Somme 100th Anniversary - 1st July 2016

East & West Ardsley branch held a parade and service for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme at 11 am.   This took place at the War Memorial at St. Michael's Church in East Ardsley.  The parade was conducted  by the branch chaplain who led the parade to the War Memorial.  The chaplain was followed  by branch standards, members of the branch and village folk.

Local school children had five special crosses bearing the names of the five village soldiers who lost their lives on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on the 1st July 1916.   Also a special Somme wreath which was laid along with the five crosses by the above children.

Above from left to right is Mr Fred Ashworth (standard bearer), Mr Bill Temple (branch secretary), trumpet player, Mr Chris Newman (Poppy Appeal Organiser) lastly Mr Bob Fairclough (branch president and parade marshall),

Preparing for the parade to the War Memorial.

oome wreth

The five crosses and the Somme wreath on the War Memorial after the service.

Above is a special commemorative bench kindly donated  by Leeds City Council which is on the village green in from of St. Michael's Church.