Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw honoured as Heywood remembers

Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw from Heywood was honoured during a special day in his hometown.

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Thoughts and prayers for Drummer Lee Rigby after last week’s tragic events were observed during an emotional day in Heywood on Sunday. Hundreds of people took to the streets to show their support as the town marked the bravery of another local soldier, Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw MC who earlier in the day was awarded Freedom of the Borough during a moving ceremony at Heywood Civic Centre.

It was the second major accolade for Shaw who has been awarded the Military Cross in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations in Afghanistan.

The ceremony was followed by the unveiling of a street sign in his honour in the town centre – with a section of Church Street renamed Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw MC Way.

Lance Corporal Shaw, a former pupil at St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Heywood said: "It was a real surprise when I heard I was to be awarded this honour, but it means a lot to me and my family and it was good to see so many people here today. It’s a team effort so I’d also like to pay tribute to all those I have worked with and who have always supported me."

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Heywood Township Chair and Lead Member for the Armed Forces said: "Of course our thoughts and prayers are very much with Drummer Lee Rigby’s family. Today has been very moving, but the support from local residents has been really appreciated. A silence was held before the ceremony and it was appropriate to remember the brave men and women who continue to put their lives at risk in service to this country. Lance Corporal Shaw MC, who we have honoured today, is a true hero and the borough is proud. His actions were in the very finest traditions of the British Army."

Corporal Shaw did his training at army training regiment Winchester, Montgomery troop 2 section from January to April 2007 and has completed two tours of Afghanistan. On passing out he was awarded a trophy for the most improved recruit. Stephen’s family have a long tradition within the armed forces and his late Grandfather, David Marsh, served in the Army, as well as his uncles, Peter Marsh who served 22 years in the Royal Army Medical Corps and the late Gary Shaw who served in the Royal Green Jackets.

During the afternoon, crowds lined the streets in the sunshine as a parade by the Lancashire Veterans Association made its way through the town centre to the Memorial Gardens. The parade featured veterans from Aden Yorkshire, Manchester, Korea, Borneo, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, seven Royal British Legion Branches together with Cadets, a Pipes and Drums Band and Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw MC.

Council Leader Colin Lambert, who spoke during the ceremony, said Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour the council can bestow: "Our borough is united in sadness at the death of Drummer Lee Rigby, but as you have seen today we are also united in our unwavering support for the Armed Forces and the achievements of soldiers such as Stephen who was recognised today.

"We have been looking forward to this service for some time and I am very proud. The street sign is a permanent and very visible reminder of his achievements. Today is for Stephen and his family and I hope they have enjoyed it. It has been a day of mixed emotions but I would like to thank everyone who has come out to show their appreciation."

Rochdale was one of the first councils in the country to sign the Armed Forces Community Covenant last November, aimed at encouraging local communities to support services that promote and encourage activities that help integrate Armed Forces personnel back into civilian life. It also encourages authorities to work more closely to support those in service and their families, ensuring there is no disadvantage associated with serving in the Armed Forces.

Books of condolence for Drummer Lee Rigby remain open at Middleton Arena, Rochdale Town Hall, Heywood Library and online at www.rochdale.gov.uk