Names added to memorial of parishioners lost in war

ROSSENDALE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

THE presentation to our meeting on July 5 was given by two speakers, Tony Farrell and Tony Ronnan, both parishioners of St James the Less Catholic Church, on Burnley Road, Rawtenstall.

When Canon David Lupton, the parish priest, wanted to erect a memorial during the centenary of the First World War, they (and Mrs Ronnan) became involved in what turned out to be a very daunting, large and complex undertaking indeed.

A bid was made for help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, successfully because the project met two important criteria – young people would be helped to a greater understanding of the First World War and a lasting memorial would be established.

Parishioners were invited to submit names. Twenty five ‘definites’ were found by much careful research, but it is still possible that there were more members of the parish who gave their lives in the First World War than were actually verified after consulting records such as school log books, regimental archives, personal effects and probate records.

A website entitled ‘Lest We Forget’ was created at the following address: www.rememberhere.co. uk

With the help of Fiona McIntyre, who was heritage officer for Lancashire County Council, the children of Year 6 from St James the Less Primary School studied the stories and lives of these Rossendale men, especially Ben Pooley, the conditions they endured in the war and the effect on the lives of their families at home.

At the beginning, even the declaration of war on Germany did not make front page news.

Later media messages were often coloured by propaganda.

Even today much has been ignored.

For example, how many have heard of the warm welcome given by thousands of Rossendale people to the arrival of Belgian refugees?

By the end in 1918 the effects were hugely tragic to so many families, as the St James’ project research uncovered through this painstaking study of local men of that time, whose names are now recorded on the Penrith sandstone sculpture by Adrian Wright, and watched over by the mothering figure of the Virgin Mary.

The next monthly meeting will be ‘Divorce and the Bullough Family of Accrington’ by Catherine Duckworth at 7.30pm in Longholme Methodist Church, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall on Wednesday, August 2.

●● Left: the Penrith sandstone sculpture by Adrian Wright recording the names of soldiers lost in the First World War

ROSSENDALE LUNCHEON CLUB

THE ladies of the Rossendale Luncheon Club begin a new season on Thursday, October 19 at Rossendale Masonic Hall, Ashday Lea, Rawtenstall and thereafter on the third Thursday of each month until May 2018.

A varied programme of speakers is enjoyed, beginning in October with Mr Brian Hallworth – ‘Flash Bang [Missed it]’, a humorous look at Brian’s photographic attempts.

We are a friendly, happy group of ladies and if you would like to come along and enjoy yourself, or would just like more information, please contact Mrs June Ferguson on 01706 213814.