Lest we forget..

THE scene at Oldham's war memorial yesterday

THOUSANDS of Oldhamers gathered in the town centre yesterday to pay respect to those who gave their lives for their country.

Crowds lined the streets to watch a parade of veterans, military servicemen and women, cadets and members of Mahdlo, led by Oldham Scottish Pipe Band, march through the town centre before gathering at the cenotaph and on Parliament Square for an outdoor Remembrance Sunday.

The service opened with the "Call to Remembrance", read by Reverend Graham Hollowood, before the playing of the Last Post and a two-minute silence.

The Deputy Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Shadab Qumar, read "The Exhortation" before dozens of wreaths were laid at Oldham's war memorial by dignitaries, servicemen, families and Chelsea Pensioners as the sound of Oldham Parish Church's bells rung out.

Hymns were sung by all gathered outside with prayers said and a reading by Reverend David Ireland.

Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Derek Heffernan, said he had been determined to attend the event, despite sustaining a broken collar bone and other injuries in a fall last week.

He said: "It is important that everybody marks Remembrance Sunday and remembers the people who gave their lives for their country and for us. We must never forget those who have died in all conflicts, not just world wars."

The day of Remembrance was also marked with other services across Oldham, held in conjunction with the Royal British Legion.

The people of Shaw were out in force where the service also included the rededication of the memorial following its recent restoration.

Over 2,000 were were packed around the sun-drenched memorial garden, their number swelled by scores of bikers who made a dramatic pre-service entrance as they roared into the High Street, several motorcycle clubs having mustered together at Elk Mill under the organisation of The Spartans and ridden as a cavalcade to Shaw.

Scout and uniformed organisations were represented in the two parades that coverged with pin-point precision before Allan Taylor played a note-perfect Last Post.

Area Dean Rev David Penny led the prayers and dedication and a large number of wreaths were laid. In Chadderton, a procession assembled at the Chadderton Reform Club on Middleton Road before proceeding to the War Memorial outside the Town Hall. Residents in Failsworth watched the parade begin at Failsworth Health Centre and finish at the war memorial on Oldham Road. Uniformed Services took part in a service and minute silence at the war memorial in Royton Park and residents also commemorated the day in Lees with a service at the war memorial.

See more pictures of Remembrance Sunday on our picture sales page.