggestions, please contact

Matt Holland, Organiser

Telephone No: 01793 771080 Email address: matt@lowershawfarm.co.uk

Photographs: Holocaust Memorial Day 2012







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