In May 1994, notice appeared in the Post inviting people who were interested in human rights to attend a public meeting in the Methodist Central Hall.

The meeting was very well attended and out of it was formed the Launceston Amnesty International Group.

The first meeting of the new group was in the town hall on June 14, 1994, and it has met regularly ever since.

Its 25th anniversary was celebrated with a ‘Walk and Tea’ at North Hill, when members and friends took to the footpaths before returning for a sumptuous ‘AmnesTea’.

This was just the latest in the group’s many fundraising and awareness raising events.

In the 25 years of its existence, the group has campaigned tirelessly for human rights. It has written thousands of letters on behalf of victims of human rights abuses, it has raised more than £30,000 to support the work of Amnesty International UK, it has organised talks in schools and public lectures, it has held information stalls at local fetes and fairs, it has held quizzes, barn dances and an all-day music festival.

Underpinning all of these activities is the belief that, from the privileged position many have in the UK, it is right that people do what they can to help those who are being persecuted for what they believe.

The group has been successful in helping the release or improving the conditions of many people who are in this position, and it is this continuing belief that the group will continue to meet in the future.

The Launceston Amnesty International Group meet on the second Tuesday of each month at the White Hart Hotel at 7.30pm and full details can be found on its Facebook page.