Tribute call for war dead

LEST we forget... Councillor Mike Buckley at the proposed site for the war memorial

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Councillor leads charge for Delph memorial

A HERITAGE champion is polling Delph villagers about the possibility of a war memorial.

Ward councillor Mike Buckley wants Delph to have its very own tribute to the war dead.
Denshaw, Austerlands and Uppermill have their own monuments and the dramatic obelisk at Pots and Pans overlooking Uppermill commemorates all the area’s victims of battle.

Now Councillor Buckley, Oldham’s heritage champion, who represents Saddleworth North and is a founder member and trustee of the Saddleworth Trust, wants recognition for those brave villagers from Delph who made the ultimate sacrifice.

He said: “Delph takes part in Remembrance Day but has no formal memorial to commemorate villagers who have died in two world wars and recent conflicts.

“Our charity purchased Delph Chapel Garden three years ago to secure its future as a garden and recreational area. We will shortly be announcing a scheme to renovate the garden, improve the layout, provide better seating and repair the various churchyard memorials.

“A war memorial could easily be incorporated into the scheme. We will soon be publishing details of proposed renovation work and I would like to know what the people of Delph think of this idea.”

The Saddleworth Trust charity was established in 2005 to safeguard and protect area’s open spaces and historic buildings. It was set up by members of the Saddleworth Civic Trust.

The councillor’s plans have received warm support from war veterans and locals.

Normandy veteran John Whyman (85), a member of the Tank Regiment, knew members of the armed forces from Delph who lost their lives in the Second World War.

Fourteen names appear on a plaque on a wall at Saddleworth Parish Church, Uppermill.

John, a former school headmaster and member of the Saddleworth branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “I think it would be a splendid idea if these brave lads were recognised in a special memorial in their own village.

“I grew up with a couple of them who lost their lives. It would be very fitting to see their names on a memorial in Delph.”

Saddleworth Parish councillor Robert Birse (87), who served in the RAF during the Second World War, agreed.

“It would give a focus on the lads from Delph. The memorial would be a very fitting reminder of their bravery.”

Delph publican Stewart Thewlis, who runs The Bulls Head in King Street, was a merchant seaman for 10 years.

“I think it is a fine idea,” he said. “It would be a fitting tribute to those brave local men who died and establish a very personal link with their home village.”