Rochdale stands still for Remembrance Sunday

Rochdale Remembrance Sunday

6 More Image(s) In Gallery

Rochdale stood still this morning (Sunday 10 November) and fell silent as hundreds of people gathered to remember those service men and women who have served their country past and present.

The service included a parade onto the Esplanade where people gathered at the Cenotaph opposite Rochdale Town Hall. At 11.00am the last post was sounded and a two minute silence was observed.

Readings were given by Father Paul Brindle of St Vincent's RC Church Rochdale, there were also hymns and prayers.

Wreaths were laid at the memorial by the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Peter Rush, President of the Royal British Legion, the Saluting Officer, the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk, Councillor Colin Lambert, Councillor Ashley Dearnley and Rochdale Council chief executive Jim Taylor, representatives of the Three Armed Forces, senior police, fire and ambulance officers, ex service organisations, magistrates and other organisations and members of the public.

The parade then passed Mayor Rush and the Reviewing Officer taking the salute.

Michael Robin Blackwell, Secretary of the Rochdale branch of the Royal British Legion said: "It was good. It was better than last year in terms of the weather. It was certainly cold but it was a lot brighter."

Valerie Pickup whose husband used to be with the Fusiliers of Northumberland said: "It was good. We come to the service every year. We have lost a few friends so it is nice to come and remember them."

Ian Sandiford who attends the service every year said: "It was excellent. It was very well represented and there was a brilliant turn out. I come very year and I will be coming again next year. I think next year will be different though because it will be 100 years since the First World War."

Johnny Hurst from the Royal Marine Cadets, who took part in his first Remembrance Service in Rochdale since moving from Stockport said: "It was fantastic. It is one of the best I have been a part of. It was a lot better organised than others I have been involved with and was well attended. It is important that these services are held, especially for the cadets. It lets us get involved and do our bit."

After the service, refreshments were on held in the Town Hall.

A two minutes silence will also be held tomorrow (Monday 11 November) at Rochdale’s War Memorial.