Chorley Remembers Experience Opens

Steve Williams, Charley Pal and Lindsay Hoyle

Over 350 people visited Chorley’s newest attraction, the Chorley Remembers Experience, at the Coach House in Astley Hall today.

They were queueing up to get in as the town’s Member of Parliament, Lindsay Hoyle, opened the doors at midday.

Lindsay Hoyle welcomes visitors to the new Chorley Remembers Experience today

Lindsay Hoyle welcomes visitors to the new Chorley Remembers Experience today

The local Territorial Army unit and members of the Great War Society were on hand with demonstrations, whilst the project’s mascot ‘Charley Pal’ [pictured above with Project Manager Steve Williams and Lindsay Hoyle] was there throughout the day to welcome everyone – young and old.

Comments ranged from “brilliant”, “stunning”, “very moving” and “the best I’ve seen”, as visitors viewed Chorley’s military history over the years – seeing artefacts, displays and videos, as well as experiencing life in a trench during the First World War.

Project Chairman, Lindsay Hoyle MP, said: “The new exhibition provides a fascinating insight into the contribution of local people to our military history.

“I am delighted to see so many people attend the exhibition on it’s opening day and we have seen families of those who served turn up and donate artefacts.

“It is also welcome to see so many families as we hope the exhibition is going to be a vital educational resource for generations to come.”

He went on to thank all those involved with the project and Chorley Council for facilitating the exhibition at Astley Hall, given to the people of Chorley back in 1921 as the town’s War Memorial.

The exhibition opening saw the culmination of a year’s work for Trustees, staff and volunteers on the Chorley Remembers project.