Reading by two Nailsea School pupils at a moving Holocaust Memorial event

A very moving Holocaust Memorial Day event was held at Nailsea Tithe Barn on Saturday 27 January. This was a time to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi persecution and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. The evening was arranged by HMD North Somerset and supported by Nailsea Town Council, North Somerset Council and Nailsea Folk Club.

The evening was opened by Sharon Foster, High Sheriff of Bristol. Sharon says ‘I was pleased to be part of such a memorable, successful and important event. Thank you all for your hospitality and inviting me to speak’.

The key note speaker was Tim Cole, M.A., Ph.D.(Cantab.), Professor of Social History at the University of Bristol. Tim’s research ranges widely across social, landscape and environmental histories with a focus on the Holocaust and how it is remembered. Tim’s very interesting and informative presentation focussed on telling the audiences the stories of three Jewish families, who lived in different parts of Poland and their experiences of the Holocaust at different times during the war.

This was followed by Ukrainian vocal ensemble “Kozachki” singing very moving Ukrainian songs. Everyone agreed that the singing was simply stunning. “Kozachiki” was created in October 2022 from a group of women who were forced to leave their homes and relocate to Bristol because of the war with Russia. With their singing, they movingly conveyed the culture of their people and their love for Ukrainian song! It was a wonderful performance.

Two pupils from Nailsea School, Eva and Courtney, gave a reading and finally closing comments and a reading of the Kaddish was made by Cllr Ben Kushner of Nailsea Town Council.

Cllr Ben Kushner says ‘I think the audience would all agree that the Holocaust Memorial event was a very interesting and somewhat emotional event. Along with the very successful event we put on last October in support of Black History Month, we have shown that we can put on important events that bring something a bit different and worthwhile to Nailsea..’