Langley Streets and Park Named in Honour of Local Fallen Soldiers
A number of Langley streets and a local park have been officially named in honour of local soldiers following a deeply moving dedication service held recently. The service at Willow Park in Langley was held in memory of Fusilier Lee Rigby, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell, Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington, and Fusilier Stephen Whalley.
Community Comes Together to Pay Respects
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 gathered 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, the playing of the Last Post, poetry readings, the Kohima Epitaph, and the formal dedication.
Streets and Park Dedicated to Heroes
The newly named locations include 'Rigby Way', 'Joel Halliwell VC Park', 'Hetherington Way', 'Duke of Lancs Close', 'Fusilier Close', and 'Drummer Way'. These names honour 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. His life tragically ended on May 22, 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. He died in 1958 aged 76 and received the Victoria Cross for Valour, the country's highest military award. To date, he remains the only Middleton person to have received this honour. Joel was recognised for bringing wounded comrades back to safety under heavy German shellfire.
- Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington, also a Middleton resident, died serving in Iraq on January 2, 2017, at the age of 22. He was a member of the Duke of Lancashire Regiment and served as a vehicle commander in the Force Protection Platoon.
- Fusilier Stephen Whalley was murdered on February 4, 1974, by a terrorist bomb that exploded on an army coach on the M62 motorway near Hartshead Moor Services. He was just 18 years old.
Councillors and Officials Express Pride and Emotion
West Middleton councillor Phil Burke played a key role 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, added: "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."
The event underscored the strong community spirit in Langley and Rochdale, ensuring that the legacy of these brave soldiers is preserved for future generations.
