Royal British Legion Limited Edition Candle

“The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime”, the words attributed to British Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey as he looked out over Whitehall on the eve of World War 1.

To remember and reflect on this event, and the sacrifice made by so many of our own family members and their peers, Guiseley will be hosting a series of events this coming Monday, 4th August 2014.

10.30am: A wreath laying service at the Cross, Towngate, followed by the laying of flowers on the war graves in the churchyard

6pm : Children will create a ‘peace and hope’ mosaic, Springfield Park

7pm : Walk of Remembrance, meet Cross Towngate to parade to Springfield

7.30pm : Reflective, Music, Poetry, & Stories, – Springfield Park

10-11pm: National Candle Vigil – turn off all your house lights and leave one candle burning. Special British Legion limited edition, fund raising, poppy candles are available from M&S. Westminster Abbey will be leading the nation with a First World War vigil liturgy which will be broadcast live on the BBC. Corporations will be joining in as well with flood lights being turned off on public buildings, to create a gloom with only pinpricks of candlelight in homes.

The Guiseley events have been organized by the British Legion, together with the Baptist, Methodist and Parish Churches and are the start of 4 years of ‘We Will Remember’ Events which will culminate in a new Commemorative Garden in Nunroyd Park for the whole of Aireborough.

If anyone can help deliver leaflets in their local street, to make sure everyone knows about Monday’s events please contact clerk@rawdonparishcouncil.gov.uk.

Please share with friends and neighbours.

PS  In 1914 – 1918  Parkinson’s Park was hay meadow, and pasture;  the first F & A Parkinson factory was not built until 1919.  However, post WWI, new houses were built for returning soldiers on the old allotments and recreation ground which is now Kelcliffe Avenue.  It is thought that the Park, the land for which was brought in the late 1930’s, was the Parkinson brother’s contribution to the loss of this community recreation ground.

Barbara Winfield on the FOPP stall

The Friends of Parkinson’s Park took a last minute decision to have a stall at the Farmer’s Market on Sunday. Barbara is seen here selling our herbs and seedlings. There was a lot of interest in the Park with many people new to Guiseley not being sure where to find it or even having heard of it.

The weather just held off and we were pleased to make £27.70. Its a pity that more people dont support the market. The next one is on Sunday 17th August. many thanks to the staff of the Station Pub who put in such an effort to get this up and running