Town is to honour fallen of Great War

MACCLESFIELD and surrounding villages are preparing to commemorate the centenary anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Events start this Sunday at 3pm with a Service of Commemoration at St Michael’s Church in the town centre.

On Monday at 8pm there will be a Drumhead service at Macclesfield Cemetery to mark anniversary of the declaration of war.

As was the tradition on the frontline, drums were used to create a makeshift altar for church services.

Taking part in the ceremony at the Cross of Sa rifice will be the British Legion (RB Cadets, Army Ca Air Cadets.

Coun Lesley S deputy chairman tas Bereavem which ru for Che cil, sai ages wi the eve World Wa the fallen a fice.

“I believe this se a fitting tribute to their memory.”

On Monday, the Royal British Legion is encour- aging residents to turn off their lights between 10pm and 11pm leaving only a e light or candle as a

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Andrew “The event people of o wish to and mark the country’s and its impact on the people of the town.”

The vigil at Bollington’s Garden of Remembrance from 10pm to midnight includes songs from the war period, a two-minute silence started by a vintage trench whistle, readings and prayers.

On Tuesday at 2pm a monument to the 306 soldiers shot for cowardice and posthumously pardoned will be unveiled at the Cenotaph at Park Green by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire.

The monument will be a simple wooden post sited at a distance from the Cenotaph that represents the distance of the firing squad.

Allan Williams from Macclesfield RBL said: “This is a unique and fitting memorial.”