Lest we forget as borough unites in silence to honour the fallen

Tuesday, 11 November 2025 11:02

By David Murphy

Communities across Rochdale came together on Remembrance Sunday to honour the sacrifices of service personnel past and present.

Ceremonies were held in Rochdale town centre and across Castleton, Heywood, Littleborough, Middleton, Norden, Milnrow and Wardle as residents of all ages paid their respects to those who served in defence of the country.

Silence fell at war memorials throughout the borough, marked by the sounding of the Last Post and the recital of Laurence Binyon’s iconic words from 1914: “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Wreaths were laid by veterans, representatives of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, civic dignitaries, MPs, schoolchildren, faith leaders and members of the public.

Each service also featured the Kohima Epitaph, with its powerful reminder: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Janet Emsley, described the day as “poignant and reflective”, adding: “Veterans from many different conflicts, and people of all faiths and none, stood together in shared remembrance. We honoured those who served, those who sacrificed and those who continue to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.”

She said the community’s strong turnout showed the depth of feeling across the borough.

“We never forget, which is why so many people, young and older, came together in such numbers to pay their respects to our fallen heroes. Side by side they fought together, they fell together and secured the peace together. We will always remember them.”

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Rochdale Council chief exec accused of ‘grinding’ on young care leaver during drunken awards night

Rochdale council is under pressure after it emerged that its chief executive, James Binks, was subject to a disciplinary investigation into inappropriate behaviour toward a young female graduate during his previous role at Manchester City Council.
Michael Bamford named Man of Rochdale 2025 for outstanding community service

Michael Bamford, the founder of Re-Use Littleborough, has been named the Man of Rochdale 2025 in recognition of his tireless efforts to support those in need both locally and abroad.
Decision made on rebuilding homes destroyed by massive gas explosion

Three terraced houses destroyed in a huge gas explosion are to be rebuilt ‘like-for-like’. The homes, on Nelson Street in the Fishpool area of Bury were at the centre of a major blast at around 11am on February 28, 2024.
Hundreds of new homes controversially approved for Littleborough

Hundreds of homes will be built on former green belt land in the heart of Littleborough.
Man arrested at Manchester Airport in Heaton Park synagogue terror probe

A seventh person has been arrested in connection with the deadly terrorist attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed.
Teenage musician sets sights on top Manchester music college

BUDDING performer Isla Connell has been singing and playing instruments since primary school and is now hoping to land a place at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
Heywood AODS honours retiring President after 40 years at the helm

Heywood Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society has paid tribute to its long-serving President, Keith Greenwood, during a surprise celebration marking his retirement after four decades of dedicated leadership.
Businesses warned of budget ‘moment of truth’ as tax fears mount

A senior insolvency expert has warned that businesses in Rochdale and across the UK are facing a pivotal week, with fears that the upcoming budget could unleash damaging tax hikes across multiple sectors.
Fire and light transform Rochdale as Christmas countdown begins

More than 10,000 people visit town hall for spectacular three-day festival and lights switch-on
Man arrested after pedestrian hit in serious collision in Bury town centre

A man has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle at a major junction in Bury town centre.
Mayor reflects on a busy first half-year of community, culture and commemoration

I am halfway through my mayoral year and it has been an inspiring and insightful six months. I have been to every part of the community, across our township areas of the Pennines, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, visiting businesses, schools, care settings, charities, voluntary organisations, seeing at first-hand what makes our borough the amazing place it is to live, work and grow up in.
Reform UK councillor backtracks after falsely claiming Roch Valley Radio insulted him

A Rochdale councillor has retracted a claim he made on social media, after attributing a critical remark to Roch Valley Radio without verifying the source.