Lovely to see how excited the morning group of reception children were to spend their first day at Freckleton C of E Primary School today. A pleasure to drop a little gift off for them from church.
Thank you to our friends at RAF Lakenheath for the F-15 flypast, it was very moving and reduced many of us to tears.Our service began at the children's grave, led by clergy from Holy Trinity Church, Freckleton Methodist Church, Holy Family RC Church, and staff from Freckleton C of E Primary School.Flowers, generously gifted from Margaret Mason Flowers, and ribbons with the names of those who died, were placed in the cross and their names were read out. The transformation of the plain cross into a flowering one transforms a symbol of death, darkness, pain and hopelessness. Above all, the cross becomes beautiful, new and alive, in celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. So, we remember those who have died with the hope that the resurrection brings.There were also beautiful floral tributes laid by Michael, representing BAE Systems Warton Christian Fellowship Group, from Freckleton Parish Council, and from survivors of the crash, along with others.After the act of remembrance, Ruby and David, the two remaining survivors from the class of 44, released doves from Dove Release by Dutton Doves, to symbolise peace, hope, unity, love and the Holy Spirit.We then went into church and heard from the Worshipful, the Mayor of Fylde, Councillor Karen Henshaw. The Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Reverend Philip North, preached a very moving sermon. Freckleton Band led us in our hymns.After the service, we moved to Trinity Close, where the Mayor unveiled a new commemorative plaque and Bishop Philip blessed it.Finally, to Freckleton Memorial Hall, for lunch and an exhibition of memorabilia.Thank you to all the groups from the village who were represented today, and again to the many people who worked tirelessly in so many different ways to ensure we remembered with honour and respect those who died. More photographs are available on Flickr, thanks to Nigel the postman. www.flickr.com/photos/145149294@N08/albums/72177720319736584/
So many people from across so many areas of the village have worked tirelessly to prepare for Friday's service. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts! 😍
