WW1 pop up garden officially opens in the town centre

Date published: 05 July 2018

One hundred years since the end of World War One was marked in Rochdale town centre with the official opening of a pop-up garden on Thursday (5 July).

Veterans, councillors, Mayor Mohammed Zaman and Deputy Mayor, Billy Sheerin, gathered with residents at the memorial garden - created by Rochdale in Bloom volunteers -  a fitting tribute on The Esplanade to remember those who fell between 1914 and 1918.

Paul Ellison, who proposed the garden, said: “The garden is officially open to the public, for all to enjoy and reflect on their thoughts.

“I am overwhelmed to see what has been created from my thoughts. Words are not needed for the display.

“I want to say a special thanks to Mark and Jamie from the environmental management team, Marshall’s, Rochdale Council and the veterans who had a big input.

“Come on down and place a poppy in the window frame.”

Mayor Zaman said: “A lot of hard work has gone into the project and Rochdale really is in full bloom.

“I hope people who visit the garden will be taken back in history, as they see the silhouettes of the soldiers and are reminded of what happened.

“I think it is so important to raise awareness of the war and keep the history alive in our future generations.”

Councillor Neil Emmott, Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “I think it is right and proper for us to commemorate these great men and women within our town.

“It is a great feature to the town centre, where people can see and be reminded of the great sacrifice these soldiers made for our freedom.

“It is a wonderful, peaceful space.

"Long may Rochdale bloom.”

Scottish Pipe Band at the Remembering Together Event with Ambition for Ageing and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing on Wednesday 4 July 2018. Video courtesy of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.
©Rochdale Boroughwide Housing