Join in with planning World War 1 commemorative events

Kirklees Council is inviting groups and organisations to get together next week to talk about commemorating the 100 year anniversary of the outbreak of the war in 2014.

The council will be hosting events during the four-year commemoration period as well as encouraging organisations and community groups to hold their own commemorations.

People wishing to get involved in the ‘Lest We Forget’ campaign can attend a World War 1 Anniversary Network meeting at Dewsbury Town Hall next Tuesday May 21, from 2pm to 4pm.

The meetings will give information about projects already being planned and about the First World War Centenary Partnership led by the Imperial War Museum.

They will also give people the chance to share ideas, gain some inspiration to plan activities and find out how the council might be able to help to promote events.

Representatives from Heritage Lottery Fund will also be attending to explain and advise on grant funding available for anniversary projects.

Coun Jean Calvert, cabinet member with responsibility for communities and leisure, said: “World War 1 claimed 16 million lives across the globe and had an impact on the lives of everyone. It marked a turning point in world history and it is only right that we remember those people who were affected and understand the consequences the war had on our own street or town. Unfortunately there are very few people alive today who can directly share their experience of life during the war, between 1914 – 18 and there is always a risk that such historic events will be lost in time.

“We hope to encourage a vibrant programme of cultural events across Kirklees which will enable people of all ages to find out more about the war. The council has already signed up as a member of the Imperial War Museum’s Centenary Partnership Programme and by working with other local partners, including local community groups, and we hope to deliver an engaging and successful programme of events.”

To book a place at the meeting, or for further information, contact Joanne Catlow on 01484 234024 or email [email protected]