Valley is ready to honour heroes

STUART PIKE

BEACONS will be lit in Rossendale to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

The beacons at Rawtenstall Cemetery and on the hillside at Whitworth are among more than a thousand which will be lit around the country at 7pm on Sunday, November 11.

They symbolise the end of the darkness of war and the return to the light of peace, and are part of the national Battle’s Over commemorations.

Churches and cathedrals around the world – including St Nicholas Church in Newchurch and St Bartholomew’s in Whitworth - will also ring their bells during the weekend.

The Rawtenstall beacon is among several commemorative initiatives which have received funding from Rossendale council. Others include a Pack Up Your Troubles celebration at the Riverside Centre, Whitworth, on November 10, a morning of reflection with actor Neil Bell, at The Whitaker, Rawtenstall at 10.30am on November 11, a memorial bench in Whitworth, and an exhibition about the young men who lost their lives in the First World War at Bacup Natural History Museum from 11am to 3pm on November 4.

The Whitworth beacon is funded by the town council and there will also be a First World Warthemed cafe at St Bartholomew’s Church on November 11.

Various individuals and community groups in Rossendale have also raised money to erect poppies on lampposts in the borough, while Rossendale council’s bin lorries and other vehicles will sport special poppies.

Rossendale council leader Coun Alyson Barnes said: “This year’s remembrance events will be especially poignant as the nation marks the centenary of the end of the First World War.

“That’s why we wanted to support our local communities as they come together to remember all those who lost their lives.”

The borough’s annual Festival of Remembrance concert takes place at St Peter’s Church, Haslingden, at 4pm on November 4. It will feature Haslingden Concert Band and the Veterans In Communities Singing Group.

The Mayor of Rossendale, Councillor Ann Kenyon, will attend. Admission is free with donations in aid of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Traditional Remembrance services will also take place up and down the borough over Remembrance weekend.

SEE letters page. ●● Rossendale Centenary Poppy Trail is nearing completion. Picture submitted by Hazel Steen