Marking the Armistice with events in Waipa¯
November is a big month for Cambridge as the town prepares to mark the centenary of the liberation Sister City Le Quesnoy, France, and the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.
The Cambridge Branch of Genealogists is gearing up for the event with a presentation from Paul Watkins, chairman of Armistice in Cambridge, at the group’s monthly meeting next Monday, October 8 and the public is welcome to attend.
Paul will talk about the Armistice and the significance of Le Quesnoy to Cambridge.
His presentation will include a short film and photos, and group members are encouraged to bring family service medals, diaries and memorabilia from World War I to add to the display.
The group will also include posters and books with significant connections to the World War I era.
Paul will also outline the week-long commemorations his group has organised for the centenary.
It opens on Sunday, November 4 at the Town Hall with a World War I art exhibition and photographic display of the liberation of Le Quesnoy.
That night at 9pm a light and sound show will premiere, projected onto the Town Hall exterior.
It tells the story of the walled town of Le Quesnoy which was liberated by Kiwi troops on November 4, 1918.
The short presentation will loop from 9pm to 10pm every night until Armistice Day on Sunday, November 11.
A highlight of the week will be the Le Quesnoy Memorial Sculpture, designed by Waipa¯ artist Fred Graham.
The six-metre high sculpture will rest on a unique base in the shape of Le Quesnoy’s walls on reserve land near Lake Te Koo Utu, on the corner of Thornton Rd and Victoria St.
Events conclude with the annual Armistice in Cambridge at the Mighty River Domain over the weekend of November 10 and 11. There will also be an Armistice Memorial Service at the Town Hall on November 11 at 10am.
■ Cambridge Branch of Genealogist meets are on second Monday of the month, 7.30pm in the Health and Community Centre, Taylor Street. Everyone welcome, $4 at door.