Oldham remembers the First World War
WW1 – Chadderton War Memorial
Oldham Council is set to mark 100 years since the outbreak of World War I and is urging residents to get involved.
As part of the local authority’s commitment to honouring the contribution Oldham people made to the war effort we will soon launch a new website – www.oldhamremembers.org.uk – as part of a campaign to bring people from across the borough and beyond together in remembrance.
Most people will have some connection to the First World War in some way. In most cases this will be through family history.
If you are planning to hold an event to remember those who fought or lost their lives in the First World War or are researching stories from the past then we want to hear from you – to show that ‘Oldham Remembers’.
The council is holding a series of events and activities aimed at bringing groups together.
Residents are invited to a launch event at Oldham Library, Oldham Cultural Quarter, Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AL on Saturday, June 14 between 1pm and 4pm.
The day will feature speakers, a market stall place and opportunities to research your own World War I stories.
There are still stalls available at the event for groups which would like to get involved.
The Mayor of Oldham is leading a Civic Procession and Service of Commemoration to mark the centenary on Sunday, July 13 and residents are invited to come along and show their support. The Service is to be held at the Parish Church at 2pm.
Ex-Service and Voluntary Organisations will be assembling at 1pm at New Radcliffe Street Car Park (next to the Tommyfield) to set off at 1.30pm.
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and the Mayor, together with invited dignitaries, will then parade through the Town Centre toward the church where they will be joined by residents of all ages
Oldham Music Centre Youth Choir will perform at the service and images of armed forces personnel will be on display throughout.
At the end of the service a memorial tree – with three branches to represent the Army, Navy and Royal Flying Core – with the trunk representing Oldham will be planted in the church gardens. A granite memorial stone along with bench, donated by Life for Life, will also be unveiled.
Members of the 75 Engineer Regiment, which has Freedom of the borough status, will serve refreshments while the the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers perform.
For more information about having a stall at the Oldham Library event, or if you have any queries email Oldhamremembers@oldham.gov.uk
You can also email the same address if you have organised an event and would like it adding to our listings page on the ‘Oldham Remembers’ website www.oldhamremembers.org.uk
Councillor Cath Ball, Assistant Cabinet Member for World War I Centenary, said: “Our duty with these commemorations is clear – to honour those who served, to remember those who died and to ensure that the lessons learnt live with us forever.
“The World War One Centenary provides an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and support the extraordinary work our forces do.
“I would urge residents across the borough to get involved and mark this occasion.”
On August 4, 1914 Britain declared war on Germany.
To mark the occasion, and over the next four years communities, nations, and individuals of all ages will come together to commemorate and remember those who fought and died in the First World War.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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