Commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day

Posted on 30th January 2023 by admin

Buckingham gathered together to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday 27th January 2023 at a chilly ceremony around Bourton Park’s new Memorial Stone. The event started with a warm welcome from the Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr. Schaefer and the following commitment:

We recognise that the Holocaust shook the foundations of modern civilisation. Its unprecedented character and horror will always hold universal meaning.
We believe the Holocaust must have a permanent place in our nation’s and community’s collective memory. We honour the survivors still with us and reaffirm our shared goals of mutual understanding and justice.
We must make sure that future generations understand the causes of the Holocaust and reflect upon its consequences. We vow to remember the victims of Nazi persecution and of all genocides.
We value the sacrifices of those who have risked their lives to protect or rescue victims, as a touchstone of the human capacity for good in the face of evil.
We recognise that humanity is still scarred by the belief that race, religion, disability, or sexuality make some people’s lives worth less than others. Genocide, antisemitism, racism, xenophobia, and discrimination still continue. We have a shared responsibility to fight these evils.
We pledge to strengthen our efforts to promote education and research about the Holocaust and other genocides. We will do our utmost to make sure that the lessons of such events are fully learned.
We will continue to encourage Holocaust remembrance by organising an activity to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. We condemn the evils of prejudice, discrimination, and racism. We value a free, respectful, and democratic society.

Ms. Sarah Katz of the Milton Keynes & District Reform Synagogue read Elie Wiesel’s Nobel acceptance. Wiesel was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. The citation for the award said: ‘His message is one of peace and atonement and human dignity. The message is in the form of a testimony, repeated and deepened through the works of a great author.’

The Town Council was joined by pupils from the Royal Latin and Lace Hill Primary School who enriched the ceremony by laying tribute stones and sharing the following readings:

Martin Niemoller's First They Came, read by Abi Moore of the The Royal Latin School. The Action In the Ghetto of Rohatyn, by Alexander Kimel, read by Royal Latin School pupil, Eleanor Davan Wetton.

Members of Buckingham Town Council’s Town Centre & Event’s Committee agreed to install a memorial stone as a focal point for people to come together on the 27th January to remember, to learn about the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution, and the genocides that followed, and apply them to the present day to create a safer, better future.

Deputy Mayor of Buckingham, Cllr. Anja Schaefer said “It was an honour to participate in this commemoration. We remember those who died and were persecuted in the Holocaust and in every genocide since so that we can help prevent future atrocities.  My thanks go to everyone who attended and especially to Sarah Katz from Milton Keynes synagogue and the students from the Royal Latin School and Lace Hill Primary School, whose contributions made it such a moving event.”

The memorial stone is limestone bedrock from Brackley Road cemetery and was installed in 2021, as a gesture to the community, by local firm Paragon Tool Hire. Buckingham Town Council commissioned a local Stonemason and a Master Letter Carver Louis Francis to engrave the Holocaust Memorial Day emblem and wording.

The Town Council worked with The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust in planning the event. The Trust is a charity that works to raise awareness of Holocaust Memorial Day. They promote and encourage participation in Holocaust Memorial Day by providing free resources, running free workshops across the UK, and producing the annual theme for Holocaust Memorial Day. It is hoped that annual events in Bourton Park on the 27th January will provide a meaningful opportunity for attendees to consider how we can all make our society a better place today, free from hatred, prejudice, and discrimination. We learn more, empathise more, and do more.

Community Fair raises funds for local charities and groups

Posted on 26th January 2023 by admin

Alongside Buckingham’s Christmas Parade runs the Community Fair in Buckingham Community Centre.

Last December over 15 groups, societies and charities took part in the Community Fair. Organised by Buckingham Town Council, this event gives them the chance to raise funds by selling homemade items, such as knitted baby and children’s wear, wooden items, Christmas cards, and more.

Over £167 was raised for the Mayors Charities; The Buckingham Food Bank and Jedidiah UK by Katharine McElligott who every year brings her hand knitted baby and children’s items. Items were available on a donation basis.

Young rugby players from Buckingham Rugby Club were fundraising for renovations to the changing rooms, and they managed to raise £201 towards the renovations.

After watching the parade, members of the public could warm up with much needed hot drinks, sausage rolls, cakes and mince pies which were provided this year by the Inner Wheel.

St John’s Ambulance brought along an ambulance and members of the public were able to climb inside and see what was inside the ambulance and have a go at operating the lights and siren.

Heritage & Sons Funeral Directors had a Tree that you could hang a message of remembrance on. They also had candles for sale.

Councillor Robin Stuchbury, Chair of Town Centre & Events Committee said “I would like to give a large thank you to Mr Terry Bloomfield who once again came back to help the Town Council. Not only did he help set up the hall for the Community Fair, but he then took part in the parade as the Mace Bearer. He went on to say how nice it was to see so many people stop in at the Community Fair after watching the parade.

As the Community Fair is held on the same day as the Christmas Parade, Buckingham Town Council is seeking feedback from the public and community groups regarding the date, time and paring of the Community Fair with the with Christmas Parade. If you are interested in finding out more or giving feedback, please contact Buckingham Town Council.

Buckingham to mark Holocaust Memorial Day

Posted on 20th January 2023 by admin

Buckingham Town Council will be commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday 27^th January 2023 at 11am around Bourton Park’s Memorial Stone. The service is open to anyone who wishes to attend.

On Holocaust Memorial Day, we remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, and the millions of people killed under Nazi persecution of other groups, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.

