Latest news with #HannahLane
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'They will never be forgotten': Armed forces flag raised above town hall
The armed forces flag was raised above the town hall to mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week. A short service was held this morning Monday (June 23) in Victoria Square to mark the occasion. Reverend Hannah Lane welcomed the crowd for coming to the short service to mark the start of Armed Forces Week. She said: "During the ceremony, the armed forces flag will be raised above the town hall where it will fly proudly until Saturday evening. "At the same time we will also remember those who have served in the armed services in years gone by with such distinction and sacrifice. "And we will think of our service men and women who are serving now, those currently committed overseas, especially those in active service." The gathered crowd was then invited to take part in a two minute silence to remember all those who have died in service. Bolton Mayor David Chadwick (third from left) said that Bolton takes great pride in the flag. (left to right): Cllr Deirdre McGowan, Bolton mayoress and mayor Valerie and David Chadwick, Westhoughton mayor Gillian Wroe (Image: Newsquest) Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, said: "Armed forces flags will be raised across the country today to mark the start of armed forces week "Here in Bolton we take great pride in raising our own armed forces flag." The mayor said that the day was to celebrate those currently serving, as well those who have lost their lives in years gone past. He said: "They will never be forgotten. "This is the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. "This Saturday, we will celebrate and commemorate our armed forces on armed forces day." The national anthem was then played. The start of Armed Forces Week was marked with a short service and the armed forces flag was raised above the town hall (Image: Newsquest) Before ending the service, Rev Lane formally invited everyone to attend Armed Forces Day on Saturday. She said that that there would be a range of activities taking place on Victoria Square, which would start with another service. She said: "We are proud to be able to highlight and say thank you to our armed forces - thank you." READ MORE: Horwich childhood friends cycling Western Front Way READ MORE: Salute our Forces: why Armed Forces Week matters more than ever READ MORE: RAF chief set to be new head of armed forces – reports A free veterans' lunch was then held in the town hall by the mayor, with live entertainment. Carrs Pasties, Park Cakes Bolton and Bank Top Brewery have offered to serve food and beer free of charge in support for our veterans and serving members of the armed forces. On Saturday, June 28, the council will hold their annual Armed Forces Day event in Victoria Square from 10.30am to 3.30pm with a short service followed by a family fun day with lots of stalls and free activities, such as paintballing.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bolton residents gather to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day with beacon lighting
The town remembered those who gave their lives during the second world war as the beacon was lit for VE Day. A service was held on Thursday (May 8) in Bolton Parish Church to remember the war and emphasise the need for peace. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2 in Europe. Reverend Hannah Lane, vicar of the church, said: 'We come together conscious of our need for God's forgiveness for the sin and the desire to dominate others that leads to conflict between people, and war between nations. 'And as we remember the many soldiers, sailors and airmen who gave their lives restraining evil and opposing tyranny, so we also come in thanksgiving for the years of peace that the nations of Europe have enjoyed since the Second World War.' Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Andy Morgan, attended the service and read from the gospel of St Luke. Reverend Lee Higson, read an address after, and he said: 'We gather here this evening to mark a deep and profound moment in our shared history. 'There are nearly 13,000 nuclear weapons in the world today – and the UK has almost 230 on its own. 'Now imagine if you dismantle all those weapons and convert them into fuel rods. 'This could supply the entire world with energy for 16 months – if you take the UK alone it could give us 134 years of electricity. 'Peace isn't just the absence of war – it's a way of living with one another – and a commitment to justice. Have a story? Get in touch at 'I know the armed forces today want to be peacemakers – they know the real price of war and the toll that it takes on our society. 'So while we honour the past today – let us also look to the future where swords become ploughs.' A two minute silence was held in honour of those who lost their lives, before wreaths were laid by Cllr Morgan and Diane Hawkins, lord-lieutenant of Greater Manchester. READ MORE: Bolton opposition councillors brand VE Day decorations 'dismal' READ MORE: In Pictures: Nation gives thanks to veterans on the 80th anniversary of VE Day READ MORE: How people of Howich marked VE Day 80 years ago today Following the service there was a performance by the Bolton Hoover Brass Band while refreshments were offered to guests. Just before half nine – they were asked to come outside – and take their places for the beacon to be lit. The flame went up at exactly 9.30pm, and was met with applause from all those watching.
