Saddleworth falls silent to remember VJ Day 75

Touching acts of remembrance were recorded when, with quiet dignity, Saddleworth shared its VJ Day 75 memories.

Alison Clowes, the vice-chairman, standard bearer and Poppy Appeal organiser of the Royal British Legion Saddleworth Branch, laid a wreath to commemorate VJ Day at the memorial in Uppermill.

The Rev John Rosedale provided a small service with John Whittle from Uppermill Band playing the Last Post, Reveille and National Anthem.

Shaw and Crompton Town Crier Marcus Emms read out the national cry.

Said Alison: “The community passing through the playing fields stopped to observe the service and the silence, while still observing social distancing guidelines.

“I do feel grateful and thankful for the ongoing and continued support the local branch receives from the community and local authorities for any event or service.”

An emotional Lees memorial ceremony saw wreaths laid on behalf of  Lees, Springhead and Grotton by St Thomas' Leesfield Church Harvest Queen, Annie Jakeman (10), Lucas Exton (8) and his sister Evie (5) from 16th Oldham St. Edwards Scouts.

Thomas Kimblin, a 94-year-old RAF veteran from Lees, laid flowers in memory of his friends and colleagues in Bengal, Singapore, Java, Sumatra and Malaya. 

Marcus Emms, the Town Crier, read the Cry of Peace.

Annie's great grandad Snowden was an RAF pilot who flew Dakotas from India and dropped supplies to the troops in Burma.

Her great grandfather Walker repatriated prisoners of war and brought them home, so she was very honoured to lay her wreath.

In Austerlands, Vicky Louise Prescott  played the Last Post and Reveille after the two minutes silence as more than 20 neighbours stood silently to remember the ‘forgotten army'.

Vicky, whose grandparents were local farmers, grew up at the Red Lion and went to Springhead, Knowsley and Saddleworth school.

And although she now lives in Brighouse, she has returned to her roots to play with Dobcross Silver Band.

Max Woodvine, a Saddleworth parish councillor, remembered his great grandather, Quartermaster Sergeant Alfred Woodvine, who served in the Royal Pioneer Corps.

“He was on active service overseas while his family waited for news at home, so we must remember the Far East campaign and never forget the jubilant scenes and overwhelming sense of relief," said Max.

“We must also remember the terrible devastation it brought.

"Amongst the joy there was cost and sacrifice.”

He added: “Along with the people of Saddleworth, Lees and borough, I send my grateful thanks to the men and women who fought so valiantly to secure the freedoms we cherish today.

"The memory of their bravery will remain with us, always.”

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