Memorial stone is our tribute to war dead

LYDGATE has honoured a promise to return its war dead to the community.

Volunteers from the “Love Lydgate” group made a wall-hanging about the centenary of World War One, which triggered investigations into stories of 50 Lydgate, Springhead and Grotton soldiers - including VC winner Tommy Steele from Springhead, who died in 1978.

Their research resulted in a book “The Boys on the Hill”, which has just gone on sale.

The culmination of their efforts came with the unveiling of a specially-commissioned memorial stone at St Anne’s Church, Stockport Road.

Love Lydgate chairman Jennifer Greenwood said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response from all those we approached for help. Now, through this memorial stone and the wall-hanging, we have achieved what we set out to do — bring them back to the heart of our community.”

Locals will create a stunning “ribbon of red” at St Anne’s Church and in local hedgerows during Remembrance Week, using hand-knitted poppies. The stone will be blessed at a Remembrance Sunday service.