Hyde War Memorial Trust

05/04/2026

Easter Sunday

For decades people have gathered at the Cenotaph early on Easter Sunday for a simple celebration. This year was no different.

24/02/2026

A glimpse of rare February sun peeping out from behind the Cenotaph, beautifully captured by Roger Almond.

02/02/2026

HIROSHIMA SEEDS

We were honoured to be approved to receive seeds propagated from trees in Hiroshima which survived the atomic bomb in 1945. It’s an incredible story and we think these trees will find a welcome home in Werneth Low Country Park.

It’s a massive responsibility and we are pleased (and relieved) that new friends, Richard and David, at the Hyde Park Allotment Association will be our expert partners for this important task. The seeds will be germinated and then planted out in a suitable spot.

We’ll keep you posted as this progresses.

12/01/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Representatives of Hyde War Memorial Trust have received confirmation from Tameside Council today that the proposal for solar energy panels in Werneth Low Country Park in the 'Homes, Spaces, Places - Shaping Tameside for Tomorrow' will NOT proceed.

We are delighted at this outcome and grateful to trustees, Councillors, friends and neighbours who spoke up against this proposal.

We remain totally committed to the maintenance of Werneth Low Country Park as open space for all, forever.

Follow us through this page to keep up to date with all developments relating to the Trust.

09/01/2026

Trustees held an urgent meeting with representatives from TMBC today.

We expressed our concern about the planning proposal in the strongest way.

We explained the uniqueness of our Country Park and its unsuitability as the base for a renewable energy site.

We received strong assurances our reservations were understood and would be taken account of.

We will continue to make the strongest representations in order to preserve our special place.

We will post regular updates as this progresses.

08/01/2026

The Council yesterday published an interactive map showing areas across Tameside with potential for renewable energy development.

The map includes some Hyde War Memorial Trust land which forms part of Werneth Low Country Park.

The Trust had NO prior knowledge of these proposals and there is no explanation as to why this unique place was included.

It’s worth remembering how and why the Country Park was created and why the Trust exists.

After the First World War the people of Hyde raised over £14,000 to create a meaningful commemoration for the massive sacrifice made by the men of Hyde.

From this fund £2,000 was allocated to erect a Cenotaph, £3,750 to fund education for the children of lost soldiers,
£3,500 towards a Maternity Home, £4,000 to purchase Lower Higham Farm and land - to be used for public recreation.

We will prepare our response and share it here.

Homes, Spaces, Places

01/01/2026

Happy New Year to all.

In an uncertain world we would love to see peace and reconciliations across the globe.

But that seems unlikely so we continue to remember those who have, and continue to serve our nation as we preserve our special place of remembrance for all.

24/12/2025

From everyone at the Trust, we wish you all a peaceful and restful Christmas.

We especially remember all who serve/have served in our military and blue light services. We are grateful to you all.

17/12/2025

Remembrance Sunday 2025

We were pleased to have the Tameside Reporter photographer with us this year.

There are some beautiful photographs from our service on the website if you wish to take a look. If you find any you like, you'll have to purchase them from the Tameside Reporter. But they are worth a scroll if you attended and would like a reminder of our reflective event on 9 November.

Digital Photos

09/12/2025

WILLIAM BROOKS one of Hyde’s 710 men lost in WWI.

This year we've followed William's service which began when he signed up for the 13th Cheshire Regiment in December 1915.

We are grateful to William's family for allowing us to share William's story through their memorabilia and research.

William died on 2 December. We don't know when Mrs Brooks received the heartbreaking news that her boy was dead but we know the contents of the letter sent by the Matron.

Dear Mrs Brooks

I am so very sorry to tell you that your son passed away quite peacefully at 8.30am this morning. He just did not suffer any pain but he was so weak & thin it was pitiable to see him.

Everything that was possible was done for him but without effect.He will be buried in the English Military Cemetery here & his personal possessions will be forwarded in due course to you by the authorities. With much sympathy for you in you great loss. He was such a good boy always so sweet and patient.

03/12/2025

WILLIAM BROOKS
This year we've followed William's service which began when he signed up for the 13th Cheshire Regiment in December 1915.

Wiiliam's sister Lily had written to him on 29 November. William never saw his sister’s letter, he died on December 2nd. Lily’s letter was returned to her.

William was 22.