Chorley's War Memorial in Astley Park to be restored to preserve names of the heroic fallen

Chorley Council, in collaboration with local Stonemason, Rawcliffe’s of Chorley and 'Chorley Remembers' Project Manager, local historian Steve Williams have come together to restore the Chorley War Memorial in Astley Park.

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The work will preserve the names of the fallen heroes from conflicts around the world and is set to be completed ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday, May 8 2025.

The memorial is suffering from exposure to the elements and some names on the Portland Limestone panels have become faded and difficult to read. The restoration will see all 15 stone panels replaced with a more durable product.

‘Chorley Remembers’ Project Manager, Steve Williams said: “We must never forget the service and sacrifice of those named on the memorial.

“The work on the memorial, with the names highlighted in gold letters, will ensure that the fallen will be on display for many more years to come.”

Should any additional names come to light in the future, the newly restored monument has been designed with ample space to accommodate them.

This ensures that all service people, regardless of when their contributions are discovered, will be recognised and honoured.

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Gayle Wootton Director of Property and Planning at Chorley Council added: “Adding the names of these brave service personnel to the newly restored Civic War Memorial is a poignant moment for our community.

“This act of remembrance ensures their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten. The Astley Park memorial stands as a testament to our gratitude and respect.”

Originally unveiled in 1924, the memorial marks the sacrifices of the soldiers across the borough but did not include any names of the fallen.

Despite plans after the Second World War to add names from both conflicts, it wasn't until the Chorley Pals Memorial was unveiled in the town centre in February 2010 that local efforts intensified to honour these individuals.

Led by MP Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Chairman of the Chorley Pals Memorial Trust, the 'Chorley Remembers' project was created and successfully secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to add 738 names to a new wall at the back of the Celtic Cross memorial in the park. This addition was unveiled on Remembrance Sunday in 2012, and over the years, more names have been added.

In addition, the names will also be added to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission who work to preserve historical records to commemorate each casualty and help identify the last resting place of those originally listed as 'missing', ensuring those who made the ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered.