Somme church service on BBC radio

A BBC Radio programme was broadcast from an Accrington church remembering those who fought and gave their lives at the Battle of the Somme and those that were left behind.

Radio 4’s Sunday Worship was recorded at a service at St John’s Church on Addison Street, where the Accrington Pals Memorial chapel is located.

The programme, recorded and broadcast on August 14, was entitled After the Somme - Remembering the Accrington Pals. July 1 marked the 100th anniversary of the battle.

Rev Andrew Martlew, told the service, that families within the town were left in a state of shock after the events of 100 years ago.

He said: “1,100 men became the 11th Service battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment, the Accrington Pals, they came from all over East Lancashire.

“Men from all over the country flocked to take the King’s shilling, as the Pals marched away to war, they left behind those who loved them and missed them. It’s to them just as much as the soldiers themselves that this service is dedicated.”

A service had been held at St John’s Church for Anglicans and non-conformists before the Pals left for the front line of battle in France.

Marilyn Hoyle, church warden, said the latest service was a wonderful experience and a very moving service.

She said: “The producer Rowan Morton Gledhill got in touch with us to see if we wanted to be a part of one of their programmes. There was a lot of preparation involved, all the electric had to be tested and we had to get the organ retuned. St Christopher’s School choir sang for us on the day directed by Helen Davies.”