The Holocaust Memorial Avenue at Alfreton Welfare Recreation Ground has been extended with new tree planting to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, with four additional memorial trees added as a lasting tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and more recent genocides.
The planting represents the next phase of a long-term project led by Amber Valley Borough Council that will eventually form a complete avenue of trees. A new section is added each year, ensuring remembrance remains a visible and ongoing commitment within the borough.
This year’s planting was led by the Mayor of Amber Valley, Councillor Steve Marshall-Clarke, who planted four Betula utilis Jacquemontii trees, commonly known as Himalayan birches. When mature, their distinctive white bark symbolises resilience, remembrance and hope, and they are widely associated with Holocaust memorials across Europe.
Holocaust Memorial Day takes place annually on 27 January, encouraging people to remember the six million Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of others targeted under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides.
The Mayor of Amber Valley, Councillor Steve Marshall-Clarke, said: "Holocaust Memorial Day asks us not only to remember the past, but to reflect on our responsibilities today. This avenue is a reminder that remembrance is something we must continue to nurture. Each tree planted represents our commitment to stand against hatred and to promote understanding, compassion and respect."
The Holocaust Memorial Avenue is intended to become a permanent space for reflection within Alfreton Welfare Recreation Ground, encouraging residents and visitors to pause, remember and consider the lessons of history.
Later today, Amber Valley Borough Council will take part in the national Light the Darkness moment. At 8pm on 27 January, people across the country are invited to light candles and place them safely in their windows to remember those who were murdered for who they were and to stand against prejudice and hatred today.
Candles will be lit in the windows of Ripley Town Hall, alongside iconic buildings and landmarks across the UK, which will be illuminated in purple.
More information about Holocaust Memorial Day and Light the Darkness is available at https://hmd.org.uk/.
The Mayor of Amber Valley, Councillor Steve Marshall-Clarke, planting one of four Himalayan birch trees at Alfreton Welfare Recreation Ground to extend the Holocaust Memorial Avenue on Holocaust Memorial Day.
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk
