75797-29They came from all different walks of life to gather in the cold and rain for one common reason to pay their respects to the millions of people who lost their lives during the Holocaust and subsequent human rights tragedies.

The Mayor of Swindon, Coun Peter Stoddart laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in Regent's Circus to mark the Holocaust Memorial Day before giving a speech to a crowd of young and old.

He spoke of a need for a greater tolerance amongst different races and religions.

And in spite of the wet weather people stayed to pay their respects.

Coun Stoddart said: "It's amazing, the number of people that have turned up. We thought there would be half a dozen and we're really pleased it's happened.

"We were here to remember, not just those lost in the Holocaust but those who died in other genocides as well, like Cambodia and Rwanda."

Representatives from Swindon's Polish and Jewish communities and many others stood in silence as they contemplated those who had been lost and the lessons we must learn.

Organiser Matt Holland was pleased the day had been such a success.

He said: "Bearing in mind the weather, the fact that it's a working Thursday and that it was organised at short notice I am amazed.

"People came to remember and to be together and to show a commitment to truly rebuilding lives, communities and friendships.

"It was so interesting, so moving and you realise there are so many different, interesting and wonderful people in Swindon."

Alan Thipthorpe, 68, a war veteran from Toothill, worked at the Garrards aircraft factory off Lady Lane in 1942 making fuselages for Stirling bombers.

From 1945-1948 he was in Palestine. He said: "Nobody ever remembers a lot of the other people who died, like the gipsies and the Poles. They didn't use to have this memorial day but I was invited her and I'm glad. It's good that we have things like this."

Yesterday was the fourth National Holocaust Memorial Day.

The aim was to mark not only the Holocaust, but other human rights tragedies and wars, past and present.

The theme for this year was 'Survivors, Liberation and Rebuilding Lives'.

This year was also the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camps.

Gareth Bethell