LEST WE FORGET
REMEMBRANCE SERVICES will be held across Calderdale in honour of soldiers who lost their lives in conflicts.
The day will bring people together to pay their respects and donate to the Royal British Legion, which gives financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces.
The Mayor of Calderdale, Coun Dot Foster, (pictured) has asked the residents of Calderdale to be generous and support the RBL Poppy Appeal. She said: “The help that people in Calderdale can provide will be a major contribution to the success of this year’s Poppy Appeal.
“Our people have a high regard for members of the armed forces and what they have been called to do for our citizens, borough and communities. We all owe a debt of gratitude to those who gave us the freedom we now enjoy from war and conflict. By making donations to the Poppy Appeal we can go some way towards repaying that debt.”
She added: ”It’s an honour to represent Calderdale at Remembrance events and I’m proud to be laying a wreath at the Cenotaph in Halifax in memory of all those who died serving their country in conflicts all over the world.
“Council representatives will be attending services across the borough to pay tribute to all our serving and ex-service men and women and it’s a privilege to be involved in this special occasion.”
The main focus for commemorations in Halifax will be the Remembrance Sunday parade from Halifax Town Hall to the Cenotaph in Duffy’s Park at Halifax Minster. The parade will leave Halifax Town Hall at 10.20am and the Service of Remembrance and wreath laying will be held at the Cenotaph at 10.45am prior to the service inside the Minster at approximately 11.15am.
It will coincide with a launch of the Anne Frank Trust UK exhibition at the church. Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen will be attending the service, which will be led by the Vicar of Halifax, Canon Hilary Barber.
Rev Barber (pictured, right) said: “The world remains a vulnerable place. It is important that we remember the people that gave their lives for us. Remembrance day also reminds us of the fragility of our society. We should never forget what people have done for our freedom.”
The Minster has also collaborated with the Halifax branch of the Royal British Legion, which has been busy pushing for donations and delivering donation boxes for the Poppy
Appeal around Calderdale prior to the event.
Elsewhere in the borough, Park Wood Crematorium in Elland has unveiled a special garden of Remembrance in time for this year’s commemorations. The Poppy Garden of Remembrance is a tranquil space to remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country during conflicts. The garden is watched over by a near life-size silhouette of a First World War ‘Tommy’, known as the Silent Soldier. To recognise the area’s role in the Second World War, Halifax’s Bankfield Museum is hosting an exhibition tomark the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict.
Running until Saturday, November 30, the exhibition explores the impacts of the war on the borough,
In the Upper Valley, Todmorden Town Hall is hosting a tour at 2pm on Remembrance Sunday, where visitors can find out more about the role of the building in the two world wars.
Wartime stories will include the tale of the town’s adopted ship, the HMS Vidette, whose plaque is in the court area in the town hall and the contribution of the local Fielden family to the wartime efforts.
Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for public services and communities, Coun Susan Press, said: “It’s fitting that the town hall tour on Remembrance Sunday will focus on the wartime stories of the building and the wider town.
“Our passionate volunteers will guide visitors around the majestic building and bring to life the stories from this fascinating, but moving, period in history.”
Tours of Todmorden Town Hall usually take place on the first Sunday of the month and look to raise awareness about the history of the town hall.
Members of The Friends of Todmorden Town Hall group are also sharing their passion, skills and experience to increase the profile of the town hall and build support in the community for this much loved building. The group always welcome new members and there are a variety of roles available. Anyone interested in getting involved can give as little or as much time as they can spare.
To find out more about becoming a Friend of Todmorden Town Hall, contact Linda from the Friends group at lindacarrollbentley@yahoo. co.uk or search on Facebook for “Friends of Todmorden Town Hall”.
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