The Wistaston Memorial Hall & Community Centre on Church Lane was filled to near capacity for the 76th Annual Service of Remembrance, as the local community gathered to honour those who gave their lives in service of their country.
Wistaston Memorial Hall stands as a lasting tribute having been built in the shape of a cross more than 75 years ago in memory of the 16 men from Wistaston who lost their lives in the Second World War.
The hall was officially opened by the Hon Lady Barlow, Chairman of the Cheshire Rural Community Council, on March 26th 1949.
This year’s service featured a guard of honour provided by Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from the 35th South West Cheshire (Wistaston) Scout Group, who welcomed Wistaston Parish Councillors, dignitaries, and members of the congregation.
The Service of Remembrance was led by Revd Mike Turnbull of St Mary’s Wistaston, Malcolm Crook of Wells Green Methodist Church, and Fr Oliver Barry, of Oblate Retreat Centre, Wistaston.
A highlight was a heartfelt address by 101-year-old Peter Taylor, who shared his remarkable life story — from his early days as a Cub Scout to his wartime service as a Wireless Operator on Liberator bombers in the RAF.
Peter, who was born in 1924 and has lived in Crewe since childhood, also spoke movingly of his late wife, Peggie, to whom he was married for over 75 years.
John Moore, of Wistaston Parish Council, read the Bible reading, Sue Jones, of Rope Parish Council, read a poignant poem by an Unknown Soldier, while Barbara Brereton read the names of the 16 Wistaston men..
The Wells Green Church choir, led by musical director Myra Wood, accompanied the hymns and music throughout the service.
As part of the Act of Remembrance, poppy wreaths were placed outside at the front of the hall by Eileen Bamber, Hall President and a representative from Cheshire Constabulary.
Steven Edge-Robinson placed a wooden cross in memory of Lieutenant Commander Roy Berryman Edwards DSO, sent by his daughter Sylvia Hammond from Kent.
Jack Gresty performed a stirring rendition of The Last Post and Reveille.
His great uncle, Radio Officer Derek Aubrey Gresty, lost his life at Bari, Italy, on 3rd May 1944, aged just 24.
A beautiful bespoke poppy arrangement was created by Judy Gratton, Trustee and Chairperson of Wistaston Flower Club, featuring silk poppies in a Hogarth curve mounted on a black stand.
Proceeds from the service collection will be donated to the Royal British Legion.
The service concluded with a united singing of the National Anthem.
The programme for the service featured a photograph of John Cooke, former President of the Hall and Trustee for more than 40 years, who passed away earlier this year.
Diane Edge-Robinson, co-chair of Wistaston Memorial Hall, said: “Each year, our Service of Remembrance brings together people of all ages to reflect, remember, and give thanks for the courage and sacrifice of those who came before us.
“It is deeply moving to see our community continue to honour their memory with such respect and unity within this Hall, which itself stands as a memorial to their lives.”
For further information about Wistaston Memorial Hall & Community Centre, visit: www.facebook.com/wistastonmemorialhall or www.wistastonmemorialhall.uk
(Words and pics by Jonathan White)
Pretty sure those in the trenches had helmets to keep their hair dry , Anon.
Scout leaders should not be sheltering under an umbrella at the remembrance service. Our soldiers fought in horrendous conditions in the trenches.
Sign of our sad times in today’s world.