WW1 in Fenwick – Lest We Forget
Discover How the First World War Affected Fenwick
Fenwick Parish Church has been successful in obtaining a substantial Heritage Lottery Grant to support young people to engage in a learning journey with regard to World War 1 and its impact locally and to create an event to help to inform and provide a commemoration opportunity for the wider community.
Some of the things we will be doing include:
Producing and showing a short film on WW1 and Fenwick.
Creating a Photography/History Exhibition and Booklet created by participants
Community Cinema showing of War Horse
Art/drama workshops
Church Service and laying of Wreaths at War Memorial – community led, invitations to be sent if possible to descendants of those commemorated on Memorial.
The project will be led by young people aged 12-21 with the assistance of East Ayrshire Leisure’s Heritage team acting as heritage partners and will include the chance to get involved in photography/videography, local research, art and a wide range of other activities.
Susan Wadsworth, Youth leader at Fenwick Parish Church said “We are thrilled and so excited to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund as this will make such a difference to our plans to commemorate such an important anniversary in Fenwick.”
Ross McGregor, East Ayrshire Leisure’s Cultural Development Officer (Heritage) “This is an exciting heritage project for young people, and we’re delighted to be involved. We’re very keen for our heritage collections and resources to be used by as many people as possible. This project is a wonderful example of how to get young people actively involved in exploring and recording local heritage.”
Colin McLean, Head of HLF Scotland, said ‘We are thrilled that these young people have taken such an interest in their heritage. The First World War changed the face of modern history touching the lives of everyone in this country and beyond. HLF has committed to funding a variety of projects, from organisations large and small that will create a deeper understanding of the heritage of the conflict. Some of these will capture the memories of individual soldiers, regiments or families, delve into the stories behind names local war memorials, whilst others like this project in Fenwick will enable local young people to investigate the impact the conflict had on their whole town. We have already supported over £35m of projects from across the United Kingdom and will continue to support as many applications as we can afford that want to commemorate the centenary.”
If this sounds like something you’d like to get involved with, you have family or friends who might be interested, you have a connection with WW1 in Fenwick or you have some ideas on how Fenwick should commemorate the centenary of the First World War please let us know.
For more information please call Susan Wadsworth on 01560 485439 or Janette McCallion 01560 600540.
My name as you can see, is the same as one of soldiers remembered on Fenwick War Memorial. Gilbert Sloan Wilson was my uncle for whom I am named.
We have several relatives who would like to come for the commemoration on the 15th May2015. They are expecting a lot more than a wreath laying ceremony and a cup of tea and a biscuit
Having been born and brought up in Fenwick. I can remember the Second world war and the pain and heartache that befell several families in the village as a result of this conflict. I would suggest they be included also, since age is not on our side.
Hi Judy and Gilbert
Thank you for your comments. I can assure you that the event will be considerably more than a wreath laying and a cup of tea, although that will be a part of it. The planning is still ongoing and fluid but we expect to have a weekend of events including the premiere of the project movie and a community theatre event. We will also have the exhibition of the project along with a service of remembrance. This will all be lead by the young people who will be carrying out the research for the project and is specifically aimed at 100th Anniversary of The First World War.
With regards
Susan Wadsworth
‘Lest We Forget’ Steering Group
Just if that we can be kept up to date with what is happening as far as is it a one day event… or a 2 day event. Is it all about the school children as a learning only, or is the whole community taking part in it as a festival day, ie shops, families? We will not book until early after Christmas to come over…just need to know as you know what is happening, as it is a long way to come and expensive for so many of us, if it is just going to involve us, as part of the laying of a wreath and a cup of tea. Anyway still time to think with it all.
Regards Judy