Rochdale pays its respects on Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday service at the Rochdale Cenotaph - Sunday 14 November 2010

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Remembrance Sunday services and parades have taken place across the borough of Rochdale today (Sunday 14 November 2010) honouring those who have died whilst fighting for their country.

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, 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.

Hundreds of people lined the streets to watch the parade.

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

Wreaths were laid by: The Mayor of Rochdale, President of the Legion, Saluting Officer, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Simon Danczuk MP, the three party leaders, representatives from the three armed forces, a Senior Police Officer, Senior Fire Officer and Senior Ambulance Officer, Royal British Legion and other Ex-Service Organisations, Magistrates and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing

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

Divine Service was conducted by Reverend Canon Alan Shackleton, Father Paul Brindle and Rev Ron Hicks. Rochdale Music Service accompanied the singing of the hymns and the service concluded with The National Anthem.

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali said: “Every year there seems to be an improvement in the large number of people coming for the Remembrance Sunday Service and that is what I like to see.

“More people are participating compared to five or ten years back. I am glad the Town Hall square is full of people paying their respects for the lives that were given for our today.”

The Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Irene Davidson said: “This is the best turnout ever. Seeing the number of people here took my breath away as we were walking out of the Town Hall. I hope this has been replicated in all the other Townships.

“It really is an honour to be here today.”

The Deputy Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Ashley Dearnley added: “I have to reiterate what Irene has said. It is an honour to be here. More and more people turn up every year.

“There is a wonderful turnout and it is a real tribute to those who died for our freedom and still are today.”

This afternoon the Mayor 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, Simon Danczuk MP, Wardle Village Church, Wardle Conservative Club, Greater Manchester Police, Wardle Bowling Club and the Lancashire Fusiliers.

Rev. Andrew Howell from Wardle Village Church led the service. He said: “There is a great attendance this afternoon. It seems to get busier every year.”

He added: “It is important to remember our freedom.”