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Veterans, residents and dignitaries were out in force over Remembrance weekend at the same place as their forebears 100 years ago to remember the fallen. This came with Armistice Day this year falling almost 100 years to the day since the unveiling of the Farnworth War Memorial, which was first officially opened on Sunday November 16 1924. A century later people gathered on Farnworth Park for a special service this Remembrance Day to commemorate the fallen that also took account of the historic monument’s centenary.
Cllr Maureen Flitcroft, of Farnworth South, said: "Once again, the residents of Farnworth did not disappoint, turning out in their 100s on Remembrance Sunday, parading down Market Street to the Garden of Remembrance at Farnworth Park for the special centenary service led by Rev Gail Scholes." The monument was first unveiled 100 years ago (Image: Public) The Farnworth War Memorial was first unveiled in Farnworth Park on Sunday, November 16, 1924 by Chairman of the War Memorial Committee James Stone JP. This was just six years since the end of the First World War at a time when many of the town’s people would have first-hand experience of having fought in the conflict themselves.
Cllr Paul Sanders with a centenary banner (Image: Public) Many more would have seen loved ones and family members go to fight in the war, many of whom did not return and have been commemorated ever since by the memorial. It was with this in mind that people gathered at the park on Remembrance Sunday to pay their respects . ALSO READ: Remembrance Day 2024 in photographs as Bolton honours the fallen ALSO READ: Crowds gather in Bolton to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday ALSO READ: Thousands of bikers ride the entire ring road for Remembrance Sunday Cllr Paul Sanders, also of Farnworth South, said: "It was important that this year's Service of Remembrance reflected on the centenary of the unveiling of Farnworth's magnificent war memorial.
“We produced a special order of service and displayed banners at the entrance to the park. “During the service, Rev Gail Scholes asked those gathered to think of the heartache, grief and pride that would have been felt by the loved ones of Farnworth's fallen, who would have stood in the same spot 100 years ago. “It was reflected that a century later, though living memory of the fallen fades, the number of those paying their respects at Farnworth War Memorial increases each year.
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