Published Monday, 23rd January 2017

The Mayor is inviting the community to join him at a special ceremony to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides on Tuesday 24 January 2017 at 7pm at Reigate School.

Organised jointly by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Reigate School, the evening will draw on various art forms to highlight the importance of learning lessons from the past. 

Holocaust Memorial Day logo 2017Holocaust survivor Eve Gill will give a talk on her life and her experience on Kinder Transport.  The evening will include performances from Reigate School choir and Dunottar School Chamber Choir, Reigate Grammar School’s String Quartet, Reigate College students, soloist Sandra Gayer, Salfords primary School and Orbit Shed drama group. 

Focus to remember

The Mayor of Reigate & Banstead, Cllr David Powell, said: "Holocaust Memorial Day is the international day to remember the victims of Nazi persecution across Europe, and also those who were killed in other more recent atrocities. It provides a focus for people to remember the victims, honour survivors and commit to tackling prejudice, discrimination and racism in the present day. It also serves as a reminder that we should not look the other way. I invite members of the local community to come along and mark this important day with us.”

Local people representing organisations from a diverse cross section of the local community have been invited to attend the event. Attendees will be invited to add a message to our special Tree of Hope.

Entrance and parking at the venue, located in Pendleton Road, are free and refreshments will be provided in the interval.

2017 HMD theme

The theme of Holocaust Memorial Day 2017 is 'How can life go on?' It asks people to think about what happens after genocide and of our own responsibilities in the wake of such a crime. 

For more information about Holocaust Memorial Day visit www.hmd.org.uk