CALLS for compassion and moving stories of those who escaped genocide filled this year's Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony. The restrictions caused by the pandemic did not stop the annual remembrance event that has been held in Swindon for 20 years from going ahead. Though this year, councillors, MPs, community representatives and Swindonians gathered in a Zoom meeting rather than in person. Matt Holland organised the virtual ceremony, which began with the midday bells of the town centre clock echoing through the speakers of the 51 people in attendance and a performance from cellist Debbie Jennings. He spoke of this year's theme, being a light in the darkness, which encourages people to help others who face prejudice and persecution, and resist the spread of misinformation and divisive talk of 'us and them'.