Poppy Picnic in Hare Hill Park

Photo: Simon France

Littleborough's River of Poppies

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A river of poppies flowed down Park Hill in Hare Hill Park on Sunday in the first ever Poppy Picnic to mark Armed Forces Day.

The Hare Hill Heroes opened up Hare Hill House for the occasion and displayed a number of 1940s artefacts and memorabilia. Many people were dressed up in wartime outfits

Entertainment was provided by the Wardle Anderson Brass Band playing wartime classics and Littleborough's Oakenhoof with the Black Nan Band.

Children and adults have been creating poppies at Littleborough Library, The Star Tree Studio and Hare Hill House to place on the 'River of Poppies'.

Rochdale MP, Simon Danczuk, got crafty with his two sons and created some poppies to place on the River.

Thomas Culshaw, currently serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, read out Laurence Binyon's poem 'For the Fallen' before the 'Last Post' sounded and a two minute silence was observed.

Stephen Burke, Chairman of Friends Of Hare Hill Park, said "The Friends of Hare Hill Park, Hare Hill House Heroes and the staff at the library did a marvellous job in hosting the Poppy Picnic event.

"The attention to detail was outstanding but as always the Littleborough community itself came together and the event was a resounding success.

"The Oakenhoof Dancers and the Wardle Anderson Band performed superbly.

"My wife and I were especially moved by the impromptu help given by the many river creators who knelt down on wet grass for over two hours creating the river base.

"All-in-all everyone seemed to have a splendid time and we think we created an educational, respectful community event which was a great deal of fun.

"We hope to have many more and again thank everyone who participated in any way."