Civic Service commemorates local soldiers who fought in WW1

The Alderley Edge Civic Sunday Service was held at St. Philip and St. James Church on Sunday, 6th July, and commemorated the soldiers from Alderley Edge who fought and sadly died in World War 1.

Local historian Michael Scaife gave an informative talk about many of the men, and what we know of them, whilst two winners from the Alderley Edge Festival performed during the service.

Oliver Rushton, who won the Alderley Edge Festival poetry reading competition, gave a recital of Sassoon's the Trench Day and the laying of the wreaths finished with Will Jeys playing the Last Post on his trumpet.

The service was officiated by Rev Jane Parry, Rev Ben Clowes and Mr Kevin Hanrahan and pupils from Alderley Edge Community Primary School Choir performed a medley of war time songs.

Following the service, a wreath laying took place at the cenotaph with wreaths laid by Doug Beresford on behalf of Royal Legion and Cllr Michael Williamson on behalf of the Parish Council.

Olivia Johnson put together a display, on behalf of the Alderley History Group, from her research into the names on the war memorial. This was shown for the first time and will be moved to Alderley Edge Methodist Church and St Marys Church, Nether Alderley, in the next couple weeks.

Revd Jane Parry said "I was delighted by the support and interest in the Civic service. It was wonderful to have so many of Alderley Edge's young people here for this special service of Commemoration and the presence of so many dignitaries. It was a very meaningful and poignant reflection and thanksgiving for the sacrifice of those who from our community gave their lives in the defence of our freedom."

Other events being held locally to mark the centenary of WW1 include a a concert by the Marsden Silver Prize Band (conducted by Glyn Williams) at Alderley Edge Methodist Church on Sunday 13th July. On Monday 28th July, St Mary's Church in Nether Alderley will hold a service to commemorate the start of WW1 at 11am. Then on Sunday 26th October a Tea Dance run by the British Legion will take pace at Alderley Edge Festival Hall from 2pm to 5pm.

Tags:
Alderley Edge Civic Service
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Melanie Connor
Tuesday 8th July 2014 at 12:40 pm
and better late than never, workmen on behalf of CEC are today repointing the slabs, polishing the brass roll call plaque & all the other little jobs we've been pleading to get done. Timing!
Duncan Herald
Tuesday 8th July 2014 at 3:13 pm
Some other chaps are due shortly, to re-point the slabs.
Duncan Herald
Tuesday 22nd July 2014 at 2:33 pm
FYI
The re-pointing of the upright areas was completed today (22nd) and the re-pointing of the flags is to follow; I am told that such will take only one day.
So shortly the entire edifice will look better than it has for years.
Well done the Parish Council for getting the work started and well done C.E.C., for organising and paying to have the work done.