Last chance to join the Silent March in Longridge
Final call for businesses to take part in town’s commemoration
It will be a stunning display of community solidarity, and a fitting tribute to the 93 local men who lost their lives in the Great War. This November, Ghost Soldier silhouettes will be stationed in shops, pubs and offices across Longridge and the surrounding villages, as the town and wider community marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
Simon Wallis, head teacher of Barnacre Road Primary School, has put together a series of events and activities to celebrate the lives of those who died. The Ghost Soldier’s Silent March will culminate on Monday October 29th when everyone will be asked to station their soldier outside for Simon to film, demonstrating the town’s support.
More than 30 businesses have already requested a solider, these will be delivered over the coming weeks. There are more available and Simon is hoping this last call will find each of them a home ahead of the filming.
He said: “We have so many events feeding into the town’s Armistice Commemoration, mostly focusing on the schools but the Silent March is an opportunity for businesses to get involved and play their own part.
“I’ve been absolutely blown away by the support the project has received so far from our sponsors and fundraisers and those businesses which have already requested a soldier. It would be incredible to see the whole high street and surrounding area displaying soldiers of their own.
“Special thanks have to go to John and Sue Cornthwaite for supplying the wood for the silhouettes and to Pete Lambert who has patiently and meticulously cut out each and every one, which our children and staff have painted.”
Gail Maudsley, from Vincents Solicitors in Longridge, has been seconded to the project to help drum up support within the business community. She will be out and about gathering names, and anyone wanting to take part in the event is asked to contact her directly by emailing GailMaudsley@vslaw.co.uk
She said: “The Armistice project is an incredible undertaking and will be remembered for bringing the community together to mark this important occasion. Simon has worked tirelessly to create a project that everyone in Longridge can get involved with and be proud of, and the Silent March provides a wonderful opportunity for all of us to pay tribute.
“I will be visiting as many workplaces as possible later this month to get final numbers. This may be the last chance for many of us to commemorate the Armistice and support the huge efforts of our school children.”
Fourteen Longridge schools have been undertaking various events throughout the year ahead of the commemoration this November. The year-long Armistice project is introducing the children to the art, music, dance, stories and lives of those who lived through and fought in the Great War a century ago.
More than 700 youngsters are in the final stages of preparation for an incredible extravaganza of music and dance written, produced and directed by Simon. It takes place at Preston’s Guild Hall on November 11 2018. Tickets are now on sale for the event via the schools, contact Barnacre Road Primary School Office 01772 783555 for more information about tickets. All profits from the event will be donated to veterans’ charities.
The project’s progress is being shared on a dedicated Facebook page, to keep up with latest news visit https://www.facebook.com/longridgeclusterschoolsarmisticeproject/
ENDS
Pictured: Vincents Solicitors’ Gail Maudsley (left) and Claire Hamilton (right) with Simon Wallis from Barnacre Road School (centre) and some of the Ghost Soldiers.