As the country prepares to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War 1 over the coming four years, Wilmslow will be taking a closer look at how the war impacted directly on the people of the town.
Wilmslow Town Council is joining forces with Wilmslow Historical Society, Wilmslow High School, local branches of the Royal British Legion and neighbouring parishes to try and paint a picture of events and their lasting consequences for the people of the town.
It is their intention to collect local stories from Wilmslow and publicise them in order to bring a local perspective to a national period of commemoration.
Cllr Martin Watkins, Chairman of Wilmslow Town Council said "If you have a story to tell, be it about a member of your family or any other local person who served in the war effort at home or abroad, or whose home life was affected, we would like to hear it."
The War Memorial in Wilmslow indicates the loss of 176 men, the loss of whom impacted on hundred of lives. Do you know anything about those commemorated?
Wilmslow Historical Society members have very kindly agreed to research the history of some of the local men lost in The Great War but wish to go beyond the formal documentation and learn more about the individuals and families.
Did your relatives or a family friend go to war from Wilmslow?
Do you have any photographs?
What happened to the family and descendants?
You can provide a story in writing, or if you prefer face to face by contacting Mavis Timpson from Wilmslow Historical Society on 01625 527766.
Events taking place in Wilmslow to commemorate World War 1 include:
- Royal British legion Commemoration Service at St Bartholomew's Church on June 28th at 3pm.
- St Bartholomew's Church will be open on 4th August between 9am and 5pm for reflection and contemplation on the anniversary of the start of The Great War.
- On a month by month basis from August 2014 to December 2018, Wilmslow Historical Society will publish details of casualties to mark the 100th anniversary of their passing.
- Wilmslow High School Commemoration Events 8th November, 10am to 1pm.
Wilmslow Town Council has agreed to commit £1500 towards the World War 1 commemorations.
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We also ran a station from the light house last year to commemorate the Battle of the Atlantic and one from Fort Perch, coincident with the events in Liverpool. We had contacts with more than 2,000 stations around the world.
Can run one for Wilmslow if desired........
His diaries and notebooks are at present on loan to a museum in Orkney where I now live for their WW1 exhibition.
My great uncle George Worth was a driver in the ASC and survived all through the war, only to die of pneumonia right at the end. The family received notification of his death just as they were celebrating the victory. I have a shield hanging behind me in my living room that was presented "In grateful memory" by Wilmslow district Council.