Today we held our WW1 Commemoration and had a larger than expected turn out – the count varied between 70 and 90 depending on where you stood.

There were some wonderfully evocative readings:

• From Graham Stewart – a presentation from the BBC TV Programme ’37 Days’
• From Harrison Hughes – ‘In Flanders Fields’ by John McRae
• From Roger Barnes – The names on the ‘Shrine
• Harrison also laid the wreath and placed miniature crosses for each of the men on the shrine.

We were graced by seven riders, two of whom were in authentic WW1 uniform and villagers from near and far.

After the brief ceremony the WI welcomed any who stayed to soup and a roll in the village hall – a real treat with five truly home made soups, hearty and warming in a convivial atmosphere.  Many thanks to the ladies of Utkinton WI who did our visitors proud.

We sold a number of booklets (‘Those we lost’ from UCPC and ‘Tarporley Memorial Walk’ from Tarporley Remembers) and a total of £100 was collected – thank you indeed, this will go to the Royal British Legion ‘Poppy Appeal’

Stewards did a sterling job marshalling the stretch of road between Northgate Lower and Quarry Bank and passing motorists all took heed of what was going on.

All in all a fitting commemoration.

(Our thanks to Bronwyn Kelly, Matt Tunney and Jen Tunney for the photographs)