Report by Mr. Richard Outram, UK and Ireland Mayors for Peace Chapter Secretary
Despite appalling weather, the UK/Ireland Mayors for Peace Chapter Secretary Richard Outram was delighted to see a full house for September’s Festival of Peace held in St Elvan’s Church in Aberdare, South Wales. Around 150 members of the public and performers were present for the all-day event.
Richard spoke twice on the work of Mayors for Peace and finding peace within. Second Generation Hibakusha Kyoto Gibson spoke movingly of the impact on the Hiroshima atomic bomb and presented a Japanese oleander tree to the church. Richard and Kyoto participated in a panel discussion which also included Jill Evans from CND Cymru.
They were joined by Keith Dunn OBE, Honorary Consul for Japan in Wales; Professor Mereid Hopwood who read some of her moving Welsh poetry; Dafydd Iwan, a famous singer known for his performances at Welsh international rugby matches; a brilliant harpist; the impressive Cwmbach Male Choir and the renowned Lewis Merthyr Brass Band.
The day prior to the event Richard had spoken to staff and pupils at the Aberdare Community School and participated in a zoom call with a high school in Ashiya, Japan to establish an international partnership for peace. Pupils also gave readings at the Festival.
Photo: courtesy of UK/Ireland Chapter
Poster: issued by the Nuclear Free Local Authorities