Remembrance Day in the suburbs

A huge turn-out at Failsworth to remember the fallen.

THE REV Godfrey Adams surveyed the snaking line of poppies in solemn remembrance of Saddleworth’s fallen.

Here, 1,200 feet up on wind-swept Pots and Pans, more than 700 young and old gathered with their proud emblems to pay tribute to a generation who left their homes never to return.

The Rev Adams led the Service of Dedication and Remembrance and silence fell as Nicola Bolger, from Dobcross Brass Monkeys, played the Last Post.

Wreaths were laid by local organisations and groups including Saddleworth Parish Council, Saddleworth Women’s Institute, Saddleworth Round Table, the Rotary Club of Saddleworth, GMP and the Air Training Corps and the Scouts.

And Rev Adams said: “I want to thank the young people and all the organisations, including Oldham Mountain Rescue, gathered here today. To me the hills have a very biblical meaning, where people go to be closer to God. So it’s a pleasure and an honour to come here for this service.

“The sacrifices people made are great and to see families and children who have made the effort to come and remember is very special.”

Elsewhere, locals gathered to pay tribute at services at the war memorial in St Chad’s Park, Uppermill, organised by the Royal British Legion Saddleworth branch.

At St Anne’s Church, Lydgate, a ceramic poppy from last year’s Tower of London installation, Blood Swept Land and Seas of Red, was dedicated.

Yesterday at Diggle Band Club, Diggle Band hosted its annual Remembrance Concert featuring Dobcross Band Silver Band and Brass Monkeys.

In Austerlands, a gathering of more than 50 residents braved the elements to pay tribute at Saddleworth’s oldest war memorial. The service was led by Roger Fielding and wreaths were laid by the current Mayor of Austerlands and Falklands Royal Navy veteran, David Buckley; by John Moncur (ex-Royal Air Force) on behalf of Saddleworth Parish Council and by Joan Sykes on behalf of the Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group. Barry Scott (ex-East Lancashire Regiment) acted as the honour guard.

The Last Post was sounded by former resident Vicky Prescott and proceedings closed with an extract from a 1915 poem by Ammon Wrigley entitled “The Lads of Austerlands & Scouthead”, which was read by Susan Smith.