Rochdale's Memorial Takes Pride of Place at Fusiliers Museum (Rochdale Liberal Democrats)

Rochdale Liberal Democrats <info@rochdalelibdems.org.uk>

Rochdale's Memorial Takes Pride of Place at Fusiliers Museum

December 5, 2009 12:00 AM

Paul Rowen MP, Councillor Peter Clegg and Spotland resident Peter Conroy A Rochdale First World War Memorial Board has taken pride of place in the Fusiliers Museum after a long, hard campaign.

The Memorial Board pays a special tribute to the 240 men from the Queen Street area of Rochdale who fought during the Great War.

The board was originally placed in the "Two Ships" pub in Queen Street immediately after World War One right up until 2003 but was taken by the owner of the pub after it closed its doors. It was then placed at the "Tap and Spiel" Pub before finally being moved to Yorkshire.

Local resident Peter Conroy of 21 Alice Ingham Court, Rochdale, had been campaigning for the memorial board to be displayed somewhere significant for the last 6 years.

Mr Conroy said: "This board means so much too so many people in Rochdale and across Greater Manchester and I felt that is should be on display in a place where local people can go and see it. I contacted Paul Rowen regarding my campaign and he was happy to help me and I wish to thank him for his efforts. It's great to see the memorial board finally on display again after 6 years."

Councillor Peter Clegg said: "As a former Fusilier I am incredibly proud to see the Rochdale Roll of Honour receiving the respect it deserves by being displayed so prominently in the new Fusilier's Museum. It highlights the dedication, strength and courage of the men of Rochdale who fought in one of history's bloodiest conflicts."

Paul Rowen MP added, "I am delighted to see this magnificent memorial board being displayed with the pomp and ceremony it deserves. I would like to thank Peter Conroy for his efforts of bringing this issue to my attention. I would also like to thank Capt H M Calder and Lord Havering for agreeing to donate the memorial board to the museum. I would urge all Rochdalians to come and see the Memorial for themselves. It is a fitting tribute to the young men who gave their lives so fearlessly."