Murray began by welcoming the audience to her ‘world class city,’ before praising Liverpool’s diversity, with there being over 100 languages spoken in the city and people arriving there from all over the world. Indeed, Liverpool City Region’s tourism sector generates more than £6bn, a sector which grew 21% from 2022 to 2023.

Liverpool’s Development

Murray than spoke of the renaissance the city has experienced in the past few decades; whilst she recognised that the city had ‘hard times’ during the 1980s, she said that if you go into the city centre, you will see the ‘massive strides in regeneration’ that have been made over the past 20 years, which she described as ‘unprecedented.’ She spoke of the satisfaction it brings her when she sees cranes across the Liverpool skyline, seeing them as a sign that the city is making progress.  

Vibrant Liverpool: a city with character

And its not just economy and infrastructure that is thriving in the city; according to Murray, Liverpool is a ‘vibrant city,’ ‘full of character, culture, individuality and confidence,’ with people who are ‘welcoming,’ ‘brave and proud.’ The city is one of Britain’s most significant cultural hubs, being awarded the European Capital of Culture Award in 2008, and being home to two Premier League football teams, the largest cathedral in the country, and the Beatles; if Murray is to be believed, there is no chance that this will change – ‘music and creativity are in our blood.’ 

The Lord Mayor also spoke of the city’s education sector, with the cities knowledge quarter, home to both the University of Liverpool and John Moores University, as well as numerous life science companies, growing, as is its tourism sector. 

Celebrating Liverpool’s Growth

Murray claims that attracting visitors to her city is one of her main priorities, and it appears to be working, with cruise liners docking at the city’s piers ‘virtually on a daily basis,’ and Liverpool consistently outperforming other British destinations when it comes to annual tourism growth. Murray puts this growth down to the city’s ‘unrivalled’ cultural scene as well as world class events being held in the city; in 2023 the city hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, whilst the World Boxing Championships were recently held at the M&S Bank Arena.  

Liverpool is also attracting Hollywood, being transformed into Gotham City last month whilst a new DC Studios film was being filmed. Murray spoke of crowds filling the streets to catch a glimpse of the filming, something she described as a ‘first.’ 

According to Murray, the city ‘has something for everyone, from world-class shopping facilities, a ‘world heritage waterfront, and views ‘as good as anywhere in the world,’ and she said that she hoped that any audience member not from the city would have the chance to visit and see for themselves the city that she loves. 

Cherish Freedom, Challenge Prejudice, and Stand Against Hate

The King’s visit to Auschwitz is described as a “deeply personal pilgrimage.” Sources close to him emphasise that this moment is not only of historical significance but also a profoundly personal act of bearing witness. During the ceremony at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, the King laid a light of remembrance to honour the victims and delivered an important message: “The act of remembering the evils of the past remains a vital task. In so doing, we inform our present and shape our future.”

In his speech at a Jewish charity event, the King highlighted the lessons imparted by survivors: to cherish freedom, challenge prejudice, and never be a bystander in the face of hatred. These words are to echo the bravery and resilience of those who endured unimaginable suffering.

Testimonies from Survivors

Among the gathered dignitaries, including world leaders such as France’s President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the focus remains on the survivors. Approximately 50 former survivors of Auschwitz-Birkenau attended the ceremony, sharing their testimonies to ensure that future generations understand the gravity of these atrocities.

One such survivor, Mala Tribich, spoke of her harrowing experiences in the Ravensbrück and Bergen-Belsen camps. Reflecting on the dehumanising treatment she endured.

“Young people must get the right education to avoid a repeat of the horrors we lived through.” – Mala Tribich

Commitments to Education and Action

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who visited Auschwitz earlier this month, has reinforced his commitment to Holocaust education. “It happened; it can happen again: that is the warning of the Holocaust to us all,” he said, urging the nation to make Holocaust education a “national endeavour.”

Sir Keir joined the Prince of Wales in London to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, where he praised the survivors’ “remarkable courage” and vowed to combat the resurgence of antisemitism. Meanwhile, German Ambassador Miguel Berger called for continued investment in Holocaust education, rejecting claims that remembrance has lost its relevance.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch spoke of the importance of confronting “the resurgence of antisemitism today”, while reflecting on the Holocaust as a “unique evil in human history”, in a statement to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged vigilance in defending “peace, human rights and compassion”, and guarding against “antisemitism, hatred, discrimination and oppression” in his tribute.

Lessons for Today

The significance of this anniversary extends beyond remembrance. It challenges us to confront the lingering hatred and prejudice in our world. As King Charles observed, “In a world filled with turmoil and strife, it is our collective duty to learn the lessons of history.”

