More than 1,000 beacons to be lit for commemorations
A BEACON- LIGHTING service in Rawtenstall Cemetery will mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.
Rossendale council has worked with Rev Chris Casey from St Mary’s Church, Rawtenstall, and members of the public to organise the event on Sunday, November 11.
The location is particularly appropriate as the war memorial there was the first in the country to be erected by the community, in September 1915.
This will be reflected in the community nature of the service.
Local schools and uniformed groups will gather at the entrance to the cemetery on Burnley Road at 6.30pm.
They will take part in a lantern parade to the memorial where Water Band will play.
Relatives of those who are named on the memorial are also invited to take part and can email communitiesteam@rossendalebc.gov.uk.
A short service will be followed by the lighting of a beacon at 7pm and people will be given a small wooden cross to plant in the ground.
The service is part of the national Battle’s Over commemorations which will see more than a thousand beacons lit around the country.
Battle’s Over bells will also be rung throughout the country to mark the momentous moment.