Blackburn Rovers help save war memorial

11:00am Tuesday 11th November 2008

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A TRIO of plaques that honour Blackburn’s fallen war heroes have found a new home at Ewood Park.

Blackburn Rovers’ club chaplain Ken Howles is holding a special Remembrance Day service today at 11am to officially unveil the memorial which has been placed on the side of the Jack Walker Stand.

The memorial, which has been named Rovers Remember, consists of three plaques salvaged from Hollin Bank Mission, Kirby Road, Blackburn, and St Bartholomew’s Church, which stood next to Ewood Park and was recently demolished.

Mr Howles, who was formerly the vicar at St Bartholomew’s and instrumental in saving the plaques, said: “When the church got pulled down recently, there was a danger these memorials would be lost forever, so I asked the club if they could find an appropriate home for them, which they have.

“These are men who have laid down their lives for their country and it’s important the memorials are kept in the Ewood area where people from the community can still see them.”

The new memorial is situated at the Darwen End of the Jack Walker Stand and Des Owen, of the Royal British Legion (RBL) Blackburn branch, said Rovers’ support had been vital.

He said: “The diocese of Blackburn did not know what to do with the plaques so I started agitating to get them put up.

“Rovers said they would take them and it looks marvellous. I took some people down there the other day to see them and they were all very impressed. It’s such a nice gesture by Rovers and I’m extremely proud we managed to find the plaques a home.”

Today’s service is open for anyone.