Fiona attended the annual Remembrance Service at St. Luke’s, Holmes Chapel, and the annual parade and wreath-laying. The service was conducted by Rev. Paul Mason, Vicar of St Luke’s.
Fiona said:
‘It was a privilege to be a part of the 100th Year Commemoration of the Armistice, in Holmes Chapel, so well organised by the Holmes Chapel Branch of the Royal British Legion. The service in St Luke’s Church, which was full, was very moving, sensitively led by Rev. Mason, and it was wonderful to see how beautifully the church had been decorated, with hundreds of hand-knitted poppies from members of the community, organised by the U3A.’
‘Equally impressive were the number of young people attending, particularly from the local Guides and Scouts. The amazing number of people who lined the streets of the village, both for the parade before the service and for the salute afterwards, was quite remarkable and a real testimony to the respect with which Holmes Chapel people hold those who have served us in conflict.’
‘The exhibition is St Luke’s Church Hall, about life in Holmes Chapel during the Great War, and commemorating the 31 men from the local area who gave their lives, was both enjoyable and educational, particularly for school children – as the lovely thank you card from Hermitage Primary School children, who had visited just the day before, showed.’
‘The commitment and dedication of Holmes Chapel Local History Group in researching and providing so much information about the lives of the men who went to fight, and their families, and the sacrifices they made, is to be highly commended, and will, I am sure, serve to strengthen the already strong community life within Holmes Chapel.’