Theme
In commemoration and celebration of the end of the First World War on 11 November 1918 the exhibition and programme of events will showcase aspects of both world wars and other related topics, both serious and light hearted. The exhibition has been very thoroughly researched using material from our own extensive archive, new research material and consultation with Diana Parsons who wrote: ‘The Washburn Valley: Yorkshire’s Forgotten Dale’. The exhibition is a very poignant account that will be moving and emotional for anyone visiting.
Exhibition content
The exhibition includes a graphic panel dedicated to each of the 15 men named on the Fewston Memorial looking at aspects of their lives and photoraphs where possible. The exhibition contains details where they came from, their service number and regiment, a shorty synopsis of their life and where possible, photographs and index cards. Tragically, some of the families never received a body to bury.
As well as a series of graphic panels telling the stories of the men, the team have gathered artefacts including: a diary of a young German girl who worked in munitions factories; a brass Christmas box sent to troops during WW1; a German Naval Officer’s dress dagger; books and photographs of mementos from the WW1 Middle East campaign. These and more are on display.
We would love to hear from anyone who is related to or has stories or artefacts relating to the men on the memorial.
“The team of volunteers who created this exhibition has ensured we have covered the human angle of the stories of the servicemen who died in WW1 and WW2. The research we have undertaken has been extensive and we have also managed to acquire many interesting artefacts and mementos which we feel will be of great interest to anyone visiting the exhibition.” Cynthia Petty, WHC volunteer.
More of the information produced for this and other exhibitions is held in our Archive. Access is available to all through the Centre office. Read more on The Archive page.
