Garforth shines as world peace flame milestone inspires next generation

An inspiring celebration of unity and kindness unfolded in Garforth as a new World Peace Flame monument was unveiled by a community determined to make a difference.

At Diamond Jubilee Garden, the town marked a major milestone as England’s first World Peace Flame Monument turned nine, with a new solar V.P.F lamp unveiled to carry its message forward in a more sustainable way. 

But the heart of the day belonged to the young people of East Leeds, whose voices and reflections set the tone for a ceremony focused firmly on the future.

The event began at St Benedict’s Roman Catholic School, where children from several schools shared messages of peace before joining the wider celebration. Their contributions left a lasting impression on organisers and guests alike.

Sue Owens, one of the driving forces behind the Garforth Peace Flame Project, said: “It was a really nice reflection by the children, because they were reflecting on the things they’ve done with the peace flame and what it means to them.”

Sue helped set up the Garforth Peace Project with co-founder Fiona Murray. 

She said they had originally been given the choice by councillors to place the peace flame either in Leeds city centre or in Garforth when they first set up the peace project. She explained: “We absolutely wanted it in Garforth, because [it] embodies the community, it lives through that community, and that is what the children demonstrated today. They embrace the peace flame and live the ethos of it.”

The presence of Annie Jones, chair of the World Peace Flame Foundation Charity, underscored the global significance of what has taken root in Garforth. In the 1970s, Annie and four other colleagues began exploring how to find a universal symbol that could transcend religion, culture and politics. 

Their aim was to create something simple but powerful that anyone, anywhere, could connect with.This thinking led them to the idea of a flame, something that belongs to no one and can be shared by everyone.The concept grew into a global initiative, with flames lit across five continents and brought together into a single symbolic flame, representing unity and shared purpose. 

Annie is also one of the co-founders of Dru Yoga, a gentle, flowing, style of Hatha Yoga that emphasises inner peace as a way to promote external peace, such as that embodied by the peace flame. 

She said that the future of peace begins with teaching young children at events such as the monument unveiling. 

“If you want the future to be brighter, it has to start with the young ones, because they are the future,” she explained, adding: “If they’re beginning to talk about peace, reconciliation, forgiveness and working together, then you’ve got a better hope, because war begins in the minds of people. 

“If you’re starting to sow seeds now, to give them solutions..you help them build a brighter future. It’s not just about the activities that they’re doing, it’s the mindset that they’re creating.” On the day, Annie presented Sue and Fiona with the World Peace Flame Ambassador award in recognition of their service. 

“They’re an inspiration, which is why I’ve come today to give them an award,on behalf of the World Peace Flame Foundation UK to thank them for their years of effort,” she explained.

Leeds Lord Mayor Dan Cohen echoed that optimism and said the World Peace Flame event “celebrates all that is good about the city and the world”, adding: “It’s that relentless positivity of being determined to create oases of peace where we are very clear that we are determined to be tolerant, respectful, kind, loving, friendly with our fellows, and use that to ripple out across the world.

“It was such a privilege to hear young people speaking today, because that is where peace begins. Peace begins with all of us carrying those messages of light, those messages of love.”