A bugle once played by a Marsden soldier sounded out the Last Post as a community gathered to honour the fallen soldiers from the First World War.
Colne Valley residents marked the centenary of the start of the 1914 conflict with a procession and poignant service and blessing for the 147 villagers who gave their lives.
An historic army bugle played by Marsdener Harry Beardsall, who was killed aged 22 leading troops on to the battle field at Somme, was used to pipe out the sombre notes of the Last Post.
Led by the Marsden Silver Prize Band, relatives of Harry, villagers and a host of dignitaries, joined a parade from the Royal British Legion to the Cenotaph in Marsden park.
The band’s principal cornet player, Jason Evans, played the bugle call as hundreds of residents fell silent to remember the war dead.
Those paying tribute then followed the procession on to St Bartholomew’s Church where a service was held.
The 1906 made bugle was played for a second time inside the church before a blessing of crosses at the Garden of Remembrance.
Inside the church a large exhibition of World War One history and memorabilia curated by Valerie France and Helen Royston was displayed.
Valerie, who spent 18 months researching Harry Beardsall and Marsden’s links to the First World War, said the playing of the bugle had been an incredibly moving moment.
“I was in tears,” she said.
“I think because we’ve done all the research it makes it more meaningful.
“We know about the victims, we know they had children and how many brothers were killed.”
Valerie said the event had been a joy.
“It’s been absolutely wonderful,” she said, “the whole village has pulled together.”
“It’s been superb. The park was heaving, there wasn’t a space in between and people have decorated all the shops.”
Bugler Jason Evans said: “It was an honour to have a go on it, I’ve never played a bugle before.
“I really enjoyed it, it was really good to play.
“The pressure was on, I was a little bit nervous, but it went alright.”
Ian Beardsall, 78, great nephew of bugler Harry Beardsall, said the procession and ceremony had been a fantastic event for all the family.
He said: “We’ve got three generations here and I’m very pleased with how it’s gone.
“There’s been a good turnout and a nice service.
“It was smashing hearing the bugle played, it sends a tingle through you.
“It’s a particular sound, particularly in a church. It sounded nice in the park but once in the church the acoustics made it a really special moment.”
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