This duty is especially urgent as Holocaust survivors, now in their nineties, will not be with us forever. Paweł Sawicki, spokesperson for the Auschwitz Museum, noted, “For the 90th anniversary, it will not be possible to have a large group of survivors present. Their message must endure.”

Final Thought

On this Holocaust Memorial Day, Chamber UK remembers the six million Jewish lives lost, along with millions of others persecuted by the Nazi regime. Auschwitz-Birkenau stands as a grim reminder of where unchecked hatred can lead. As Parliamentary-Under Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne MP aptly stated, “We must work hard to ensure the past is never forgotten and stand against hate in all its forms.”

As we commemorate this milestone, let us renew our commitment to a world free of prejudice and oppression. In the words of Mala Tribich, “We’re all hoping for a better world, but we need to contribute to it.” Let this day serve as a call to action for each of us to build a future defined by compassion, equality, and remembrance.

Jayne Ozanne

 Founder and Chair of the UK’s u003ca href=u0022https://www.banconversiontherapy.com/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eBan Conversion Therapy Coalitionu003c/au003e

Guernsey Overshadowed by Westminster

Not for the first time has the Bailiwick of Guernsey found itself eclipsed by events in Westminster.  Whilst all eyes turned on May 22^nd 2024 to the deluge happening outside No 10, many islanders were instead focused on the long awaited report by Lord Pickles into the scale of the atrocities committed by the Nazis in the island of Alderney and the ensuing coverup by successive British governments.

To date, no one has been held to account for the thousands of lives that were lost during World War II on Alderney, the island that is closest to both France and the UK and the second largest in the group that forms the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

A Crown Dependency, Fiercely Independent

Whilst the Bailiwick of Guernsey may have the misleading title of being called a “Crown Dependency” in truth we are – just like the Isle of Man and the Bailiwick of Jersey – fiercely independent.  Take Guernsey, for instance – where we have our own legislature, our own courts of law and importantly, for us, our own flag. 

We still have our own money complete with one-pound notes, which continues to generate an income of its own given that it is an ideal keepsake for our many thousands of visitors.  Whilst we still need to look to Westminster for our security – a moot point for many of my father’s generation, who had to choose between evacuation or being left to face the German occupying forces- we look to the EU for our electricity and for much of our trade.

It may be of interest to know we have no party system as such in our government, at least none that applies a whip.  Instead, we govern by consensus where individuals stand (and fall) by what they believe, allowing the electorate to determine whether they should represent them or not.

It works to a point but has been severely tested in recent years with inevitable stalemates on key decisions regarding tax and spending.  Indeed, even if there are no official parties per see there are unspoken alliances between those on the ‘right’ and those on the ‘centre left’. Interestingly, the ‘left’ has still to find its voice in an island which has significant financial inequality, and where the better off are in the majority. 

The system is an interesting one but inevitably leads to popularist manifestos, where people risk promising the earth without any means of delivering it.  Arguably, one thing we do have in common with Westminster is the urgent need to increase public sector funding, particularly in relation to a looming social care crisis for our elderly.

At least our non-party system is a refreshing change to Westminster, where candidates can feel heavily constricted by their chosen party’s manifesto.  That said, the shadow of Westminster can loom tall over the Dependencies, where decisions taken with minimal or no input can have far-reaching impact on our economies, stability and way of life. 

Take for instance Brexit, in which the majority of those living in the Bailiwick had no say (unless they had previously been a UK resident within the preceding 15 years) yet which had significant impact on us all, particularly for supply lines and those in our fishing industry.  To help mitigate against this, we voluntarily choose to adopt certain EU legislation and appropriate international standards so as to ease our new relationship with our closest international neighbour, France. Indeed much experience in being a long-term third country to the EU from which the UK might learn.

Economic Self-Reliance and Financial Integrity

All things considered, we certainly have learnt to punch above our weight – given we are a jurisdiction that is roughly only the size of Ashford or Stafford.  We have consistently created brands recognised on the world stage – from Guernsey jumpers to Guernsey granite (found in St Paul’s cathedral, Blackfriars Bridge and in many London boroughs) to Guernsey tomatoes.  More recently, of course, we have become known for our tax neutrality status– creating a significant income boost for many locals working within the finance sector on the island.  Indeed, “tax haven” is perhaps the most common (and yet unfair) label now associated with the Crown Dependencies, conjuring pictures of untold wealth being illicitly channelled through our shores. In the modern age, nothing could be further from the truth.

That said, it is worth reflecting that when one accusingly points a finger there are always three others pointing straight back – which those in Westminster and the City of London would do well to remember.  We have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that the Bailiwick of Guernsey meets all international standards and is as transparent and accountable as others are in this complex area of finance. 

