Mayor set to lead War parade

OLDHAMERS are urged to line the streets and play their part in the borough’s First World War centenary celebrations.

The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Fida Hussain, will lead Sunday’s parade, along with ex-service and voluntary organisations who will set off from New Radcliffe Street car park at 1.30pm.

The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and the Mayor, together with invited dignitaries, will then parade through the town centre towards Oldham Parish Church where they will be joined by residents of all ages for a service from 2pm.

Standard bearers will provide a guard of honour up the church steps and the memorial drums, which are usually on display in the civic centre, will act as an altar. This all harks back to their use on the battlefield when a chaplain would use them as a memorial altar while he held a service.

Oldham Music Centre’s Youth Choir will perform at the service and images of armed forces personnel will be on display throughout.

At the end of the service, a memorial tree — with three branches to represent the Army, Navy and Royal Flying Core and the trunk representing Oldham — will be planted in the church gardens.

A granite memorial stone along with bench, donated by Life for a Life, will also be unveiled.

Members of the 75 Engineer Regiment, which has Freedom of the Borough status, will serve refreshments while the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers perform.

As part of a campaign to bring people from across the borough and beyond together in remembrance, the council has launched www.oldhamremembers.org.uk — a website which allows residents old and young to share memories, experiences and stories.
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