Hundreds attended the 7th annual Crossgates Christmas Light Switch On, which included a moment’s silence to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the tragedy that happened at the Barnbow Munition factory.
This year’s lights were switched on by Marjorie Longbottom, Crossgates resident, Joan Mcphee and Cyrell Clark, members of Swarcliffe Good Neighbours and Elizabeth Moran and Ken Brace, members of Crossgates Good Neighbours. Alongside them on the stage were Local MP Richard Burgen, Councillor Pauleen Grahame and special guests from the recent stage play at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Barnbow Canaries. The local Brownies added to the festive atmosphere singing some favourite carols.
Marjorie Longbottom, 90 years old said, “I had a fantastic evening alongside the other button pushers, the look of excitement on the children’s faces was wonderful. The silence in memory of the Barnbow Munition tragedy was very moving, I was born 10 years after the incident and 8 years after the Great War, and even at a young age I was aware of the lasting impact it had on my family and others who had courageously served our country. We must never forget!”
Councillor Pauleen Grahame said “I would like to thank everyone who came and hope they all enjoyed it. Thanks to Leeds City Council, Radio Aire and the Yorkshire Reporter for their help in promoting the event and Holli Ann Jones from Manston Primary School for designing an excellent event poster. The Outer East Community Committee funded the event with the support of myself and fellow councillors, Peter Gruen, Janette Walker, and MP Richard Burgen. I would also like to thank all the local businesses that embrace this festive annual event in particular, Crossgates Chiropody and Therapy Centre for hosting the event, and the use of their car park along with Ashfield Medical Centre for the space for the stage, Crossgates Shopping Centre for the use of the car park for the firework display provided by The Great Northern Firework company with a special thanks of a donation from Thorpe Park Leeds.
Councillor Pauleen Grahame has been very proactive and supportive in helping provide the recognition of the sacrifices of the Barnbow Munition tragedy. One is the lasting memorial that sits in Manston Park as a tribute to the workers that were killed. To read more on this and the tragedy see our feature on page 42
