A new War Memorial has been launched in Roughlee as the 100th anniversary of the First World War took place.
The memorial stone and plaque is on the main lane through the village close to the sculpture of Pendle Witch Alice Nutter.
A few years ago Roughlee resident Mrs Clarice Holmes came up with the idea of creating some sort of memorial in the village to mark the people who served in the forces and either came back – or sadly didn’t.
And Mrs Holmes officially launched the memorial on Sunday, with Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson, the Mayor of Pendle, Coun. Graham Roach, and representatives from the Royal British Legion and others attending.
Mrs Holmes said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be stood here unveiling this War Memorial stone.
“Many members of my family were in the Royal Artillery, both in the First and Second World Wars. I lost my first husband Eric in the Second War after only 18 months of marriage.
“My second husband Bert served in the RAF. He was shot down aged 19 and held a prisoner of war for five years.”
She added: “The sacrifices that these men, and many others, made must never ever be forgotten. It therefore gives me great pleasure to unveil this stone in memory of all those who fought for our country during the wars.”
Coun. James Starkie, who covers the village on Pendle Council, designed the plaque which is fitted on the stone, kindly donated and installed by parish councillor Stuart Milligan, and paid for out of Roughlee’s share of profits from the 2012 Queen Elizabeth ll Jubilee Fund.
The Rev. John Hallows led the march from the Roughlee Centre to lead the launch service, after which a reception was held in the centre.
The Mayor of Pendle, Coun. Graham Roach made a small speech regarding war service and the villagers doing their bit. Mr Michael Sutcliff, welfare officer of the Nelson and District branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “Roughlee is a thankful village, one of only around 50 communities not affected by war deaths.
“The Burnley Youth Team gave a presentation by the memorial of a small group just being called up for the then Lancashire Fusiliers. They will be performing this at the Youth Theatre in November.”