Thousands pay tribute to war dead
MACCLESFIELD’S Remembrance Parade has been hailed as the ‘biggest in living memory’ as hundreds gathered to pay their respects.
Veterans, cadets and serving soldiers, sailors and airmen were joined by dignitaries at Macclesfield Town Hall to stand in silence and lay wreaths.
A parade featuring local cubs and brownies marched through the town along Brunswick Street, the Market Place and Mill Street, before a service at the Cenotaph at Park Green.
A wreath laying ceremony featuring the Mayor of Macclesfield Alift Harewood-Jones, MP David Rutley, The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Thomas David Briggs and Major Tony Perkin, President of the Macclesfield Royal British Legion.
The service was carried out by Rev Martin Stephens, with readings from Rev Marion Tugwood and Sheila Lake, while Ben Bradley of Silk Brass played the Last Post and Reveille. Peter Lake, parade marshal for Macclesfield Royal British Legion, said: “The parade turnout was the biggest in living memory, and the turnout from the general public was also unbelievable. Everyone was enthused.”
There were similar scenes in Bollington, Prestbury and Poynton, with smaller services in Kerridge, where Vera Peel laid the poppy wreath on behalf of the memorial committee.
Andy Langdon, chairman of Bollington Royal British Legion, said: “What an amazing and smart turnout. On behalf of our committee and veterans I would like to thank everyone for their support.”
Members of Macclesfield Rugby Club unveiled a memorial to honour the 13 former players who died in the Second World War.
Before the weekend, Tytherington School held its own ceremony, with pupils and Army cadets Love-Goulden, Keeler and Lonyon given the special honour of lowering and raising the Union Flag.
On Friday, Armistice Day, more than 60 pupils from Puss Bank Primary School, youngsters from Ash Grove primary’s school council and representatives from Beech Hall School appeared at Macclesfield Town Hall to pay their respects.