THE Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Dame Lorna Muirhead headed a colourful parade on Saturday when she opened a Remembrance Meadow at Mesnes Park to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.
Newton and Earlestown Community Group and St Helens Council jointly funded the project and the Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Geoffrey Pearl, joined Dame Lorna in unveiling a plaque in the flourishing field of wild flowers.
The Mayor of St Helens Geoffrey pearl with Dame Lorna Muirhead
Valley Brass Band entertained the crowds who thronged to the park to witness an impressive turnout by ex-service personnel and immaculately presented youngsters from a variety of uniformed organisations and schools.
One of the veterans at the service
Paying their respects
The Meadow is one of a series of events around the borough to mark the centenary of WW1 such as the poppy planting in Newton Cemetery and the authority’s combination with The Friends of St Helens Cemetery to plant poppies.
Newton Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron told the Star: "The projects are excellent examples of the council working with the community to mark these nationally significant events, in a way personalised to the community. They should be commended."
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