Silhoutte sculptures to remember the WWI dead

The silhouette of soldiers from the Frist World War will be “the final piece of the jigsaw” at Farington Park commemorative garden.

Mike Otter, chairman of Farington Parish Council, said: “It’s going to go along the fence at the back of the memorial as a backdrop.

“It’s 8m long, made out of stainless steel.

“It’s showing soldiers as if they were going across the top of the trenches.”

He added: “The idea was always to have a backdrop to take the tightness of the fence away.

“It’s the final piece of the jigsaw, if you will. It links the garden, memorial, plinth, with the names of the 55 men.

“Every one of the men were soldiers.”

The silhouette is being created by Taylor and Pickles in Preston.

Coun Otter added: “I think it will go down well.

“It doesn’t glorify war, or anything.

“It just adds to what we’ve got and links in with everything. I’m looking forward to it being completed.”

It is envisaged poppy seeds or wildflower seeds could be planted in any gaps near to the silhouette, to give the memorial a softer and more pastoral feel.

The commemorative garden and memorial is sited at the Bashall Grove entrance to the park.

The unveiling will take place on Tuesday, April 12, at 11am, followed by a reception at the Bashall Grove Community Centre.

It is hoped the Mayor of South Ribble, councillor Mary Green, will attend.