For nearly 20 years (1981-2000), the women of Greenham campaigned relentlessly against land-based Cruise missiles. They put their lives at risk for peace and Helen Thomas, a young Welsh peace activist from Newcastle Emlyn, was killed at Greenham Common in an accident on 5 August 1989.
When the base closed, the women planned a garden on the site of the nuclear nightmare. To honour Greenham’s strong Welsh connections, they decided to use pPennant sandstone from Wales for the monument.
It was a moving moment on 9 November, when the Peace Garden was handed over to the Greenham Common Community Trust. In a fine drizzle of rain, a Japanese maple was planted to the haunting strains of ‘Mae gen i freuddwyd’ (I have a dream), sung by Côr Cochion. Members of the choir, Sue Lent, Beaty Smith and Ray Davies were at the first march from Cardiff to Greenham, and Mary Millington devoted many years to the anti-nuclear struggle at the camp. Helen Thomas was represented at the ceremony by her mother and aunt.
The women of Greenham Common lit a flame for peace which inspired the world. We will never forget their wonderful determination, and the Peace Garden stands as a testament to their incredible victory.
Topics: Culture, Activist history