Villagers in Sterndale Moor marked the Centenary of the Armistice with a full day of events from a ‘show and tell’ of World War One memorabilia including a rifle and bayonet; to the lighting of a beacon, one of 1200 lit nationwide on the evening of 11/11.
The commemoration events were the result of hard work by many residents including the members of a newly formed Sterndale Moor Community Task Force. Boosted by support from Tarmac (which operates nearby Hindlow and Tunstead sites) and other local organisations, the group was able to offer the events free to local people. Instead attendees were asked to make voluntary donations which are still being counted up. These funds will go towards future community projects including the installation of a large village Christmas tree for the second year running.
Jamie Stafford of the Sterndale Moor Community Task Force says: “The Armistice Centenary gave us a perfect opportunity to bring our community together. From three-year-olds to residents in their 80s, they all had a role to play. We started by paying our respects at the war memorial at Brandside; then we had a game of football back in the village to remember the Christmas 1917 ceasefire game; followed by an event in the local village hall which enabled people to share their WW1 memorabilia. The day culminated in the lighting of the beacon, fireworks, the Last Post played by a member of Burbage Band, and then a two-minute silence.
“We are grateful for Tarmac’s support which contributed towards the costs of the fireworks and helped us offer the event for free.”
Tarmac’s Hindlow Production Manager, Andy Flanagan attended the beacon lighting and fireworks event. He said: “It was a pleasure to be able to support such a moving event which was for the whole community. Sterndale Moor went to town to deliver a memorable day for all who live there.”
Tarmac also donated high visibility vests for the safety stewards at the event.
Picture caption: Supporting Sterndale Moor’s Armistice Centenary event – Tarmac’s Andy Flanagan (left) hands over cheque to Jamie Stafford from the Sterndale Moor Community Task Force