During the Peace Mala Festival Tony was very ill. He did not let on how very ill he was, but battled on bravely. Tony was essential to the smooth running of the festival. His work 'behind the scenes' was truly amazing.

I had not known Tony for very long but he soon became dear to me. I 'took to him' the moment I met him.

Last year, Laura Daniels and I spent a wonderful afternoon at The Monastery where Tony shared with us his amazing knowledge of its history and sacred geometry and his love of the building and the brothers who had built it from the very clay it now stands on. At one point I was moved to tears by Tony's story. Laura will remember this as she immediately stood up and held me.

We discussed early plans for the Peace Mala Festival with Tony and our hopes for Peace Mala's future. Laura has shared with many of us that Tony was her right hand man in the organisation of the festival. He also stepped-in to build the wonderful website for the Peace Mala Festival that we now have: www.peacemalafestival.com

This is Tony's message on the Guestbook of the website:

Hi,

I have been involved with Gorton Monastery since 1997 and first met Laura Daniels, inspirational Headteacher of Woodheys Primary School, and Pam Evans, visionary founder of Peace Mala, at the Monastery in 2008.

I was delighted that the Monastery was chosen to hold this year's Peace Mala Festival and honoured to be asked to create this website.

Tony Hurley August 2010

Spending time with Tony at Laura's ordination in London last summer was also special. We spoke a little about our spiritual paths. I had already guessed that his background was Catholic. My background is Anglo-Catholic so we had a lot in common that we could share.

We will miss Tony but he will not be forgotten. He is part of the Peace Mala story and journey which continues.

With my love, gratitude and prayers.