Mayor plants Ashton tree to be a living symbol of peace

Monday, 22 April 2024 14:01

On Wednesday, April 17, the Civic Mayor Tafheen Sharif planted a Peace Tree in the Memorial Gardens in Ashton-under-Lyne, on behalf of and in the presence of school children from six local schools.

Students from Parochial School said the Peace Tree acts as a metaphor for how peace can grow if it is nurtured. Speeches were read by various pupils to the people gathered.

"Like a tall tree, peace can provide protection and comfort," one student read.

"Like a tall tree, peace spreads its protective branches to create a place of peace where we can gather. This peace tree will need nurturing and caring for, it will need people to respect and protect it.

"It will serve as a reminder to us, every time we see it, of how lucky we are and how important it is to strive for a peaceful world where we can all thrive together."

Originally unveiled on September 16 1922, the Garden is a special place for many within the community and somewhere people are able to turn to reflect upon tragic world events.

A prayer for peace was read by Rev. Phillip Brierley, who also blessed the tree, and Miss Louise Thompson, Parochial School's headteacher, welcomed everyone.

Another pupil added: "This Memorial Garden is 102 years old and it remains as important as ever.

"At a time when there is still conflict taking place around the world, where there is intolerance and anger, we need to come together, as the next generation of global citizens and look to the future.

"It is up to us to be the change we want to see in the world and the place we stand today serves as a reminder of how important this is."

Those gathered sang songs as an ensemble, beginning with 'Peace Perfect Peace'

A piper, Royal British Legion Standard Bearers and A.T.C cadets were also in attendance, supported by Decendants of the Fallen and the Probus group.