New memorial unveiled in Heywood

Heywood Memorial Service

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A new memorial has been unveiled in Heywood for those who have lost their lives in the service of queen and country since World War II.

People from across the borough turned out in their hundreds this afternoon (Saturday 26th September) for the dedication of the new memorial to the men and women of the armed forces from Heywood.

The service was led by The Rt, Revd. Nigel McCullough, Lord Bishop of Manchester at Heywood Memorial Gardens.

Amongst the crowds were families of service men and women, ex service men and women and people who wanted to pay their respects to the fallen.

The service began at 3.00pm and saw the families of four Heywood soldiers lay wreaths on a new memorial which bares their names.

Jen Drake who attended the service said: “It is brilliant that we have got this memorial in the town, although it should have been done before.”

The memorial is the first one of its kind across the country and it has taken 11 years of battle from families for it to get to this stage.

Jen Drake commented: “It has been a long time coming but it’s great to have somewhere to go to remember those who have died fighting for our country.”

Before the service began Heywood Councillor Susan Emmott said: “I am very pleased that we have the memorial, I'm sure this will be a trying day for the families, although they will be happy to see their loved ones names it will of course bring back sad memories.”

Councillor Carol Wardle described the day as a ‘triumph’ she said: “It will be a very moving service for the families and after years of consultation they now have somewhere to go and pay their respects.”

Fred Higgin from Middleton said: “There should be more of these memorials to encourage the young to learn about the past, young lads out there are dying in the name of England, maybe memorials like this one will educate the children out on the streets.”

Ex forces man Tom Myers from Heywood said: “Anything of this nature is a nice thing to have in any community or town, it gives extra recognition to the forces.”

As the sun came out and the service was due to begin Mr Myers commented: “God does smile down on us occasionally - only it takes something like this for it to happen.”

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Chairman of Heywood Township, spoke in front of the crowd, he said: “I am proud that my fellow Heywood Township councillors agreed to initiate and fund this memorial for the town of Heywood, and in the absence of any other financial support, am delighted with the end result; this is of national significance and believe the first monument of this type is the country, commemorating those who have lost their lives in the service of our country since the Second World War.

“I would like to thank the four families, our honoured guests and the people of Heywood for attending today’s dedication service for the new memorial.”

Following the very moving service Heywood and Middleton MP Jim Dobbin said: “The service was very impressive and the families were very dignified.

“It is vital not to forget soldiers who have fought for this country, to have their names up there is the way it should be.”

The memorial is particularly important to the families of four Heywood men who lost their lives in the Armed Forces.

• Gunner Glen Colvin who served with the Royal Artillery died in Germany in 1980, he was 20 years old.
• Corporal Stephen Hope who served with the Parachute Regiment died in the Falklands in 1982, he was 27 years old.
• Corporal Ian Holt who served with the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers died in Belize in 1991, he was 28 years old.
• Lance Corporal Michael J Beswick who served with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers died in Northern Ireland in 1993, he was 21 years old.

The new memorial has been developed by Heywood Township in consultation with the Royal British Legion (Heywood Branch) and local community and funded by Heywood Township Fund.