Whilst the final reports of our MoneyVal examination (an OFSTED like compliance inspection of financial crime standards by the Council of Europe) won’t be available till early 2025, Guernsey’s government has poured millions over decades into making sure we meet – and more often than not, exceed – the exacting international standards.  To be fair, most in Westminster would concede they would rather those choosing to use offshore financial centres do so in a jurisdiction that has strong links to the UK, as opposed to those further afield.  As such, it is important to point out that ‘Crown Dependencies’ are very different to ‘Overseas Territories’, with which they are all too frequently lumped.

The Bailiwick of Guernsey has therefore an interesting interdependent relationship with the UK, and one that is in the interest of all parties to maintain.  We are ostensively an Independent Dependency, which relies on relationship and trust for the mutual flourishing of all.

To read more of Chamber’s economic and business focused articles, click here.

The Community Ownership Fund

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities unveiled plans for safeguarding ‘treasured’ institutions across the UK so that these sites can be “run by the community, for the community”.

The £12.3m funding boost derives from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund. This scheme provides £150 million over 4 years to support community groups in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to take ownership of assets and amenities at risk of being lost. Voluntary and community groups can bid for funding to acquire important assets and run them for the benefit of the local community.

The Community Ownership Fund has now given £49.3 million for 195 projects across the UK. This includes almost £8 million for thirty-three pubs so that local people can still go to their beloved local, and £14.6 million for sixty six community centres so they can continue to play an important role in people’s lives.

The latest round of allocations includes £770,057 for three projects in Wales, £992,825 for four projects in Scotland and more than £1m for four projects in Northern Ireland. Changes which came into effect for this round of bids also meant that all projects could bid for up to £1 million in funding, not just sports clubs, and the amount organisations needed to match fund decreased to only 20%, to allow more places to benefit. The Fund will run until March 2025.

Levelling up the UK

Treasured sites that will benefit from funding include:

• Lordsfield Swimming Club in Hampshire, a volunteer-run facility which will be sustained for the future with an £835,400 grant so it can provide low-cost swimming to local schools and the wider community.
• £1.2 million to secure the future of four pubs, including the Vale of Aeron, so they can continue to pull pints for locals.
• Knutsford Market Hall in Cheshire received £560,000 to ensure it continues to host and support a number of small businesses.
• Sterts Theatre in Cornwall will be restored with £300,000 so that it can resume its community and professional performances.
• The Margate School in Kent will be able to undertake essential repairs with £400,000 that will secure a long-term future for the not-for-profit art school.
• Dartford Gym and Youth Club will undergo essential refurbishment with £244,920 to restore it as a space for local schools, clubs and community organisations to engage in sport and social activities.

The funding will also protect a tourist rail line which is used by more than 250,000 passengers a year, and will improve transport infrastructure in the region so that the local economy can continue to thrive. The original bridge was built in 1867, and the railway line has featured in dozens of films and TV shows over the years including The Railway Children in 1970.

Responses

Jacob Young, Minister for Levelling Up, said “our priority is to support communities and deliver opportunities right across the country, which is why we’re investing £12.3m to secure the future of cherished community institutions. These places – from pubs to historic railway lines – are the golden thread which run through our social fabric, and keeping them going is vital for supporting communities”.

Curia’s Levelling Up Commission

The Levelling Up Commission intends to consider ways to implement the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper and subsequent Bill from the perspective of local and regional government. Too often the Levelling Up agenda is something being done ‘to and for’ local and regional government, the Commission intends to make sure it is done ‘with and by’ them.

Through roundtable meetings with MPs and senior leaders of local and regional government from across the UK, quantitative data analysis and regional sprints, the Commission intends to set out a series of recommendations to consider how regional inequalities can be reduced from the perspective of public services in four key areas:

Health and Social Care

Housing and Homelessness

Education, Skills and Training

Crime, Justice and Rehabilitation

My lasting memory of this Coronation is not what you would expect as a former Conservative MP. It was not the history – although spectacular, it was not the gold set with some of the biggest rubies that a gay man has ever seen.

No, it was the image released yesterday of Royal Family members invited to join the group photo. Notable faces missing aside, the photo of The King with two of his siblings and cousins alongside his son and daughter-in-law shows a monarchy in transition.

The King has dedicated his whole life to passions that have ‘bucked the traditional royal trend.’ Jamie Oliver once dubbed the then Prince Charles a ‘hippy’, but in seriousness his life-long dedication towards the environment and sustainability will see the monarchy move to champion causes close to the hearts of millions of younger people. For those who watched the Coronation Concert in the back garden of Winsor Castle – slightly larger than the ordinary suburban semi – the focus on the environment and sustainability was apparent. The light show where drones formed to make a whale is something that will go down in history as one of the most impactful visuals of all time.

