Peace Flame Brings Communities Together in Garforth

The Garforth Peace Project has brought communities, school children, and local leaders together across East Leeds to mark the International Day of Peace, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981.

This year’s theme is “Invest in Peace for Everyone, everywhere, Every Day”.

The event brought together schools, councillors, community figures and supporters of peace.

Children from Strawberry Fields Primary and Ninelands Primary took part, alongside special guests Lord Mayor Cllr Stephen Holroyd, Cllr Oliver Edwards, David Goodman from the meditation group Brahma Kumaries and former Lord Mayor Al Garthwaite.

The Garforth project forms part of a wider local movement. Garforth was home to the first World Peace Flame (WPF) monument in England. Further monuments now stand in Scholes, Kippax, and Leeds city centre. 

Organisers of the event, Sue Owens and Fiona Murray work alongside schools, community groups, interfaith groups, and Leeds Peacelinks. They focus on teaching young people how to handle disputes respectfully. 

“We are very proud as a city to be embracing the ethos of peace as we are home to England’s first four WPF Monuments,” Sue said, adding: “Our schools continue to set a wonderful example as our Young Peacemakers of the future. They engage with many peace projects with us, and are a constant source of inspiration of positivity for the future of Peace.”

At the heart of the gathering was a message that peace is not simply about preventing wars or conflict elsewhere in the world.

Instead, speakers urged people to think about how their own words, actions and relationships can help create more peaceful communities.

Cllr Stephen Holroyd said that peace should not be taken for granted. 

He added: “It requires understanding, respect and cooperation in our daily lives. The Universal Peace Federation message is that peace begins in our homes, schools, and communities, and grows through due diligence, service, and kindness towards others.

“As we gather by the peace flame, a symbol of hope and unity, we are reminded that peace is everyone’s responsibility. Peace is not simply the absence of conflict; it is the presence of compassion, respect, and a willingness to work together for a common good.”

The Garforth Peace Project works with young people in schools and across the town, while also supporting projects including the peace flame.

Organisers believe individuals can make their own contribution through their thoughts, words, actions and deeds.

“Now, now more than ever, with the world and the state that it’s in, we really need the message of peace to go right through all the generations, all the communities, everywhere that we go,” said former Lord Mayor, Al Garthwaite, in a speech on the day, adding: “Peace begins at home. It begins in everyday conversations with families. Whether those conversations are constructive, differences of opinion can be heard and worked through.

“Everyone’s point of view is valid. Everyone’s point of view needs to be worked through, and that is the way that we get peace.”

She praised the ongoing work being done across Garforth to engage residents of all ages, adding: “Garfield Peace Project is such a good example of this, working throughout the town, through young people in schools, with the choir, with putting the plaques along the high street, with the flame.”

For the organisers, the flame carries a message that extends far beyond the event itself: “One flame uniting people worldwide in Peace.”

Sue added: “By embracing and living this simple message of this precious flame of peace, I believe we can all become the peace we wish to see in the world.”