Annual Service of Remembrance held at Macron Stadium

Bolton Wanderers held its annual Service of Remembrance at Macron Stadium on Tuesday evening.

More than 230 people attended the event, which began at the Nat Lofthouse statue outside Macron Stadium.

Union Jack flags were lowered in remembrance of those who had lost their lives in the Manchester terror attack on Monday, while a new plaque was unveiled that has engraved upon it some of the most significant moments in the history of the Club.

Club Chaplain Phil Mason dedicated the plaque and highlighted the beginnings of the Club’s history, and with relatives of Kenny Davenport present, he spoke of him being the first player to score a goal in the Football League on 8 September 1888 at 3.37pm.

With the Service continuing in the Platinum Suite, there was a very poignant moment when 22 candles were lit by Club Ambassador Tony Kelly and members of the Community Trust Staff in memory of those who had lost their lives in the Manchester attack, including Georgina Callander a former youth player for Wanderers' Ladies and Girls Under-11s team.  

Speaking of the significant Moments in the club's history, Mason also spoke of the Burnden Park Disaster and the loss of the 33 who had simply gone to watch a game of football but never returned as tragically as those had on Monday night watching a concert.

Within the service Andrew Dean, Promotions Manager, read the lesson and music was played by the 103 Regiment of the Lancashire Artillery Volunteer Band as people remembered their loved ones and came forward to light a candle in their memory.

Mason added: "It is always a very moving service and gives people the opportunity to remember their loved ones and support each other in the time of loss.

This was made more significant this year in the light of tragedy of Monday night and the sadness felt across the whole of Greater Manchester."

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