Holocaust to be remembered at local service

Civic leaders and representatives in Staffordshire Moorlands will be marking National Holocaust Memorial Day (NHM) on 28 January, with a special service in Leek.

St Edwards Church in the town will host its service on Saturday 25 January at 3pm, led by the Reverend Diane Oliver, with an introduction from the Chairman of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Councillor Ian Plant.

The theme will be `For a Better Future` and will include the Young Phoenix Choir singing two Jewish folk songs, other pieces of music played, and a speech on the NHM Educational Trust and Auschwitz recalled by Tilly Thornley, a student at the University of Manchester.

There will also be reflections on peace and world order by Nobel prize winner Josef Rotblat from Councillor Bill Cawley, Cabinet Member for Communities at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, with fellow district councillor, Councillor Joe Porter, speaking on LGBTQ+ rights throughout the world since 1945.

A key part of the event will be the lighting of a commemoration candle by the Mayor of Leek, Councillor Barry Birch.

Councillor Cawley, who has helped organise the service, said: "Everyone is welcome to the event on the 25^th to spend time reflecting on holocausts that have happened throughout the world and to work towards a more peaceful world, and aiming for that `better future`.

"This year is the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Concentration Camp, as well as the 30th anniversary of the massacre of Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica in the Balkans conflict. The event which will involve young people is based on the hope of a better future free from hate, persecution and slaughter." 

Published 14 January 2025