On 21st September, the UN International Day of Peace, people of all faiths (and none) were welcomed to Ammerdown to hope for peace.

We gathered around an interactive Candala of Peace (a Candala is an illuminated art form designed to light up our world, created by Lizzie Davies). We heard readings about peace from the different faiths; we remembered people and places in need of peace in our world and in our own homes and communities.

There was live music with Cellist Jehanne Bestoni, mime poetry and a song to sing. We tied ribbons of peace on our peace tree, hoping for peace, and each of us was given an origami crane, to take home and give to someone to share the peace of the evening. Followed by light refreshments, we enjoyed the display of poetry and artwork from the children of Kilmersdon Primary School.

The evening was part of the Ammerdown Interfaith Project (AIP), set up to address faith and race-related hate crime. It’s hoped that through connecting people, listening to each other’s stories and sharing them on again, we will break down prejudices; remember our common humanity and our need to belong; and be inspired to make a difference.

The AIP is funded by the Methodist Church, The Beeston Community Trust and The Ammerdown Centre. For more information: [email protected] / 01761 433709.

Tina Hartnell