The people and organisations of Whaley Bridge remembered the dead of two world wars, and other conflicts since,in a series of services on Remembrance Sunday. The skies were grey, as they probably were on the first Armistice Day in 1918 which has led to the emotional national and local remembrances of today.

The Rev Michael Peat, chaplain to the local Royal British Legion, had a busy day on Sunday.  He took the service in St John’s church, Furness Vale, which followed a procession  led by Whaley Band from  the Furness  Vale war memorial.  During this service, the new standard for the  Whaley branch  of the Legion was dedicated.

John Baker (left), and Rev Michael Peat.

The  Rev Michael then led the short service at the Cenotaph in Memorial Park, Whaley Bridge.  Formal wreaths from sections of the British Legion and one from the people of Whaley Bridge, laid  by town council chair Jon Goldfinch,  plus many other organisations, joined more personal memories from the families of men whose names are carved on the memorial.

Whaley Bridge Town Council Chairman Jon Goldfinch lays wreath.

Among the medals, commemorating the two world wars, was a row of five on the chest of a  former RAF serviceman bringing Remembrance right up to date:  In the picture below, from the left, the medals acknowledge service in former Yugoslavia (Bosnia); Sierra Leone;  and Afghanistan – the other two are for the Queen’s Jubilee and long service and good conduct.

The Rev Michael also took a Remembrance service at Kettleshulme church and on the previous day an informal service at the Memorial Cross in the Jodrell car park.

John Baker, chairman of Whaley British Legion, thanked  the Rev Michael and the many people for their attendance at the events.

The Last Post is played at Whaley Bridge War Memorial