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Heroes will always be remembered

Ava Soe
11/ 8/2005

SPLENDID weather greeted World War Two veterans and their families on Sunday, for a special parade and drumhead service to commemorate the end of hostilities in Europe and the Far East.

Led by Moston and Beswick Brass Band, more than 100 ex-servicemen marched from Middleton Civic Centre, down Park Road and into Middleton Gardens, to take up their positions on parade.

Meanwhile, guests including Middleton MP, Jim Dobbin, former Mayor, Councillor Lil Murphy, and Middleton Township chairman, Councillor Peter Williams, were escorted down Fountain Street to a dais in the Gardens, specially-erected for the occasion.

Reverend Major Andy Pell, vicar of All Saints, Rhodes, and padre for the Middleton Branch of the Royal British Legion, opened the service with an act of remembrance for all the brave people who gave their lives in the war.

This was followed by prayers and hymns and the Last Post refrain by a bugler.

Then Wing Commander Forbes, vice president of the Greater Manchester County branch of the Royal British Legion, led the exhortation and prayers, followed by Canon Nick Feist and Colonel Donald Gibbs, CBE, who both gave addresses, and Father Mullens and Reverend Weatherby, who led prayers and responses.

This was followed by Abide With Me, benediction and a rendition of the National Anthem before the parade was dismissed and everyone walked back to the Civic Centre for light refreshments.

Organiser Les Goulburn, from the Middleton Branch of the Royal British Legion said: "It was a great turn out and we were very pleased Jim Dobbin could attend.

"I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who was involved in making the day a success, especially the staff at Middleton Civic Centre."