Ambitious war project
PEOPLE are being invited to the unveiling of an ambitious project that uncovers new information about the First World War and its effects on Leicestershire communities.
The Heritage Lottery-funded Century of Stories project has spent the last four years working with the people of Leicestershire to discover and share local connections to the First World War.
In 2015, as part of the project, local historians and academics were challenged to uncover previously undiscovered research about the war and share this research in a way that was accessible and relevant to Leicestershire communities.
Applications were received from around the world, with the final seven being decided by an academic selection panel and this research will be shared for the first time for free on Friday, 9 November, as part of the Leicestershire Remembers conference held at De Montfort University (DMU).
Councillor Richard Blunt, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for heritage, leisure and arts, said: “The Century of Stories project has ensured that the sacrifices made during the First World War are well documented and properly remembered. This conference will reveal new undiscovered research on Leicestershire’s heritage, which will be a valuable addition to our knowledge about this conflict and its impact on our communities.”
The event, which showcases the work of the academic panel alongside commissioned historians and academics, aims to improve understanding of and access to the county’s shared heritage.
Topics covered include the story of Hallaton village, the war graves in Welford Road cemetery, how Leicestershire fed the nation during the conflict, what motivated the men from Leicestershire who enlisted to fight, and the medical records of local soldiers and the impact of shellshock.
Those interested in going will get the opportunity to talk to the researchers, alongside stalls and displays about the topics and the war.
The Leicestershire Remembers event will be opened by Professor Jackie Labbe from DMU, hosted by Robin Jenkins, senior archivist for the Record Office of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and closed by Colonel Murray Colville, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire.
Tickets and more information can be found by visiting www.centuryofstories. org.uk