A TOUCHING ceremony to mark the deaths of a First World War band of brothers featured in a commemorative book will take place in Lydgate on Sunday, October 11.
Men from the Manchester Regiment, wearing military blazers and berets, will assemble at St Anne’s Churchyard, Lydgate at 12.15pm.
They will be marking graves of deceased local men who feature in a new book ‘The Boys From The Top Of the Hill’, which gives a moving insight into their lives and bravery in the Great War.
Rev John Rosedale, Saddleworth Team Vicar, Chaplain to the local branch of the Royal British Legion and former RAF officer, will lead the prayers and read collects before poppy seeds are scattered and the last post sounded.
And Love Lydgate community association also plans to turn the hamlet into a poignant red ribbon of remembrance in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the First World War.
During remembrance week next month, scores of hand-knitted poppies made by proud locals will decorate cottages, gardens and hedgerows throughout the village.
The next Stitchers Meeting is 2pm-4pm in the Parish Hall on Thursday October 9, when the hand-made poppies will be counted and it will be decided how best to display the poppies across the community.
Love Lydgate first committed to the community, past, present and future project a few years ago with a wallhanging with emphasis on the WW1 Centenary Year.
The wallhanging stimulated research into stories of 50 fallen soldiers from Lydgate, Springhead and Grotton, including VC holder, Tommy Steele from Springhead, who died in 1978.
Andrew Heathcote, a local, conducted in-depth research for the book and another resident Ian Cafearo produced the artwork and presentation, backed by enthusiastic team members Lesley Sweeney, Jennifer Greenwood, Kath Hodges, Frank and Margaret Boocock and Joanna Weatherhead.
And St Anne’s church front wall will be the site of the new memorial plaque commissioned by Love Lydgate as a dedication to all lost in conflict since WW1.
Copies of ‘The Boys From The Top Of the Hill’ are priced at £10 each and can be purchased from Lesley:01457 873544 or Jennifer: 01457 877935.
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