Work begins to improve war memorials ahead of Remembrance events

Work is underway across Oldham to improve war memorials ahead of Remembrance events next month.

Among the work will be the addition of 42 names that were missing from the memorial in Royton Park, a new flagpole in Royton and heritage work to the Pots and Pans memorial.

All memorial spaces will also see a general clean-up with litter removed, graffiti addressed and flower beds tidied.

While these types of grounds maintenance regularly take place as part of a routine programme of work, special attention is given to the cenotaphs, monuments and spaces at this time in preparation for residents paying their respects.

The Royton War Memorial

It was discovered that 32 WWI and 10 WWII soldiers from Royton weren’t remembered on the Royton Park War Memorial, following some fantastic research by the Royton branch of the Royal British Legion.

The names of these heroes are being added to the granite monument which has been funded by the Leader’s budget.

A new flagpole is also being erected within the flower beds.

Cllr Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Oldham has a proud history of acknowledging and celebrating our brave men and women, and I’m pleased to have been able to fund the work which will see more of our heroes remembered.

“In addition to the names being etched onto the granite monument, new wires have been installed that will allow memorial wreaths to be safely secured.

"There will also be a new flagpole erected.”

The addition of the 42 names is scheduled take place prior to Remembrance Sunday on November 14, weather permitting.

Saddleworth ‘Pots and Pans’ War Memorial

The Pots and Pans memorial in Saddleworth is undergoing a tidy and ongoing treatment to dull the graffiti in line with approved conservation techniques running up to Remembrance Sunday.

Work to repair the pointing, surrounding stonework and re-attach the bronze plaques is also being programmed, following advice from heritage specialists.

Weather permitting, this work should be completed in time for the 100-year anniversary in 2023.

Details of the Remembrance Sunday Services (Sunday, November 13), held in in conjunction with branches of the Royal British Legion, are:

Oldham          

War Memorial, opposite the Old Town Hall, starting at 10.50am.

Ex-service and civilian organisations will assemble at New Radcliffe Street at 10.20am and proceed to the War Memorial at 10.30am.

Wreath parties are invited to accompany the Mayor from Lyceum Building.

Crosses may be placed in the field of remembrance adjoining the War Memorial.

Austerlands

Austerlands and District War Memorial, Huddersfield Rd (A62) junction with Heywood Lane, OL4 4RN. Start 10.30am, end 11.30am.

Bardsley

Bardsley War Memorial, Hilary Avenue, OL8 2TX. Start 10.30am, end 11.30am.

Chadderton   

War Memorial in the Chadderton Town Hall Gardens, Middleton Road, starting at 10.55am.

A procession will assemble at the Chadderton Reform Club, Middleton Road, Chadderton at 10am and proceed to the War Memorial at 10.30am.

Crompton      

War Memorial, starting at 10.55am.

A procession will assemble at the Royal British Legion Club, Newtown Street, Shaw, at 10.30am, proceeding to the War Memorial at 10.40am.

Dobcross

Dobcross Band Club, Platt Lane, Dobcross and Holy Trinity Church, Woods Lane, Dobcross, Start 10.00am, end 12.00.

Failsworth     

War Memorial, Oldham Road, starting at 10.55am.

The parade will assemble at the Failsworth Health Centre at 10.10am, proceeding to the War Memorial at 10.30am.

Lees    

War Memorial, starting at 10.30am.

A procession will assemble in Thomas Street at 10.10am and proceed to the War Memorial.

Royton

Royton Park, starting at 10.55am.

Uniformed services will assemble at the rear of Boyes Store, on the car park off Radcliffe Street at 10.40am, proceeding at 10.50am to the Memorial at Royton Park.

Saddleworth 

St Chad's Memorial, Uppermill, on Monday 7 November 2022, starting at 7.15pm and at the Pots and Pans Memorial on Sunday 13 November 2022 at 10.50am.

Waterhead

Waterhead War Memorial, junction of Heywood Street and Brideoake Street, OL4 2JQ, start 10.30am, end 11.30.

Representatives of all organisations, uniformed services and the public are cordially invited to attend any of the above services and an opportunity will be given to those who desire to place wreaths on the Memorials.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.