A tear, a silent memory

Photo: Picture: DARREN ROBINSON.

POIGNANT memories as former comrades are remembered at the service at Oldham war memorial.

YOUNG and old turned out in their thousands across Oldham yesterday to remember those who have died serving their country.

Large attendances were reported at services as the borough fell silent at 11am to remember the fallen.

Many families were among the people who lined the streets in Oldham town centre as a parade led by pipers marched to the open air service.

Ex-servicemen and women were joined the uniformed associations and other organisations who assembled in front of the old town hall in cold but clear weather.

They included members of the Royal British Legion who remembered their fallen comrades as the association marks its 90th anniversary.

The service was led by Canon John Sykes with prayers and readings by Father Stephen Doyle, Rev David Ireland and Rev Derek Palmer.

Canon Sykes said: “Especially today we remember the soldier killed in Afghanistan this week, Private Matthew Thornton.”

He added: “We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives, in world wars and conflicts past and present, have been given and taken away.”

PCSO Rhiannon Ashworth played the Last Post to mark the start of the two minutes’ silence. Silent tears were shed by some before the bugler sounded Reveille.

Church bells then rang out as the Deputy Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Olwen Chadderton, laid the first wreath. She was standing in for the Mayor, Councillor Richard Knowles, who has been in hospital.

The hymns and National Anthem were played by Oldham Music Centre and the service ended with a march past.

Church leaders across the borough reported large turnouts.

In Shaw and Crompton, more than 1,000 people attended at Crompton War Memorial where a procession assembled after marching from the Royal British Legion, Newtown Street.

Rev David Jones, minister at St Paul’s Methodist Church, led the service with Father Harry Edwards, of Holy Trinity Church, and Captain Anthony Godwin, of Shaw Salvation Army.

Cyril Palmer, president of Shaw Royal British Legion, said: “It is the biggest we have had for years. It was a marvellous day.”

A procession assembled at Thomas Street before proceeding to the war memorial in Lees Cemetery.

The service was led by Rev Lindsay Neal from Zion Methodist Church who was assisted by Rev Ruth Farrar from St Thomas Leesfield and Canon Eugene Dolan from St Edward’s Church.

Around 400 people attended and Councillor Val Sedgwick, who laid the wreath on behalf of the council, said: “It was nice to see all the little ones taking part.”

Rev Paul Monk led a service attended by around 90 adults and 50 children at Waterhead Parish Church while around 80 people attended a service at St Barnabus Church conducted by retired Bishop Rupert Hoare. Wreaths were then laid at Waterhead War Memorial.

Uniformed services paraded to the war memorial in Royton Park where at least 1,000 people attended a service led by Canon Peter McEvitt from St Paul’s Church.

Around 140 adults and children also attended a service at St Anne’s Church, Royton, led by Rev James Read. Wreaths were then laid outside at the church’s war memorial.

A two minute silence was held at Chadderton War Memorial followed by a short religious service led by Rev Alan Cooke, vicar of St Mark’s Church.

This was followed by a procession to Chadderton Reform Club where there was food, drink and entertainment.

Up to 400 people attended the service and Rev Cooke said: “There was an excellent turnout.”

An impressive 800 people made the steep trek up to the Pots and Pans memorial above Saddleworth, around 300 more than last year.

Rev Howard Sutcliffe, of St Chad’s Church, Uppermill, led the service and Joseph Hughes, secretary of Saddleworth Royal British Legion, said: “There were much more people than we had previously.”

A multi-media presentation at Greenacres Congregational Church told the stories of three boys form the Sunday School who lost their lives on the same day in the First World War.

Rev Neil Chappell led the service which was attended by more than 100 people, including all sections of the uniformed organisations.

Up to 2,500 people are estimated to have attended Failsworth War Memorial.

The traditional procession passed the town hall before the service was led for the first time by Father Tony Mills, Rector of Holy Family Church.

The Association of Hollinwood Churches came together for the service at Hollinwood War Memorial in the grounds of St Margaret’s Church. More than 200 people attended, including local councillors and representatives of local organisations.

The service was conducted by Father Simon Sayer, assistant priest at St Margaret’s, who was assisted by clergy from other churches.

A short remembrance service took place at Austerlands War Memorial while 400 people attended a service at Bardsley War Memorial led by Rev Tony Grant from Holy Trinity Church. He was assisted by Rev Nick Bentley from Keb Lane Methodist Church.

The family of Joseph Etchells, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009, attended an Armistice Day service at the Fusilier Museum in Bury.

The 22-year-old from Mossley was a corporal with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.