Hucknall residents come together to mark 100 years since the Cenotaph was unveiled

There was a good turnout on Saturday afternoon (3 September) for the short commemoration to mark 100 years since the Cenotaph was unveiled at Hucknall's Titchfield Park.

The event organised by Hucknall Heritage Society was held at 3:30pm on Saturday. This was exactly the same time and date that thousands of townsfolk had gathered in 1922, to watch the unveiling of the Cenotaph by Brigadier General Sir J.F. Laycock and to remember those who died and served in the Great War.

The architect of the Cenotaph was Thomas Cecil Howitt who was born in Hucknall and served with distinction during the war. Three times he was mentioned in dispatches, awarded the D.S.O. and also the Legion d'honneur.

Maureen Newton Chairman of Hucknall Heritage Society welcomed everyone to the special centenary event. She explained: "It was for a short commemoration at the Cenotaph which stands as a silent witness to the loss of relatives and much sadness."

She told the assembled audience that the Heritage Society would also like to pay homage to those who served and died in the Second World War and the many other conflicts since then. 

She added: "The Cenotaph stands now, in 2022, to remind us today of the sacrifice made by those who fought for our freedom. God bless them all."

A bugler then played the last post, and the British Legion flag was lowered to begin the two minutes silence – after the reveille came the citation 'We Will Remember Them' and the flag was raised. A wreath from Hucknall Heritage Society was laid by Sue Knight and Geoff Curtis to mark the occasion.

Speaking to Hucknall Nub News, Mrs Newton said: "It was great to see how many other local people cared about this important anniversary.

"Hucknall Heritage Society would like to thank The British Legion, especially Major Mick, for helping and all of you for coming for this one hundredth anniversary event."