Dear Sir,
A couple of events, which I feel you should be aware of:
For the last few years I have organised the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony. Last year I had to cancel due to Covid. So I am delighted to confirm that this years Holocaust Ceremony will go ahead in the QE College, Vane Road on Thursday 27th January at 7pm. Masks are to be worn in keeping with Covid restrictions and you are most welcome to join us.
I am particularly pleased and proud that most of the ceremony will be presented by students from the QE, Carmel, Hurworth and Teesside High School and led by Rev. Rick Simpson, Archdeacon of Auckland. This year’s theme is ‘One Day’ and our students will reflect on their own feelings and fears, had they to endure the indignities and uncertainties of being ordered into cattle trucks by armed soldiers, not knowing what was to happen to them and their families and, after reminding ourselves of the genocides and atrocities since the last World War, some of the students will provide us with a message of hope when looking to the future. I look forward to welcoming everyone to this important ceremony – do try to join us.
Looking forward to June and the Queen’s Platinum Celebrations. From the meetings with various Parish Councils in my Ward it is good to see that the Parish Councils are starting to plan for this important and most enjoyable historic event. There has never been a Platinum Jubilee in our country’s amazing history and I doubt there will ever be another one, so, if you are not involved in organising something, contact your Parish Council and offer to help.
As far as Heighington is concerned, volunteers are slow in coming forward – six to date. This is most unusual as in the past, when I have organised Village fetes and bonfires, there has always been lots of volunteers to help create something to remember and what better way in doing this than to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, like thousands of towns and villages across the UK?
It is amazing, but if you were to ask our older generation how many of them will recount the time when they were part of the celebrations way back in 1953 when Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth was crowned – and we now have the chance to create similar happy memories for our own children and grandchildren. So if you want to be involved contact me on 314622, 07876 216182 or email: Gerald.Lee@darlington.gov.uk
Councillor Gerald G. Lee
Heighington & Coniscliffe Ward