Please help to fund the new John Marjoram Peace Bench – a memorial for peace, tolerance and reconciliation – in partnership with Stroud Town Council to commemorate the life & work of John Marjoram (1939–2025), a tireless campaigner for Stroud and for peace in the world.

Backgound

For some months, a local voluntary group, including John’s widow Laura Ridolfi, has been working with Stroud Town Council on a project to mark the late John Marjoram’s many contributions to the life of Stroud by installing a specially commissioned peace bench on Stroud High Street. John’s dedication to fairness, ecological sustainability and the quality of life in our town led him to serve as Mayor of Stroud for ten years, and for a further seven years as deputy Mayor. John also had a life-long passion for peace in the world.

A top-rate local craftsman has been commissioned to construct a beautiful bench from local hardwoods that will be installed at the top of Stroud High Street – a place to sit, view the town and reflect on the harmony and peace that John always sought to bring about. The total cost, including installation, will be around £5,000.

We are appealing for donations to help cover the costs of this special bench that we fully expect to become a unique and treasured feature on the High Street. Given John Marjoram’s pivotal role in its founding, we are delighted that the Town Council has agreed to make a substantial contribution towards the cost. Our target is to raise £4,000 and to have the bench installed this summer.

Please give generously to make this symbol of peace a reality, and keep alive the memory of John Marjoram and the many contributions he made to this great town.

Thank you in anticipation for your support.

Launched by: Bernard Jarman, Richard House, Olly Millsand Cllr Lucas Schoemaker