Whitworth residents gather on Remembrance Sunday

Whitworth cenotaph

Hundreds of people turned up to pay their respects at the Remembrance Sunday commemorations at Whitworth’s cenotaph on Sunday 10 November, honouring those who had passed serving their country.

A uniformed parade marched from Tong Lane, along Market Street towards the Memorial Gardens, Facit, led by Whitworth Vale and Healey Band.

The moving and thought-provoking service started at 10.40am led by Rev’d Janet O’Neill of St Johns and St Bartholomews churches together with Father Chris McGrane of Our Lady and St Anselm’s, followed by a reading from the Holy Gospel by the town mayor, Councillor Gareth Baron. Wreaths were laid by the town mayor, MP, county councillor, borough and town councillors, representatives from Whitworth schools, Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, past service personnel and other uniformed organisations such as Brownies and Scouts.

The last post was sounded by Mr Dave Tattersall, principal cornet for the Whitworth Vale and Healey Band. This was Dave’s 46th consecutive year playing the last post and his rendition was note perfect, as every year.

Residents stood for two minutes silence to remember those who are lost. The blessing and the national anthem closed the service before everyone was invited over the road to the Ashcroft for complimentary refreshments.

The organising committee would like to thank Rossendale Borough Council for covering the cost of employing a private traffic management company to allow the procession to continue this year.

A huge thank you also to the volunteer marshals from the public who helped the procession run smoothly and Whitworth in Bloom who worked hard to ensure the gardens were looking at their best ready for the service, together with Rossendale Borough Council’s parks department.

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 Rushcart and Remembrance Sunday, then please contact Whitworth Town Council on 01706 852018.

The Mayor of Whitworth, Councillor Gareth Baron, said: “I was honoured to represent our town this year during the Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

It never ceases to amaze me that the Whitworth community turns out in such large numbers to pay their respects. It was clear that this year residents were grateful to be able to remember together I person.

"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.”