Somme service was splendid (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Somme service was splendid

3:56pm Wednesday 8th July 2009 in

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IT was my pleasure on Sunday, to attend the 95th annual commemoration of the battle of the Somme, on 1st July, 1916 where many local men were killed or injured.

It was a splendid service with a touching sermon from Canon Chris Chivers. A special feature of this year’s service was the dedication of a new standard by the Burnley and Pendle branch of the Duke of Lancaster’s Old Comrades Association. Later a lovely buffet lunch was served in the Cafe in the Crypt which managed to surpass last year’s. During the lunch it was hoped that Jim Eaves, the chairman of the Blackburn branch, would be presented with the Regimental Medal for his long service.

However, Mr Eaves was unable to attend through illness and the Deputy Colonel of the Regiment, Col Steve Davis, went to Jim’s residence to present the medal to him at home. Many thanks to the Dean and the cathedral staff for their excellent organisation and to say we are looking forward to next year. Joan Mather, Secretary, Blackburn Branch, Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Association