I JUST want to thank the organisers Sandra Stewart, Barby Phillips, Michael Isdale and the sponsor and schools for their performances in the Holocaust Memorial Day which I attended last week at the Sale Waterside Arts centre.

The event was named "How can life go on".

Three young people from Lostsock College gave a moving account of their lives in different countries, before they came to Trafford, and how much they now loved their school and this country.

This was followed by Sale Grammar, who through the Holocaust Education trust, enabled young people to visit Auschwitz. Their account of the visit was very moving and sensitively portrayed .

Stretford High school children went to Calais last term to meet the refugee children in the camp and took them goods that they desperately needed.

The stories they told about their visit were so interesting and showed their understanding of the hardship these young people’s experience.

Wellington High portrayed an interpretation of Ruth Vander Zee’s book about the love and sadness of a holocaust survivor’s story, it was excellent.

Finally poetry written by the pupils of Blessed Holford Catholic College - these poems were so moving and beautifully written.

I know that everyone who attended this memorial were impressed by the school performances and Springfield Primary school brought the event to a close with the song “the song I keep in my heart”.

They sang their hearts out!

Thank you also to the speakers Eric Roth, Michael Isda, Rabbi Lewis, Rabbi Portnoy, Venerable Miao Duo and Saimo Alvi who lit candles for all of the holocaust and other genocides.

I only wish more residents could have seen what was a very memorable experience and I want to thank all our children and teachers for their outstanding performances.

In the present time of increasing uncertainties, we all need to remember the past. These young people showed us how we must remember and learn from our past.

Cllr. Jane Baugh
Priory Ward
Shadow Spokesperson - Children and Young peoples services