Service Commemorates Centennial of War Memorial.
By Helen Gavaghan, Mytholmroyd.
2nd July 2022
He guards a cross roads, carved in stone, gazing from the Calder Valley up through Cragg Vale. He is armed. He is ready for conflict. And he is young. He stands as
memorial to men and women dead in war, and, today, in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, UK, the village celebrated the centennial of the statue having been erected.
Reverend Daniel Miles led the service, which the mayor of Hebden Royd Town Council,
Jane Hoyle* (Lab. Cragg Vale), attended with her
consort, husband, Kevin. Local
school children paid a moving tribute, singing that they would remember the soldiers.
The service opened with the national anthem, and the local history society laid a wreath. There was a two minute silence. The colours were raised, lowered, raised, and finally
carried away after the service had closed with the congregation singing "Jerusalem". Ever hopeful, they had prayed for a just peace, and for all dead in war, be they soldier or civilian.
Across the road over the parish church of St Michael's the Union Jack and flag of Ukraine fluttered.
Afterwards those at the service went for tea, cake and sandwiches in the church hall, taking time to study an exhibition assembled by local
amateur historian, Wayne Ogden. I wondered to which Scottish regiment
the kilted uniform belonged. It was on display just under the stage.
There were poppies for sale in the corner of the room.
On Friday 29th July, starting at 7pm, there will be a fund raiser at the Working Mens' Club on Stock's Drive in Mytholmroyd. Money raised through a raffle will be donated
to Calder Valley Search and Rescue.
*In the UK when a mayor takes a term of office, the mayor is apoliticial when at official events. The role of mayor rotates among political parties. A few Mayors in the UK, such
as the Mayor of London, are elected to executive office, and their role is political.
Photographs of the Mayor of Hebden Royd Town Council and of amateur historian, Wayne Ogden, are by Helen Gavaghan©, and they are accessed by clicking on their name in the story above.
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