A street in Hawkshaw is set to receive a new name in honour of the esteemed armed forces advocate Colonel Eric Davidson.
Known affectionately as “Colonel Eric”, he dedicated over five decades to supporting veterans and organising Bury’s annual poppy appeal and Remembrance Sunday parades. His remarkable contributions led to him being awarded an MBE in 2018 and named a Freeman of Bury in 2015. Additionally, he was appointed as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant in 2002 before his passing at the age of 84 in May 2022.
To commemorate his legacy, a parade will take place this Sunday at 10am, marking the renaming of Spenleach Lane to Col Eric Davidson Way. The unveiling of the new signs will be overseen by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins.
The Mayor of Bury, Councillor Sandra Walmsley, expressed pride in the town’s military history and its connection with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, with Colonel Eric playing a pivotal role for many years. She described the renaming of the road leading to the cadet training centre as a fitting tribute to his memory.
Colonel Eric was deeply involved with the Fusiliers Association in Lancashire, serving as chairman, and was a director of the Fusilier Museum. He also founded and presided over the Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire).
His dedication to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal began at a young age in 1948, when he would deliver poppies to farms using his butcher’s pedal cycle. Originally from Jedburgh in Scotland, he joined the police force in Bolton after completing his national service in 1958 and settled in Bury in 1963.
The ceremony this Sunday will be attended by Colonel Eric’s wife Marjorie and family, as well as Bury Council leader Cllr Eamonn O’Brien.
This announcement was made in a press release issued on 14th March 2024.