Did anyone else notice that not even Katy Perry was allowed to let off a firework during her song?

The Monarchy has a problem

However, the other reason the photo will be a lasting memory for me is not so positive. The monarchy has a problem – and it is not a popular argument to make with the British public after a certain interview with Duke of York and a book that sold millions of copies last year.

There just aren’t enough Royals…

In that group photo just two were under the age of 50. Luckily for the Royal Family, they are the phenomenal Prince and Princess of Wales. However, the fact that Princess Alexandra needed to be steadied by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh is telling of an aging Monarchy.

Now that the Sussex family has decided to decamp to the states, the ‘firm’ is going to be under a lot of pressure in the coming years with events, ribbon cuttings, performances, school visits etc. It is going to be a lot harder in the years to come to book your favourite Royal for the next event. Simply, that is because there aren’t enough of them, and their numbers are dwindling.

This is a perfect storm for the new King, younger members of the Royals have taken the decision to enter the world of work, and the older ones will retire.

Slimmed down

The King is keen to see a slimmed down monarchy, but that may not be such a good idea given the circumstances…

This is a tricky balancing act, the King needs to show that in times of economic instability, the monarchy is not deaf to financial hardship at home. However, with two members of the firm unable to perform their duties, this leaves a hole in the family’s ability to deliver the volume of engagements that they have been renowned for.

Remember the late Queen Elizabeth’s adage “You have to be seen to be believed.”

While there is hope on the horizon in the form of the next generation of Princes and Princesses, George, Charlotte and Louis. There is only so much time in the day.

Coronation Achievement: The Big Help Out

Nearly six million people volunteered their time this weekend for the Big Help Out. What a phenomenal achievement. Obviously, the organisers hope that this will mean more people helping charitable causes – reversing the trend since the pandemic as fewer people volunteer.

For Parliamentarians and Councillors across the country, it is so important to continue this leadership into the coming years. I remember getting involved in social action campaigns once organised by people like Wendy Morton, now MP in the West Midlands and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi. Over the last five years, I have seen less of this kind of activity from political parties, perhaps the Coronation will act as a turning point in local leadership.

Final thought

For those of us watching the events of this weekend, there is so much that we will never forget. From the Ascension Choir in Westminster Abbey to Prince Louis’s slow clapping on the Buckingham Palace balcony, the street parties and the huge concert, this weekend is hard to summarise.

One thing is clear, this level of activity is unsustainable without the people there that the public want to watch. The King will need to think again about the slimmed down version of the Monarchy, question how to bring some of the younger royals into the fold and encourage more of them to visit schools, community groups and get them volunteering around the country.One thing is clear, IneOIn

Whilst this hopefully will not be the last Coronation in my lifetime, The King and Queen have a terrific opportunity to ensure its future is safe under Kings William and George.

(Image: Hugo Burnand/Buckingham Palace)

York city centre, Birkenhead Park and an iron age settlement in Shetland could be in the running to join the prestigious list, The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced.

Should the seven sites be approved, they will join the 33 existing World Heritage Sites already based in the UK including Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall.

UNESCO World Heritage site system

UNESCO’s World Heritage site system, dubbed one of the most important global conservation instruments, was created in 1972 as a means to identify and protect the world’s natural and cultural heritage considered to be of Outstanding Universal Value.

Today, DCMS revealed the seven sites to be placed on its ‘Tentative List’, published around every decade, which sets out the locations it is felt to have the best chance of succeeding in being included.

Five new sites added

Five new locations from across the UK and overseas territories have been put forward, meaning they are now part of a seven-site ‘Tentative List’.

DCMS confirmed the new sites are:

• York, a city in northern England, boasts a captivating heritage shaped by the Anglo-Saxon, Viking, and Norman communities that once inhabited it. Its architectural landscape comprises an array of civic and religious buildings, including the impressive York Minster.

• Birkenhead Park, located in Merseyside, England, was established in 1847 and is widely regarded as a ground-breaking initiative that brought greenery to urban environments. Its innovative design and success inspired the creation of numerous parks around the globe, including the iconic Central Park in New York City.

• The Zenith of Iron Age Shetland, a collection of three prehistoric settlements dating back several thousands of years.

• The East Atlantic Flyway, a migratory bird pathway that traverses the western regions of Europe including Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Kent. Its inclusion on the list stems from its crucial significance to bird populations and wildlife as it serves as a major passage for numerous transient bird species that pass through each year.

• The Little Cayman Marine Parks and Protected Areas, situated in the UK overseas territory of the Cayman Islands, have also been nominated for their outstanding significance to marine biodiversity and incredible natural beauty.

