The Royal British Legion is recognised as the national custodian of Remembrance.

The first Remembrance Parade and Service in Helmshore was held in November 1921 and the Memorial Gardens were inaugurated in June 1922. the 100th Anniversary of this occasion was marked with and commemoration service and and a music concert on 25th June 2022.

Our late Padre, Rev. Gerald Higham led a service for every man from Helmshore and Musbury who was killed in the Great War on the 100th anniversaries of each of their deaths between 2014 and 2019.

During research into these men it was noted that there is a discrepancy between the names on the War Memorial, those listed on the Church plaque and the official war records. Work is currently in progress to consolidate the full list. Once completed it is the intention of the Branch to ensure that all names listed. For the time being a "Soldiers' Bench" was installed next to the Crescent in the park on the 100th anniversary event.

This year we commemorated the 80th Anniversaries of VE and VJ Day at the Helmshore Memorial Gardens.

Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday in November, is the day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.

Remembrance Sunday 

From 2024 the Remembrance Sunday Parade will be organised by a new body, known as the Helmshore Remembrance Sunday Fundraising Committee. Unfortunately, due to Public Liability issues over Traffic Management and the event not being recognised as a civic occasion by Rossendale Borough Council, The RBL will not allow its members to organise parades. We will however, support the new Committee and continue to fund the ceremonial aspects of the event.

In 2025 Remembrance Sunday will be on the 9th November.

This year's parade will once again be led by the Haslingden and Helmshore Brass Band. 

Arrangements for the parade (to be confirmed) are as follows:

The Parade will assemble on Broadway off the road outside the shops at 9.15 am. There will be a short march along Helmshore Road to St Thomas’ Church for a service at 9.45 am.

On completion of the church service, the parade will march along Helmshore Road to the Memorial Gardens where a service of commemoration and wreath laying ceremony will be held prior to 11.am when a 2 minute silence will be observed.

View our News & Events calendar and our Facebook page for details of other local Remembrance events.