A NUMBER of Remembrance Sunday services will take place across the borough to honour those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.

On Sunday, November 10, Remembrance services will take place in St Helens town centre, Earlestown, Rainhill, Rainford, Haydock and Eccleston, to remember those who died during conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries.    

Services will also be held the following day on Armistice Day in St Helens, Earlestown, and Rainford, and Billinge.

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As in previous years, residents wishing to pay their respects are invited to congregate at Victoria Square, St Helens Town Centre, on Sunday, November 10 at 10:30am where a parade - led by Armed Forces veterans and young representatives from the cadets, scouts and guides - will make its way from Corporation Street to the Cenotaph near St Helens Town Hall.    

The ceremony will open with a welcome and prayers before the square observes a two-minute silence at 11:00am.      

After the two-minute silence, the ceremony will continue with words of commemoration and readings from veterans as well as performances from Valley Brass Band and Haydock Male Voice Choir - before the laying of wreathes and planting of crosses.   

Afterwards, a St Helens Council Archive service exhibition of compelling historic materials will be on display in St Helens Town Hall, with light refreshments available.   

Over in Newton-le-Willows, the focal point will be the war memorial at Earlestown Town Hall, with the event due to get underway at 10:45am.

After the parade, a church service will be held at St John’s Church, followed by refreshments at Newton Function Room on Patterson Street.

Councillor Lynn Clarke, Armed Forces Champion for St Helens Borough Council, said: “Remembrance Sunday is a fitting opportunity for us to honour those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country by defending our freedoms and protecting our way of life.  

“Our borough has more than played its part in the many wars and conflicts throughout history. While many have lived to tell their stories, we’ve sadly lost a lot along the way too who gave their tomorrow for our today.

“We ask that you join us in attending a commemoration service to help ensure their memory lives on forever.”

Other Remembrance services include:

  • St Ann's Church, Rainhill, at 10:30am followed by a procession to the War Memorial for wreath laying
  • All Saints Church, Rainford, at 10:30am with a parade from the Village Hall at 10:00am
  • Vista Road, Haydock, arrival at 2:45pm for a 3:00pm start
  • Wreath laying at Eccleston War Memorial, Burrows Lane, at 11:00am, with the gates open all day for anyone wanting to pay their respects

Armistice Day services will also take place at the Cenotaph in Victoria Square; Earlestown; Rainford Village Hall and the Crank War Memorial.

Local primary schools will also gather for an annual service at Billinge's Remembrance Garden on Friday, November 8 from 10:40am.