Town will pay tribute to Holocaust victims

LAST year outside Uppermill Methodist church

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OLDHAM will mark Holocaust Memorial Day with services in the borough on Friday.

The annual event offers residents the chance to remember the millions of people who lost their lives or had their lives significantly changes during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

Oldham will commemorate the day with an event at Newman RC College, Broadway, Chadderton, at 11.30am.

The event will be opened by The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Derek Heffernan and will be followed by a special commemorative service and presentations by pupils from the college and its feeder primary schools.

The event has been organised in partnership with Oldham Council, Blessed John Henry Newman RC College and Oldham Interfaith Forum and refreshments will be available.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, said: "Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity for us all to remember those who have been victims of some of the worst atrocities in recent history.

"To see pupils from Blessed John Henry Newman RC College heavily involved in this event is inspiring and I commend them for playing their part in such an important occasion.

"One of the pupils has even produced a piece of artwork which is being used on the service invites.

"The day is not only about commemorating past genocides and honouring those who died, but about standing with those who survived.

"This event also gives the council the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to opposing prejudice, discrimination and racism wherever it occurs."

A short service will also take place at Royton Park War Memorial at 10.30am and residents can also gather at Shaw War Memorial, on the High Street, at 9.30am.

Places at the event at Newman College are limited and will be allocated on a first come basis. To attend please contact Anthony Booth, business support officer, by email: Anthony.Booth@oldham.gov.uk