TRAFFORD paid its own fitting tribute to victims of one of the darkest chapters in our history on Holocaust Memorial Day, January 27.

Representatives from the council and Trafford schools joined members of the borough’s Jewish community for a programme entitled Journeys, which included inspiring music, dance, drama, readings and prayers led by Chazan Michael Isdale, Cantor, Bowdon Synagogue.

Candles of remembrance were lit to remember the victims of the Holocaust, led by Doris Angel, Holocaust refugee. The event was introduced by the Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Dylan Butt, and was then led by Frank Vigon a retired secondary school headteacher and Jewish educator. Peter Kuror also shared his memories as a Holocaust refugee and recounted the historical mass rescue of 6,000 Jews in 1938.

Notable performances were given by members of Trafford’s Gypsy community who danced to the music of Vittorio Monti.

Trafford schools gave their memorable tributes, including a flute solo from Imogen Royce from Loreto Grammar School, a dramatic recounting of The Ghetto from Joshua Sobol’s play by Altrincham College of Arts and pupils from Saint Ambrose Colleage and Sale Grammar School gave their reflections on their 2013 Holocaust Educational Trust visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Students from Stretford Grammar School and Woodheys Junior School read out their personal pledges and hopes for the future to commemorate the day.

The event, held at Sale’s Waterside Arts Centre, closed with the Firs Primary School choir singing The Moment.