Stand by for First World War story

Heritage and Culture Warwickshire (HCW) is planning a range of projects this year to mark the centenary.

A volunteer-led project, listing and exploring the First World War collections held in their archives, museum collections and historic environment record, has already begun. Volunteers are uncovering everything from stories of Belgian refugees who fled to Rugby and set up their own community there, to letters home from Warwickshire men (and women) serving in some capacity.

It is hoped that stories from the collections will prompt the people of Warwickshire to share some of their own stories of the war that may have been passed down from previous generations.

The volunteers’ work will also be turned into an online database that can be used by anyone interested in exploring the collections.

HCW is applying for Heritage Lottery funding to put on an exhibition that tells the story of Warwickshire’s First World War experiences at St John’s Museum, Warwick, in the summer.

A day of activities to celebrate the launch of the exhibition, including First World War re-enactors, museum trails and other family friendly activities, is planned.

There will be a smaller exhibition that can visit different community venues.

Later in the year HCW hopes to work with Warwickshire schools to help them interpret the collections and turn their work into a series of short animations.

There will be First World War themed events for children and families.For more details visit: http://heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk/events-and-activities/