Rochdale falls silent to honour war dead

Remembrance Sunday at Rochdale cenotaph

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Hundreds of people have observed a two-minute silence as part of the Remembrance Sunday commemorations in Rochdale.

People stood shoulder to shoulder on The Esplanade in Rochdale town centre to watch the Remembrance Sunday parade, before partaking in a Service of Remembrance at the Rochdale Cenotaph.

The 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.

Civic leaders, including the Deputy Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor James Gartside, attended the service alongside former servicemen and women.

Wreaths were laid by: The Deputy Mayor, President of the Legion, Saluting Officer, Simon Danczuk 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 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.

Deputy Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Gartside, described the turnout as “wonderful.”

Adding: “I think it is commendable that people want to remember in this way.”

The Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Colin Lambert, said: “I think the turnout across the borough reflects the mood of the nation. Never has conflict meant so much to so many since the Second World War.”

The Leader of the Conservative group, Councillor Ashley Dearnley echoed those thoughts, he said: “This is the biggest turnout I have ever seen and I think the spontaneous applause from people shows the feeling here.”

Councillor Wera Hobhouse, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, added: “It is wonderful that so many people are coming to these civic events to pay their respects.”

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On Sunday afternoon The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Councillor Alan Godson and Gillian Brown, joined with the Wardle community for a Service of Remembrance 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.

Amongst those in attendance were Simon Danczuk MP and his partner Councillor Karen Burke, Councillor Jean Ashworth, Councillor Ashley Dearnley and Councillor Irene Davidson.

Youngsters from Cubs, Beavers, Scouts, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides took part in the service.

Remembrance Sunday parades and services also took place in Milnrow, Littleborough, Heywood and Middleton.