The Ammerdown Centre, near Radstock, unveiled its ‘Peace Pole’ on Sunday as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.
The centre, set up in 1973 as a Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, has been bringing people of difference together over the last 50 years, celebrating diversity and our common humanity.
The Ammerdown Centre Peace Pole Ceremony included music from the harpist Vicki Burke and songs of peace, sung by the aptly named Dove Peace Choir (pictured, below).
There were also readings from friends from different faith communities and Ammerdown Staff. The people of the Ukraine were also remembered. Guests joined in by reciting the words on the peace pole ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ in different languages, including Arabic, Japanese, Spanish and Hebrew.
The Peace Pole, nestled in Ammerdown’s Peace Garden, was unveiled by one of the centre’s longest standing trustees, Bill Thomson. The Peace Pole, made from recycled wood by Father Michael, formerly of Downside Abbey, carries the words ‘May Peace Prevail On Earth’ in English, Sanskrit, Hebrew and Arabic and will soon have a plaque with the words in Braille.
The rainbow that wraps around the top of the Peace Pole represents hope and inclusion. The ceremony was brought to an end with the planting of sunflower seeds, the lighting of candles in the chapel and Ammerdown’s delicious homemade cake and tea.
The first Peace Pole was unveiled in 1955 in Japan by a philosopher, teacher and peace campaigner named Goi Masahisa. Today, there are 250,000 peace poles in 180 countries around the world. They are in parks and gardens; in schools and places of worship; on mountain tops and even at the Magnetic North Pole.
The centre spokesperson said: “Every Peace Pole reminds us of the oneness of humanity and our common wish to live in a peace-filled world... a world without war... a world where all people are able to think, speak and act in a spirit of mutual respect, love and harmony.”
Each peace pole displays the words of the universal peace prayer “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in the language of the country it has been placed, and usually in three or more other translations.
The Ammerdown Peace Pole can be viewed when visiting the Ammerdown garden.
There are a number of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the centre, including a mural art competition for 11-18 year olds; an art exhibition on Hospitality, Peace and Reconciliation – June and July; an Anniversary Weekend and a 70s Night with a live band. More details can be obtained via the centre's website, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01761 433709.