On Sunday 9 November, Whitworth residents young and old gathered to remember those lost and injured during times of conflict and, this year, to commemorate the outbreak of the First World War.

The town’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations began with a procession along the main road to the Memorial Gardens in Facit, led by Whitworth’s Vale and Healey Brass Band.  A moving and thought-provoking Service of Remembrance took place around the Cenotaph, led by the Mayor’s Chaplain, Rev Father Frank Thorpe of St Mary and St Anselm Church.  The two-minute silence was recognised, numerous wreaths were laid, and a Whitworth Joint Schools Choir – comprising pupils from all four of the town’s primary schools – presented a song they had learnt especially for the occasion.  Following the Service of Remembrance, everyone was invited to cross the road for light, warm refreshments at the Civic Hall (The Riverside).

Estimates suggest around 800-900 people attended, an increase on previous years.  Those in attendance included Whitworth’s Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Mr Jim Mellor (who read a Bible passage) and Mrs Susan Mellor, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Rossendale, Councillor Mr Tom Aldred and Mrs Val Sanderson.  They were supported by the local uniformed organisations, Town, Borough and County Councillors, war veterans, representatives of the town’s schools, places of worship and community organisations, Lancashire Constabulary and Fire Service, and members of the public.

The Mayor of Whitworth, Councillor Jim Mellor, said: “Every year it never ceases to amaze me that the Whitworth community turns out in such large numbers, but this year was truly astonishing; I don’t remember seeing that many people before.  We were blessed with a beautiful day and the sun shone on the Cenotaph towards the end of the service.  We were especially delighted to have the children from the joint schools choir perform; they did a wonderful job with what must have been quite a daunting experience. On behalf of the Mayoress and the Town Council, I thank all who attended, and all who helped with the organisation to make it such a wonderful, memorable occasion.”