Battle of the Somme Centenary Commemorative Service

On Sunday 16 October 2016, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council held a Commemorative Service outside Newcastle Centre to acknowledge the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme. 

Organised as part of the Council’s wider Decade of Centenaries 2016 Programme, Mr Liam Hannaway, Council Chief Executive welcomed everyone to the reflective service.  The service, which included an opening prayer from Canon Ian Ellis, poetry reading from the Council Chairperson, an historical talk delivered by Dr Robert Whan, and lament played by Pipe Major Gareth O'Brien, concluded with a formal act of remembrance conducted by Mr Brian Hagan, Number 7 Group Vice Chairperson, Royal British Legion. 

Following the laying of wreaths at the Newcastle War Memorial by the Chairperson, political parties and Mr George Brashaw, Number 7 Group President of the Royal British Legion, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick, expressed thanks and appreciation to everyone who had attended and participated in the service.