‘A heartwarming commemoration to our war heroes’

ENDON with Stanley Parish Council owe 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.

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.

Endon Community Choir was in fine voice and under the baton of Dan Hollingshurst gave us a programme which moved and delighted.

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 and delivered them with style. Lydia Abbotts, who is also a student at Endon High School, sang the song John Condon beautifully with emotion and resonance.

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

Finally it was an evening of togetherness and pride which was realised in the way residents contributed to such a worthy cause. Suzanne Sillitoe, chairman, Endon with Stanley Parish Council