Lancashire brewer, Moorhouse’s Brewery, has crafted a special commemorative ABV 4.2% cask ale to mark 100 years since the First World War Armistice in 1918. In support of the Royal British Legion, 10p of every pint sold of Moorhouse’s ‘Armistice’ will go to ‘Whalley Remembers’ – a series of fundraising commemorations held to remember those who fought in WW1.
Whalley resident Cliff Ball had the idea for ‘Whalley Remembers’ in early 2017 and called a public meeting in Whalley Primary School hall in February this year to discuss the idea. Over 50 people attended and a committee was formed to create a programme of events fitting to remember the 60 young men from Whalley, Barrow, Wiswell, Billington and Mitton lost in the First World War and the contribution made by the Queen Mary’s Military Hospital at Calderstones which treated some 60,000 wounded servicemen.
The ‘Whalley Remembers’ programme of events comes in two parts. Firstly, the Saturday before Remembrance Sunday will be a lighter occasion with a Heritage Walk including the ‘unveiling’ of blue plaques at places associated with WWI, a Lantern Walk led by the uniformed organisations, a WW1 concert in the village hall and finishing with the lighting of a beacon on the Nab with fireworks. Remembrance Sunday will be more contemplative as the group remembers the fallen from WWI, WWII and Northern Ireland. There will be a Service of Thanksgiving in Whalley Parish Church followed by a parade to the war memorial where there will be an act of remembrance including two minutes silence. The parade will then return to Whalley Abbey where there will be a community hot pot lunch.
Upon receiving a call from Event Coordinator, Cliff Ball, Burnley-based Moorhouse’s Brewery decided to pledge its support by brewing an ale with part of the proceeds going to the Royal British Legion.
Moorhouse’s Brewery Managing Director Lee Williams, said: “We wanted to both recognise those men and women who have served for their country and also raise money for this great cause with our Armistice ale.
“Whalley Remembers’ has brought the local community together, and the work which the team has done has been remarkable. We’re happy Moorhouse’s can contribute to this in whatever small way.”
‘Whalley Remembers’ Event Coordinator, Cliff Ball, added: “We’re enormously thankful for the support of Moorhouse’s Brewery and have enjoyed sampling the Armistice beer in our local pub, The Dog Inn.
“Over the past few months we’ve seen a tremendous effort from our local community to honour the 100th anniversary of the Armistice and we’re grateful to each and every person who has contributed along the way in raising money for the Royal British Legion. We hope many will join us on Sunday November 11 to commemorate our fallen heroes.”
