1st World War Comemmoration

Aycliffe Village Local History Society has received £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a project to commemorate men and women in the Great Aycliffe area who were involved in the First World War. Awarded through HLF’s First World War: then and now programme, the project will focus on research over the next 18 months with the aim of having an exhibition in Aycliffe Village Hall during September 2014 and the production of a book to record their service.

To mark the Centenary of the First World War, the project will enable local people in the Great Aycliffe area to come together to preserve the  memories and heritage of the people who lived through the War.  Volunteers will collect photographs, newspaper clippings, documents, letters and photos of keepsakes, as well as family tales passed down to help them build a clear picture of what life was really like.

With help from professionals, the information gathered will be digitally recorded and placed on our website www.aycliffehistory.org.uk  which can be accessed by all interested parties worldwide.  The archive will allow the public to discuss, contribute, share and research information about the Home Front.

Commenting on the award, Harry Moses Chairman said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and this will enable us to honour those who served in the First World War in a perpetual record available in print and on the worldwide web for future generations”.

If local people could provide information on their relatives who served in World War 1 it would be appreciated.

Ring Harry Moses, telephone 321773, harold.moses034@gmail.com   or  David Lewis 319196, davidlewis0944@gmail.com  or via the website www.aycliffehistory.org.uk