A FIRST World War bugle that had been on the front line, field glasses and letters were just some of the items brought to The Commandery to mark the start of the county’s special centenary commemorations.
The Worcestershire World War One Hundred is the largest programmes of events outside of London commemorating the role the county played in the Great War and tell the stories of our heroes from now until 2018 and beyond.
The four year schedule, funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, is set to involve cultural and heritage organisations across Worcestershire with the city being one of the main focus points.
Last Thursday (June 26) dozens of people joined members of the Worcestershire World War One Hundred team at the Sidbury based museum to help launch the programme as they brought in their own artefacts, many of which demonstrated how the war touched their lives.
Dr Adrian Gregson, from Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, said: “We are delighted so many people joined us at The Commandery sharing their own family stories demonstrating the impact World War One had on the people of Worcestershire both on the home front and front line.
“We hope people across the county take the opportunity to visit as many of the events planned for the next four years as possible, Worcestershire World War One is a real opportunity to understand and appreciate the impact the First World War had on our own communities.”
Some of this year’s highlights include:
– June until September: Vesta Tilley Exhibition at The Commandery Worcester
– July 15 until August 31: “Woodbine Willie” Geoffrey Studdert-Kennedy Exhibition at Worcester Cathedral
– July 28 until December: Back to Blighty Exhibition at Avoncroft Museum
– August 16: Military parade and family day marking the 150th anniversary of 214 (Worcestershire) Battery RA (V) Worcester City Centre
– October 25 until early 2015: World War One in the Words of Worcestershire People, Worcester Museum and Art Gallery
– October 31 until April 2015: Gheluvelt Exhibition, Worcestershire Soldier galleries at Worcester Museum and Art Gallery.
Exhibitions, parades, concerts, church services, remembrance events and much more will take place across Worcestershire from now through to 2018 and beyond.
For the full programme, and details on up-coming events, visit: www.ww1worcestershire.co.uk or follow @WW1Worcs
