7th November 2025

Schoolchildren join Bishop at memorial as nation pauses to remember the County's fallen

To mark this year’s period of Remembrance, The Church of England in Lancashire has produced special new video content for its social media accounts; filmed on location at South Ribble War Memorial near Lostock Hall.

Pictures are already online and more content, including videos, will be released on Remembrance Sunday and others on November 11, Remembrance Day. They feature schoolchildren from nearby Cuerden Church School along with their headteacher Mrs Nicola Sherry and the Bishop of Blackburn Rt Rev Philip North.

• The content will be available on Facebook/BlackburnDiocese and on Instagram @blackburndiocese; as well as @cofelancs and @bpblackburn on Twitter/X and will also be amplified by the Diocesan Board of Education social channels too, all of which can be found via the links available on their website homepage.

In the videos the children, Seren, David and Jack, explore the unusual memorial which was erected several years ago by South Ribble Borough Council. It commemorates all those who died from across South Ribble in WW1 and features a curved steel structure up to 9m high with a reconstruction of a WW1 trench behind.

As well as learning about WW1 while at the site, Seren, David and Jack talk about a school project they have been doing on WW2 and explore why we have the period of Remembrance every year; all before pausing to pray with the Bishop in front of the striking memorial. 

Speaking today, Bishop Philip said: “Remembrance is a moment to pause, to honour and to learn. It’s not just about looking back - it’s about recognising the courage and sacrifice of others and letting that shape how we live today. I was delighted to meet with the children from Cuerden Church School and to hear about their war projects.

“When young people take part in the annual remembrance commemorations and learn what it all means they bring fresh energy and meaning to these traditions. Their presence reminds us that remembrance isn’t just for the past - it’s for the future too. My prayer is that this generation will carry forward the values of peace, kindness and community, inspired by those who gave so much.

And the Bishop added: “We give thanks to God for the sacrifices of many brave men and women in all wars and conflicts and we will also remember in our prayers those still serving their country today in the armed forces; for their continued safety and for their families who support them.” 

Nicola Sherry, Headteacher of Cuerden Church School added: “It was a real privilege for our pupils to meet Bishop Philip at the South Ribble War Memorial and take part in this special Remembrance project for the diocesan social media channels.

“This was also a meaningful way to connect their recent studies about the war with real-life reflection. They asked thoughtful questions, listened carefully and showed real respect for the stories and sacrifices of others.

“We’re proud to be part of a community that values remembrance, and it was wonderful to see our young people engaging so positively with it.”

Remembrance Day will be marked across the County as wreaths are laid at memorials located inside and outside churches as well as at official memorials in Lancashire cities, towns and villages at the same time as two minutes silence is held.

Many churches will also be open on Remembrance Day, November 11, for further reflection and prayer. You can find your nearest church on the website www.achurchnearyou.com

Captions for the above photos, top to bottom:
Pictures taken by Kaitlyn Rose for Blackburn Diocese

• (l-r) Headteacher of Cuerden Church School, Mrs Nicola Sherry, Seren, David, Jack and Bishop Philip in front of the South Ribble War Memorial
• Seren from Cuerden Church School shows bishop Philip her classroom project on the war
• Jack, left and David from Cuerden Church School take a moment to look at the names on the South Ribble War Memorial
• The children from Cuerden Church School and Bishop Philip pause to reflect at the memorial

Ronnie Semley, November 2025