The Leader of the Opposition and Liberal Democrat Group Leader on Oldham Council, Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has written to the Assistant Cabinet Member responsible for First World Commemorations Councillor Cath Ball asking for her help to mark the contribution of Oldham’s peacemakers and peacekeepers.
Councillor Sykes explained: “2018 will mark two special anniversaries – the centenary of the Armistice ending the First World War and the 70 anniversary of the first United Nations peacekeeping mission.”
“Recent research by volunteers at the Oldham Historical Research Group has identified over 100 Oldham men in the First World War who refused military service because of their consciences,” he added. “Although we have rightly commemorated the sacrifice of our armed forces personnel, I also think that we should recognise that these men also displayed great courage and endured sacrifices in making the difficult choice to be a conscientious objector and pacifist.”
“Veterans from Oldham must have also served in some of the United Nations peacekeeping missions that have taken place around the world since 1948. Again I feel that it is important that we mark their important contribution to world peace as peacekeepers wearing the UN blue helmet,” stated Councillor Sykes.
In his email to Councillor Ball, Councillor Sykes has asked the Council to work with relevant groups to establish memorials to conscientious objectors, pacifists and peacekeepers from Oldham, and to hold commemorative services for them.
Councillor Sykes also asks for the Council to consider establishing a town centre peace trail and an exhibition in the new Oldham Museum.
He said: “Peace trails exist in Birmingham, Bradford, and Manchester with the locations of relevant events and places relating to peace-making, peace-keeping and social justice. We already have a Pals Trail, now I would like to see a Peace Trail. It would also be good to see a permanent display to Oldham’s peace movement within the new Oldham Museum. Both would help to raise Oldham’s profile as a Borough working for peace, and, as this represents good news, let’s celebrate it.”
The email sent to Assistant Cabinet Member Cath Ball is below.
From: Howard Sykes
Sent: 20 October 2017 14:56
To: Cllr C Ball
Cc: (A) Kay Gibson (kay.gibson@oldham.gov.uk)
Subject: Remembering Peacemakers and Peacekeepers in Oldham
Councillor Cath Ball
Assistant Cabinet Member for World War One Centenary Commemorations
Dear Councillor Ball,
Remembering Peacemakers and Peacekeepers in Oldham
I believe that, as the first local authority in the UK to sign the Pledge to Peace, it is incumbent upon Oldham Council to recognise the contribution of those people and organisations in the Borough who have, past or present, been dedicated to the promotion of peace.
Specifically, in my view, it is important that we recognise that those Oldham people who chose, through personal conviction, to refuse military conscription and opposed war as conscientious objectors and pacifists also displayed courage and made sacrifices.
Recent research conducted by members of the Oldham Historical Research Group has identified over 100 Oldham men who refused military service in the First World War on grounds of conscience, at least one of whom died as a result of force feeding in prison.
I would also like us to recognise the service of members of the armed forces and police service from our borough who have participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Around the world, two dates are commemorated that are relevant, both in May:
- May 15 is recognised each year as International Conscientious Objectors’ Day.
- May 29 is designated by the United Nations as UN Peacekeepers’ Day.
As you will be all too aware, 2018 represents a significant anniversary being the centenary of the end of the First World War, but it is also the 70th anniversary of the first UN peacekeeping mission.
At present, to the best of my knowledge, there are no memorials to conscientious objectors, pacifists or peacekeepers in Oldham, and no commemorative services specifically held on these days.
I would therefore like us to look at how we might work with relevant local and national peace organisations, as well as local branches of military charities and associations, and the United Nations Association UK to establish appropriate memorials to these individuals, and how we might begin to commemorate their contribution on the relevant dates from next year.
I would also like to explore with you the possibility of establishing a town centre peace trail, as exists in other places of peace such as Birmingham, Bradford, and Manchester, which would identify the locations of relevant events and places relating to peace-making, peace-keeping and social justice, and also a permanent display to the conscientious objectors, pacifists and peace campaigners of this borough within the new Oldham Museum, building particularly on the commendable research carried out by volunteers of the Oldham Historical Research Group.
Thank you for giving this matter your consideration.
I shall look forward to receiving your reply in due course, and would be happy to discuss further if you wish.
Best wishes.
Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, Leader of the Opposition. Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group Oldham Council. Member for Shaw Ward. Member for South Ward Shaw & Crompton Parish Council.