Crowd gathers in Bromsgrove for Holocaust Memorial Day

MORE than 60 people gathered in the snow at Bromsgrove's Sanders Park today (Friday) to remember the victims of the Holocaust and other atrocities over the years.

Among them were residents, Bromsgrove District councillors, the town's civic head, Coun Janice Boswell, Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid and children from several schools, including South Bromsgrove High, Aston Fields Middle, Waseley Hills Academy, Hagley Catholic High and Bromsgrove School.

The Holocaust Memorial Day service last Friday (January 25) was led by Rev Chris Wingfield and featured prayer and periods for silent reflection.

There were also readings from school pupils, Kathleen Roche-Nagi, the vice-chair from the Bromsgrove Muslim Community Trust, Mr Javid and Chief Executive Kevin Dicks, among others.

The Last Post and a Revielle was played by a bugler, either side of a two minutes silence, during the service, which this year had the theme 'Communities Together: Build a Bridge'.

The event was concluded with a statement of commitment, further prayer and a blessing.

Mr Javid said: "It was great to see so many people of different faiths come together to remember one of the most despicable periods of human history.

"It was also good to see so many young people making a contribution to the service.

"It's very important that this generation and the generations after them learn lessons from it.

"I'm particularly proud that Bromsgrove holds an annual commemoration - it would be great to see more towns and cities do the same," he added.

Coun Boswell said, despite the snow and cold weather, this year's event had been attended by more people than ever.

"It's wonderful to see so many young people here.

"The readings were so poignant and the whole commemoration was a sincere expression of togetherness by so many people from across the district," she added.

Buy photos» The Last Post and Reveille was played either side of a two-minute silence.

Buy photos» The poignant service took place around the Holocaust Memorial plaque in Sanders Park.

Buy photos» The plaque in Sanders Park.

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