Preparing to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War

Time stood still in Longridge this week as the “Silent March” took over the town’s high street.

The Ghost Soldiers were stationed outside businesses across Longridge, in commemoration of the First World War Armistice 100 years ago this November.
Simon Wallis, head teacher of Barnacre Road School and the man behind the project, said: “It was incredibly poignant to see the soldiers on parade, especially the display at the station where so many would have started their final journey. Each silhouette represents someone who fought and died for their country, and I am so pleased about how the town has come together to honour their sacrifice."

The event is one of several initiatives to help the town honour the fallen, and acts as a curtain raiser for the grand finale on November 11th when 700 local children will take part in a gala performance at Preston’s Guild Hall.
Tickets are £15 and available from Barnacre Road School on 01772 783 555 or any of the participating schools.

Vincents Solicitors has provided 40 collection buckets which have been handed out around the local community. Donations and profits from the show will go to a series of veterans’ charities which support ex-service people and their families in their community.

Gail Maudsley from Vincents Longridge office has been seconded to the project and has been coordinating the business effort. She said: ”Every soldier and every bucket has gone out to a local business or organisation which has pledged its support to this fantastic project. Each of them is commemorating the Armistice in their own special way, and together I think we can say that Longridge has done it’s part to mark this incredibly important event in our country’s history.”

Anyone wanting to purchase their own a Ghost Soldier can buy one from Longridge Timber for £38, all profits going to the fundraising effort.

To find out more and see a full gallery of images, click the link for the Longridge Cluster Schools Armistice Project Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/longridgeclusterschoolsarmisticeproject/

To donate to the fundraising effort, click here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/longridgearmistice