Alderley Edge has joined a nationwide initiative entitled ‘There But Not There’ by installing three WW1 stats of silhouetted Tommies.
Two of the statues have already been installed at the war memorial on Ryleys Lane, with a further one at the junction at the foot of Macclesfield Road.
The fourth figure has been purchased by Alderley Edge Union Club, which it will also put on display on Remembrance Sunday.
The club has a strong connection with the horrors of war, as the village learnt of its first casualty through a letter from a member serving in France sent to friends in the club.
In addition to displaying the Tommy figure, the club plans to have a plaque made to commemorate its past members involved in wars.
Alderley Edge Parish Council’s Cllr Geoff Hall commented: “We were able to buy these silhouettes due to the donations given by local businesses and villagers and, so, thank you.”
Cllr Hall continued: “Sunday 11th November 2018 will allow us all to come together as a community to remember those who gave up everything for us.”
72 soldiers from WW1 are named on the village war memorial. Local historian Michael Scaife has researched each one and has written a short biography – which has been part of the village’s parish newsletter for the last 4 years.
These are now displayed (alongside paintings depicting scenes from the war by local artist Peter Pound) at the back of St Philip & St James Church, along with local information from Alderley History Group.
Alderley History Group has a display featuring ‘news at home and abroad’ from both of the world wars.
Also inside the church, on the pews are 5 perspex silhouettes, part of the same There But Not There installation.
The Remembrance Sunday parade will assemble outside Alderley Edge Festival Hall at 2.15pm, and will proceed to the church after the wreath laying ceremony led by The Royal British Legion.
The service of Remembrance will begin at 3pm.
