RESIDENTS are invited to come together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in a year which marks an important anniversary.

A memorial service will take place in the Princess Diana Gardens (Radipole Park & Gardens), Radipole Park Drive, Weymouth on Monday, January 27.

The service, organised by Weymouth Town Council, will begin at 10am at the Holocaust memorial tree, planted near to Alexandra Bridge.

It will be hosted by the mayor Graham Winter, with prayers and a reading being led by the mayor’s chaplain Rev Brian Ellis. They will be joined by faith representatives from the community.

As well as the service, a Holocaust Memorial Day display will be on public display at Weymouth Library from January 20-28. The display is organised by Barbara Cohen of the South West Dorset Multicultural Network, with the support of Weymouth Town Council and Weymouth Library.

The South West Dorset Multicultural Network has also organised a free event on Friday, January 24 at the Corn Exchange, High West Street, Dorchester from 12.30pm-1.30pm. There will be a range of speakers. Doors open from midday to allow people time to view exhibits before the event commences at 12.30pm. Light refreshments will be available following the event.

Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27 is the annual day of remembrance for the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur and Tibet.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz – a significant milestone and is made particularly poignant by the dwindling number of survivors who are able to share their testimony. It also marks the 25th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the memorial service in Weymouth. Local councillors and Friends of the Parks will also be represented.

Weymouth Town Council Mayor Cllr Graham Winter said: “This local service is a chance for people to come along and join members of the community in paying their respects to the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides.”

“I am proud that the council can host these events and join the international community in raising awareness for these important commemorations such as Holocaust Memorial Day.”