FALLEN soldiers were honoured by hundreds of locals at services and events across Saddleworth’s villages to mark Remembrance Day.
The Saddleworth Branch of the Royal British Legion welcomed 52 guests to their Annual Remembrance Dinner at Saddleworth Rangers Rugby Club in Greenfield.
They enjoyed a four-course roast dinner by Manns Wharf Catering plus entertainment, along with tributes and acts of remembrance.
Bernard King, branch committee member, said: “The committee would like to show its gratitude to Mr and Mrs Frank Rothwell of Greenfield for sponsoring the event and providing some lovely raffle prizes.
“It was a great turnout and the night was enjoyed by everybody. We are very grateful to Saddleworth Rangers for accommodating us so well.”
The branch also held a short remembrance service at the war memorial in St Chad’s Library Gardens, Uppermill.
Local groups and organisations laid wreaths at the foot of the memorial, and local bandsman John Whittle played the Last Post.
And on Remembrance Sunday, hundreds of locals scaled the hills in Greenfield for the traditional service at the Pots and Pans cenotaph.
The service was officiated by Revd Canon Sharon Jones and Revd Aaron Moffat-Jackman and included the Last Post and laying of wreaths by local groups and organisations.
Frank Rothwell said: “I would like to commend the organisers of the service at Pots and Pans, particularly Stanley Cowburn from RBL, as it was impeccable.”
Elsewhere, Saddleworth Male Voice Choir presented their annual Concert of Remembrance at the Civic Hall, Uppermill, including well-known favourites, war songs, and the Act of Remembrance.
The choir’s special guests were Oldham Band (Lees) under MD John Collins, while the Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham and the Chair and Consort of Saddleworth Parish Council were in attendance.
There was a Remembrance Dinner at Delph Band Club, opened by Cllr Nikki Kirkham, chair of Saddleworth Parish Council, and including entertainment and music from local artists and a comedian.
And Greenfield Cricket Club hosted a short remembrance service followed by entertainment from Friezland Band, and lunch for visitors.
There were also Remembrance Concerts at Delph Band Club, Diggle Band Club and Dobcross Band Club, all raising funds for the Royal British Legion.
Meanwhile, Saddleworth Peace Group presented Peace Stories for Children, a series of readings by Richard and Kathryn Knight for children of primary school age and their families.
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