WWI Centenary – Information Appeal

At the recent meeting of the parish council consideration was given as to what part the parish should play in the national commemorations of the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. One planned national event is for a candlelit vigil at Westminster Abbey which will culminate in the extinguishing of the candles at 11 pm (the time of the declaration of war) inspired by the Foreign Secretary’s remark as he saw the lamps being extinguished outside: ‘The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our time’. We are considering a similar ceremony at the War Memorial here in Winsley to coincide with this.

Another idea would be an exhibition of memorabilia of those from the parish who served in the Great War. Please advise if you have anything which could be contributed. As well as memorabilia it would also be good to have information about those on the memorial.

Many memorials up and down the country have World War II names added. Winsley’s does not and indeed there seems to be no record of any losses for 1939-45 or subsequent conflicts. If anyone knows of any such please advise us.

The Parish Council has been looking at the cost of repairs to the War Memorial and has investigated the source of any grants available towards this.

Information can be sent to the clerk. clerk@winsley.org.uk