A Remembrance Sunday like no other
Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 09 November 2020
Paul Errock and Phil Cumberworth pictured at the Pots and Pans memorial
It was a Remembrance Sunday like no other - but despite tough lockdown rules none of the fallen were forgotten.
At 11 o clock people stood in silent tribute at their front doors and homes, some decorated with bright, hand-knitted poppies, while clouds of cut-out poppies adorned windows and garden walls.
However, coronavirus restrictions reduced the number of musicians to play the emotional Last Post from six to two at some sites.
And in some cases, because of unforeseen circumstances, performances were left to solo musicians to render emotional tributes, adding to the poignancy of the sombre, overcast morning.
At Pots and Pans, for example, the site of the iconic weatherbeaten cenotaph which gazes serenely over the Saddleworth villages, unassuming Phil Cumberworth, musical director of the Dobcross Brass Monkeys, the adult training band, gave a solo performance.
And the traditional service was replaced by a short reading from local businessman, Paul Errock.
At the end, an impromptu presentation by two men who had never met previously, and a small, socially distanced audience, climbed the hill to remember the fallen and gave an appreciative round of applause.
Mr Cumberworth, who has taken the band to the hillside commemoration for more than six years, said: “We were determined the tradition was kept alive.”
And Mr Errock, from Grasscroft, added: “Phil asked if I would read a dedication to all those that gathered, and I was delighted to oblige.”
At Oldham’s oldest Great War Memorial, in Austerlands, there was a small, socially distanced, placing of poppy wreaths - including a special wreath placed on behalf of the Queen in the year of the centenary of the monument’s unveiling.
The wreath was laid by Dr Roger Fielding, who then conducted a shortened version of the Act of Remembrance with appropriate prayers.
Wreaths were also laid by Parish Councillor Rob Knotts for Saddleworth Parish Council; Geoffrey Fielding, Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group and by Band Contest Secretary, David Needham, on behalf of the Mayor of Austerlands.
Commenting on the Queen’s wreath, Mr Needham said: “What an honour for our community and for the people who raised the funds for the memorial a hundred years ago.
"It goes some way to make up for the disappointment of not being able to include many of the residents who wanted to take part in this year’s event.
“It remains important to look back and remember the people who lost their lives, and the people whose lives were damaged by the armed conflicts of the 20th century, and despite the current restrictions we have managed to pay our respects to them all.
"Although the attendance was reduced in numbers, our tribute was no less respectful.”
Churches across the Saddleworth community were closed for public worship on Remembrance Sunday, and remain so for the coming weeks of lockdown.
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