19/01/10 - Swindon to Mark Holocaust Memorial Day, Wednesday 27 January

The day when the victims of the Holocaust are especially remembered, Holocaust Memorial Day, takes place on Wednesday 27 January, and it will again be marked by events taking place in Swindon.

The theme of this year's event is 'The Legacy of Hope'. Holocaust Memorial Day was first marked nationally in 2001, and is now established as an annual day of remembrance on 27 January – the date when the Auschwitz concentration camps were liberated in 1945.

The day also encourages people to remember numerous other human rights tragedies around the world, including persecution and wars, past and present, and aims to help raise awareness among young people. Swindon schools have been encouraged to mark it.

There will be a short wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in Regents Circus in Swindon at 12.00pm, followed by a gathering for readings and reflection at 12.30pm at the Friends Meeting House, Eastcott Hill.

Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Roderick Bluh said: "My father only just escaped the Holocaust, but many members of our family didn't. I am proud that Swindon has marked this day for the past nine years – the event is so important in reminding future generations of horrors that must never be repeated."

The event will also be attended by the Mayor of Swindon, Cllr David Wren.

The gathering at the Friends Meeting House is expected to last an hour, with readings and presentations by members of many of Swindon's faith groups and community groups, as well as contributions from individuals.

Anyone with appropriate personal stories or readings is welcome to speak or read at the gathering, and are asked to contact Matt Holland at matt@lowershawfarm.co.uk beforehand, or speak to him on the day.

Light lunchtime refreshments, including sandwiches and hot drinks, will be provided.

Further information

For details of the day from a national perspective please see the Holocaust Memorial Day website (www.hmd.org.uk).