The dedication of a new memorial on Morley Green took place last week.
The service on Saturday, 11th Febriary, was conducted by Revd Dr Kirsty Thorpe as the last minister of Morley Green United Reformed Church, which closed in April 2010. Rev Dr Thorpe is also Moderator of the URC's General Assembly, which is a national church leadership post which she will hold until July this year.
The funds for the memorial were given by the United Reformed Church and it commemorates not only those from the village who died in the 1st and 2nd World Wars but also the Chapel, which existed from 1869-2010.
The Deputy Mayor of Cheshire East, Cllr George Walton and his wife Mrs Veronia Walton were present and he laid a wreath as did the Revd Brian Jolly on behalf of the United Reformed Church's North Western Synod and a representative of the Royal British Legion.
Also present were local councillors, representatives of the Red Cross, St Bartholomew's Silver Band, former members of the church, people from Twyford's of Wilmslow who made and erected the memorial, villagers and representatives of Wilmslow Community Archaeology Group who researched all the stories of the commemorated men two years ago when the chapel closed.
Revd Dr Kirsty Thorpe said "The service was attended by about ninety people and though the afternoon was cold there was a strong sense of occasion and respect. We also received a supportive message from George Osborne MP.
"The new memorial is important because it means the names of these men are now commemorated in a public place, at the centre of the village where they lived, and in a way that also pays tribute to the work of the chapel. The original plaques have now been re-sited in Wilmslow United Reformed Church."
