Children from Whitchurch CE Federation schools took part in Shropshire Council’s Holocaust Memorial Day Commemorations, on Tuesday, 27th January, Holocaust Memorial Day 2026. This year's national theme is 'Bridging Generations,' reflecting the desire for remembrance to live on through survivors' children, grandchildren and through all of us.
Among those present at the tree planting were:
- Councillor Andy Hall, Shropshire Councillor
- Councillor Rose Hall, Mayor of Whitchurch
- Imam Sohayb Peerbhai and Mr Mark Michaels, South Shropshire Interfaith Forum
- Pupil representatives and Mrs Lois Dale, Shropshire Council
- Reverend Ken Chippindale, Shrewsbury Interfaith Forum
- Canon David Wiseman, South Shropshire Interfaith Forum
- Reverend Christopher Precious, Rector of Fauls, Tilstock and Whitchurch
- Reverend Philppa White, Curate of Fauls, Tilstock and Whitchurch
Children from the junior school in the Federation, Whitchurch Junior C of E Academy, planted a cherry tree in their school grounds. The presence of the tree will mark the day and allow the school, now and long into the future, throughout the children’s lives and beyond, to honour the call never to forget the atrocity that was the Holocaust.
Rector, the Revd Chris Precious, who is also a Foundation Governor of Whitchurch Junior C of E Academy, said: “Making the commemoration of the Holocaust tangible and memorable to our children is key, sparking their curiosity to learn more about this dreadful atrocity, when they are ready. We must never forget. This commemoration is part of making that true. My hope is that as the tree grows, so too will our children's knowledge and compassion. We are privileged to have taken part. Thank you Shropshire Council.”
The life of a tree crosses many generations and is a well-chosen vehicle for the 2026 Holocaust Memorial Trust theme: Bridging the Generations.
Councillor Andy Hall, portfolio holder for children and education on Shropshire Council, explained:
“Here in Shropshire, our aim is to help primary school children to learn about the Holocaust and other genocides in a way that will be age-appropriate and memorable, and that will help them to grow in their understanding of and respect for world faiths as well. As a local councillor and as the lead member for children and education, I am doubly pleased that the children of Whitchurch Juniors will be helping us to grow our cherry tree orchard of remembrance across Shropshire.
“At every school where we have planted these trees, children have enjoyed being part of this and have shown a great understanding when planting the trees as to their meaning and importance. It is a particular pleasure to be working with Whitchurch Town Council, who have kindly donated the tree, as we come together and plant what will be the twenty-first tree in our orchard.
“This year, we are thinking about the national theme “Bridging generations” and how this links with working across generations and faiths, helping the children of the county to grow alongside the trees. The theme is very apt, with the Shropshire orchard coming of age. We are looking forward to seeing what the children have been doing in preparation for the Day, and sharing it with them.”
The Rt Revd Sarah Bullock, The Bishop of Shrewsbury, also Chair of the Council for Christians and Jews, added: “I am deeply grateful to Shropshire Council for the care and commitment they have shown in marking Holocaust Memorial Day and in standing clearly against religious hatred in all its forms.
Involving children in planting a tree as part of this commemoration is especially moving, offering a powerful and tangible way of bridging generations — helping young people to understand that remembrance is not only about the past, but about the future we are shaping together.
That act of planting speaks quietly yet profoundly of hope: that memory will be carried forward, that dignity will be protected, and that the darkness of hatred and dehumanisation will not have the final word.
I will carry that image with me as I join the national Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration in London — a reminder that when we choose to remember well, we help to light the darkness for those who come after us.”
Bishop Sarah took part in the UK National Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration on Tuesday 27 and preached at Worcester College, Oxford, for a service remembering Holocaust Memorial Day and all victims of genocide. Read her sermon.
On Monday 26 January, the Bishop of our neighbouring diocese, Coventry, The Rt Revd Sophie Jelley, gave her maiden speech in the House of Lords speaking about education, interfaith undertstanding and peacemeking on the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day. She also drew attention to the falling number of secondary schools holding commemorations. See her speech.