Residents are invited take part in a free event this weekend to honour the Cheshire Regiment soldiers who gave their lives in their first major battle of the First World War.
The free concert and memorial service is being held at Tatton Park on Sunday, August 24th, to honour the Cheshire Regiment's fallen of the Great War.
People are being encouraged to bring a picnic and attend the family event, which will take place in the beautiful surroundings of Tatton's Old Hall, from 3pm.
The commemoration marks the centenary of the Battle of Mons – the first major military engagement by The 1st Battalion of the 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment in 1914 and where the regiment suffered severe casualties.
Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "It is absolutely right that we should commemorate the tremendous courage and sacrifice of Cheshire's soldiers and I would urge families to come along and join us for this fantastic and poignant commemorative event.
"I'm sure it will be a memorable afternoon for everyone involved."
The Battle of Mons was where the British Army saw its first major action of The Great War on August 23rd and 24th 1914 – and soldiers of the Cheshire Regiment played a major part in the terrible fighting.
The Cheshires suffered very heavy losses and impressed officers on both sides of the conflict with their bravery and refusal to retreat. Of the 25 officers and 952 other ranks of the Cheshires present at the start of the battle, only seven officers and 200 men remained alive by the end of the day – and only 40 men from the battalion survived unwounded.
People are encouraged to arrive for the free concert and memorial service from 2.30pm for a 3pm start.
A memorial service will be followed by excerpts from 'Silent Night' and 'Over By Christmas by acting group Theatre in the Quarter, readings from Cheshire East Youth Theatre and a concert by the world-renowned Fodens Brass Band.
Dignitaries will attend from several of the Great War's participant nations, including Belgium, France, Germany, India, Australia and Bangladesh.
The event is free – however the usual gate entry fee to Tatton Park applies. Because space is limited, people are urged to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
People are encouraged to bring their own picnics and blankets for seating. Please do not bring dogs or barbeques to the event, as they are not permitted.
The concert is part of Cheshire East's four-year programme of activities, events and development schemes to commemorate the centenary of the First World War – which is called Cheshire East Reflects.
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The station in Chester was situated in the Cheshire Regiment Museum. The other on the Wirral was in Leasowe Lighthouse. Both stations had contacts with more than 2,000 other amateurs worldwide. Hundreds of contacts were made throughout Europe where several other WW1 commemoration stations were operating. Contacts were also made with commonwealth stations in Australia, India, South Africa, Canada and Caribbean islands.
The North Cheshire amateur radio club meets every Sunday at Morley Green social club at 8:00pm, where training is available and a radio station, call sign, GX0BAA is regularly on the air.
Visitors with or without an operating licence are most welcome.
During May a station commemorated the Battle of the Atlantic, in conjunction with the events held in Liverpool. In 2015, together with radio amateurs in both Australia and New Zealand, a radio station will commemorate the WW1 Gallipoli campaign.