At the request of Cheshire East Libraries, the Wilmslow Green Room has put together a series of readings from local people from within about a 30 mile radius of Wilmslow to act as part of their commemorative activities for World War I.
The Wilmslow Green Room interviewed a large number of people whose relations were directly involved and from these anecdotal interviews and other sources, a script evolved. The stories are from diaries, letters, poems and articles provided by the families and friends. Here are just a few sneak previews:
A letter from Private Herbert Holding - known as Bert. Bert came from Newtown near Wigan and served with the King's Liverpool Regiment. ".... we have been in the trenches since last Sunday. It is now Saturday. I could not say when we are moving out. If any of you would like to come here, the Germans would welcome you with shells for breakfast, shrapnel for dinner and bullet fire for tea; and if you don't mind a late supper, you can have gas broth!"
Herbert Sugden Wilkinson, the grandfather of a Green Room member, wrote home from the trenches of France on 26 March 1917, as result of news he had just heard, that he was now a father for the first time. His little daughter was born on 17 March 1917 - so the exchange of letters took just over a week.
A young bandsman with the Tank Corps, Private George Henry Hill sent a number of postcards to his sweetheart, Mabel, back home in Denton.
There are several letters relating to Driver George Greenhalgh born in Lancashire and serving in Flanders with the Royal Field Artillery. He died in 1918.
Private Fred Fletcher served in the Royal Scots Fusiliers. For his bravery during the First World War he was awarded the Military Cross. He survived the war and served as a special constable in WWII and for 50 years he was a reporter, many of those with the Wilmslow Advertiser.
Sergeant Richard (Dick) Spence serving with the Manchester Regiment and stationed in the trenches in The Dardanelles in May 1915 wrote home to his parents. "....last night our lads captured a village at the bayonet point. The Turks now only hold the left position and I am hoping that will be taken today. We are expecting to participate in this and that is why I write this. Today may be my last, but what matter that. I am sacrificing my all for my country. If I fall, well, it will be my fate. Grieve not for me, for what is better than the ever peaceful sleep."
A performance will take place at Wilmslow Library on Thursday 6th November, starting at 7.30pm. Entrance is £6, which includes a glass of wine.
In addition the WGR will be performing two minute slots at Wilmslow High School on Sat 8th Nov as part of their commemorations.
Member post by Hilary Pinnock.
Photos: Top left is Private Herbert Wilkinson, top right is Dair Ferguson, bottom left is Joseph Smith and bottom right is Private Kirsch and family.