The ceremony will be hosted by the Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr Anja Schaefer, with readings from the community and local school children. The event will commence 11am at the eastern end of Bourton Park around the Holocaust Memorial Stone. If you are planning on attending the event, please be aware that car parking in Bourton Park is very limited, so please plan your trip in advance, walk or use public transport.

The memorial stone was installed in 2021 and is bedrock, sourced from Buckingham’s Brackley Road cemetery. It was transported, as a gesture to the community, by local firm Paragon Tool Hire. Buckingham Town Council employed local stonemason and a master letter carver Louis Francis, to engrave the Holocaust Memorial Day emblem and wording.

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place every year on the 27th January. Across the UK iconic landmarks and buildings will be lighting up in purple and individuals will place candles in their windows to stand against prejudice and hatred. You can find more information about other ways to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website: www.hmd.org.uk.

Cllr. Anja Schaefer, Deputy Town Mayor said: “On this Holocaust Memorial Day we remember the millions of ordinary people who were murdered in one of the most brutal, most life-denying events in human history. We must keep their memories alive – for them and their descendants, and for ourselves. If you can, please join us for a moment of reflection at the Holocaust Memorial Stone on Friday 27^th January 2023”.

Buckingham’s new cemetery, depot and allotments consultation

Posted on 6th January 2023 by communications

Buckingham Town Council are asking our residents if they support the Town Council borrowing £2.4 million (at a total cost of around £6 Million) for a new cemetery, depot and allotments project. The consultation closes on Thursday 19th Jan 2023.

Buckingham’s existing cemetery on Brackley Road is nearly at capacity. Outline planning permission has been granted for 9.2 acres of land along the A421 to be changed into a new burial ground, with allotments and a works depot.

It is anticipated that the new cemetery will have enough grave spaces to serve the community for roughly 160 years.

What will be included?

A total of 1474 burial plots, including areas for traditional burials, lawn burials, a children’s section and an additional wooded area for ashes.
30 allotment plots (average 25m²).
Car parking for 30 vehicles, including disabled bays.
Large sections of wildflower and tree planting.
Maintenance depot and public toilet.

If you have any questions send us an email at office@buckingham-tc.gov.uk or give us a ring on 01280 816426.

Mayor of Buckingham, Cllr. Margaret Gateley launched the consultation in December, saying that: “Buckingham Town Council needs to know your views on the right way forward for the proposed new cemetery in our town. Please take a moment to complete the cemetery consultation questionnaire, so that we are aware of public opinion on this important project. It is vital that we hear from as many residents as possible”.

For more details about the project and the consultation please visit the new cemetery consultation webpage.

You can also also complete the consultation online

Buckingham Swan Trail

Posted on 6th January 2023 by lacehill

Buckingham Town Council are excited to introduce the second temporary public art sculpture trail which will run throughout the summer holidays of 2023. The Swan Trail is a family friendly, feel-good project that provides a free community led activity for everyone to enjoy!

Just like the fantastic success of the 2021 Otter Trail, we believe the Swan Trail will attract visitors to the town and help increase footfall to our local shops and businesses. We know from previous trails, that when visitors spend time exploring Buckingham's heritage this also generates positive economic and social benefits for the community. Swan Trail HQ will collaborate with local schools, artists, groups, businesses, and organisations by helping them design, paint and sponsor a swan sculpture.

Councillor Robin Stuchbury, chair of Town Centre and Events committee said “ We are pleased to bring forward the Swan Trail this year knowing how much the 2021 Otter Trail was enjoyed and how many people took part in this community event. Of course we are only able to run such events through the planning and coordination of our officers and the continued positive support of the committee and council to do everything possible within our limited budget to put on events which makes Buckingham a great place to live, work and visit ”.

Sponsorship Opportunities

We invite your company to be part of a unique town wide project and sponsor a swan sculpture. With support from the community, sponsorship fees will allow us to part fund the sculpture, plaque, and plinth. Our affordable sponsorship package offers a great platform to promote your business, engage with your workforce, local community, and visitors to the town. More details are provided in the sponsorship pack.

Swan Design Competition

Calling all residents - we need your help! Do you have an idea for a swan design that could be brought to life as part of our 2023 Swan Trail?

This competition is open to anyone over the age of 16 years of age, please use the template as a base for your design brief and we would also love to hear the story behind your swan. The winning artist will have the opportunity to help paint their design and then it will be on display as part of the live trail.

To submit your swan, email a picture of your design to Swan HQ: tic@buckingham-tc.gov.uk. Make sure you include in the email your full contact details and story or statement about your design, the deadline has been extended to Friday 24th February 2023.

Buckingham to mark Holocaust Memorial Day

Posted on 4th January 2023 by Estates

Buckingham Town Council will be commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday 27^th January 2023 @ 11am around Bourton Park’s Memorial Stone. The service is open to anyone who wishes to attend.

Group photo of crowd overserving memorial day

Photo credit: Derick Pelling 2022

The ceremony will be hosted by the Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr Anja Schaefer and commence 11am at the eastern end of Bourton Park around the Holocaust Memorial Stone. If you are planning on attending the event, please be aware that car parking in Bourton Park is limited, so please plan your trip in advance, walk, use public transport or explore (safe and considerate) on-street parking within neighbouring housing estates.

Photo credit: Derick Pelling 2022

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place every year on the 27th January and across the UK iconic landmarks and buildings will be lighting up in purple and individuals will place candles in their windows to stand against prejudice and hatred. You can find more information about other ways to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website: www.hmd.org.uk

Map showing loation of memorial stone at east end of Park