Police estimates put the number of those present at close to 2,000 as Heywood paid tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday.

New names of old soldiers were added to the Cenatoph in the memorial gardens, and a big crowd enjoyed a thoughtful but uplifting service.

The day is certainly getting more and more important in the town as Britain’s soldiers continue to fight and fall in conflicts around the globe.

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Heywood Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society needs a huge chunk of support ahead of their latest – and potentially final ever – production.

HAODS is currently putting the finishing touches to “The Producers”, which runs at Heywood Civic Hall from Tuesday 6 to Friday 10 March.

But unless more support is forthcoming this could be the last show this Heywood institution can stage in the town as the harsh economic climate continues to bite.

Alex Blakeley, senior secretary at HAODS, describes the desperate need for people to come and watch the latest show, and how this could be the final curtain call for the society.

She said: “Heywood Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society has been part of the Heywood community, and many people lives, for as long as many of us can remember.

Alex Blakeley

“But now, due to the horrendous economic hardship we face we run the serious risk of folding.

“Our latest production of “The Producers” is such a hilarious and fantastic show and is the result of four months hard work from all involved.

“This is a heartfelt plea to everyone to please, please, please buy a ticket and come and support us.

“Ticket sales have been utterley rubbish up to now and we have one week to turn things around or the show gets cancelled and we go bankrupt.

“We need the help of our community, we need YOUR help to stay alive to be able to continue with producing the shows you have all loved over the past years.”

Tickets can be ordered from www.heywoodaods.co.uk or by phoning 01706 368904.