War heroes are put on the map
SPECIAL commemoration maps with the addresses of every Macclesfield soldier who died in the First World War have been put on display.
Volunteers from the commemoration group AFTERMATH100 have been posting poppies through hundreds of letter boxes across town in recent months.
Only around 400 buildings still exist from the period and five maps have now been made displaying each of the former homes of the men who failed to return from the war.
One of the street maps has been put up in the Grosvenor Centre.
Ed Kennedy, centre manager, said: “The AFTERMATH100 project is a fantastic initiative and we’re delighted to be playing a small role in it.
“The project really helps the people of Macclesfield to understand and appreciate a huge part of the history of the town and the sheer impact of World War One.
“When Trevor (Druce) from AFTERMATH100 approached us to feature the map in the centre we couldn’t turn him down and it’s something that we’re proud to be a part of.
“We hope that this helps entire generations of people in Macclesfield get an understanding of the scale of the Great War and just how many people it affected.
“I’d really encourage everyone that sees the map to follow the trail as each red location has a poppy in the window to signify that someone who fought and died in the war lived there. It is a fantastic way to engage with such an important part of our history.”
Other maps have gone on display at the headquarters of the Macclesfield Royal British Legion branch on Chestergate.
Councillor Allan Williams, chairman of the branch, said: “A huge amount of work has been expended creating these street maps.
“We are pleased to invite members of the public to view them at our headquarters. We are open most mornings from 9.30am to 12.30 pm. As part of this project our partners AFTERMATH100 are asking residents of these houses to place one of the named poppies in their front windows.
“We hear that most people are delighted to help. We wholeheartedly hope that all that are asked do so.”