DCMS said it will work with local authorities and devolved administrations to develop their proposals.

HM Ambassador to UNESCO, Laura Davies said: “It is great that the UK is contributing to making World Heritage more representative.

“These five sites brilliantly reflect the diversity and beauty of the UK and its Overseas Territories’ natural and cultural heritage, and I look forward to working with them towards World Heritage listing.”

Leader of City of York Council, Keith Aspden said: “We are thrilled with this acknowledgement of York’s world-class heritage and its universal historic and archaeological importance. The various communities in York have worked hard together to achieve this place on the new UK Tentative List of World Heritage Sites and they deserve the recognition this status brings.

“York is an outstanding example of continuous urban development over 2,000 years since its foundation as a Roman legionary fortress with evidence of every succeeding period on its urban development. The collection of medieval stained glass in York Minster and the historic parish churches in the city centre is unrivalled. York embraces and values this heritage and will manage it sensitively so that the city continues as a vibrant, innovative, living city.”

Assistant Chief Executive of Birkenhead Park, David Armstrong said:

“Already Wirral residents hugely value Birkenhead Park and this is shown by the fact that it is visited by nearly two million people every year.

“For several years, it has been an ambition of Wirral Council and partners – including the Friends of Birkenhead Park – to seek UNESCO’s recognition of the Park and its immediate surroundings as a World Heritage Site. To be included on the UK Tentative List for potential nomination to UNESCO for World Heritage Status is fantastic news and shows we are one step closer to achieving that ambition.

“A successful application for world heritage status would also bolster the wider regeneration of Birkenhead and if ultimately accepted as a World Heritage Site this flagship Park would  have its place in history cemented even further, as well adding further to its international recognition.”

The Zenith of Iron Age Shetland, Shetland Regional Archaeologist, Dr Val Turner said:

“We are thrilled and excited to remain on the new Tentative List and hope to progress to nomination within the next ten years. We have already experienced the benefits of being on the previous Tentative List, which has attracted first-class research to Shetland. We are currently working to conserve Old Scatness – a key milestone along the road.”

Co-founder and board member of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute and Secretary of the Little Cayman District of the National Trust, Peter Hillenbrand said:

“I am over the moon with excitement that Little Cayman’s Marine Protected Areas are officially on the UK’s Tentative List.  This will undoubtedly lead to even greater awareness and protection for this amazing little island.

“Little Cayman, Cayman Islands, is a unique geological and ecological phenomenon already recognised as a Mission Blue Hope spot, and this new acceptance will help bolster the legendary status of our marine environment.

“Our little island has been recognized locally with a National Conservation Law that protects 74.9% of our shoreline, out to 45.5m (150’) deep.  Our sensitive wetlands, lagoons, mangrove forests and reefs are a source of pride and inspiration for all our island community, and our feelings and actions are largely dedicated to its preservation.

“The Cayman Islands Government and our island citizens are proud and protective of this uncommon environment, and making this next step to having it recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site is absolutely thrilling for all parties involved.”

Two other sites submitted earlier this year

These five sites join two more that submitted their full nominations to UNESCO earlier this year and remain on the Government’s Tentative List. They include the Flow Country, an extensive area of peatland covering the northern Scottish regions of Caithness and Sutherland, which plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity. Additionally, the Gracehill Moravian Church Settlement in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, has also been nominated for its cultural and historical significance.

“We will give them our full backing.”

Lord Parkinson, Heritage Minister

Heritage Minister, Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “Today we are confirming our support for some of the most enchanting heritage sites and breath-taking landscapes in the UK and its overseas territories as they bid for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

“All the locations being put forward would be worthy recipients of this accolade – and we will give them our full backing so they can benefit from the international recognition it can bring.”

Sites should be “protected for future generations”

UNESCO World Heritage status is for places that are of “outstanding universal value to humanity” and should be “protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy”.

UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention provides professional training and assistance, as well as encourages local communities to engage in preservation.

Manchester Museum Revamped

The upgrade to the museum includes a new entrance off Oxford Road, a two storey extension to the existing museum, new exhibition spaces and a new South Asia Gallery. The brand new exhibition hall will open with a display of the “Golden Mummies of Egypt”.

With a bold design made up of green glazed terracotta tiles inspired by the museum’s Victorian surroundings the extension stands out visually at the same time as evoking an older style.

South Asia Gallery

In partnership with the British Museum, one of the main new attractions will be the South Asian gallery which will be the UK’s first permanent space to explore the lived experience of South Asian diaspora communities.

The co-ordinator of the South Asia Gallery, Nusrat Ahmed said “We want to show the richness and diversity of South Asia. It was to break down stereotypes and myths, and it was to highlight South Asia as being at the forefront of many things.”

