Whitworth Town Council felt that it wished to mark this significant date, and thought it was appropriate to bring people together in the Memorial Gardens in Facit (which were initially provided to the town as a place of reflection to those lost in WW1) for a collective recognition of and tribute to the brave, young members of the

Whitworth community whose lives were so tragically cut short protecting our country. 

Members of the public are encouraged to come to the Memorial Gardens between 10pm and 11pm on the evening of Monday 4 August, to bring a candle, gather together and think of those that did not return. There are no special plans for this evening, just the chance to gather together and reflect on those we lost.

                                                                                                                    In addition to this LIGHTS OUT event, the Town Council also wishes to encourage the Whitworth community to pay their own individual tribute by leaving a candle in a window or leaving a light on for that same hour.

Town Clerk Karen Douglas says: “The Town Council has been keen to mark the centenary, not least because a number of young men from the Whitworth area were sadly lost during The Great War. 

Poppy seeds have been planted throughout the town by the community, and LIGHTS OUT provides an imaginative and one-off opportunity for the Town Council to bring the community together in a collective reflection, remembering those that were lost from our town all those years ago.”

If you would like to attend, the organisers encourage you to bring your own candle (real or battery operated), or a torch. 

You are also invited to bring a small cross made out of lollipop sticks or something similar, onto which you can write or attach a note of remembrance, either to a special person you wish to remember, or a general sentiment; these will then be placed in the Gardens and left for a week for people to come and view.  Mr Dave Tattersall from the Whitworth Vale and Healey Band will play at the start to mark the beginning of the hour of reflection. 

The Mayors of Rossendale and Whitworth will be in attendance as will members of the Town Council and members of the wider community.

Please note that this is an outdoor event and there is no indoor alternative; if the weather is especially problematic the event may regrettably be cancelled without prior warning.

If you would like more information, please contact me here at Whitworth Town Council on 01706 852018 / email info@whitworth.gov.uk.