FOUR PAGES OF MOORLANDS EVENTS AND PICTURES
CROWDS of people gathered at the Nicholson War Memorial in Leek on Sunday to pay tribute to those who died and fought in the wars – and to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War.
A service held at St Edward’s Church was followed by a parade led by the 2nd Leek Scouts which made its way down Stockwell Street to the War Memorial in time for the 11am service and the two minutes silence.
Members of the public were joined for the service by the Royal British Legion, councillors, Leek mayor and members of the forces and emergency services.
All roads leading into the centre of the town were closed off for the event.
After the service many organisations in the town laid wreaths in memory of those who lost their lives in conflicts around the world during the past 100 years.
Leek Salvation Army Band provided the music for the occasion and the service was led by Reverend Nigel Irons.
Leek Town mayor, Roy Tomkinson served in the Royal Navy as a chief petty officer coxon.
He said: “The turn out of people has been marvellous. The people of Leek have done the town proud. The service at St Edward’s Church was also very well represented by the community.”
Leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Sybil Ralphs MBE, said, “It was wonderful to see so many young people present at the Nicholson War Memorial service.
She said: “It is overwhelming and I was very touched to see such a large crowd of people. Derby Street and the surrounding streets were filled by people paying their respects.
“During the two minute silence you could hear a pin drop.
“This is wonderful for the Moorlands and I am proud to be part of it. It was great to see so many young people and they were all so respectful.
“They are the next generation to continue the act of remembrance.”
Ex-serviceman Mick Brough, who has served all over the world, said it was very important to commemorate the centenary of the ending of the First World War.
He said: “The people of Leek have come to pay their respects and have done the town proud. It is also great to see so many young people attending.
“I would like to thank the Royal British Legion for putting it all together.”
Leek resident Reg Davies has been attending the remembrance service for many years.
He said: “It makes you feel good to see so many young people attending. Despite the poor weather, people came to pay their respects to those who gave their all. ”
In the afternoon a further Remembrance Service was held at Ball Haye Green war memorial.
Then in the evening the town took part in the Battle’s Over, an international commemoration marking 100 years since the guns fell silent at the end of World War I organised by Pageant master Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR. More than 1,000 locations across the country were involved in the event.
A Cry for Peace was given by Leek Town Crier, Bill Lomas at the Nicholson War Memorial at 7pm.
The final commemorative project for the town is the planting of the Armistice Centenary Woodland. A tree is to be planted at Westwood Road First School for each of the 419 men whose names are inscribed on the Nicholson War Memorial.
A community planting day has been arranged for Saturday, November 17 between 10am and 2pm when individuals and community groups can assist with the planting.
The trees have been provided by the Woodland Trust and the land made available by the school governing body.