Community to honour former soldiers at Langley dedication service

The dedication service, which begins at 10.50am at Willow Park, Langley, will be held in memory of Fusilier Lee Rigby, Corporal Joel Halliwell and Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington.

‘Rigby Way’, ‘Joel Halliwell VC Park’ and ‘Hetherington Way’ have been named in honour of the lives of Lee, Joel and Scott, who had deep and lasting connections with the Middleton community.

Relatives of the 3 late soldiers, residents, councillors, the Mayor of Rochdale, and members of the armed forces community will be present at the dedication service to pay their respects, reflect and remember.

The service will include speeches in memory of Lee, Joel and Scott, the laying of wreaths, the playing of the Last Post, poetry, the Kohima Epitaph and dedications.

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.

Corporal Joel Halliwell grew up in Middleton and served as a Corporal 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. On 27 May 1918, Joel was captured by the Germans and remained a prisoner with them for a short time before escaping. On his way back to the British lines, Joel had brought wounded comrades back to safety in spite 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 the Duke of Lancashire Regiment and was a vehicle commander in the Force Protection Platoon.

West Middleton councillor Phil Burke was instrumental in ensuring local areas were named in honour and memory of the 3 soldiers. He said:

“This will be a really important, moving and emotional day for the Middleton community. I am really proud that local roads and park have been named in honour of Lee, Joel and Scott who have deep and lasting connections across the area. I know how much the day will mean to the relatives and loved ones of the 3 men. As one of the councillors for the West Middleton ward I have worked extremely hard to help bring this about, as we come together to reflect, remember and ensure the names of Lee, Joel and Scott live on forever.”

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

“This will be a really poignant event as the community comes together to honour Lee, Joel and Scott. The special service will enable us to remember their lives, their service and also to dedicate local areas named in their honour. I know there will be a huge turnout from across the armed forces family. The families of Lee, Joel and Scott have been closely involved in the dedication ceremony and I am proud that I will be able to join them at this very special service. Lest we forget.”

The event is open for anyone to attend.