Here's how Warwick will be marking Holocaust Memorial Day

Every year the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) encourages remembrance of genocides around the world but this year things are due to be different.

Warwick has a proud tradition of marking Holocaust Memorial Day every year on January 27 with a civic ceremony lead by the Mayor.

In doing this it join towns and cities all over the world in spending some moments remembering the victims and horror of genocides and holocausts over the years.

Usually schools in the town also play their part.

Dave Sternberg, a Warwick resident, said: "Local schools in Warwick have been a wonderful part of our local remembrance by doing special activities in school, and joining others on the day to read a poem or piece of writing whilst a wreath is laid to remember the millions of Jews murdered in the Nazi Holocaust and the millions of people killed in more recent genocides in Rwanda, Cambodia, Bosnia, Darfur and other places.

"Many schools organise a lesson around the day and tap into the resources available online and by post from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT)."

However due to lockdown and school closures things are due to be different this year.

Dave added: "This year with the rules about gatherings and social distance it is impossible to organise the usual town centre ceremony in Warwick on the January 27.

"Instead, the Mayor of Warwick is going to read a poem by the War Memorial and it is being filmed to share with everyone.

"The poem he is going to read is the famous one - "The Butterfly" by Pavel Friedman."

For more information about the Holocaust Memorial Trust go to: https://www.hmd.org.uk/