Peeblesshire News | News | Hugh's in pole position for peace

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Friday, 24th February, 2006 10:59

Hugh's in pole position for peace

A PEEBLES performer is making a stand for peace – with the help of Bart Simpson and Charlie Chaplin’s son.

Local teacher and storyteller Hugh Peebles is celebrating his 60th birthday by organizing a fundraising concert at the Eastgate Theatre next week.

And the proceeds will go towards putting up Peeblesshire’s very own Peace Pole – an eight-foot column with a prayer carved onto it in different languages.

Hugh Peebles told us: “I want to raise the profile of peace here in Peebles.

“I am originally from the USA and because of everything that has been going on there in recent years it has become even more important to me to promote peace around the world.

“I know it's an unusual thing to stage a `one man show` on a major birthday, but with the world in the condition it is it seemed the right thing.”

After his concert the anti-war activist hopes to plant a peace pole in a prominent spot in Peebles.

And the symbol will add to over 250,000 already standing for peace in countries all around the world.

The funds raised from the birthday concert will also go towards providing relief for those suffering in war-torn areas.

Among other guests arriving from Hugh’s homeland for the big night is the voice of Charlie Chaplin’s son, Michael, who has recorded a special introduction for the show.

And striking a chord with the audience is the voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright, who has also provided inspiration for Hugh when he called on her help for his work with Amnesty International.

The peace-promoting programme will feature many familiar names from across Tweeddale as well.

And Hugh will be talking about his own familiar name, and his journey to Peebles after his third-grade High School teacher first told him about the far-off Scottish town.

Hugh added: “People often ask me about my name and so I will be talking about that as well as telling other stories.

“I did a similar show in the Burgh Hall a few years ago and it was a sell-out. People really seemed to enjoy it.”

The show, ‘Peebles @ Peebles’ starts at 7.30pm on Wednesday March 1.

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