On display will be a self-portrait painting by Azraa Motala, a young British South Asian artist who studied at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. The piece ‘I Beg You To Define Me’, shows her lounging on a chair on a black background, wearing a mixture of traditional south Asian clothes and modern street fashion.

The gallery will also include such south Asian exhibits as a rickshaw decorated with Mancunian imagery as well as Bangladeshi designs, First World War recruitment posters from what was then British India and leaflets from gay nightclubs from the 1970s.

As well as the British museum the gallery is being curated by the South Asia Gallery Collective, a group of 30 community leaders, educators, artists, historians, journalists and musicians to ensure that this story was told from a variety of perspectives. Historian and member of the collective, Anindita Ghosh, said: “It’s a story of South Asia taught by South Asians themselves. And that’s a very empowering spirit.”

Final thought

The story of empire, and British Imperialism in particular is complex, political and important. It is a subject that continues to echo through the lives of people across the world. Telling this story, or even stories adjacent is hard, people from all backgrounds have mixed but strong feelings on the topic and any perspective is bound to draw attention from those who would use history for their own ends.

Photo Credit: Manchester Museum

By at once zooming in on North West South Asian stories while giving view of the massive context that lead the UK to host significant a significant South Asian population, this exhibit is an exciting prospect and an admirable anchor for the reopening of the museum.

The theatre, which has been a staple of British theatrical culture since 1885, relies on ACE to support its operations, including its popular Christmas pantomimes.

Efforts to support the theatre

The Coliseum had applied for £615,182 a year until 2026, a total of over £1.84 million, but its application was unsuccessful. In response, Arts Council England said it received a record number of applications and had to make difficult decisions. Despite the setback, the council of Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon have pledged to work with the Coliseum to find a solution.

On Monday, a protest led by equity members was held outside the ACE offices in Manchester, attended by former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh. The protest demanded a reversal of cuts to arts organisations, including the Coliseum. Actor Maxine Peake also took to Twitter to call for the preservation of the “fabulous” and “brilliant” theatre that has seen major names such as Charlie Chaplin, Minnie Driver, and Ralph Fiennes perform on its stage.

Thoughts from artists and political leaders

Artistic director Chris Lawson said the Coliseum was determined to continue its program of shows and was exploring options. CEO Susan Wildman encouraged continued support from the public, whether through ticket purchases or donations.

Cllr Elaine Taylor, cabinet member for culture and leisure, expressed sadness over the Coliseum’s funding failure. MP Jim McMahon was similarly disappointed, saying that the loss of funding put jobs at risk and was a blow to the arts in the area. He added that he would be meeting with the theatre’s management and the Equity union to discuss the situation.

“We’re saddened to hear that the Coliseum has been unsuccessful in securing funding from the Arts Council this round. The Coliseum is iconic in Oldham and is so important to the arts and culture offering of the town.

“From theatrical, musical and comedic performances to family pantomimes and activities, the Coliseum’s contribution is widely recognised by the council and Oldham residents, and its varied programme is much-loved by our communities and across Greater Manchester. We will work with the Coliseum and support the board as they look at applying for transition funding.”

Cllr Elaine Taylor, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure

Actions by Arts Council England

Arts Council England affirmed its support for the cultural offering in Oldham, stating that it values the work of the Coliseum and has supported it through its funding programs for a long time. The council also stated that it is working with Oldham council on development opportunities for the town.

Despite the uncertainty, the Coliseum remains committed to delivering its program of shows and preserving its 135-year history as a cornerstone of Oldham’s arts and culture. The public’s support, through ticket purchases and donations, will play a crucial role in ensuring the survival of this beloved theatre.

Photo credit: DanceWearCentral

The memorial, located next to Parliament will showcase the history of the Holocaust and the hatred that led to it.

Manfred Goldberg BEM, a Holocaust survivor who was held captive in Stutthof concentration camp, Poland, said: “Several years ago survivors were promised a Holocaust Memorial in close proximity to the Houses of Parliament. I am a 92 year old survivor who would be so grateful to be alive when this project, uniquely situated next to the Mother of Parliaments, comes to fruition.”

The Prime Minister said: “The Memorial will honour the memory of those who were so cruelly murdered and preserve the testimonies of brave survivors so that future generations will never forget the horrors of the holocaust.”

Holocaust Educational Trust Chief Executive Karen Pollock said: “As the Holocaust fades further into history, and with survivors becoming fewer and frailer, time is of the essence. Located in the heart of our democracy, the UK Holocaust Memorial will send a clear signal for years to come of the place the Holocaust should always have in our national consciousness and the importance of learning its lessons for generations to come.”

