bee-member_in_the_regimental_chapel

Bee-member them: commemorative exhibition at Manchester Cathedral marks centenary of First World War

  • Bee-member: Lest we forget was designed by schoolchildren from Gorse Hall Primary School in Stalybridge
  • The bee will be on display in the Regimental Chapel until 19 November
  • It forms part of commemorative exhibitions and events marking 100 years since the end of WW1

Manchester Cathedral is commemorating the centenary of World War One with one of the city’s famous bee art installations.

The Little Bee named Bee-member: Lest We Forget will be exhibited in the Regimental Chapel, the largest chapel in Manchester Cathedral which houses remembrance books and regimental colours of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

The bee was designed by children from Gorse Hall Primary School in Stalybridge which took part in a competition to design the final piece.
Headteacher Alexandra Flood said: ”Our school has been incredibly proud to be involved in the Bee In The City.’

”The bee itself, as well as being a commemoration to those who fell in WW1, is also a symbol of the creativity of the children at our school.”

Bee-member: Lest we forget
Bee-member: designed by seven pupils from Gorse Hall Primary School in Stalybridge

The seven selected winners worked together to design the bee, taking inspiration from local heroes LS Lowry and Beatrix Potter alongside more traditional symbols of remembrance as a tribute to fallen servicemen. 

Bee-member Beatrix Potter/Lowry detail
Local heroes: the bee recognises historic Stalybridge residents including Beatrix Potter

Bee-member also features the lyrics of It’s A Long Way To Tipperary. The wartime classic was rumoured to be the result of a five shilling bet by Stalybridge music hall entertainer Jack Judge in 1912.

The dean of Manchester, the Very Rev Rogers Govender said: ”It is wonderful to be able to provide a space for children to display their art whilst honouring those who lost their lives in WW1.”    

Bee-member wings
Be Proud: Tributes to L S Lowry and the British Flag

Bee-member: Lest we forget will be on display in the regimental chapel until 19 November.