Work begins on new flags for Heywood memorial

Stone Carved Flags for Heywood War Memorial

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Initial progress has begun on stone carved flags that will be added to the Heywood War Memorial as part of the upcoming World War I centenary commemorations.

The flags, which are being made by Heywood sculptor Harry Simpson, will also include inscriptions done by another local company, Charles Chadwick’s.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Rochdale Council lead member for the armed forces, explained that he wanted to include people from the area in these additions to the memorial.

“Harry is from Heywood and I’ve seen his portfolio myself. With Chadwick’s doing the inscriptions it made sense to try and keep things local.”

“Harry estimates it will take 6-8 weeks for him to sculpt the flags and then they will be painted with a special paint that lasts 20 years.”

These flags will be one of several additions that will be made to the Heywood Memorial Gardens in the coming weeks and months as preparations are made for several World War I centenary commemorations.

Along with the flags, the left flank memorial and all additions will be dedicated this year, whilst work on the inscriptions for the new Forgotten Wars and Veterans Memorial will commence shortly by local stonemason Alistair Chadwick.

The town’s flagpoles have already been relocated to the gardens by members of the 202 Field Squadron Royal Engineers, based in Failsworth.

Councillor McCarthy says there are still more announcements to be made for upcoming commemorations.

“All the plans are just being finalised. We have a budget of around £80,000 for the four years and I will be submitting the ideas very shortly.”