Press Release

20th December 2002

Buxton Christmas Peace Procession

Many Buxton people - families with children, pensioners and church goers made a candle lit procession through Buxton on Thursday 19th December. Holding candles and lanterns and carrying banners they sang John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance”. Their message was “Say No to War” and “Don’t Attack Iraq”. We feel that the people of Iraq have suffered enough said one protester. The Procession , over 60 strong , made its way down Spring Gardens and gathered along Ashwood Dale for a Vigil.

One of the organisers explained that at Christmas we should not just talk of peace without it having any real meaning. We especially need at this time to send the message to our politicians that we do not want to go to war. Speaking for many of the protesters he said:
“We believe that peace and goodwill are not just for Christmas. You can’t solve the World’s problems by more war and violence. In the end evil can only be overcome by good.”

After the Vigil the procession gathered for warming cups of soup. The Procession was organised by the Buxton Branch of the High Peak Stop the War Coalition. Anyone sharing the feeling that we should not go to war but should sort out the world’s problems with diplomacy and patience can ring for more information about the group and its activities.

High Peak Stop the War Coalition
Buxton Branch