On Thursday 6th June 2024 Frodsham Town Council hosted several commemorative events to mark the largest naval, air and land operation in history, the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy.
The events began with a celebratory lunch of fish and chips, supplied by 4 Seasons 4 Food, for all of our residents in our care / nursing homes and for those attending our OPAL group. This was followed by a commemorative Afternoon Tea hosted by Frodsham Bee Friends for 80 of our elder residents at the Parish Hall. Finally, in the evening a more solemn event took place at Frodsham’s War Memorial.
The walk from the Memorial Gates to the Monument was flanked by poppies made by pupils from our four primary schools, Ancora House School and our local Brownies and Girl Guides. The railings surrounding the Monument were adorned with poppies made by members of the local OPAL group and members of the St Laurence Craft & Chat group. It looked very striking as the sun set on the day.
The poem, ‘D-Day Heroes’, written by Chelsea Pensioner and Herald Roy Palmer, was read by our CWAC councillors. This was followed by “The International Tribute”, read by Allen Wales and members of Helsby and Frodsham Rotary Club.
4 traditional oil lanterns were lit by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. The ruby red colouring of the lamps represents the ultimate sacrifice made by the brave men and women across the globe and the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war.
The lamps will be lit again at 11am on every Remembrance Day in tribute to the many millions who sacrificed their lives during WWII.
Frodsham Town Council would like to thank the 4th Frodsham Scouts, 2nd Frodsham Guides, 6th Frodsham Brownies, Opal Services, St Laurence Craft & Chat group and the local schools for their support. Thanks also to Frodsham and Helsby Rotary Club and Reverend Elaine Atack.
It was a reflective evening and fitting that our community should light four peace lamps in ‘tribute to the light of peace’ that those brave men and women brought out from the misery of darkness during the dreadful campaign in Normandy, of which many unfortunately did not return.
The evening event was well attended, with over 60 local residents and His Majesty’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Professor Timothy Wheeler.