As in previous years, residents wishing to pay their respects are invited to congregate at Victoria Square on Sunday 14 November at 10:30am where a parade – led by Armed Forces veterans and young representatives from the cadets, scouts and guides – will make its way from Birchley Street to the war memorial in front of St Helens Town Hall.
The ceremony – which will be signed by an interpreter – will open with a welcome and prayers from Revd Rachel Shuttleworth before the square observes a two-minute silence at 11:00am.
After the two-minute silence, the ceremony will continue with words of commemoration and performances from Haydock Male Voice Choir, Valley Brass Band and singer, Tom Loughlin, before the laying of wreathes.
A St Helens Archive exhibition of compelling historic materials, including records and photographs from both world wars, will then be on display in St Helens Town Hall, showing the impact war had on the lives of local people and the community.
Over in Newton-le-Willows, the focal point will be the war memorial at Earlestown Town Hall, with the event due to get underway at 10:45am. St Helens North MP Conor McGinn; Deputy Mayor of St Helens, Linda Maloney MBE and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant David Steer QC DL are among those expected to attend. After the parade, a church service – led by Revd Dr Chris Stafford – will be held at St John’s Church, followed by refreshments at Newton Social Club on Patterson Street.
Elsewhere in the borough, there will be services at St Ann’s Church in Rainhill at 10:30am followed by a procession to the Warrington Road war memorial at 11:30am; St Mark’s, Blackbrook, as well as Haydock and Billinge remembrance gardens – while Remembrance Sunday services will also take place in a number of churches, including:
- St Andrews, Dentons Green Lane, – 10:00am -10:45am
-
St Mark’s Church, Haydock – 1:30pm
-
St James with St Matthews, St Helens Road – 10:00am
-
St Luke’s Church, Knowsley Road – 10:00am
-
Christ Church, Eccleston- 10:00am with a bereavement service at 3:00pm
-
St John’s, Ravenhead – 11:00am
-
St Michael & All Angels, Gartons Lane – 10:30m
-
St Nicholas, New Street -10:30am
-
Peasley Cross URC, Beaufort Street -10.45am
-
St Aidan’s Church, Billinge – 4:00pm
Small services will also be held at St Helens and Earlestown war memorials on Armistice Day (11 November) from 10:45am.
St Helens Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Lynn Clarke, said: “Remembrance Sunday is a fitting opportunity for us to honour our servicemen and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
“Last year was tough not being able to hold live services due to covid restrictions, instead showing our appreciation virtually and in other ways like having poppy road markings installed at fitting locations across the borough – so to see people, young and old, come together once again will be an emotional moment itself and will act as a heart-warming reminder that St Helens Borough will always remember.”
Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, added: “Our borough has more than played its part in many wars and conflicts throughout history. While many have lived to tell their stories, we’ve sadly lost brave servicemen and women too whose memories will live on forever – with Remembrance Sunday being the most poignant way of doing this. Lest we forget.”
Public Health advice for anyone wishing to attend a Remembrance service is to take a lateral flow test 24 hours before, then test again two days after, and then five days afterwards. Face coverings are recommended indoors and please do not attend an event if you are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms, even if mild.