Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

In remembrance of the fallen

Jeni Harvey
16/11/2006

THOSE who lost their lives in wars were remembered by crowds from across town at a touching Remembrance Day service last Sunday.

Marchers gathered at Fountain Street at 10.15am and were led by Middleton Band in a parade to the cenotaph in the Garden of Remembrance.

The turnout was so spectacular that the parade, headed by the standard and members of the Royal British Legion, was estimated to be a quarter mile long - far larger than in recent years.

Les Goulburn, chairman of the Middleton branch of the Royal British Legion, thanked all those who attended and made the day so special.

He said: "It was the biggest parade we've had for many years and the band played to perfection.

"More than 600 programmes for the remembrance service were distributed, which gives an indication of how well the event was supported.

"A sincere thank you is extended to our MP, Jim Dobbin and also the Middleton councillors. There was a huge contribution by the naval and marine cadets, along with the army cadets, and supported by the attendance of the scouting and guiding organisations."

Mr Goulburn also said that he was very pleased to see a large number of youngsters on the day - in fact so many that many of the children, while queueing for the parade, couldn't all fit onto Fountain Street.

When the parade arrived at the Manchester Old Road garden, the Rev Canon Nick Feist, Rector of Middleton, conducted a moving service which was attended by veterans, uniformed organisations, cadets, local dignitaries and the general public alike.

This was followed by refreshments at Middleton Leisure Centre.

Mr Goulburn said: "The Reverend Canon Nick Feist conducted a traditional programme which we have known for many many years. As usual, it was excellent and the Royal British Legion thanks everybody for supporting the event.

"In addition, we would like to thank the catering staff who looked after the light refreshments."

Jim Dobbin MP said: "The way it was organised was very impressive and efficient. It was a huge turnout, bigger than for a few years. The number of young people that turned up was very impressive. Whether that's to do with the recent war in Iraq and Afghanistan I don't know."