Rt Hon Ed Balls and Rt Hon Lord Eric Pickles, Co-chairs of the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation said: “Victoria Tower Gardens, at the heart of Westminster and alongside the great symbol and heart of our democracy, is absolutely the right place to construct the national Memorial to the Holocaust.”

Holocaust Memorial Day

On Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events will be arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. The theme for this year’s commemorations is ‘Ordinary People’. It prompts us to consider how ordinary people can perhaps play a part in challenging prejudice today.

Holocaust Memorial Day falls on 27th January every year, the anniversary of the liberation of the infamous former Nazi concentration and death camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, in 1945. Across the UK – and world – people will come together to remember the horrors of the past.

On Holocaust Memorial Day we also remember and pay tribute to all of those persecuted by the Nazis, including Roma and Sinti people, disabled people, gay men, political opponents to the Nazis and others. We also remember all of those affected by genocide since, in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Across the UK leaders will be engaging in acts of remembrance, MPs including Layla Moran, Steve McCabe and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment and at PMQs on Wednesday, many MPs were seen wearing the pink and purple badge of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

Final Thought

 The remembrance of the Holocaust becomes harder and more important as time passes. With the remaining survivors becoming increasingly frail and the events of those terrible years increasingly distant the Holocaust begins to fade out of living memory and into history as of course it must.

The theme of this Holocaust memorial day “Ordinary People”, reminds us of the importance of learning this history and ensuring that it is foremost in our minds. In this crime, the persecuted were not saints nor sinners, nor even soldiers. They were drawn from every class and occupation, chosen for who they were rather than any trait they chose.

At the same time many of the perpetrators of unforgivable crimes were drawn from the ranks of “ordinary people”. With so many involved in one way or another it is impossible to conclude that everyone of them were drawn from beyond what is normal.

The theme also reminds us that so many people were willing, if not to take part in these crimes then at least to acquiesce to the scapegoating, propaganda and regular escalation of hatred towards the victims that was a necessary prerequisite to the murder of millions of people. We must not repeat their mistakes.

Photo Credit: Paul Farmer

Worcester Society of Artists has exhibited at Worcester City Art Gallery every year since its first year of existence. 2023 sees its 75^th annual exhibition opening on Saturday 14 January. In this landmark 75^th year the artists have taken their inspiration on the theme of Our World.

The annual exhibition supports local artists and illustrates the wealth of creative talent in Worcestershire. Many of the artworks are for sale.

A Homecoming

Benjamin Williams Leader is Worcester’s most celebrated artist, famed for portraying idyllic and glorious views of British Landscapes. The exhibition A Homecoming includes the painting February, Fill Dyke, on loan from Birmingham Museums Trust which features an iconic Worcestershire landscape (thought to be Claines, in North Worcester).

The painting will be displayed alongside Leader’s landscapes from the Worcester City Collection. The selection of artworks is a testament to Leader’s ability to create vast and stirring rural visions in paint.

Born in Worcester in 1831 Benjamin Williams Leader grew up in Diglis House (now Diglis Hotel), attended the city’s Royal Grammar School and painted on the banks of the Severn with his father’s friend the famous landscape artist John Constable. Leader studied at Worcester School of Design before going on to the Royal Academy Schools in 1854. 

Senior Curator, Deborah Fox says: “There’s no better way to chase away the January blues than a visit to the Art Gallery & Museum to enjoy two fabulous exhibitions celebrating Worcestershire’s artistic talents.”

Worcester Society of Artists 75^th Annual Exhibition and Benjamin Williams Leader: A Homecoming are free to enter and the Art Gallery & Museum is open Monday – Saturday 10.30am – 4.30pm. For more information contact the Art Gallery and Museum on 01905 25371 OR visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk or follow @worcestermuseum

Worcester Artists Exhibition Listing

Benjamin Williams Leader: A Homecoming

14 January – 25 February 2023

Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum
Open Mon – Sat 10.30am – 4.30pm
FREE

Information via 01905 25371 or www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk

Benjamin Williams Leader is Worcester’s most famous artist, famed for portraying idyllic and glorious views of British landscapes. The exhibition features February, Fill Dyke, on loan from Birmingham Museums Trust, alongside works from the Worcester City Collection

Worcester Society of Artists 75^th Annual Exhibition

14 January – 25 February 2023

Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum
Open Mon – Sat 10.30am – 4.30pm
FREE

Information via 01905 25371 or www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk

The annual exhibition celebrates and supports local artists and illustrates the wealth of creative talent in Worcestershire. The theme in this landmark year is ‘Our World’.

