By Johnathan Cowden

Much of the UK will spend tomorrow morning at a ceremony in remembrance of members of the armed forces who have fallen in the line of duty. However, Hazel Grove commemorated an occasion of its own today (11 November).

11 November this year marks 100 years since the unveiling of the war memorial in Hazel Grove, and to mark the occasion, there was a rededication ceremony this afternoon.

The ceremony was opened by the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins, and featured a poppy-tree carving that was unveiled by the Mayor of Stockport, Graham Greenhalgh.

On the left, Jim McGarrie, Staff Sergeant, Royal Army Medical Corps. On the right, Rob McGarrie, Senior Aircraftman, Royal Air Force Regiment. The McGarries are brothers of Dave McGarrie, Chairman of the Hazel

Grove branch of the Royal British Legion (Image - Johnathan Cowden)

A key feature of the ceremony was the attempt to recreate as much of the original 1923 ceremony as possible.

The structure of today's ceremony, including the order of the hymns and prayers that were said, was based on the original ceremony. Even the closing speech was a rereading of one given by Mr Ernest Bagshawe JP, the President of the Memorial Committee, in 1923.

The service itself was conducted by the Rev. Joshua Askwith of Norbury Parish Church, Fr. Peter Sharrocks of St Peter's Catholic Church and Rev. Cathy Bird of Hazel Grove Methodist Church.

The war memorial, entrance gates, wall, and railings are all grade II listed and maintained by Historic England. The memorial itself lists the names of men of Hazel Grove who died in the First World War.

The unveiling of the poppy-tree carving (Image - Johnathan Cowden)

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