Whitworth turns out for Remembrance Sunday service

Whitworth residents’ young and old gathered to remember those lost and injured during times of conflict on Sunday 10 November.

The town’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations began with a procession along the main road to the Memorial Gardens in Facit, led by Whitworth’s Vale and Healey Brass Band.

 

 

A moving and thought-provoking Service of Remembrance took place around the Cenotaph, led by the Mayor’s Chaplain, Rev Joanna Watson of St Johns and St Bartholomew’s Churches. The two-minute silence was recognised, and numerous wreaths were laid.

Following the Service of Remembrance, everyone was invited to cross the road for refreshments at the Civic Hall (The Riverside).

Estimates suggest around 500 people attended, those in attendance included Whitworth’s Mayor, Councillor Mrs Lynda Barnes who read a bible passage.

The local uniformed organisations, war veterans, Town, Borough and County Councillors, representatives of the town’s schools, places of worship and community organisations, Lancashire Constabulary and Fire Service, and members of the public laid wreaths.

 

 

During the service, Dave Tattersall, principal cornet of Whitworth Vale and Healey Band played the last post for Whitworth remembrance Services for the 41st year, this year.

The Mayor of Whitworth, Councillor Lynda Barnes, said: “Every year it never ceases to amaze me that the Whitworth community turns out in such large numbers to pay their respects. On behalf of the myself and the Town Council, I thank all who attended, and all who helped with the organisation to make it such a wonderful, memorable occasion.”

Organisers had to make some last-minute arrangements due to the withdrawal of marshalling services by Lancashire Constabulary. Rossendale Borough Council covered the cost of employing a private traffic management company to allow the procession to continue this year and the Town Council secured eight volunteer marshals from the general public. Without the help of these volunteers the future of the procession would be in danger.

If you can spare half an hour to help with future processions for St George’s Day, Rushcart and Remembrance in Whitworth then please contact David Chorlton on 07939 218 266.