Street to be named in honour of legendary campaigner
14.03.2024 - 19:17
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A street is to be renamed in honour of the beloved armed forces campaigner, Colonel Eric Davidson. ‘Colonel Eric’, as he was affectionately known to all, carried out work for five decades on behalf of veterans, and organised Bury’s annual poppy appeal and Remembrance Sunday parades.
He was made an MBE in 2018 and a Freeman of Bury in 2015 when he returned from the 100th anniversary commemoration of the Lancashire Fusiliers’ landing at Gallipoli. He was also appointed a Deputy Lord Lieutenant in 2002.
He died in May 2022, aged 84. A parade will be held this Sunday, March 17 at 10am, when Spenleach Lane, Hawkshaw which leads to Holcombe Moor Training Camp off Bolton Road, will be renamed Col Eric Davidson Way.
The new signs will unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins. Also in attendance will be the Mayor of Bury, Coun Sandra Walmsley.
She said: “Bury has such a proud military heritage, particularly our connection with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, and Colonel Eric was at the heart of that association for five decades. “He left us a great legacy, and renaming the road leading to the cadet training centre is a fitting tribute.”
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Colonel Eric was chairman of the Fusiliers Association in Lancashire and a director of the Fusilier Museum. He was also a member of the Regimental Council in Lancashire and the founder and president of the Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire).
He became involved with the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in 1948 at the age of 11 when, in his free time and with the aid of his butcher’s pedal cycle and large basket, he would deliver poppies to outlying farms.
Originally from the