About Museums Worcestershire

Museums Worcestershire is the joint museum service of Worcester City and Worcestershire County Councils. It comprises three fantastic venues– Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, the Commandery in Worcester and The County Museum at Hartlebury Castle.

The collections and exhibitions at our sites are many and varied, covering centuries of the county’s history right up to the present day. Thousands of objects, including the historic buildings themselves, are brought to life through innovative exhibitions and events throughout the year.

www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk

(Image: BW Leader, February Fill Dyke, 1881. Photo by Birmingham Museums Trust, licensed under CCO.)

Lying-In-State is the tradition afforded to all monarchs, where their coffin is placed in view so members of the public can come and pay their respects. Queen Elizabeth’s Lying-In-State took place in Westminster Hall and attracted over 250,000 visitors with some queuing through the night for the opportunity to pay their respects.

As part of the occasion, The King met with Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak and Leader of the Opposition, Sir Kier Starmer. The Speakers of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords were also in attendance at the unveiling.

A gift to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

In addition to unveiling the plaque to commemorate the Queen’s Lying-In-State, King Charles also received a gift from lawmakers to commemorate his Mother’s Platinum Jubilee, which was celebrated just a few months before her passing.

The celebration saw the United Kingdom enjoy a four-day bank holiday weekend, where the nation came together to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years as head of the monarchy. It was one of the last times that the country got to see her in public before her passing.

A plaque and bronze lamps

The gift received by King Charles was a pair of bronze lamps which featured heraldic beasts of the United Kingdom. Lawmakers and onlookers were given a treat when The King switched the lamps on, which resulted in The King receiving rapturous applause.

King Charles is set to be formally crowned King in a ceremony next May. As part of the celebrations, Rishi Sunak confirmed earlier this year that the entire country will be given an extra bank holiday. He said:

“The Coronation of a new monarch is a unique moment for our country. In recognition of this historic occasion, I am pleased to announce an additional bank holiday for the whole United Kingdom next year.”

It is suspected that the road could the only one of its kind in Britain and the finest Roman

example of its type the country has ever seen.

The road was discovered by chance during routine waterworks by the River Severn a couple of weeks ago and is over ten metres in length and 2.9 metres in width.

Roman giveaways

Upon discovery of the road, archaeologists were called in to examine and inspect it to determine its origins. It quickly became apparent how significant the discovery was and as a result.

The exact location has now been concealed.

One of the biggest reasons why archaeologists believe it to be Roman relates to how the road has been constructed. A traditional Roman technique for road construction was to build them like walls with large stones laid in bands. The unearthed road has been built using this technique and resembles similar ones in Rome and Pompeii.

When you combine the construction technique with the fact that a Roman-era villa complex was uncovered in the same vicinity just four years ago, it’s difficult to conclude that this road is anything other than Roman.

If confirmed, the road will be unique in the fact that it will be the only road of its type in the whole of the United Kingdom.

Archaeological response

Excavations have been taking place to try and find out as much as they can about the site. It is believed to be a ford – a shallow place in a river where people, animals and vehicles would cross – and ruts have been discovered in the stones which indicate it was heavily used by carts.

Aidan Smyth, Archaeology Officer from Wychavon District Council, has been blown away by the discovery. He said:

“At the moment everything is ticking the boxes for it to be Roman but it still feels too good to be true so we are keeping an open mind.

If it turns out to be medieval then it could still be considered to be nationally significant as nothing similar has been found in Britain to date. If it is a first-century Roman feature it is the only one of its kind to be found in Britain to date.

If it was to be a Roman feature, with its only comparisons in Rome and Pompeii, you could argue it’s of world importance, not just of national importance.

The stonework is absolutely perfect. It just ticks every box for being Roman.”

Where do they go from here?

Wychavon District Council are continuing to carry out excavations while they’ve also notified Historic England who will also carry out their own analysis and examinations.

Typically, excavators and analysts will be looking for dateable finds such as pottery or coins. Items like these are what archaeologists use to determine the period of time in which their discoveries originate. At the time of writing, no such items have been unearthed within the road.

With no dateable items anywhere to be found, a section is to be dug up from the road and sent off for optically stimulated luminescence testing. This type of testing is able to measure the last time the sediment was exposed to sunlight, meaning testers will be able to gain an understanding of roughly how old the road is.

As this process takes several months to complete, the site is expected to be reburied for the time being to protect it against deterioration. Historic England is being kept informed every step of the way in the hope that it will eventually be able to be listed as an ancient monument.

Final thought

Roman discoveries like this are always exciting, particularly in Worcestershire. This part of England is commonplace for archaeological finds as the Roman army often passed through Worcestershire (known as Vertis in Roman times) to reach the River Severn on their way to Wales. We’re excited to hear more news about this road in due course.