ASTLEY Bridge has a whole series of events planned to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
Cllr Hilary Fairclough, chairman of the Friends of Astley Bridge community group, said: “Schools, churches, community groups, scouts, brownies, residents and businesses have all united to pay their respects.”
Last year, the community’s “poppy on lamp-posts” appeal raised £2,500, and it is already on track to match that this year.
Cllr Fairclough said: ““Hundreds of poppies have been made and I guarantee they will be displayed with great dignity to show our appreciation of those brave men - some only boys really - who gave their lives during the First World War.”
Those soldiers from Astley Bridge, who served or died in the First World War, and who are buried in Astley Bridge Cemetery, will have one of the poppies placed on each of their graves in gratitude for the brave sacrifices they made.
Schools and churches in the area have created imaginative artworks which will be on display on the railing of Astley Bridge Park
Resident John Garside, 79, has painstakingly produced 200 mini soldiers which will be decorated by schoolchildren and displayed in churches in the area on Remembrance Sunday.
Some will have the name of a local soldier who died in the conflict, while others will remain nameless in honour of the unknown soldiers of the First World war.
St Paul’s church is having two special services for the children of the area.
On November 6, at 10am, children from The Valley School will be in church reciting the poem Flanders Fields, and November 9, at 10.30am, schoolchildren from the area will be in church to commemorate the anniversary.
Everyone is welcome to attend these services.
All churches will be holding Remembrance Services on Sunday, November 11, and Wingates Brass Band will be leading a march from the British Legion on Belmont Road.
Asda, too, is getting involved and has provided an in-store poetry wall where people can pin their own thought or favourite poem, or just read what others have done
A Remembrance concert is also planned at the Royal British legion on November 9.
Cllr Fairclough said: “It is a variety concert produced by local residents and musical director Adrian Yapp.
“There will be lots of flag waving, nostalgia and singalongs and it will end with a world class piper and drummer who will be rushing back from London where he has been playing for the Home Office.
“Tickets are only £5 each including a pasty supper and all ticket money goes to the Royal British Legion charity.”
