Local soldiers remembered at Langley dedication service

The service at Willow Park, Langley, was held in memory of Fusilier Lee Rigby, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell, Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington and Fusilier Stephen Whalley.

Families and friends of the soldiers, Mayor of Rochdale Janet Emsley, MP for Heywood and Middleton North Elsie Blundell, leader of the council Neil Emmott, local councillors, members of the armed forces and residents came together to pay their respects.

The service, led by the parish priest of Langley Reverend Scott Richardson, included speeches in memory of Lee, Joel, Scott, and Stephen, the laying of wreaths by family members of the former soldiers, the playing of the Last Post, poetry, the Kohima Epitaph and the dedication.

‘Rigby Way’, ‘Joel Halliwell VC Park’, ‘Hetherington Way’ ‘Duke of Lancs Close’, ‘Fusilier Close’ and ‘Drummer Way’ have been named in honour of the former soldiers, who had deep and lasting connections with the Middleton community.

Fusilier Lee Rigby grew up in Middleton and served in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Lee’s life tragically ended on 22 May 2013, when he was murdered by terrorists outside a military barracks in south London.

Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell grew up in Middleton and served during World War I. Joel, who died in 1958 aged 76, received the Victoria Cross for Valour, the country’s highest military award, and to date remains the only Middleton person to have received the honour. Joel had brought wounded comrades back to safety in the face of heavy German shellfire and was honoured for his bravery.

Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington, who was also a Middleton resident, died serving in Iraq on 2 January 2017, at the age of 22. Scott was a member of Duke of Lancashire Regiment and was a vehicle commander in the Force Protection Platoon.

Fusilier Stephen Whalley was murdered on 4 February 1974 by a terrorist bomb, which exploded on an army coach on the M62 motorway, near Hartshead Moor Services. He was 18 years old.

West Middleton councillor Phil Burke was instrumental in ensuring local areas were named in honour and memory of the soldiers. He said:

“This was an incredibly moving and emotional dedication service for our fallen heroes , which showed the community at its very best. I would like to pay tribute to the family and friends of the soldiers who attended the service in memory of their loved ones. As one of the councillors for the West Middleton ward, I am just so proud of how the event came together, as we paused to remember Lee, Joel, Scott and Stephen. The signs look absolutely amazing and I know how much the day meant to the Langley community. Thanks to everyone who attended the service and for making it a dedication service to remember.”

Councillor Janet Emsley, Mayor of Rochdale and lead member for the armed forces, said:

“This was a really poignant and moving event, as the community gathered to honour Lee, Joel, Scott and Stephen.  The service was about remembering their lives, their service and to dedicate the Langley streets and park that have been named in their honour and memory. The families of the soldiers were closely involved in the dedication ceremony and I was extremely proud to stand with them and pay my respects at this very special service.  The naming of the park and local streets means the soldiers will be part of the community forever. We remember them today and we will remember them for years to come. Lest we forget.”