Students create Holocaust memorial candleholder

Beth Jones (left) spoke to King Charles about the candleholder

A group of students have collaborated with a local museum to create a unique candleholder for Holocaust Memorial Day.

Students from Cheney School's Rumble Museum in Oxford worked with the Museum of Oxford to design the item as part of 80 Candles for 80 Years project by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

Beth Jones, the museum's community engagement and exhibitions officer, alongside two students and two teachers, attended an event at Buckingham Palace on 13 January, where they spoke to King Charles III about their project.

Ms Jones said it was "an incredible honour".

"It reinforced how vital it is to keep these stories alive and ensure they resonate with future generations," she said.

Ms Jones said it was "an incredible honour" to go to Buckingham Palace

The project was inspired by the life of Holocaust survivor Anita Lasker-Wallfisch MBE, a renowned cellist who survived Auschwitz due to her musical talent.

Students aged 13 to 15 explored her story through a creative workshop in October, and then decorated 10 glass candleholders.

Designs included shattered glass, musical symbols and depictions of Auschwitz.

The pieces will be displayed on a decorative stand and lit during the Mayor of Oxford's Holocaust Memorial Day service on Monday.

The service will take place at midday in the Assembly Room in Oxford Town Hall. Members of the public are invited to attend.

Mayor Mike Rowley said the service was an opportunity for the community to "come together and remember the past".

"Peace, tolerance and understanding continue to be more important than ever," he said.

"The young people from Cheney School and the Museum of Oxford have created something truly special, and their invitation to meet the King at Buckingham palace is a remarkable recognition of their thoughtful work.

"Their candleholder will stand as a symbol of hope and remembrance, showing how history and art can challenge hatred and inspire reflection."

The Rumble Museum is the only UK-accredited museum spread throughout a school.