Dorchester Holocaust Memorial Day will build bridges with all ages (From Dorset Echo)

Dorchester Holocaust Memorial Day will build bridges with all ages

3:30pm Tuesday 15th January 2013 in News By Harry Hogger

SCHOOLCHILDREN, councillors, local organisations and members of the public will come together to build bridges at a Holocaust Memorial event in Dorchester.

The South West Dorset Multi-cultural Network is holding its seventh Holocaust Memorial Day event in the Corn Exchange on Friday January 25.

The network wants as many representatives of the local community as possible to come along and enjoy readings from local schoolchildren, art work, talks and music from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2013 is ‘Building a Bridge, Communities Together’ and it gives people a chance to listen to and think about those who experienced the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

It is hoped this will help people understand the past better and act as an inspiration for the future.

Chairman of the South West Dorset Multi Cultural Network Anne Marie Vincent said: “We are looking forward to our local community coming together to remember victims of the Holocaust and those whose lives have been affected by exclusion and hatred in subsequent genocides.”

The Holocaust Memorial Day will again be supported by a number of local organisations.

Equality and diversity manager for the Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust Dave Corbin said: “The Holocaust Memorial Day event is an excellent and timely reminder of what can happen when good people do nothing.

“Having just returned from Germany and visiting Belsen concentration camp, the atrocities need to be remembered so we don't ever allow it to happen again.”

Sue Bickle, equality and community development officer for West Dorset District Council added: “The council is delighted to support the South West Multicultural Network in facilitating this important event, which is being replicated across the UK. These events remind us of the terrible consequences that can arise, not from deliberate action on our behalf, but through a failure to speak up for that which we know to be right.”

The Corn Exchange will open at noon, giving people a chance to view the exhibits on show before the events start at 12.30pm and refreshments will be served.

At the end of the event there will be a lighting of candles and a minute’s silence.