Bury residents honor Lancashire Fusiliers
Residents at a housing scheme in Bury have come together to commemorate the crucial role played by a local soldiers in the First World War.
A memorial stone in honour of the Lancashire Fusiliers was officially unveiled by The Mayor of Bury, Councillor Michelle Wiseman, at a special ceremony held at Fusilier Court.
Over 100 people attended the ceremony, which featured a performance from the Corps of Drums of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire).
Fusilier Court, a sheltered housing scheme for elderly residents run by Muir Housing Group, has strong historical links with the military. It was built on land that belonged to the barracks where soldiers from the Lancashire Fusiliers used to live.
Residents at the scheme have always felt a strong connection to the Fusiliers regiment, and they were keen to recognise their heroic efforts with a permanent tribute.
After consultation with residents, and as this year marks the centenary of the outbreak of WWI, they agreed to install a memorial stone featuring the Emblem of the Lancashire Fusilier Badge, at the entrance to Fusilier Court.
The stone now takes pride and place near the stunning communal gardens at Fusilier Court, which have been transformed thanks to efforts of its residents and a £48,559 grant from the Big Lottery Community Spaces programme.
Eunice Foster, Chair of the Fusilier Court Gardening Committee said:
“Fusilier Court holds many memories for the soldiers of the Lancashire Fusiliers and their families.
“A lot of the residents feel a connection to the Fusiliers Regiment and remember the important role they played during the First World War. With the scheme being named after the Fusiliers, we were looking for a way to honour the soldiers and the sacrifices that they have made.
“We hope this Memorial Stone will serve as a lasting tribute to the Lancashire Fusilier soldiers who fought for our country. A lot of hard work and effort has gone into enhancing the Fusilier Court Gardens over the past 8 years and the Memorial Stone will take pride and place at the heart of the scheme.”
Lieutenant Colonel ( Rtd ) Eric W Davidson.MBE.DL said:
“This Memorial Stone is a fantastic tribute to the Lancashire Fusilier Veterans, and in more general terms to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. On behalf of the Colonel of the Regiment, I would like to express my thanks to all the residents for the honour they have bestowed upon us.”