Young and old gather to commemorate victims of The Holocaust

Old and young people in Tameside were involved in an art project to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. 

The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust gave the theme of learning, remembering, and taking action ‘For a Better Future’ as it marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. 

Six special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) schools in the borough, and a Dukinfield care home worked with Tameside Council’s Cultural Services to create an art installation. 

Thomas Ashton School, Oakdale Nursery and Primary School, Samuel Laycock School, Cromwell High School, Safe Start School Ashton, and Hawthorns Primary School – as well as residents from the Lakes Care Home in Dukinfield, have used their creativity to explore the theme of ‘For a Better Future’.   

The project and art installation comprises two parts with Thomas Ashton School pupils creating the first part featuring a large sculpture of two mannequins holding hands, each representing a genocide. 

Also, held in their hands is an umbrella, covered in world flags, with hearts flowing over the edge as the centre piece.  

All schools created the second part of the installation with children writing their name on a heart and adding a personal message on the back to describe what a ‘better future’ would mean to them. 

Kim McDonough, teacher at Thomas Ashton School said: “We got involved so that generations learn what happened in history. Some of our pupils and their families know about the Holocaust and some do not. Most have no idea that subsequent genocides have happened.” 

Tameside Council’s executive member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, Cllr Leanne Feeley, said: “Remembering the Holocaust and ensuring our young people continue to learn and understand about the discrimination and persecution that took place is hugely important to achieve our hopes ‘For a Better Future’. 

“Holocaust Memorial Day is also a reminder to people of all ages to use our freedom for good, whether that be through community projects or working together to make a positive difference to the lives of others.” 

The unveiling of the art installation took place at Thomas Ashton School on Monday, with the Civic Mayor of Tameside Councillor Betty Affleck in attendance, accompanied by consort Declan Fitzpatrick.  Also in attendance was councillor for Armed Forces and Culture, Councillor Hugh Roderick, as well as local ward councillor Robinson. 

Following the unveiling, the installation will then tour the other schools each week, and the piece will be on display within the Local Studies and Archives Centre in Ashton until Tuesday, February 11.