The Wistaston Memorial Hall & Community Centre on Church Lane was filled to near capacity on Sunday 9th November 2025 for the 76th Annual Service of Remembrance, as the local community gathered to honour those who gave their lives in service of their country.
Wistaston Memorial Hall itself stands as a lasting tribute, having been built in the shape of a cross over seventy-five years ago in memory of the sixteen men from Wistaston who lost their lives in the Second World War. The Hall was officially opened by the Hon. Lady Barlow, Chairman of the Cheshire Rural Community Council, on 26th March 1949.
This year’s Service was organised by Diane Edge-Robinson, Co-Chair of Wistaston Memorial Hall, with the support of Trustees, and opened by Co-Chair Diane Houston.
.A guard of honour was provided by Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from the 35th South West Cheshire (Wistaston) Scout Group, who proudly welcomed Wistaston Parish Councillors, dignitaries, and members of the congregation. The Service of Remembrance was led by Revd. Mike Turnbull (St Mary’s Wistaston), Malcolm Crook (Wells Green Methodist Church) and Fr. Oliver Barry (Oblate Retreat Centre, Wistaston).
A highlight of the Service was a heartfelt address by 101-year-old Peter Taylor, who shared his remarkable life story — from his early days as a Cub Scout to his wartime service as a Wireless Operator on Liberator bombers in the RAF. Peter, who was born in 1924 and has lived in Crewe since childhood, also spoke movingly of his late wife, Peggie, to whom he was married for over 75 years.
John Moore (Wistaston Parish Council) read the Bible reading, Sue Jones (Rope Parish Council) read a poignant poem by an Unknown Soldier, while Barbara Brereton respectfully read the names of the sixteen Wistaston men who perished during the Second World War.
The Wells Green Church choir, led by musical director Myra Wood, accompanied the hymns and music throughout the service.
As part of the Act of Remembrance, poppy wreaths were placed outside at the front of the Hall by Eileen Bamber, Hall President and a representative from Cheshire Constabulary. Steven Edge-Robinson placed a wooden cross in memory of Lieutenant Commander Roy Berryman Edwards DSO, sent by his daughter Mrs Sylvia Hammond from Kent.
Jack Gresty performed a stirring rendition of The Last Post and Reveille. His great uncle, Radio Officer Derek Aubrey Gresty, lost his life at Bari, Italy, on 3rd May 1944, aged just 24.
A beautiful bespoke poppy arrangement was created by Judy Gratton, Trustee and Chairperson of Wistaston Flower Club, featuring silk poppies in a Hogarth curve mounted on a black stand.
Proceeds from the Service collection will be donated to the Royal British Legion.
The Service concluded with a united singing of the National Anthem, bringing the community together in a shared moment of reflection and gratitude. The programme for the Service featured a photograph of John Cooke, former President of the Hall and Trustee for over 40 years, who passed away earlier this year.
Diane Edge-Robinson, Co-Chair of Wistaston Memorial Hall, said: “Each year, our Service of Remembrance brings together people of all ages to reflect, remember, and give thanks for the courage and sacrifice of those who came before us. It is deeply moving to see our community continue to honour their memory with such respect and unity within this Hall, which itself stands as a memorial to their lives.”
For further information about Wistaston Memorial Hall & Community Centre, please visit: www.facebook.com/wistastonmemorialhall or WWW.wistastonmemorialhall.uk
Words and Pictures by Jonathan White
Mrs Barbara Brereton and the late Mr Alan Brereton.