Towns fall silent in tribute to war sacrifice
THOUSANDS of people have attended Remembrance Sunday events across Hyndburn.
Crowds lined the streets and also took part in parades and services to remember the dead from the two world wars and more recent conflicts 100 years after the Battle of the Somme in which so many Accrington Pals and other soldiers lost their lives.
There were large turn- outs at the cenotaphs in Accrington’s Oakhill Park and Rishton, Mercer Park in Clayton-le-Moors, and the war memorials in Oswaldtwistle, Church, Huncoat and Memorial Park in Great Harwood.
Hyndburn Council leader Miles Parkinson praised the support shown by residents.
He said: “I attended the one in Great Harwood which was very, very well attended with around 2,000 people there. I believe all the events were very well attended and the weather stayed fine.
“The townships came out poignantly to remember those who fought in the first and second world wars and those wars succeeding that, and to honour our armed forces which serve across the globe today to protect our democracy.”
Hyndburn also marked Armistice Day with a twominute silence, with dignitaries joining the Royal British Legion outside Accrington Town Hall.
More than 800 pupils and staff gathered in the school yard at Mount Carmel High School in Accrington for a service led by Fr John Daly.
Prayers and reflections were read by school staff and head girl Ambar Siddique before a remembrance mass was attended in the school hall.
Children from Huncoat Primary School were accompanied by staff and members of The Friends of Huncoat War Memorial and Recreation Ground to mark Armistice Day at the village memorial.
Rishton Methodist School students made their own poppy wreaths and learned about the meaning of Remembrance Day before visiting the local cenotaph.