Celebrating the Garforth Peace Project: Ambassadors of the World Peace Flame

A Community-Led Vision of Peace

The Garforth Peace Project, created by Sue Owen and Fi Murray, has become a remarkable example of how community-led action can bring the values of the World Peace Flame to life. As dedicated ambassadors, they not only support the global message of the Flame but also create meaningful, locally rooted initiatives that inspire peace in everyday life.

Paying Peace Forward

At the heart of their current work is the Paying Peace Forward project—an initiative that continues to grow in both scale and impact. Working closely with local schools and the wider community, children and volunteers help to create World Peace Flame tealight candles.

 Each one is lit from the Flame and carefully prepared with accompanying messages, before being shared across the community.

These candles are made available at the Garforth World Peace Flame monument and at Leeds Central Library, allowing members of the public to take a “piece of peace” and pass it on. Over the past 26 years, it is estimated that more than 100,000 candles have been distributed in this way.

 

Reaching Beyond the Local Community

The project has also extended its impact internationally. In partnership with the West Yorkshire Lieutenancy, the team contributed candles and messages of peace to an aid convoy bound for Ukraine – an especially moving example of how small acts can carry powerful meaning across borders.

Growing Ideas And Sustainable Plans

Alongside this ongoing work, the Garforth Peace Project continues to develop new initiatives. The Garforth World Peace Flame monument was recently enhanced with a sustainable solar system.

To support this, the community came together through creative fundraising efforts, including a Schools Peace Cake Bake Off and a special concert event.

Working with Schools and Young People

Their work with schools remains a cornerstone of their approach. Through assemblies, collaborative projects, and partnerships with eco and school councils, they are helping young people engage with peace in practical ways.

Initiatives such as Peace Tables, The Garforth Schools Peace Flag,  and handcrafted World Peace Flame lamps in schools provide tools for reflection and peaceful conflict resolution.

The Coronation Peace Tree Initiative

One of their most ambitious projects to date was the Coronation Peace Tree initiative in 2023. This year-long project brought together six schools to plant native trees, exchange ideas, and celebrate environmental responsibility alongside peace.

It demonstrated the project’s ability to combine sustainability, education, and community spirit in a meaningful way.

Building Unity Through Community and Interfaith Work

The Garforth Peace Project also plays an important role in local and interfaith activity. Their long-standing involvement with interfaith groups, including Concord Interfaith, and participation in the Annual Interfaith Peace Service reflects a deep commitment to unity across cultures and beliefs.

Community events such as the Annual Peace Lantern Walk—held during Remembrance Week—offer opportunities to reflect on peace in a thoughtful and inclusive way.

A Lasting and Growing Impact

Since the installation of the first public World Peace Flame monument in England in Garforth in April 2017, followed by Scholes in December 2018, The Leeds City Centre World Peace Flame in 2024  and the Kippax World Peace Flame in 2025, the project has continued to grow in both reach and influence.

Their work demonstrates how a small, dedicated team can create lasting impact—building connections, inspiring future generations, and keeping the message of peace active and alive.

A Living Example of Peace in Action

The Garforth Peace Project stands as a powerful example of what it means to live the values of the World Peace Flame—locally, nationally, and globally.