Memorial benches unveiled as the borough remembers

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Lead Member for Armed Forces

A number of commemorative benches have been installed at war memorials and parks across the borough to pay tribute to the local men who paid the ultimate sacrifice in World Wars One and Two.

The memorial benches are located at Heywood Memorial Gardens, Littleborough War Memorial, Middleton Memorial Gardens, Milnrow War Memorial, Rochdale Memorial Gardens, Shore War Memorial, Wardle Memorial Garden and Wardle Pavilion.

As Remembrance Sunday approaches, the benches provide a tribute to the thousands of local men who lost their lives during both world wars.

Poignant images have been crafted into the specially designed benches, including the silhouettes of soldiers and vivid scenes from the battlefields.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, the council’s armed forces lead member, said: “The benches are a touching tribute to the men who fought so bravely for the freedoms of future generations.

“They are located at some of the borough’s most iconic parks and memorials, providing people with a lasting place to reflect and remember.

“It’s important that we never forget the horrors of war. The benches are beautifully crafted memorials to the local men who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefields of Western Europe.”

The benches have been funded by local township committees, Lancashire Veterans’ Association, Rochdale Fusiliers’ Association and Rotary Club of Heywood.