We salute you

Photo: Paul Sterritt

Shaw Remembrance Sunday. Leo Baker, house captain at Crompton primary school, points to his Great Great Grandfathers name , J.F. Tetlow, who fell at the Battle of the Somme, during the Great War.

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THE rain held off across Oldham on Sunday as thousands of people paid their respects to those who have sacrificed their lives in wars.

A parade of servicemen and civilians alike made their made way down to the front of the old town hall, watched by young and old, men and women.

Prayers were read out by Oldham Parish Church’s Rev Derek Palmer, followed by a reading of The Exhortation by the Mayor, councillor Ateeque Ur-Rehman, as well as hymns and the national anthem, played by the Oldham Music Centre band.

The town fell silent at 11am, before a procession made its way to the war memorial, where the Mayor laid a wreath of poppies on behalf of the citizens of Oldham, in memory of all those who died in the service of their country.

Oldham Council leader councillor Jim McMahon said: “It is the first Remembrance Day since the war memorial was refurbished and the book of remembrance was fully operational.

Emotional

“It was quite touching to see so many children. It is a reminder to young people growing up in the borough why it is important to remember so we don’t repeat mistakes in the future.

For Mary Wilson and son Terry, the service was even more emotional, as several members of the family have served in the Army.

Mrs Wilson, from Chadderton, said: “I never miss the Remembrance service. IMy grandad never came back from the First World War. He left behind six little children.

“There’s a lot of sadness as well as pride in the family.”

Terry added: “They always put on a good service. It’s nice to see the soldiers all turn up. We have got to pay respect for them.”

Andrew Colclough, from Lees, said: “I has been fantastic again — I come every year. We have got to keep it going for generations to come. It should be an inspiration for future generations to never forget.”

In Failsworth, a parade assembled at the Failsworth Health Centre before making its way to the war memorial.

Ward councillor Sean Fielding laid a wreath on behalf of the mayor, while Councillor Elaine Garry laid one on behalf of MP Angela Rayner.

Councillor Garry said: “Everything went absolutely wonderful. There were about 4,000 people there. It was well organised and well attended.”

In Shaw and Crompton, a procession gathered at the Royal British Legion Club before a service led by Father John Hilton, from St James’s Church in Derker, at the war memorial on High Street.

Delph Youth Band performed the hymns. Phelyp Bennett, from the RBL, said: “At least 1,000 people were there. Fortunately the rain stopped.

There will be another, short service at the memorial on Wednesday morning.

Around 125 people in Royton paid their respects at the memorial at Royton Park.

The service was conducted by the Rev James Read, from St Anne’s Church, and the eldest member of the congregation, Keith Hulse, read out a tribute and laid the first wreath at the war memorial in Royton Park. The names on the war memorial were also read out.

Sylvia Coppock , warden of St Anne’s Church, said: “It was a dignified service. It felt right that we should read read the names of all the people who had been killed during the two wars.”

At Hollins, between 60-70 people attended a small service, conducted by Father David Hawthorne, at St Margaret’s Church on Chapel Road.

Representatives from Hollins Methodist church, Limeside Methodist Church and Beulah Community Church were also present.

Father Eugene Dolan, from St Edward’s RC Church, led the service at the war memorial on St Thomas Street in Lees, attended by 150-200 people

At Chadderton, a procession gathered at Chadderton Reform Club, on Middleton Road, at around 10am before making its way to the war memorial outside Chadderton Town Hall.