Harleston marks vernal equinox by joining call for world peace

Harleston marked the vernal equinox – officially the first day of spring – by calling for greater peace in the world.

Carol Wiles and the Rev Nigel Tuffnell joined people from 141 countries around the world to ring a bell at precisely 9.24pm on Monday.

Mrs Wiles, a member of Harleston’s Future, which supports businesses and encourages visitors to the town, rang the bell seven times in solidarity with those who promote peace as part of Earth Day.

Speaking to the Diss Express, Mr Tuffnell, who said a few words at Monday’s event, said: “This is a very special occasion as we mark the spring equinox.

“We are joining with people right around the world and with those who are celebrating the same things as us – the wonder of the world’s turning and the wonder of the natural creation that we seek to preserve.

“And, of course, a call for peace; a peace between people and a celebration of the Earth that continues to sustain us.”

Created by the Earth Society Foundation, with the first ringing of peace bells taking place in New York at the UN headquarters in 1971, Earth Day has become synonymous with calls for world peace.

This took on greater significance this year with the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as dozens of armed conflicts around the world, including in Palestine, Syria, Yemen and Libya.

The Earth Society invites individuals and organisations in communities to join the campaign, ring a bell for peace, and celebrate the event by posting photos and videos on social media with #PeaceBellRinging or to email them to EarthSocietyFoundation.UN@gmail.com.