A GRANDMOTHER is inviting people to join her in a town centre peace vigil on New Year's Day.
Sylvia Vincent is leading a three minute silence for world peace and the environment in Thornbury High Street at 11am.
The annual "World Silence" vigils were started in Australia 24 years ago by Mary Cassini, an ex-pat Brit, whom Mrs Vincent met during a family visit Down Under.
"I found what she was doing very moving and impressive and have stayed in touch ever since," said Mrs Vincent.
"I am just a grandmother who is very concerned about world conflict and also the state of the planet that we will be passing on to our children and grandchildren.
"I am taking this initiative on my own but I hope I will be joined by others who feel as I do."
Mary Cassini later went backpacking around the world with her husband for five months promoting her ideas for peace.
She was was invited to a peace conference by Mikhail Gorbachev and held a three minute silence in Moscow.
She has also held vigils with Jews and Palestinians in Jerusalem.
The silence is now observed by groups round the world at the 11th hour on New Year's Day.
Mrs Vincent is inviting people to join her at 10.45am for the 11am vigil outside Wildings store in High Street by the old town clock.
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