This forum coordinates the actions of over 50 civic and faith organisations in Oldham who have signed the European Pledge to Peace.

Oldham has the highest number of signatories of any municipality in Europe. These include Oldham Council and Shaw and Crompton Parish Council, the only two local authorities to have signed the Pledge in the UK, and 26 Oldham academies, colleges and schools. Oldham is also the only UK local authority to have appointed Councillor Derek Heffernan as a Pledge to Peace Champion.

In the 3 years since they were formed the Forum have held five annual events at Gallery Oldham / Oldham Library to mark the UN International Day of Peace, and hosted two Peace Weeks. Peace book collections for young people and adults have been established at our Central Library. The George Street Peace Garden now has enticing new signage, a new peace sculpture has been created in Dunwood Park, and peace poles have been placed in three public parks. Much of the credit for this work must go to Forum Vice-Chair Maria Ellis.

They have also spoken at conferences and events in Leicester, Liverpool and, twice, in London; visited four Pledge to Peace towns in Italy and one in Germany, and hosted delegations from Hiroshima and from Neve Shalom – Wahat al Salam (the Oasis of Peace).

More information

The Oldham Pledge to Peace

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