PRESTON PALS MEMORIAL
An article appeared in the Lancashire Evening Post on 26th January concerning establishing a memorial to the ‘Preston Pals’. During the early days of the First World War, 250 new recruits from Preston boarded a train bound for Northern France with ‘a collective sense of excitement’. Sadly, 200 members of D Company 7th Battalion the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment were to lose their lives.
A group of volunteers, led by businessman Andrew Mather, has suggested a memorial plaque (1.9m x 93cm) made of Cumbrian slate to be situated on Preston Station to the fallen soldiers to be unveiled during Guild year. The cost is £16,000 of which £11,000 has already been raised and an appeal has been made to raise the balance.
Past President, George Thompson, has suggested that Hoppers should support this venture, since, although little is known about those who perished, some may well have been Hoppers. In return for a donation of £250, each sponsor will have their name recorded in the Preston Pals memorial book which is to be published about the time of the proposed unveiling.
This was discussed at the Management Meeting on 26th March and it was agreed that the Club should be represented. Any member who would like to donate (£5-£10) should contact the office and the Club will make up any shortfall if necessary.
Should more than the target sum be raised the plan is to establish a second memorial at Bezentin-le-Petit in France where the Pals died.
Further details can be accessed by logging on to www.prestonpals.org
