Avenham and Miller Parks have been dedicated as ‘Centenary Fields’ to remember those who lost their lives in conflict and say thank you to the World War I generation.

The Centenary Fields Legacy Programme  is a UK wide program by Fields in Trust, which protects green spaces for future generations in honour of those who lost their lives in conflict.

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On Friday November 9, the Mayor of Preston, Coun Trevor Hart, unveiled a plaque at the Ribblesdale PLac entrance to the park to mark the occasion.

He said: “We are delighted to participate in the Fields in Trust Centenary Fields programme to publicly demonstrate our gratitude to the World War I generation in this unique way.

“Protecting Avenham and Miller Parks means our local community will always have somewhere for play, sport or a quiet moment of reflection, and we are pleased to be part of marking the protection of parks and green spaces across the UK in this, the final year of World War I centenary commemorations.

“It is also an honour to recognise the contribution of the Sikh communities in both World War I and II by presenting the interpretation board at this event.”

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Alongside the plaque,Lord Shuttleworth, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire unveiled an interpretation board recognising the Sikh contribution to World War I and World War II.

Welcoming the accolade, Gulab Singh MBE, representative of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Cultural and Recreation Centre, said: “We are pleased to work with Preston City Council, the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and Fields in Trust to pay tribute to and recognise the Sikh soldiers’ contribution to World War I and II.

“The connection with Sikh soldiers is through the historic links of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, based at Fulwood Barracks, in particular the Jullundur Brigade.

“For Preston and the local Sikh Community this is a truly remarkable occasion for acknowledging the contributions Sikhs made and a legacy in their memory, alongside other soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth.”

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Jamie Leeson at Fields in Trust added: “We congratulate Preston City Council for dedicating Avenham and Miller Parks as a Centenary Field. It is now included forever in our national programme to commemorate World War I.

“Protection of this site not only recognises the sacrifices of those who gave their lives during the conflict, but also ensures that future generations have valuable green space to enjoy as a living legacy.”