Lancashire reflects during Remembrance weekend

Assisted by war veteran Gerard Rogerson, Whittingham Parish Council revealed a stone memorial in the garden at the junction of Beacon Drive and Whittingham Lane, dedicated to residents of the village who who served in any way in the First World War.

Council secretary Julie Buttle said: “The nearest war memorial to us was in Goosnargh Parish Church. We wanted something in the village, out in the open where people can reflect in peace.”

Around 50 people turned out for the dedication service.

Mrs Buttle added: “We were overwhelmed with the response and are looking at maybe having an annual service there on Remembrance Day.”

Barton, Bilsborrow and Myerscough also held a joint remembrance service.

Elsewhere, from noon today, folk and storytelling act Harp and a Monkey will perform field recordings, new songs and re-workings of traditional and contemporary songs at Preston Cemetery to mark the ongoing centenary of the First World War. There will also be a free guided tour of the military graves in the cemetery from 2pm.

Tomorrow, thousands of people will attend Remembrance Sunday Parades. One of the biggest will be in Preston where a military procession will leave the covered markets at 10.35am and march around Lancaster Road, Church Street, Cheapside and into the Flag market for a service at the city’s war memorial.

Roads in the city centre will be closed between 9am and 1pm.

In South Ribble Mayor Coun Linda Woollard is hoping for a record turnout for the parade, which leaves the Civic Centre in West Paddock, Leyland, at 10.40am for a service and wreath-laying at the war memorial in Church Road.

She said: “I’m always moved by the Remembrance service and I think it’s important for us all, whatever our age, to reflect on the sacrifice so many servicemen and women have made in conflicts around the world.

In Lostock Hall, young and old will come together for a parade setting off from the Royal British Legion club in Wateringpool Lane at 2.30pm, getting to the war memorial in Hope Terrace by 3pm, where a short service will be held.