Youth band makes historic journey

Two Saddleworth teenagers are preparing to embark on a poignant trip to link six generations of their family.

Talented musicians Joshua and Elizabeth Bowker are visiting Belgium with Delph Youth Band on Sunday as part of a five-day tour which includes three concert appearances.

The brother and sister are part of a 26-strong party, including conductor Chris Partington, which will play and march through the historic town of Ypres. They will also witness the touching nightly ceremony of the “Last Post” sounded at the Menin Gate Memorial.

The site contains the names of 54,886 fallen heroes of the Ypres Salient from 1917.

The pilgrimage has deep significance for the two Bowker children — one of their relatives was killed in battle and is buried at the Chapel Corner cemetery. Private Stanley Waite, was part of the 34th Field Ambulance Royal Army Medical Corps, of Ashton Road, Oldham. He died at the tender age of 24.

Mum Lynne Bowker said: “I am sure the visit will make some real impressions on my children and the band. I still have a picture of Stanley as a memento.”

Joshua (16) plays baritone with the band, while 14-year-old Elizabeth is a euphonium player. They have been members for four years.

The band will take a special gift from Saddleworth Parish Council, which has provided a small grant towards the trip.

A book, with a personal, hand-written message by parish council chairman Alma McInnes will be presented to the Mayor of Ypres, Luc Dehaene, after the concert. The book is entitled “Saddleworth 1914-1919 — the experience of a Pennine community during the Great War”.

Councillor McInnes said: “I thought it fitting the people of Saddleworth could remember the fallen. I have included the immortal line ‘lest we forget.’ ”

Parish Councillor Ken Hulme is among several parents on the trip. His son George (14) is also a baritone in the band. Councillor Hulme said: “The trip will be heightened because of the tragic deaths of eight British soldiers in Afghanistan this week.

“I am really pleased the band will act as ambassadors for Saddleworth. I would like to see them represent the whole borough.

“I sincerely hope the links with Ypres will flourish and we never forget the sacrifices made by so many.”