On 25-26 October, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, UNA-UK Chairman and former UK Ambassador to the UN, took part in a sold-out two-day event in Church Stretton entitled ‘United for Peace and Prosperity Forum’.
Organised by UNA Church Stretton branch in partnership with UNA Central Region, Fairtrade and Traidcraft, Rotary, Stretton Climate Care, North Staffordshire UNA Youth and Concord College, the event sought to:
1.To create a community plan for contributing to a peaceful Middle East
2. To recognise young peoples' skills in 'Model United Nations'
3. To celebrate the contribution of local communities to international causes
The event began on Thursday evening with a supper hosted by the Mayor of Church Stretton, Councillor Tom Beaumont, and informal after-dinner remarks by Sir Jeremy, which prompted a lively discussion.
It was followed the next day with the Kitty Murby Memorial Lecture, delivered by Sir Jeremy, presentations from a host of local groups, and an afternoon strategy session led by UNA-UK Deputy Director Natalie Samarasinghe, at which community leaders produced ideas on practical action to follow up the forum's proceedings.
Speaking after the event, Sir Jeremy said:
"My visit to Church Stretton was a marvellous experience. It was inspiring to see what an active local community can achieve across several different age groups and types of activity; and to interact with such an attentive and responsive audience. The presentations from the North Staffordshire UNA youth branch and Concord College were of exceptional quality. Thank you all for your spirited involvement and hospitality."
Click here for a report of the event produced by Caroline Roberts JP, one of the Forum's chairs
For further information, please contact:
Barrie Oxtoby
barrie.oxtoby@btinternet.com
+44 (0)7962 307353
www.unashropshire.org.uk
Photos:
Supper on 25 October (from left to right): Natalie Samarasinghe, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, Barrie Oxtoby (UNA Church Stretton Co-Chair), Mayor Tom Beaumont and Gian Clare (UNA Central Region).
Lecture on 26 October: Sir Jeremy with members, past and present, of North Staffordshire UNA Youth branch.
(c) John Corfield
