Mayor unveils WW1 memorial bench

The memorial bench at Mountside View in Shawclough

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

The Shawclough community was out in force on Thursday for the unveiling of a special memorial bench to remember the area’s fallen from the First World War.

Mayor Mohammad Zaman revealed the plaque, inscribed with the names of six servicemen who paid the ultimate price for our country in the conflict.

The ceremony began with 120 school children from Shawclough Community Primary School performing three songs, which featured messages of friendship, support, and living in harmony with neighbours.

A group of former servicemen and servicewomen from across the borough were in attendance to mark the occasion at the school and then at Mountside View Independent Living Scheme where they interacted with the school children, sharing stories and experiences and answering questions.

Mayor Zaman said: “These men are our heroes, it is important that we continue to remember them whenever we can. I would like to thank the residents, former servicemen and women and the RBH employees for the honour and privilege to be here to mark this occasion”

One child asked “Why was there a second world war if the first was so bad?” To which a veteran replied “Because adults don’t talk things through, I hope that you will have learned from our mistakes.”

Town Chaplain Margaret Smith led a short service of remembrance, saying that she hoped the bench would be “a place to rest, a place to pray, a place to get strength and a place to celebrate good times”.

The memorial bench was funded as part of a grant received by RBH from Tesco’s Bags for Life scheme to promote inter-generational work.

The project was led by local resident Jeff Whitworth along with support from Rachel Saunders, RBH Activity Co-ordinator. Jeff had researched the fallen soldiers from the First World War and selected the six from Shawclough. He arranged for the plaque to be made so that future generations would be able to remember their sacrifice.