Memorial Unveiling in Darwen, Lancashire

It is my pleasure to invite you to the unveiling of this very special Memorial on Sunday 1st July 2018 at 3pm (assembling at the Cemetery from 2.30pm) which appropriately coincides with the anniversary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

The Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, The Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO, will officially unveil the Memorial.

Organised, designed and planned by the Friends of Darwen Cemetery, the Memorial is a fitting tribute to the 1300 fatal casualties from Darwen of which 70 + are buried in Commonwealth War Graves in Darwen Western Cemetery. 

The Memorial has been designed to include ten black granite plaques which tell the story of the men and woman who served their Country during the conflict, mounted on a wall designed to resemble the inner face of a typical 
trench.  Many sponsors and supporters have made donations and a special Centenary book is being published giving details of these who died. 

The unique Memorial is perhaps the only new WW1 Memorial in the Blackburn with Darwen area, if not Lancashire, that depicts the impact of the loss. 

The President of The Friends Of Darwen Cemetery, retired Colonel Steve Davies MBE, who commanded 1st Battalion The Queens Lancashire Regiment, and was also born in Darwen at 13 Willow Street, said:

“I am very proud to have played a part in organising this fitting tribute by the Friends of Darwen Cemetery and would wish to recognise the many offers, donations and support we have received. It has been a team effort to reach this point, and I am proud of the way in which the Trustees of our organisation have collectively delivered this project alongside many other partners, including many Darwen schoolchildren.  As an Army Veteran and proud Darrener this Memorial does us proud in remembering the large sacrifice made by the people of Darwen over 100 years ago."

John East Chair, Friends Of Darwen Cemetery. 

Picture enclosed of Memorial with Friends of Darwen Cemetery, President, Col. Steve Davies.

  
If you wish more details or a preview please contact John East 07885595189