Leek Post & Times

Schools join forces with a 102-year-old war hero

- By Leslie Jackson leslie.jackson@reachplc.com

HUNDREDS of residents supported the ‘Battle’s Over’ on Remembranc­e Sunday night in Endon.

All three of Endon’s schools were prominent in the proceeding­s, producing outstandin­g artwork and poetry.

Endon High School History department loaned a host of interestin­g WW1 artefacts which complement­ed the many items of personal memorabili­a shared by so many residents, while Endon Community Choir was in fine voice under the baton of Dan Hollingshu­rst.

Suzanne Sillitoe, chairman of Endon with Stanley Parish Council, said: “The parish council owes a huge debt of gratitude to the hundreds of residents who supported the ‘Battle’s Over’ on Remembranc­e Sunday night, many of whom had helped and contribute­d towards planning, promoting and producing the event.

“From modest beginnings ‘Battle’s Over’ developed into a heartwarmi­ng commemorat­ion which had a brilliant community spirit.

“We were so very pleased that Roy Horley – WW2 veteran and recipient of The Legion of Honour medal was able to assist with the lighting of the Beacon of Light.

“Roy is 102 years of age and was able to stay throughout the evening and assured us that he had thoroughly enjoyed himself. Roy was accompanie­d by a guard of Honour from Stockton Brook Army Cadet Force who lent both dignity and respect to the occasion . Endon Scouts and Guides acted as marshals throughout the evening, for which we were very grateful.”

Endon residents and members of community groups entertaine­d the packed hall with a variety of poetry readings, songs and WW1 related music.

Endon High has the distinctio­n of nurturing two Staffordsh­ire Youth Poet Laureates, Matilda Houston Brown and currently Lily Massey. Both had written poignant poems especially for the event, while Lydia Abbotts, who is also a student at Endon High School, sang the song John Condon.

At the close of this special evening the audience thanked Fred Goldstraw for his inspiratio­nal contributi­on to the village in the form of hundreds of poppies which he constructe­d and displayed.

Fred was assisted in this by members of The Boat Club, The Well Dressing Committee, St Luke’s Academy, Endon Hall and St Luke’s Church.

Refreshmen­ts were supplied by St Luke’s and Endon Methodist Church and all donations were given to the chosen charity Help for Heroes.

 ??  ?? Veteran Roy Horley with the ACFS from Stockton Brook. Inset, a Cry for Peace was read by Town Crier Andrew Stretch.
Veteran Roy Horley with the ACFS from Stockton Brook. Inset, a Cry for Peace was read by Town Crier Andrew Stretch.

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