Peace and reconciliation

The Bishop of Liverpool, The Rt Rev Paul Bayes led worship at Alsop High School to commemorate the 30 young men from Walton who gave their lives during the Battle of the Somme.

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Roz Gladden and DCC Andy Cooke QPM, along with young people, laid wreaths of poppies to remember those who fell at the Somme on 1 July 1916
Bishop Paul reminded students that we need to learn from history and the tragedy of war to build a better future.

He spoke about how we live in uncertain times and we must work together to build a just and caring society, urging young people to reach out, make friends and work for peace in Europe.

Local schoolchildren from Alsop and Pinehurst Primary School led a tribute to a local ‘hero’, Private Percy Tucker who volunteered to join the Liverpool Kings Regiment.

The ‘Walton Pals’ battalion included a group of friends who were members of the Walton Church Young Men’s Bible Study Class. They joined together, fought together and unfortunately died together.

Musical items included ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ and ‘Hope.’ With pupils from Pinehurst Primary School singing ‘We Will Remember’, a modern song written by the late Mike Stanley.

Mr Joe Mangan, headteacher said: “We were delighted to welcome Bishop Paul and Bishop Tom. Together they powerfully paid tribute to their relatives who served King and country during World War One”

Peter Bull, co-ordinator of HOPE 2016 said: “The story of the Walton Pals helped young people to reflect upon and connect with history. This was a poignant visit and young people made a commitment to continue to work for peace and reconciliation in Europe”

During 2016 Alsop has worked with partner primary schools and Walton Group of Churches to facilitate a festival to tell stories of hope to both school and community. Inspirational speakers have brought stories of hope in the face of many obstacles and social injustice.