Chance to handle objects from World War One
Saturday 29 October, 11am – 4pm, Morden Library, Merton Civic Centre
As part of the Carved in Stone project, Merton Heritage Service is keen to talk to current Merton residents whose ancestors fought in the First World War, or contributed to the war effort – whether through industry, charitable work, or as medical staff.
On Saturday 29 October, the Heritage team and members of Age Exchange will be staging a special collection day at Morden Library.
If you have family war stories, photographs or memorabilia that you would like share, they would love to hear from you. Staff are particularly keen to hear from local residents whose ancestors travelled from overseas to fight for the Allied cause.
Thousands of servicemen and volunteers from Africa, India, the Caribbean, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Newfoundland fought alongside British troops during the war. They travelled half way across the world to fight for King and Empire; many made the ultimate sacrifice and lie buried in military cemeteries far from their family and homeland. To broaden our knowledge of wartime history, Heritage staff would like to hear from residents whose relatives fought on both sides of the conflict.
During the event organisers hope to film and produce audio recordings of interviews with Merton residents regarding their family war stories – these could refer to combatants, nurses, war workers, refugees or those involved in either side of the conflict.
They are not only looking for material about people living in Merton at the time of the war but also the family war stories of current Merton residents, whose ancestors may have come from other parts of the UK, or from overseas.
A generation of young men and women made huge sacrifices for the benefit of others during the 1914-18 conflict and it is important that their stories are not forgotten.
The collection day will also feature a range of activities from talks and displays, to archive film and the chance to handle genuine wartime objects.
Other highlights of the day will include:
If you would be interested in this event, or have family stories that you would like to record for posterity, please contact Merton Heritage Centre. Tel. 020 8545 323. 020 8545 3239/4038 or email local.studies@merton.gov.uk. For more information, visit the Carved in Stone website.
September 1, 2016