Hereford Peace Council, born out of concern over the proliferation of nuclear weapons, is 20 years old.

It will celebrate the anniversary at the Friends Meeting House, in King Street, to reminisce and talk about the future.

Growing opposition to the development of nuclear weapons led to the launch of a European Disarmament campaign in the 1970s and in 1980 people from all walks of life met in London to call for the formation of broadly-based local peace groups across the country.

This led to a gathering in Hereford on June 30 that year when a peace council was set up with the Preb. Len Moss, then the vicar of Marden, as first chairman and the late Harley Millichap as secretary.

Three months later, Bruce Kent, of CND fame, visited the group and soon the membership stood at 235.

Other communities in Herefordshire followed suit, with peace groups being established in Kington, Leominster and Ross-on-Wye.

Smaller, locally-based groups were also formed, often meeting in each other's homes to study questions about defence and disarmament.

The Hereford group organised coaches to take people to big CND rallies in Trafalgar Square and to Greenham Common, where cruise missiles were sited.

Non-violence workshops, vigils, stalls in High Town and letter-writing campaigns have been activities over the years.

A cherry tree was planted in Hereford Crematorium in memory of the hydrogen bomb dropped over Hiroshima.

More recently, the peace council has involved itself in other issues, such as landmines and cluster bombs, depleted uranium and the arms trade.

Hereford Peace Council meets monthly and prayers for peace are held each Tuesday lunchtime in Hereford Cathedral.

This year has been declared the International Year for a Culture of Peace, which members believe is a positive sign for the 21st century.

Members old and new are invited to the meeting at the Friends Meeting House on June 19 at 7-30pm.