New Heywood Memorial

Posted By: Carol Wardle
Date Posted: 26/09/2009

This afternoon I attended the Dedication Day for the new Heywood Memorial to the men and women of The Armed Forces from Heywood who have lost their lives in the service of Queen and Country since World War 11. It was a very solemn, poignant and moving ceremony attended by the families and friends of the young men named on the Memorial and by members of Heywood Royal British Legion. There were a large number of standard bearers, as well as regional officers from the Legion and cadets. Jim Dobbin MP laid a wreath and the Lord Lieutenant laid one  on behalf of the Queen others were laid by Alan McCarthy on behalf of Heywood Township and by the various uniformed organisations from the different branches of the Armed Services. The Memorial was funded from Township funds and is a fitting tribute to the fallen. Although the original War Memorial was designed in 1925 the new one looks as if it has been there as long as its a perfect match. The service was conducted by The Rt. Revd. Nigel Mccullough Lord Bishop of Manchester and National Chaplain of The Royal British Legion.

The day stayed fine and everyone had a chance to admire the Monument, the first of its kind in the country. I am sure the families appreciated the sympathetic way in which they were treated throughout the process, from first inception to todays dedication and this is due in no small part to Iain Bentley our Assistant Township Manager who has worked so hard to bring it to fruition and on budget. It  was a great honour to stand with my colleagues during this afternoons service, and everyone I spoke to thought that it had been just right, not over sentimental yet with due reverence for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This is something that other towns should consider implementing, as it gives the families a focus for their grief on Armistice Day, birthdays etc.

Carol