Remembrance Sunday Services

Photo: Laura Wild

Remembrance service at Rochdale Cenotaph

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Remembrance Day services and parades have taken place across the borough today (Sunday 8 November) honouring those who have died whilst fighting for their country.

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Keith Swift, headed a service of Remembrance at the Rochdale Cenotaph this morning. The remembrance parade began at Mere Street, and the procession marched down Drake Street, South Parade and The Esplanade to the Cenotaph.

The Last Post was sounded as the Town Hall clock struck 11.00am; a two minute silence followed.

Wreaths were laid by: The Mayor, President of the Legion, Saluting Officer, Paul Rowen MP, the three Party Leaders, Representatives of the three Armed Forces, Senior Police, Fire and Ambulance Officers, Royal British Legion and ex-Service Organisations, and Magistrates.

Members of the public were also invited to lay their wreaths.

The Vicar of Rochdale, The Reverend Doctor David Foss, read the Psalm; Father Joseph Sweeney of Saint Patrick's RC Church and the Reverend Carolyn Lawrence Minister for the Rochdale and Littleborough Methodist Circuit, led the prayers.

Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Keith Swift, said: “It is tremendous to see people of Rochdale in such numbers remembering those from the past who have fallen for the freedom of this country and those who are fighting at present.

“Freedom comes with a price, we must remember that.”

MP Paul Rowen, said: “It is a very sobering time as so many soldiers have lost their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq. “I am pleased to see a large number of people; this isn’t just for past wars it is also for the lads and lasses who are fighting for this country.”

This afternoon The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale joined with the Wardle community for a service of remembrance at 3.00pm at the Wardle Cenotaph.

Wardle High School band led the procession into the memorial garden, where the community surrounded the cenotaph ready for the two minutes silence.

Wreaths were laid by: The Mayor, Paul Rowen MP, Wardle Village Church, Wardle Labour Party, Wardle Conservative Party, Greater Manchester Police, Wardle West and Littleborough Councillors and the Lancashire Fusiliers.

Reverend Neil Blay from St. Andrews Church, Dearnley, said: “It is amazing how many young people turn up to this day year after year.

“I want to appeal to them to grow up with a feeling of love and respect for all people.

“It is important for the troops serving at the moment to know that we are behind them, whether people agree with the war or not, they are supported by their country.

“The turn out today shows that they are. It also shows a real sense of community and shows that people can still come together.”