Soldier sculptures go out on parade to mark war’s end
POIGNANT sculptures are going up across the borough to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.
A total of 20 black soldier silhouettes are being erected close to war memorials.
It’s part of Rochdale’s entry into this year’s In Bloom horticultural contest.
Scores of large poppies have already been attached to lampposts across Rochdale as part of the commemorations.
Work is also ongoing on the centrepiece of the awards entry - a pop-up memorial garden near the Gracie Fields statue on town hall square.
Alongside the solider silhouettes it will include engraved poems, benches, a picture frame aimed towards the Cenotaph and a floral display, including poppies and other symbolic plants.
Coun Neil Emmott, cabinet member for environment said: “This year’s theme for Rochdale In Bloom is the centenary of the end of World War One.
“A number of our displays, including the popup garden in the centre of Rochdale and Rochdale Memorial Gardens, will feature silhouettes of soldiers as a mark of respect and pride in our past and present Armed Forces.
“This is all part of the work that has been done over the last four years to ●●Soldier silhouettes have been put up at war memorials across Rochdale to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War ensure we remember the enormous sacrifices made by people from our communities 100 years ago.”
Paul Ellison, from Rochdale In Bloom, posted a picture of the Norden silhouette on his Facebook page, writing: “A thoughtful addition in Norden by Rochdale Council in our beautiful War Memorial, a soldier silhouette, to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. #LestWeForget.”
Lesley Loftus replied: “Hope they are treated with the respect they deserve, they are lovely.”
And Barbara Brown posted: “Looks lovely, I think they are very emotive.”